Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher -- or really, almost anything by him. Good, rich characters, facing adversity. He was a family therapist and his writing feels authentic while touching on real issues.
Though everyone talks (rightfully) about The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (bonus: movie coming out, starring the girl from Divergent), Paper Towns is pretty phenomenal, well developed, current, etc. For new fiction, John Green is doing about as good a job as anyone managing the YA / Adult transition, introducing tough topics with good - not intimidating - writing.
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen is short but an amazing look at war from a young kid's perspective. A good compliment to all those fluffy (though enjoyable) we will win the war if i find my boyfriend! books that are so popular....
Also,The Book Thief by Zusak. Because.... for just about every reason.
If you think you are going to have a hard time un-sticking from the fantasy thing - The Night Circus is a creative alternative with better writing than the others.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime shifted my perspective through shifting the voice -- the main character is autistic. Having this sort of unique narrator was a first & helped teach me about the role of voice (helpful, when your favorite author winds up being Faulkner...)
Of course there are others (non fiction: Krakauer, Hillenbrand, come to mind; deeper: Tim O'Brien, Saramago; more fantastic: Guy Kay, Herbert, etc. ) but, trying to stay within age range / contemporary, and gender neutral... that's where I started! if any of these seem like the right thread, let me know, and i can give you a bucket more.
My favorite book to movie adaptation is Harry Potter! While there were a few things different, it was really well done and magical!
My least favorite adaptation was City of Bones... I mean they really screwed up this movie! They left out so much and changed so many things that I really don't know how they're going to make the next movie!
I love my job. I absolutely adore my one tennant. She's adorable although she loves to drool all over me. :) Yea I'm a SAHM right now. I do love it, but I'm getting ready to get back out in the work field which I'm really ready for! :)
I'd love this book if I win! I hear it is amazing!
Of course there are others (non fiction: Krakauer, Hillenbrand, come to mind; deeper: Tim O'Brien, Saramago; more fantastic: Guy Kay, Herbert, etc. ) but, trying to stay within age range / contemporary, and gender neutral... that's where I started! if any of these seem like the right thread, let me know, and i can give you a bucket more.
E-books:
Glimmer
Paper Towns
The Giver
Four: The Transfer
Thank you for the contest!
You like strong female characters and coming-of-age stories? Read The Fault in our Stars, and/or Paper Towns., both by John Green.
/u/suckinonmytitties Is so lovely. I 'ran' into her on an earlier comment thread and it reminded me of just how awesome of a person she is <3
I love my ability to always give support and encouragement to others. I would do it all day everyday if I could.
[Link] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ANSS5K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=1JZ9YT455ZCAF&amp;coliid=IOITDNYTUXRTT)
Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.
Thanks for the contest!
I love my job. I absolutely adore my one tennant. She's adorable although she loves to drool all over me. :) Yea I'm a SAHM right now. I do love it, but I'm getting ready to get back out in the work field which I'm really ready for! :)
I'd love this book if I win! I hear it is amazing!