Teenage Romance:Sexuality & Self discovery

The book of discussion is entitled My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger. In terms of relativity, I believe this book encompasses many themes that various socioeconomic statuses can relate on one level or another.

Book synopsis: Best friends and unofficial brothers since they were six, ninth-graders T.C. and Augie have got the world figured out. But that all changes when both friends fall in love for the first time. Enter Ale. She's pretty, sassy, and on her way to Harvard. T.C. falls hard, but Ale is playing hard to get. Meanwhile, Augie realizes that he's got a crush on a boy. It’s not so clear to him, but to his family and friends, it’s totally obvious! Told in alternating perspectives, this is the hilarious and touching story of their most excellent year, where these three friends discover love, themselves, and how a little magic and Mary Poppins can go a long way.

Now, I know that was a lot. This book is pretty revolutionary. This is said because although love is sometimes told in the perspective of adolescents it isn’t done on the grand scheme that Kruger depicts. The heterosexual perspective often dwarfs the homosexual love stories. America is diverse and it’s good to see the diversity in literature.

Three friends T.C. Keller, Augie Hwong and Alejandra Perez are at the threshold of leaving the nest and beginning the quest of self discovery similar to many other adolescents around the world. In which questions of identity, love and the future become more forefront of daily thoughts than before. T.C. young man, with a distinct accent tries to maintain his high GPA, please his family, maintain his love for baseball, and deal with the passing of his mother. Augie, who is T.C.'s play Chinese brother, became best friends after the death of T.C.'s mother. Loves the theater, playing sports and feels as though he is a late bloomer, trying to figure himself out. Alejandra is T.C.'s dream girl and has never fit into social gathering at school nor home. Coming from a prestigious Mexican American family, her goals in life differ from her political family causing division. The story really beings when the three think of their lives, mistakes, questions and reminisces of better times. Their most excellent year back when they were freshmen and life was better.

Prompted from a English class to write in the diaries they each remember when they encountered love for the first time and when self discovery began and each try to come to terms with their lives at the beginning of adulthood.

This novel is a pretty good and easy read. I think the title is appropriate. From a literal stance, can’t say it is the best. I particularly enjoyed thinking of my own life in comparison to the three main characters. My own quest beginning my freshmen year in high school and this caused many great memories of some of my most excellent years. Before adulthood, when life was much simpler. When the worries of who I would sit by in the cafeteria, or take on a date that Saturday seemed so stressful. Yet now I look at the then mountains as merely ant hills. This book caused me to compare my own life and remember an important message. No matter the difficulty of life and the complexity of the problems, similar to when I was a freshman and thought there would be no way out, there was! This is a good book to address issues of sexuality, death and life’s journey of self identification. Excellent read.

Male protagonist....Finallly ;-0

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has arrived. Hot off the press is the newest item in Y.A. literature. Entitled We Were Here by Matt De La Pena. This is a cold refreshing drink after a drought of many mundane reads.

According to the back cover of the novel: When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home-said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor. Ever since it happened, his mom can't even look at him in the face. Any home besides his would be a better place to live. But Miguel didn’t bet on meeting Rondell or Mong or on any of what happened after they broke out. He only thought about Mexico and getting to the border to where he could start over. Forget his mom. Forget his brother. Forget himself. Life usually doesn’t work out how you think it will, though. And most of the time, running away is the quickest path right back to what you’re running from.

Now in my opinion guys, this sets the stage accordingly for the read. Miguel, in the first person, gives his account of the events of his past, present and his hopeful future. Similar to many of us growing up in this Melting Pot society, things don’t always go with the blueprints of the American Dream. Some times our love ones pass away, living single family homes and broken hearts. Having kids raise kids, and adults stressed and confused of their behavior. Miguel is such a phenomenal character because everyone can relate to him. Every single person goes through life, making small mistakes daily and unfortunately some of those small mistakes causes our future and lives goals to be altered as a result. We are all just one bad choice from being in situations similar to Miguel.

