Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Books that Shaped Me // Round Two


Two Mondays ago I began my nostalgia tour by listing seven books that impacted my younger self and sharing my reading/rereading goals for the year. This week I want to list a few more books that helped shape me. 




THE HUNGER GAMES blew my little eleven-year-old mind (at least, I think I was eleven when I read it). It was cozy and scary, deep and thoughtful, fresh and interesting. When I finally got a copy of my own for Christmas, I’m fairly certain I spent the majority of the next several months reading it over and over again. The idea of children and teenagers being forced to fight to the death for entertainment was so bizarre to me. Yet at the same time, it felt like something that might actually happen—like we had the potential to bring our society to that place one day if we weren’t careful (after all, Rome had popularized gladiator games). Of course, it wasn’t my first taste of the dystopian genre, but it was definitely the one that got me hooked for life, and I will defend it to my dying breath. (You can find my review here.)




THE ROOK is the second book in the Patrick Bowers Files, and I would not recommend giving this series to small children (unless those children answer to nicknames like Little Miss Morbid, in which case they’re probably fine). My sister got me a signed and personalized copy of THE ROOK when Steven James visited her university, and it’s one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received. The main detail that grabbed me was that the author allows his main character, Patrick Bowers, to struggle with belief in God and His goodness. In my previous experience with Christian novels, the subject of doubt/bitterness often gets treated like a taboo topic. Christian novelists seem willing to represent these sorts of negative views of God only if the character is made to see the error of his or her ways by the end of the story, even if that means a rather unbelievable change of heart in the climax. That line of thinking does not naturally lead to any sort of honest discussion, and it can make those with struggles feel shamed, marginalized, and misunderstood. That is why I so respect Steven James—instead of writing bad sermons, he writes honest novels. 




No matter how old I get, I will always be fond of this series. One of my best and oldest friends is not much of a reader, so when she bought a copy because the cover looked cool, and then fell in love with the story, I was excited to have something more to discuss with her. (I think I was thirteen at the time.) My sister and I really hit it off on this subject as well. To this day, we still throw random spy tests at each other, like, “Quick, how many grocery bags was that man back there carrying?” And the funny thing is that, at this point, we can usually answer the question correctly. 




This was the first book I remember reading that had a truly bittersweet ending. Up until that point, I had been a little naive in believing that nothing huge can go wrong in stories and that conflict can happen but, in the end, everything has to go back to the way it was. (I know, I was adorable.) Fortunately, THE TWO PRINCESSES OF BAMARRE showed me the beauty and symmetry of a different sort of ending than what I was accustomed to, and I appreciated that. 




Because I read this book (only once) a long while ago, I don’t remember much about the plot. All I know is that it made such an impression on me I tried to write stories set in stone quarries for at least a year afterwards. This one is very high on my reread list. 




THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION was one of the most disturbing books I read when I was a small thing. Not only did it cover human exploitation and other fun stuff, it also dealt with the moral issue of doing something really bad for really good reasons. Before then, I’m not sure how much I’d been introduced to the concept of moral ambiguity. (I've not read the sequel, THE LORD OF OPIUM, so I need to tackle that one as well.) 




This series was another big eye-opener for me. Even though THE HUNGER GAMES was the story that got me officially hooked on dystopian literature, The Shadow Children Series was what primed me for it. It introduced me to the idea that things could go really wrong—that the people in charge could make rules that were beyond cruel and unreasonable. It also introduced me to the idea of fighting back against injustice. 




I just spent five Mondays discussing this series, so hopefully I already got my point across (you can find the posts here, here, here, here, and here). Boiled down, I loved these books because they treated me like my thoughts and emotions and opinions mattered. For once I felt as though someone understood me. 




Every time I think of ENDER’S GAME, my mind starts to explode all over again. Unlike most of the other books listed in this series of posts, I read this novel when I was closer to seventeen (I think), so I was able to process it more the first time. It showed me how wise and capable children can be—that young people can be so much deeper and more complex than we often realize. It also highlighted how sometimes we do stuff that feels meaningless and unimportant without realizing that we’re changing our world in the process. 




Through the eyes of a society that burns books, I learned to love books with an even greater passion. I learned to value them for what they were—more than just mindless entertainment. Alongside Montag, I learned that stories are ideas, ideas are powerful, and any society that fears ideas is something to be resisted. 




While the concept of aging backwards may be scientifically impossible, I wasn't all that concerned with scientific realism when I first got my grubby paws on this gem. And I was already interested in science (in the abstract) and science fiction at the time, so TURNABOUT just clinched it for me. TURNABOUT also helped fuel my interest in keeping journals because, even though I wasn't growing younger and losing my memories slowly but surely, I figured it was still a good idea to document my existence. (I have such fond memories of this book, I almost freaked out a teeny tiny bit when I momentarily thought I hadn't brought my copy with me to Virginia.) Aside from Lemony Snicket, I don't think any sole author influenced my childhood quite as much as Margaret Peterson Haddix did. 



