The ‘My Favourite…’ series is a new weekly feature in which I will be putting the spotlight on some of my favourite books of all time! This week, I will be sharing my favourite YA novel that adults should definitely read too.
Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman
Teen pregnancy. Sound a bit cliché? Boys Don’t Cry is anything but, managing to be both a light read and something thought-provoking that will stay with me for a long time. As with any good young adult novel, it does not deserve this limiting label and I would defy anyone of any age not to be moved by this incredibly human story.
7 Reasons Why I Love This Book
1.Opening
Dante is waiting for his A-Level results letter, expecting to get straight A’s and study journalism at university. Then his ex-girlfriend turns up with a baby, asking him to look after it for a while. She doesn’t come back. If this isn’t going to make you keep reading, I have no idea what will!
2. Fast-paced
If you’ve been wading through some old classics for a stint, it can be refreshing to read something with a quick-moving plot that keeps you really engaged.
3. Characters and relationships
The characters in this book are perfectly crafted – flawed, confused, insecure – purely and essentially human.
4. Honesty
Boys Don’t Cry portrays a hard, realistic and imperfect society. Malorie Blackman does not hesitate to explore complex issues and the characters’ prejudices, including the way in which Dante awkwardly evades acknowledging his brother’s homosexuality.
5. Humour
Despite the seriousness of much of the book, Dante’s attempts to adapt to parenting are very funny and add a touch of lightness. “I wondered with a wry smile, would people be immortal if they didn’t have kids?”
6. Educational without being patronising
Malorie Blackman covers some serious issues in the book, bringing homophobia, single/young parenthood and prejudice into the awareness of her teen readers. However, she draws no judgement and leaves us to decide where our own morals lie.
7. Inspiration
I found the way Dante deals with all his plans and dreams being irrevocably wrecked inspirational and touching. I loved watching him ‘let go’ and learn to treasure the things that are truly important. “Sometimes the things you’re convinced you don’t want turn out to be the thing you need the most in this world.”
Image courtesy of Goodreads.
If you loved Boys Don’t Cry, I also think you’ll enjoy The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky.
Do you agree with my choice? Any other suggestions for amazing YA novels? Let me know in the comments!
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