A while, while back Angie at Angieville did a post on which books she’d give her younger self based on Molly at Ten Block Wall’s post. I’ve never quite forgotten that thought-provoking concept, and since I’d recently read some books my teenage self desperately needed, I’d thought I’d do my own post on this awesome hypothetical theory.
1. Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti. I know, pretty predictable. I read this last month and I couldn’t refrain from leaving it out of my review of this beautiful book. This was also Angie’s first pick, and after reading it I couldn’t agree with her more wholeheartedly. I’d give this to my 18-year-old self, who would desperately and very literally need the advice within a year.
2. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr. I agree with Molly on this one. Boy, I needed to learn this lesson. Losing friends unexpectedly, experiencing childhood bullying, Jennifer and Cameron would’ve helped me understand that some close relationships, whether friend of boyfriend will end abruptly and with no closure. It was painful to read as an adult, so I’m not sure how my teenage self would’ve been able to finish it. But with the beautiful cover and a note my 18-year-old self would’ve read this and had been much better off.
3. The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman by Louise Plummer. Although I may not have needed to go back in time to give myself this book, I recently reviewed this and my romantic, shy 15-year-old self would’ve laughed and been encouraged by this book of romance myths debunked. She needed to see that sometimes the gawky, nerdy girl gets the unattainable, cute boy. One book would sufficed – don’t want to inflate my ego.
4. Beastly by Alex Flinn. What teenage girl doesn’t like fairy-tale retellings? Reading this funny and modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast would’ve sparked my interest in reading when I was 13 and directed me towards other great retelling authors like Donna Jo Napoli, Robin McKinley, and Gail Carson Levine.
I could add a ton more but these were the ones that stood out to me. What about you?
Thanks for taking part in the YAAM party!
Do you know, I recently came by a copy of Honey Baby Sweetheart by chance and it’s good to know that it’s awesome.
What a great concept! I think I would give my teenage self Fire and Graceling by Kristen Cashore for sure.
Oh you did a YAAM post as well! This is a great idea, there are so many books that I would love to give my teenage self. I did read The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman when I was a teen so I could scratch that off the list. I’d love to give my younger self The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner because I read The Thief back then and I didn’t find out about the sequels until 2007. My other picks are Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith, Beauty and The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley.
Ana, thanks for hosting it! I hope you get to Honey, Baby, Sweetheart soon. It’s really lovely and I’m excited to see what you think.
Emily, thanks for coming over. I think I would’ve loved Graceling, too.
Chachic, I thought about putting Crown Duel and The Hero and the Crown down. My teenage self would’ve connected to Mel’s ignorance and transformation. I definitely needed a strong McKinley heroine as well.
Gosh I haven’t read either your #1 or 2 choice. Looks like I’ve got some catching up to do. Love your list though!
I would give my teenage self Graceling by Kristin Cashore, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice and The Sisterhood of the traveling pants by Ann Brashares…I loved those so much as an adult but I think I would have been absolutely thrilled as a teen
Hey Holly,
Everyone keeps talking about Sweethearts! I am definitely going to have to get myself a copy of it!
I have awarded you the Versatile Blogger award which you can collect here: http://www.thetalescompendium.com/2010/08/love-for-tales-compendium.html
Great list! The notion really is a compelling one, isn’t it? I wish it was possible. It made me happy to see BEASTLY on there.
Hmm. You AND Angie liked BEASTLY? Good. I just downloaded the audiobook for free (here: http://www.audiobookcommunity.com/page/sync-link). So I shall listen to it this week and next driving back and forth.
I also have HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART because of Angie.
Sadly I sometimes feel like I was more together as a teen than I am now, but maybe that’s just.. looking back fondly with rose colored glasses! Maybe some books with rebellion in them or something with lots of humor. I was Very Serious. Perhaps KNOCKED OUT BY MY NUNGA NUNGAS and a big book of Calvin and Hobbes is what I’d send over.
Michelle, no worries. They’re both on the bittersweet side, but have great characterization, writing, and messages my teenage self needed to learn. Get around to them sometime, though!
Emily – I’ve read so many YA like that – stuff that would’ve been even more exciting to read as a teenager. I could add several titles to this list.
Jess – aww, thanks! I feel special. Sweethearts is great but a little bittersweet so make sure you’re in the mood for that.
Angie, thanks for the idea.
I was happily surprised that BEASTLY made the list as well. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more as a teenager actually.
Janicu, that’s good you felt together as a teen. I sure didn’t. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of Sync’s free audiobooks right down. Such a great deal. And I could’ve DEFINITELY used some Calvin and Hobbes. Never heard of the NUNGAS. Title is very intriguing. Must check out.