Well, that’s it for today, little coffee beans. What are some of the books that shaped you? What are some of your all-time favorites? Do you plan to reread anything this year? 

22 comments:

  1. My daughter reread Hunger Games many times too. Loved seeing your list of books.

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    1. I'm so glad! I love hearing about people who appreciate The Hunger Games. :) And thank you!

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  2. Finally, someone who's read The Two Princesses of Bamarre! I haven't read it in so long, but I remember reading it and being both shocked and impressed with the ending. I think that was the beginning of my realization that endings could be unhappy and still well-done.

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    1. Unless I'm losing my mind, you're probably the first person online I've encountered who's read The Two Princesses of Bamarre. It's been too long since I've read it. *nods* I think it has such a perfect ending, and I'm so glad it opened my eyes to a whole new world of story possibilities. I doubt it would have made nearly as strong an impression on me if it had ended like a traditional fairytale.

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  3. I LOVE the Gallagher Girls books. Ally Carter is such a clever writer (secretly I want to write spy adventures just like her, but I know I never will.) Also, Princess Academy was a really cool book too. I loved the twist at the end. Totally breaking the fairy tale cliche. Some of my all-time favourites include The Seer and the Sword, by Victoria Hanley, The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, Jane of Lantern Hill by the same, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I could read any of those at any time of day or night. Definitely planning on rereading them at some point soon too. When that giant TBR of mine learns to behave (pfft, who am I kidding? TBRs never behave.)

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    1. THEY ARE SO GOOD. *gives you coffee beans* I would love to write spy stories as well, but I doubt I will either. I would always worry mine weren't as clever as hers. I think the twist at the end of Princess Academy is literally one of the only details I remember from that book. :P I really need to reread it. Aside from Pride and Prejudice, I don't believe I've read any of the books you listed, but I do need to read more L.M. Montgomery, and I'll have to see if I can get my hands on The Seer and the Sword. *nods* I feel the same way about my childhood bookish loves. (If TBRs were to behave, I do believe the world would end. *nods*)

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  4. ALLY CARTER IS LIFE. Sadly I've never been able to get my sister to see this. The Hunger Games were pretty much my first taste of dystopian literature, and the idea's in it totally got me.

    I've been meaning to read Ender's Game but somehow never get around to it :/ And I have a Fahrenheit 451 tee-shirt, but I've never read the book??

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    1. SHE REALLY IS THOUGH. I'm so sorry for your sister's lack of love for Ally Carter. Please accept my deepest condolences. I love how big an effect The Hunger Games has had on the dystopian landscape. :D My childhood would have been incomplete without it. *nods*

      If you do get around to it, I hope you like it! (I haven't read the sequels yet--I should, but I'm scared to, because what if they're not as good as Ender's Game? I need to read them though.) You have a Fahrenheit 451 tee-shirt!?! I'm so jealous now. You should read the book! *aggressively shoves book in your face* (You know, if you want to.)

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  5. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's read The Two Princesses of Bamarre!! I loved the ending and the fact that it was about sisters. I think it's probably my favourite book of hers. (AND WAIT I JUST LOOKED IT UP AND THERE'S A SEQUEL COMING OUT!!! https://www.gailcarsonlevine.com/blog/ I DID NOT KNOW OF THIS I'M SO THRILLED!!!)

    I also watched Ender's Game before I read it (*hangs head* I didn't know it was a book!) so I spoiled the ending for myself, but the book was way better than the movie, even though the movie was really good. Ender's Game actually blew my mind. I really need to read Fahrenheit 451. It's on my (massive) TBR list. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Me too! *happy dance* *trips and faceplants* The focus of the story was just perfect and that ending. *shakes head in awe* OH MY GOODNESS THIS IS NEWS TO ME AD NOW I HAVE TO READ IT AND HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT IT BEFORE? You are my new hero.

      *point of shame* It's an honest mistake though, and I shall show you lenience this time. The book is way better than the movie--I am glad you recognize this as well. I did love the movie, but the book will always hold my heart. *hugs book* I don't know how a book can do that, but it really did just explode my brain--I'm glad you know the feeling. It truly is a wonderful thing. AND OH MY GOODNES, WHAT ARE YOU DOING VICTORIA, YOU MUST READ IT NOW OR I WILL NEVER SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN. Just kidding. I will still speak to you. But I'll probably cry myself to sleep at night. :P

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  6. I love the Hunger Games so much! I'm glad I know another fierce fan of the series. It's so good and I feel like so many people misunderstand it.

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. *fist bump* I DO TO CAN YOU TELL? I am glad as well. I am fierce. *rawr* So many people misunderstand it though. I think this culture wants softer books and it bugs me because then we don't get intense and raw and harsh and just yeah, nobody insults The Hunger Games on my watch. *sharpens fangs*

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  7. Out of these, I've read The Hunger Games, ASOUE, Fahrenheit 451, Princess Academy, and the Gallagher Girls series. I've never actually heard of some of the other ones! I didn't read The Two Princesses of Bamarre, but I DID read Ella Enchanted by the same author and LOVED that one. And Ender's Game has been on my list pretty much FOREVER.

