I like reading tough issue books. I mix them in with my regular reading. There is no way I would only be able to read tough issue contemporary and never read anything light, fun, and airy…I would be depressed and my eyes would be puffy and red. The following are three books that opened my eyes.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse isn’t talked about much in young adult books…at least the young adult books I’ve read. What makes domestic abuse a tough issue is knowing that someone you love and trust is the same person who is causing you so much pain. I remember reading Split and HATING so many different characters. Swati shows us how domestic abuse can effect and change everyone involved in it. Jace has been around an abusive father his entire life and we see how this changes him…and not in a good way. Split reminds us that you can’t force someone to leave a particular horrible situation their in. It’s a horrible thought to KNOW and WANT to help someone who needs the help and they just won’t take the help. People have to want something for themselves. Split is very realistic and brings forth a topic I think that becomes hush all to often. Split stands above many other young adult abuse books because it’s an abusive parent, not a boyfriend.
Other domestic abuse reads:
Stay by Deb Caletti
But I Love Him by Amanda Grace
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn
Incest
This is the first and only book I’ve ever read about incest. When someone mentions incest, I automatically think of this book…I’m guessing many other readers are similar to me. Tabitha writes in a way that has you feeling things you know you shouldn’t be feeling. You feel yourself second guessing everything. Ugh! It’s so hard to put into words how this book makes you feel! I felt dirty after reading certain parts of the story and I felt like I was rooting for the wrong side. The ending came out of know where and slaps you in the face. I had no flipping clue Forbidden would end how it did. Forbidden is a book I think you can handle or you can’t.
Teen Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy I would say is a tough issue. Many of the teens in novels are trying to decide one of three things: keep, adoption, or abortion. I’ve read a few books with pregnant teens, but I Know It’s Over, I believe, is the only book I’ve read with a male protagonist who got a girl pregnant. I loved getting a peek inside a male’s head when he is put into this situation. No matter how many times some women might think men don’t have some compassion in this area, I Know It’s Over shows a boy having the same thoughts a pregnant girl might have. Of course, he also has different feelings because he isn’t the one pregnant. If you are looking for a different take on teen pregnancy, I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Other teen pregnancy reads:
Hooked by Catherine Greenman
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles
Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont
After by Amy Efaw
Hooked by Catherine Greenman
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles
Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont
After by Amy Efaw
Jacinda @ The Reading Housewives
Find me on Twitter
I’m a 26 year-old Hoosier. Currently I’m a SAHM to a 4 year-old boy and a 3 year-old girl. I’ve been married to my hubby, Seth, for 6 years and I’ve known him since I was senior in high school. I have two dogs and a cat which I love dearly even though they can make my life more hectic than it needs to be. Besides my love of reading which is obvious, I love my Keurig, crafting, and football. I’m afraid of heights to the point where I will not stay in a hotel
room above the 7th floor or drive in mountains unless it’s at night. I dislike milk and anything banana or coconut flavored, so I’m limited on my cocktail choices. I’m a big young adult reader, but I do read an occasional adult book. My favorite types of books would have to be contemporary and historical fiction, but it used to be paranormal before I became more of an avid reader.
Find me on Twitter
I’m a 26 year-old Hoosier. Currently I’m a SAHM to a 4 year-old boy and a 3 year-old girl. I’ve been married to my hubby, Seth, for 6 years and I’ve known him since I was senior in high school. I have two dogs and a cat which I love dearly even though they can make my life more hectic than it needs to be. Besides my love of reading which is obvious, I love my Keurig, crafting, and football. I’m afraid of heights to the point where I will not stay in a hotel room above the 7th floor or drive in mountains unless it’s at night. I dislike milk and anything banana or coconut flavored, so I’m limited on my cocktail choices. I’m a big young adult reader, but I do read an occasional adult book. My favorite types of books would have to be contemporary and historical fiction, but it used to be paranormal before I became more of an avid reader.
Categories: Guest Post
Awesome post Jacinda! I actually haven't read any of these, although I own both the first two and they all sound awesome. So many books I need to read!! :P
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS POST! ♥
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