Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens follows the captivating story of Kya Clark, known as the "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. Abandoned by her family at a young age, Kya learns to survive on her own, forming a deep connection with the natural world around her. As she grows older, Kya becomes entangled in a murder investigation when the town's golden boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead.
The Last Olympian is the final book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The story follows Percy Jackson as he faces the ultimate showdown with the Titan lord Kronos, who is leading an assault on Mount Olympus. Percy, along with his demigod friends and allies, engages in a fierce battle to defend the gods, and prevent the destruction of Olympus. As the conflict unfolds, Percy discovers the significance of his destiny and the power of friendship.
Summary: In the gripping novel, The Catcher in the Rye, we meet Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager expelled from his boarding school. Holden wants to find realness and authenticity in a phony world, but his own self-destructive tendencies and inability to connect with others hinder his progress. Throughout the book, Holden embarks on a journey through New York City, encountering various people and situations that further challenge his beliefs and push him to confront his own demons.
Taking place in the 1930s, protagonist Janie Crawford’s upbringing, adolescence, and adulthood is narrated from a third person perspective. The story touches on especially sensitive topics at the time of its publication: sexism, racism, socioeconomic inequality. A beautifully flawed story, Jaine struggles to find true love - filing 3 marriages throughout the process. As Janie moves from town to town, her psyche and mentality develops, embracing her environments. This book was a great read and thoroughly highlighted many disparities that still exist today.
Summary: The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel that centers around Holden Caulfield, a young protagonist who seeks to protect innocence. Holden's desire to shield children from the hypocrisy and artificiality of the adult world drives him on a journey of self-discovery. However, he faces numerous obstacles, both external and internal, as he grapples with isolation, disillusionment, and encounters with insincerity.
A Separate Peace is an amazing book with a great story. Knowles captures the world of an elite New England boarding school and an interesting summer during World War Two when a tragic accident changes the lives of friends Gene and Phineas. The setting and themes of adolescence and rivalry are very impactful, although, I felt the pacing of the plot slows down a bit too much in parts. The final section of the book also left me wishing for a bit more closure.
The Catcher in the Rye, a work of fiction by J.D. Salinger is about the life of a teenage boy, Holden Caulfield. The story concerns Holden as he attempts to find happiness through experiencing the motions of life. Such begins with his lack of interest in academics, branching into his survival/personal experiences and finding interest in any part of existence.
The Outsiders by S.E Hinton features 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his two older brothers, Soda and Darry. Ponyboy struggles with right or wrong in society which makes him think that he is an outsider and the lack of parents in his life also gives his family many difficulties. The Curtis brothers, along with their friends are all a part of a group named the Greasers. Their rivals are the Socs, who are a group of boys from the wealthy side of town. A lot of trouble and violence arises between these two groups.
The main character, Carrie was raised in a religious household with her mother. Carrie gets her period while showering after gym class at school and thinks she is dying. The other girls in the locker room make fun of Carrie. While some girls feel sorry and try to make it up to her, other girls want the mean joke to go on. After the girls continue on with a terrible prank, Carrie gets her revenge by using her mind. She goes home to her religious mother who says she is a witch/devil.
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a contemporary coming-of-age novel that follows the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell, two Irish teenagers from different social backgrounds. Despite their differences, the two form a deep and intense connection, navigating the challenges of high school, college, and adulthood while grappling with issues of power, vulnerability, and self-identity.