    Have you picked up Ally Carter's newest series, Embassy Row? I've only read the first book, but I absolutely loved it. It had all of the AMAZING things that the Gallagher Girls series had, with even more good things added in.

    The books that probably shaped me the most (besides the obvious Harry Potter) were probably the American Girl books, especially the Samantha and Kit series. They started both my love of reading and my love of history, and I'm still reading the new books as they come out! And I have to give an honorable mention to Love From, Your Friend, Hannah by Mindy Warshaw Skolsky.

    Thanks for visiting Lost in My Library!

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    1. Ack, you've read so many of them! I'm so excited! And that's not surprising. I've only come across two other people online who've read any books by Steven James. I've read Ella Enchanted too, and I loved that one as well. I just got a copy of that one last year, so I was really excited. I need to reread it soon because it was another major book in my childhood, though not quite so impactful as the books on this list. I HOPE YOU LOVE ENDER'S GAME. *composes self*

      I have actually. I love Ally Carter so much, I always pre-order her books. It's such a fun series, and I think you'll love See How They Run. I preferred it over the first book. :)

      That's super cool! I have some rather fond memories of reading the Kit series and the Kaya series (those were the dolls I had). I think I especially loved Kaya's books? But Kit's were wonderful and I've been fascinated with the Great Depression ever since. I haven't kept up with the American Girls books, but I think it's super cool that you have. :) I've never heard of that one, but I will definitely have to check it out.

      You're welcome, and thanks for commenting! :)

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  8. I remember Among the Hidden! I read that when I was very young, and I think it was my first dystopian, too! Hadn't even thought of that- I guess I thought dystopia was more of a recent genre. I'd love to reread it sometime soon now that I'm older!

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    1. *happy dance* I think it's super cool that Among the Hidden has been a part of a lot of children's childhoods because it's so good. I think The Hunger Games is what really made the dystopian genre stand out, so it's possible that it looks like it started the whole craze. :)

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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  9. You mentioned THE HUNGER GAMES! Yay! The Hunger Games definitely changed the way I think about entertainment and the mind frame of society. In ways, it made me think a lot more about how the morality of society can change as a whole. About how when we are kept separated from and ignorant about each other; we can't come together for the common good. It makes us focus only on our own troubles and we have no desire to help others if for anything because we are unaware that they need any help. It still makes me think. Let's say that. But it also changed my writing, a lot. As did Divergent.

    Divergent made me think a lot actually about belonging and being and differences and why we are different and yet have the capacity for many different traits, etc. It also made me think about love as a choice, not something we just fall into and out of. Love isn't a hole. It also did a lot for my writing.

    STEVEN JAMES! I agree with you! I love how he lets Patrick really truly ask big questions. Questions most people are afraid to ask. The characters are awesome. The CRIMINALS are stupendously creepy. I haven't finished the Patrick Bowers series yet though. *hangs head* But I want to. Then I wanted to read Placebo. O.o

    The Princess Academy sounds interesting. I'll have to see if I can find it.

    I never got to finish Ender's Game, but I really want to go back and read it.

    And Fahrenheit 451 sounds good too!

    Awesome list!

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    1. Go me! :P It definitely changed my perspective as well. You make such great points. It really does highlight how separating people into groups weakens us. *nods* Divergent does touch on that same idea, though differently and equally well.

      Divergent is really good for pointing out how people have different talents and they should all be respected, but they aren't worth as much if we're not working together. And yeah, it made me think about belonging. :) And your last point. *nods* It helped my writing in terms of characterization, I think.

      *dons Steven James party hat* The main characters are awesome, but the criminals will always be my favorite. I LOVE his psychopaths. They are so real and deep and scary. I especially love the one in The Bishop. I've only read the first four books in the series. *sad face* And I only own the first three. I've been trying to build my collection, but there are so many other books I want to buy, I've neglected it a little. But yes, I need to read Placebo as well, along with all his other books.

      I hope you like it! :)

      You should--the ending makes the book (in my opinion). :D

      It is really good. *nods*

      Aww, thank you! And thanks for commenting!

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  10. Oooh, I LOVE the Princess Academy books, and Gail Carson Levine is one of my favorite fairytale authors. Her books are so beautiful <3

    Also, HUNGER GAMES. Hunger Games is great in so many ways, and so many people misunderstand it, but it really is fantastic.


    Alexa
    thessalexa.blogspot.com
    verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com

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    1. I've actually only read the first one, but I'm glad you like the others! :) Maybe once I've reread the first one, I'll see about getting my hands on the sequels. :D Gail Carson Levine is one of my favorite fairytale authors as well. She's so good at what she does. :D

      YES, YES, AND YES. I wish more people understood it and appreciated it. I mean, it's not like it's unpopular by any stretch of the imagination. But it bothers me that a lot of people, specifically older adults, fail to recognize its merit.

      Thanks for commenting! :)

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