Monday, September 2, 2013

Books are Good, Especially for Young Writers

A Writer’s Perspective

This is a list I created for those who not only want to improve their writing or storytelling, but read a few popular books as well.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is known for her beautifully candid writing style. Speak has been a controversial novel, due to its focus on sexual assault and the horrible repercussions it causes. This novel is magnificent not because of its storytelling, but because of the raw human emotion that can be found in its pages. 


Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
Like Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, this novel is action-oriented and has a desolate, but witty boy for a protagonist. Kenneth Oppel develops his characters well, and continually keeps up the action without overwhelming the reader. 


The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Like Speak, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is remarkably candid and just as controversial. To simply state it, it’s a story about growing up. But its simple style makes it remarkably real and personal. It seems like a light read, but its explorations into different themes makes it an extremely meaningful book. 


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
John Green has a remarkable way of writing. He creates vivid characters that are multi-dimensional and command your sentiment throughout the novel. His plots are simple, unique, and clear-cut. He explores topics that few authors even think about. It's no wonder that The Fault in Our Stars is on it's twenty-third week at #1 on The New York Times YA bestseller list. 


Matched by Allie Condie
Allie Condie does not have the most remarkable writing skills. Her dystopian plot sometimes feels typical, with the classic love triangle and the rebellion against the oppressive government. However, Condie develops strong, whose hidden personalities are revealed slowly, making them seem even more three-dimensional. 


Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl, Kami Garcia
Although the two main characters in this novel are flat and even boring at times, Beautiful Creatures does an excellent job of creating a paranormal book that deviates from the stereotypical vampire trend. 


The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
The House of Scorpion is another novel similar in style to Ship Breaker. It's plot, although lengthy, is unique and nicely structured. Its characters and setting are frighteningly real. 


Legend by Marie Lu
Legend earns a spot with The Hunger Games and Divergent. The characters are witty and perfectly flawed, and the romance is sweet but not cloying.

No comments:

Post a Comment