Well I guess you guys want to know exactly what did Miguel do huh? I too wondered this thought the entire novel, which caused the anticipation to grow and my enthusiasm for the book to continue. Growing up, Miguel was not the perfect kid. He occasionally made mistakes, used profanity and fought with his older brother, but who isn’t guilty of at least one of the above. Living in a single family home, since the death of his veteran father, his mother provides as best as she can. Yet while having a simple wrestling match with his brother, Miguel kills him. Of course this is an accident, but his sorrow and apologies can not bring him back alive. He is then sent to live in a group home, where he meets in his opinion stupid and uneducated boys. After initially making his mark by fighting the very first day, Miguel doesn’t start on the right foot. He then uses his tools of writing down his daily thoughts that the court ordered, to escape the negativity in his group home life. Miguel then inevitable befriends two unusual home members. Rondell, who is an African American boy, that is slightly larger then most kids his age and somewhat grasp knowledge slower than others his age. He is also a die hard Christian and pretend he can read only with the Bible. Mong, who is Asian American is abnormally smart, quiet, cold hearted, and keeps to himself. The three decide to leave the home and go to Mexico to start their confusingly messed up lives, over and forget the past.

Although this story can seem to shut off readers who are not minorities, with difficult childhoods and upbringings, I think otherwise. This story of a mental struggle, of a person making a mistake early on in life and having to come to terms with the consequences can be laid over the life’s of many Americans, adolescents with the journey of self awareness, and understanding. Granted many of us haven’t murdered our siblings, we have all made mistakes. Rather they are, drinking in driving, stealing, lying, or cheating, etc, if they've caused an alteration in the path that was previously set, we can relate to Miguel. Surprisingly in our small group discussions over this novel, many peers felt ostracized by this novel and its socioeconomic barriers of lower minority class. Many felt that this book will cause many potential readers to be turned off because it isn’t easily relatable. After briefly comparing life lasting mistakes and lessons that Miguel has to encounter shows that no matter of the socioeconomic status, one can easily relate to this novel as well as the characters.

As we have traveled this path this semester, trying to define exactly what Y.A literature actually is, I’ve made great improvement! Thus far, I have defined Y.A. lit as stories told with the perspective, angle, voice so that adolescents can read and learn life lessons to prepare them for the future. The great thing about Y.A. literature is that it can be the same story told from a different stance, and then the story evolves into a different message for adolescents.

If we all could learn from Miguel that no matter the degree of wrong you’ve done, we must not try to escape and run from the issues. Because by sweeping them under the rug, so to speak, will cause more headaches down the line in life. We must face our problems head on to have peace within. Find constructive, ways to release and escape ,temporarily, rather they are reading or writing, which Miguel used, or even talking.

¿THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS ?

To judge or not too judge, that is the question. Often times people say not to judge a book by its cover and give it a chance, yet this concept is pretty tough. As a guy, there are only so many female protagonist novels that one can take, right? Well at least before one begins to unleash pre conceived notions upon the new book. Therefore, even before the first chapter concluded, I was turned off, which was hard to continue reading this novel with all the negative motives driving me.

Nevertheless, I did read a novel entitled The Disreputable history of Frankie Landau-Banks by author E. Lockhart. Having been raised in a household of three sisters and myself being the only boy, I am fully aware of the behaviors of adolescent girls. So in many ways I could relate to the story’s foundations. Yet it never took flight and it was hard to continue reading the book. Giving it the ole college try, I pressed forward and began to understand the world created by Lockhart.

Picture this, a high school with the most privileged children in America, coming from the wealthiest and well known families. The best things that money could buy aren’t a problem. Popularity and networking opportunities are endless. Among there own, without a care on earth, or so this is what I thought initially. One could quickly think, how easy it would’ve been if they would’ve or could’ve experienced this high school atmosphere, not having to prove yourself amongst your peers. However this isn’t the case at Alabaster Preparatory Academy.

Frankie Landau-Banks, a self searching adolescent, goes to great lengths to prove that as a girl she can do what she wants in her male dominated school. Having just had a physical metamorphosis, Frankie is on top of the world. Doing as she pleas, by challenging her mother for freedom and challenging the males at her school to join there secret society (the Loyal Order of the Basset Hound). Once the males deny the right to join, she doesn’t take that as the final answer. After a run in with Matthew Livingston (the popular guy) they soon after begin dating. As a result of the relationship, Frankie becomes popular for the first time in her life, and loves it! In my opinion she will do whatever and put up with whatever to maintain her social standing at her school. Frankie begins to pull off a series of pranks at her school to show the boys she’s not so innocent and can play hard ball too. Frankie begins to slowly lose her first true love and popularity as a result. She then has to re think her initial plans.

