Anderson's Style
If you've ever been in the bookstore searching for something-anything-to read and you find yourself in the young adult fiction section, you will see a wide variety of stories (although, admittedly, most of these stories do have hints of teen angst and romance.) The question in the air remains-what should you bother reading?
If you're like me, you start at the beginning of the section and walk, slowly, down the aisle, your eyes scanning book titles and authors. However, if you do start at the beginning, I suggest stopping once you see the last name Anderson.
If you're a fan of first person point of view books and stories with an edge, books that talk about something serious that many authors have trouble approaching, pick up a book by Laurie Halse Anderson. Her varied stories focus on topics ranging from sexual assault to eating disorders and everything in between. No matter who you are, Anderson's books are hard to ignore once you've started.
I will admit that I am a fan of her works, but I give credit where it's due. Anderson's book Speak not only became a favorite of young adult readers everywhere, but also inspired a movie version by the same title (starring Kristen Stewart in her pre-Twilight days) and spurred a fan following that might not match J.K. Rowling's but has just as much emotion and commitment attached to it. (If you don’t believe me, go to Laurie Halse Anderson’s webpage, http://madwomanintheforest.com/, and take a look around; you’ll see that she definitely has fans.)
Book Suggestions:
Anderson can connect to the reader, female or male, on a deep level, even if he or she has never been through the specific trauma or struggles that the character is going through. In Speak, we meet Melinda, who has a huge secret. Rather than getting help and healing she shuts down, labeled a snitch and a freak in her first year of high school. In Twisted, we meet Tyler, who is struggling to find his place while at the same time being ostracized in his home and his school.
Anderson’s ability to create relatable characters, transcend gender lines (despite the gender of the protagonist), and connect powerfully to her fans make Anderson the author to watch for new works and the one to suggest for your next read.
Below is a list of Anderson’s published works. Pick one up and enjoy!
Young adult novels
- Speak (1999)
- Catalyst (2002)
- Prom (2005)
- Twisted (2007)
- Wintergirls (2009)
Historical thrillers
- Fever, 1793 (2000)
- Chains (2008)
- Forge (2010)
Brittney Soban - Hello all! I am a graduate of Delaware Valley College with a degree in English Literature. Being a former co-editor of several literary ...
Join the Conversation