Today's post is all about books that contain hard hitting topics such as mental illness, abuse, discrimination, etc. I've read a few really good books that deal with difficult subjects in such a great way. So here are a few titles that I really liked, that I actually got a greater respect for because of how well they projected these topics. Let's get into it!
5. So Much To Tell by John Marsden
One of my favourite books from back when I was in school. I really enjoyed reading this book as a school text as I felt like it had a very important message. The story is told through the diary of a 14 year old girl who chooses not to speak. After a traumatic incident that occured at home, Marina is now in a boarding school where her parents sent her to "get better". It is such a touching story that I feel is really eye opening and that does have a slight shock factor.
4. Noughts & Crosses Graphic Novel by Malorie Blackman & John Aggs
I read this book at the end of last year and found it really confronting. The story follows kind of an alternate history/reality where “Crosses” (darker skin) are the higher class and the “Noughts” (lighter skin) are the lower class and the labour workers. This is an interesting read as I feel like this story is a great story to show how discrimination can appear in society. It really made me feel all kinds of emotions throughout the book.
3. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
A very popular book that I think may have been my first young adult read about illness. The story follows a 16 year old girl by the name of Hazel who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12. It is quite a romance driven story but there is the constant presence of her illness throughout the plot which I found very interesting. I've probably only read one other book about illness but even in that one, it wasn't quite as present. It was very fascinating to read about cancer as well as a wonderful story.
2. The Sculptor by Scott McCloud
An intense graphic novel that is quite revealing as the story progresses. The story follows David, A young sculptor who makes a deal with death that allows him to sculpt whatever he can think of. Upon making this deal, he meets an interesting woman named Meg who seems to be battling her own personal demons. Though the main character doesn't show signs of mental illness it is a very obvious part of the side character which does effect the story. It is a very emotional journey to read through that I absolutely loved. It definitely a great way of looking at how mental illness from the perspective a friend rather than from the person experiencing it.
1. All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
A heart breaking novel about mental illness. The story follows Violet and Theodore who meet at the top of a bell tower when Violet was contemplating jumping. Theodore is obsessed with death and constantly thinks of ways to die but when he stops Violet from jumping the two find themselves relying on each other to keep each other alive. It is definitely an eye opening story where you get two perspectives from people who are both affected by some sort of sadness but are relying on each other for support and comfort. It made me feel so many emotions and gave me such a huge perspective and understanding on what goes on in the mind of someone who is deeply effected by depression.
So those are my top 5 books with hard topics that I would recommend. Let me know what your top 5 is this week and don't forget to check out the Top 5 Wednesday group on goodreads.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day!
~Louise
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