Lauren

I read Out of the Silent Planet for my masters course on YA literature. While this is considered a YA classic, I would argue it’s really more current day New Adult/Adult. There is nothing wrong with the content for YA readers, but YA books are typically about characters learning their place in the world as well as feature characters in the YA age range, and this book really isn’t about either of those (the first idea could be argued, but I will get to that). Again, I do think it is totally appropriate for YA audiences, but due to the writing style, I think it’s best suited for 16 plus (upper YA - Adult). There’s been some debate over this being a YA book, and I can see why since it can be a little dense at times. At the same time, the messaging is more or less handed to you with little to interpret.

All that’s to be said, if you’re someone who got into Project Hail Mary and you’re looking for a similar story, this is it. This book was written by C.S. Lewis (author of the Chronicles of Narnia amongst other famous works) in the 1930s (and while it’s not the worst from this era, do be warned that sexism, racism, and ableism do exist in this novel - regardless of era written, this does factor greatly into my rating).

The beginning starts off pretty dark, it ends up being a story about communication, misunderstanding, and (ironically) humanity. While Ransom surely does learn about his place and role in the world, the scope of this story is much larger.

Like much of his works seem to have, there are themes of religion (especially around Christianity), but while I have not read his Narnia series it does not sound as though it is as distracting or blatant as that series. I think the book can be explored with or without an interest in religion. He also seems to have quite a lot to say about humanity. I do believe that ties in with the religion piece, but if you ignore that, I actually think there can be a really interesting discussion around what makes people of earth “twisted.” (That is not to say religion must be removed from the discussion, but rather I am arguing that it needn’t be a key part for a discussion to take place, depending on the beliefs of those involved).

I do think it is interesting that it is book 1 in a trilogy because I really cannot see where else it would go. I’m unsure if I will continue. The writing was good and the story interesting, but I’m happy where things were left.

The Bone Door is one of those books that you enter knowing nothing, much of it seems odd and nonsensical, yet somehow it all comes together at the end. I will be honest, during the first 2-4 chapters I thought it was likely I would DNF. The writing style was good, but since I don’t read synopsis often, I did not realize the story is told through the lends of children, and I do not typically like that sort of story. However, I am so glad I continued to read this book.

As I said, while the story is intentionally confusing and you begin with no information (as does the MC) it is not hard to follow. White does a nice job dropping small hints and world building as you go, and each character slowly earns their own backstory. At the start of this book I did not think I would feel so connected to the characters, but Hop won me over. I also did not expect to cry (it’s been many books since one tugged at my heart enough to produce strong enough of an emotion) but towards the end it got me.

I suggest this book for people who are willing to give it a few chapters to get into it, people who enjoy slow world building, and those who can simply be along for the ride until reveals are made.

I look forward to reading more of White’s works.

I do think it is imperative to look at trigger warnings for this book, especially if you have any around children. I’ll list a few of these majors ones I noticed below, but since I do not experience any of these, it is likely I’ve missed many.

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Trigger warnings:

- Spiders/bugs

- Death

- Child neglect

- Child abuse

- Child mutilation

- Violence

- Grief

- Confinement

- Emotional Isolation

- Sexual assault (NOT on page, but mentioned & alluded to)

- Abortion (alluded to)

Honestly, I don’t have much to say on this one. I was not in love with the series after book 1, but I got the first 3 books as a gift so I wanted to try at least that many. Book 1 was okay, but by no the FMC has had little to not character growth, I don’t even want to count how many times the word “perv” was used, and both MMCs are walking red flags from day 1. The writing did not age particularly well, and while the attempts at diversity is a plus, this series reads extraordinary juvenile, yet plays on the boarder of explicit scenes (it’s closed door, but there are several mentions of getting undressed for sexual reasons). Even when I was in high school this would have been written too young. I’m really not sure why the target audience is.

This is a story that I’ve felt the need to sit and reflect on. Upon first glance it reads like a horror/thriller, but thinking on the events, it can be difficult to discern what exactly happened. I love an unreliable narrator when done well, and this does fit that well.

I enjoyed the themes of grief, identity, heritage, and social perception. In such a short page count, it did tackle all of those things well.

However, at the same time my main compliant about this book is I wish it was longer. I could have used another 25-50 pages getting the rhythm of this book. The ending felt abrupt. I do love an open-ended ending, but because of how quickly it ended, I feel like I don’t have enough to really theory craft off of, which is what I enjoy from ambiguous endings.

Note: I Read this for Masters Program

Forever is about a coming of age whirlwind romance between high school seniors Michael and Katherine. It follows the pair as they explore many of the ups and downs of a first relationship. This entire review will have spoilers.

I think it’s important to note this book was published in the 70s, so things are very different today. That being said, I do think there are some good messages in the book. Sex is not seen as a bad thing in the book, though it also does not shy away from the fact it can lead to pregnancy or STDs. I really liked how open Katherine and her mom and grandma were about sex. I also appreciated the discussions around options for contraceptives with doctors, though it was very surface level and I do wish it was more through.

I know sex scenes are pretty common today, but considering this is a book marketed for YA readers, I was pretty surprised at the multiple explicit scenes. I personally believe there is nothing wrong with sex scenes in YA novels as many YA readers are at the age where they are exploring such things, but I had not expected it from this book.

All that to be said, there are some major red flags this book does not discuss. First and foremost, Michael was the worst. He kind of reminded me of one of my exs, so relatable, I guess, but we weren’t supposed to hate him. Yet he tried to pressure Katherine into sex multiple times and got moody the few times she didn’t want to do anything. Then, when things end, he immediately accuses her of cheating and throws in her face that he had been cheating on her the whole time they were apart for their summer jobs (it is never confirmed or denied if he did or if he was just trying to hurt her, but gross behavior either way). Katherine’s infatuation with Theo and the implication she might start seeing him at the end also left me feeling icky.

Also, despite some praise for her mom, I didn’t love everything about Katherine’s parents. Her dad gave weird vibes, and I didn’t love them forcing her into a job. I understand why, but it still was kind of awful. And then calling her to tell her that her grandpa died but she couldn’t come home??? Unhinged behavior. Either tell her and let her home, or don’t tell her until camp is over. Pick one.

The plot line with the friend’s suicide attempt was abrupt and unnecessary as was the other friend (friend’s cousin??) having a baby. Not to mention the weird fatphobia throughout the book for no reason??