Although hard to follow at times in my opinion, this story gives good insight on teen love. Not only for girls, but for guys too! Frankie is more similar to us than it first appears. She finds love, and acceptance from the “cool kids” and this is what she has always yearned for. However when she get this, similar to us, she does whatever she has too to maintain it. She puts up with a crappie boyfriend, just to keep the cool kids around her. She hides how she really feels about situations/comments yet rarely speaks up for herself. Frankie has a strong mind, stubborn almost and has a feminist perspective of life. Yet in these situations with Matthew she pushes those qualities away. This is similar to most adolescents, who in the face of adversity/the popular kids, lose their selves, true opinions and therefore drown in conformity. Furthermore, this book also addresses classism within classism. This concept of categorical hierarchy within a certain class, in this case high class, shows the struggles to prove and find ones self within their own class.

Overall I would recommend this book to young girls to read. This is a good book to introduce concepts of dating to the novice daters in your life. Or even to discover things for yourself about dating and the quest to “prove them wrong”. Now I know your probably thinking, what about the gentlemen? Yes, guys could learn good lessons from this, but I wouldn’t recommend it to them.

Lies, Disease and Love....Oh my!

This week’s reading was the Astonishing life of Octavian Nothing by author M.T. Anderson. Now I must admit, I myself was a little hesitant to read this novel for several reasons. Some reasons being the length and the title itself. Initially, this novel did not seem appealing, yet after not only being required to read it, I found myself becoming so engaged, I completed the entire 351 page reading in one sitting!

Many times advertisements refer to the new exciting "IN" book as a page turner or as beautifully written. Yet these are exactly the adjectives I would use to describe this novel. Volume I of II, beings by laying the foundation of an awful situation, which causes the reader to ask because of its realistic qualities and literary style to appeal to the readers emotions, of how someone can perform such task. At times I prefer to stray from summary based, but I feel a quick overview is in order. Slaves in America are an important part of American history. Yet the treatment of not only slaves, yet lower class people in general for the sake of science and philosophy causes many readers stomach's to turn and mindsets to wonder.

The question at: Do African slaves have the capabilities and mental capacities to grasp knowledge and ultimately be on the same playing field as white/Europeans? Important questions, of course! Although the intent may have begun innocently, to solve this age old question of intelligence, the methods behind their experiments were mean, cruel and unethical according to the 21st century’s standards. Or so I thought initially. Octavian is a young African slave, which experiences the good life. From the best professors of languages, mathematics, philosophy, music and the list can go on and on. In addition to the best clothes and adequate food. This seems perfectly normal at first glance; however Octavian's existence is nothing more than an experiment. Every detail of Octavian’s life is recorded and studied. From recording conversations, what he ingested at meal times and even the weighing of his excrement! He is told how to act, speak and he must abide by these strict rules or else. At first this is unknown to young Octavian, yet when it does become known, he acts very maturely and tries his best to prove this to be true and make himself and mother proud of his accomplishments. His mother is also aware of the studies and living in the same environment. Bought for the right price during a vulnerable time in her life, his mother accepts these harsh terms for herself and her son. Although she is also studied, it is from a different perspective, a lustful, perverted and selfish view from the observers. The only person Octavian can trust is his mother whom he loves dearly. Then things go sour after the planned outbreak of the Pox disease on the inhabitants, (also another experiment) causing many to die., and finally Octavian flea’s for the sake of his love for himself , his deceased mother and the quest for truth!

Although the experiments performed on humans such as electrical socking and even drowning may seem wrong and barbaric, these types of experiments happen daily on humans and animals! When is enough, enough for the sake of science and technological advances? Although an eye for an eye seems to serve justice, is human torture (which also takes place daily) around the world justified? Similar to Octavian, we must escape our surrounding of harmful experiments, and look at each individual living organism for sentient (ability to perceive sensation/feeling) and finally say No to the harmful antics of science. As humankind we must too, stand up for love as Octavian did, not only love for ourselves and family members, but love for every living thing!

