Let’s Talk is a fun new weekly meme in which we discuss anything and everything about books! Whether it’s a nagging issue in the blogosphere, or simply a fun discussion topic, we’ll talk about it all! Each Friday, there will be a linky in which you can connect your own post, sharing your thoughts will all the participants. Each month, I’ll update the post topics so you can prepare your very own Let’s Talk post!
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Do you like issue-driven books? Why, or why not?
I did not like them before, but I think my career path has sorta led me to them recently. I’m not a huge contemporary reader, but when I can focus on some psychopathology, social or environmental aspect that is tearing the protagonist’s life to shreds, I’m game. I’m game because I want to see the resiliency in humans. I want to see them pull themselves out of their living hell and live free from harm and heartache. Of course, not all protagonists can do this alone. In fact, it’s rare a human can do it alone. We are, very much, social animals and need others to survive. Social supports are so majorly important to our well-being. I love seeing people assist in the healing of another person. It reminds me of the good in people, which is important in my area of work. It’s real easy to get jaded and feel unappreciated.
Some great tough issue books that I’ve really enjoyed are:
Click image for review (if I wrote one!)
What’s your stance on issue-driven books?
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I dont usually go looking for them, because I prefer escapism. But when one finally makes it into my lap, I weep and cry and hopefully cheer alongside them. They do a great service, especially for YAers that dint have support or don’t feel like they can talk to their parents. But it tears me up to watch them hurt. *huggles them*
Oh yea, escapism is exactly my main purpose for reading. Fantasy and Paranormal, please! I think I’ve been drawn more to these books because I can refer clients to read them. These books can really help people, especially those who have no support.
This might be my favorite genre, based on the books you mentioned. LOVE White Oleander, Where She Went, and Room. Do you think I’d like Crank or In the Path of Falling Objects?
I’m not sure how you do it, Jen! I’d be burnt out. lol.
Hmmmm. Ellen Hopkins’ writing is magical. It’s in prose, so its very poetic and creative. The story line is harsh, however, being that a teenage girl becomes hooked on a serious drug. Path was a fantastic book, but it’s ugly and twisted. I loved it because anything Andrew Smith writes blows me out of the water, but his story are CRAZY. However, the family bond and brotherly love stuck out most to me. There is some serious psychopathology in that book!
I don’t know why I don’t get burned out, Ash. I know that early on in my therapist career I felt totally stressed out from taking on too much responsibility for my clients’ well-being, but thankfully I don’t feel that way anymore.
I don’t know how you enjoy paranormal and fantasy so much. I wish I could embrace it but it just doesn’t interest me for some reason. Perhaps I’m too conservative or boring! To each her own I guess.
You know, I’ve always felt like I didn’t like issue books, but more and more, I find myself reading and actually enjoying them. There are a couple on your list that I’ve added to my infinite TBR pile.
I tend to avoid these as I am usually looking for an escape from reality when I read…but I can certainly appreciate the importance of these books and Room is actually on my Wishlist.
Until just a few months ago I had never really read contemporary or issue books, but have found that I really love them. A few I have read recently that were amazing were Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti, Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, and Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein. I am listening to the Audiobook of Crank right now and it’s really good. Issue books are so emotional to read. I think it’s amazing when a book can bring me to tears and bring out other emotions. I can’t read them too often or I drain myself, but I do really like them.
I DO… sometimes. I think it depends on the “issue” and how closely it relates to ME. Because, you know… I’d hate to read a book about a character with psychotic tendencies and a crazy streak and be too closely reminded of the negative things about myself.
LOL
I don’t usually look for issue driven books, it’s usually not the issue, but the story that grasps me. Maybe it is the same thing. However, I do think that they are important in society.
I really need to read Room.
As far as issue driven books go, I don’t seek them out, but if it happens to get on my radar, I will definitely read it.
Great post!
I can’t read too many of them in a row but I love issue driven books.
Issue books are always hard to read because you can get so involved that it feels like your heart is being ripped out at some points. I really need to start reading more of them though because lately I’ve had problems connecting with books so maybe some huge issue books will help me really feel for the characters.
Thanks for all the recs!
[...] Let’s Talk: Issue-Driven Books [...]
While I love the escape into fantasy worlds or light and fluffy worlds that some books create, sometimes it’s great to sit down with something REAL. You have some great books on your list! Personally, some of my favourites involve the family dynamic, with issues between parents, or issues between parents and kids. Or, there are books like Lisa Genova’s, rooted in medical issues and how families cope.
Sure, give me something light and fluffy, but I’m glad I still have REAL books to balance them out. I’d probably turn into a crazy person without them!