Books & Bonding, Parents & Teens

I was recently inspired by an article ( read the article here) I read, the author had listed books she felt parents of teens should read. I’ve got a huge heart for teens, I loved being one, but I also feel like I can remember how emotional that part of life is. I’ve always said that I wish more parents would read some YA books, because it really does put you in that mindset again and perhaps, it would enlighten them on what their children could be feeling. I loved the list made in the article, but I wanted to do my own take on it.

The book I would recommend would have to be The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. To me, this is an obvious one. Yes, I know not every teenager struggles with being a complete outcast, having suicidal thoughts, or sexual abuse, but the underlining themes? ABSOLUTELY. That very huge desire of wanting to be apart of something, finding friends that are real, and all the while feeling like a stranger to your own body? YES. When its been so long since you were in the mind frame, it’s difficult to remember how much of an impact these emotions can have on you day to day. This book is written so well, and while it does have mature themes, it should, because that is the time in your life where you are maturing, wether you are ready to or not.

Now, on to some points I’d like to make…

Hey you, if you have a daughter, this part is for you. I have to say I enjoy a lot of YA romance, I like the innocence in it, those first love butterflies. However, there is a huge trending plot in books right now that male love interests are hot,controlling, and possessive guys that girls fall for. These books tend to romance the idea of someone being mysterious and bossing you around, but don’t worry, its only because he loves her. Now, I’m not discounting those books, they certainly have their place and can absolutely be enjoyed. I’m a huge believer that books shouldn’t be banned, but I do think some books should be read with guidance. That isn’t the authors job, thats the parents ROLE. As a parent, you should be aware of what your children are reading and be able to converse about it. I love talking about what I’m reading and if reading is a hobby of your daughter, get involved and show interest. It’s about being part of their lives.
A lot of adults actually enjoy YA books, their is a reason a lot of these books make it on the top selling list, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green has won ton of awards, and while its is categorized as a YA, I challenge you to find an adult who didn’t love it. Reading is really special, because it is something you can do alone, you know relax and read, but there is this other side to reading that is equally unique and thats the ability to make reading a community pastime. While not everyone is a “reader” a lot of people are, and its amazing how you can find connections to people through the books you mutually enjoy. I know I was a handful when I was in high school, but all my mom had to do was bring up something she knew I enjoyed to and we would have a good bonding conversation. I really want to call to parents to get closer to their kids, to be involved in their lives, and if they are a reader, you can start with some really good YA books.

Here are some I would suggest: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

If I Stay by Gayle Forman