The real Super human Lit....YA

Those that know better, do better right? In most cases yes! However we still have the select few that choose to do otherwise. In our Democratic society we call America, we are held accountable for our actions or lack there of. Although our society is ran by Adults in high positions in our government, the real lawmakers or future law makers are the youth.

With this is mind it should be our first priority to lead and shape the adolescents in our society to mold them into productive valuable members of our society. One could then argue that this is true yet how can one go about doing so? Through YA literature of course. This new fun and familiar,yet unknown category is the answer. Librarians across the nation(in my opinion) gave birth to this genre of literature. Whereas, the audience targeted are young adults ranging from 12-18 years of age. Through my experience with YA literature(unknown the actual genre) is very useful at this age. By the word choice, themes and topics discussed, YA literature teaching life lasting lessons. Books such as the Hatchet by Gary Pulsen helped me cope and learn about my own parents divorce, which i will always remember thinking "if this kid can overcome this, while being deserted in the wilderness alone, so can I! Books in this genre are very helpful and useful tools to help educate and familiarize adolescents with "real world" problems and complexities.

Although many genres can produce similar feeling, YA Lit produces a journey through the readers(typically same age) eyes and causes a transformation of wisdom, experience and insight unknown to the reader before. This genre however isn't as clear cut and well defined as i may possibly allude. As a result of its discovery, this genre is constantly changing. Because of the times, issues of the youth as well as the readers interest.

And the Winner is...Everyone!!!

In today's society, many people would argue that daily life has become a dog-eat-dog world. While others would argue that it has always been this matter. Yet, just because it’s widely accepted, doesn't indicate that it should continue to be. Many universal themes throughout dystopian novels deal with the majority of a society expectance of appalling treatment slightly higher to animals!

In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Collins gives a unique perspective of this struggle with a dystopian government, laws and an unlikely heroin. Through gender and age barriers, main character Katniss Everdeen plays her governments modern day Gladiators where only one winner shall not only win fame and fortune by win her life! Without giving too much of the book away, Katniss, goes through similar process in which many adolescents can agree with. Similar to Katniss, many other teenagers across the world have un traditional families in which by nature they are forced to take the role as the bread winner and un selfishly provide for their siblings and at times there entire family. Where in life or death situations morals are placed aside to survive. Which then leads me to my question of our own society? Would I say we live in a dystopian society?
After reading many dystopian novels, I have now begun to look at the world from a different perspective. One of my classmates made the distinction that a Utopian society is one that is a perfect, unknown, an unrealistic society that will never be. Contrary, a Dystopian society which is a culture that is the worst possible society that can exists, is realistic, brings out the worst in people simply a survival of the fit us world! My classmate concluded saying “we presently live in a dystopian world, because it is all around us". This concept was very difficult to grasp at first glance, yet after a deeper look its true (to an extent). Many corporate climbers can easily attest to my new stance on the world. Although, many societies have its flaws which can classify them as Dystopian, they all collectively make up the Ultimate evil societies our Dystopian World!

Its a Bird...Plane...No its John Green

Before the commencement of this semester, I had not even heard of famed author John Green. Now having been in a YA Lit class, his name has become a "household" classroom name. Many times with great movies, artist and novels, I often wonder whats the big deal. One person or group thinks highly of their work and then it spreads wildly. However, when I investigate by viewing the movie or reading their work, I'm disappointed. Many times a persons NAME can stump their work, being not what it was perceived to be. Yet this isn't the case for Mr.Green. In fact I feel compelled to call him John. Not to be disrespectful, however from reading his novels and reading his blogs, I've realized he is just like you and I! A award-winning author, however very down to earth. Genius, silly, goofy, cool are all adjectives that were said in my Lit circle about John's personality. Many times( from my perspective) YA authors use various literary styles and word choices to convey messages to their audiences, to urge them to want to read the book. Almost appeal to them with raunchy topics to grasp there attention. However, although unique, John uses a very literary stance and without succumbing to "dumming down" his thoughts to tell his stories. Very realistic stories, which appeals to the readers emotion and intellect. Not only are his novels interesting and his written blogs, John also has video blogs, which in my opinion shows his fans in living color his personality and in some ways contrast his his literary skills. Yet it doesn't deter my motivation to continue to anticipate his future works.