Now that I'm working full-time as a young adult librarian I haven't been posting nearly as much, but I wanted to at least do my end of the year lists! 1) Ms. Marvel: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson I love this comic series overall, but this one so clearly nails a lot of the things I've heard from teens recently. Their annoyance at older generations misjudging and underestimating them, their ability to come together despite differences, and their genuine desire to make their worlds a better place. Kamala Khan is just a fabulous protagonist overall, relatably trying to juggle her friends, family, faith, education, and, oh yeah, newfound superpowers. Plus, the cameos. The cameos. So many familiar faces from the Marvel universe have appeared, which is especially fun because Kamala is such an unabashed fangirl. I really can't praise this series highly enough- just go check it out for yourself. 2) Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson Sensing a theme? 2015 was a huge year for ...
Cassia’s journey began with an error, a momentary glitch in the otherwise perfect façade of the Society. After crossing canyons to break free, she waits, silk and paper smuggled against her skin, ready for the final chapter.
The wait is over.
One young woman has raged against those who threaten to keep away what matters most—family, love, choice. Her quiet revolution is about to explode into full-scale rebellion.
With exquisite prose, the emotionally gripping conclusion to the international–bestselling Matched trilogy returns Cassia, Ky, and Xander to the Society to save the one thing they have been denied for so long, the power to choose. -Plot summary borrowed from Amazon
There are so many trilogies, quadroligies and series going in YA lit at the moment that for me to pick up a second, let alone third installment is pretty rare. In this case, I'm glad I did.
Like I said in my review of Matched, what makes Condie's dystopian trilogy stand out from the pack is her emphasis on inner growth, on philosophy and quiet strength rather than big set pieces and explosions (not that those are entirely lacking here, however). It's fascinating to watch characters who are wholly invested and participate in a rebellion, while still managing to stand slightly outside it. In fact, it is this distance from any faction and loyalty to each other that allow Cassia, Ky and Xander to accomplish what they do despite overwhelming odds.
Some of the things I especially liked about this book:
-Condie clearly spent a lot of time crafting all the triads in this book- the love triangle, the three pills the Society used (Green, Blue, and Red, which match her gorgeous covers), her three narrators, and plenty more throughout the series
-Cassia's gallery! I love that Condie takes the time out of her third installment to talk about the loss of culture that would take place in a dystopian future, and how vital art, music and dance are to people- and how naturally they come to us, given half a chance
-A well done love-triangle, that rare and nearly mythical literary beast
-The ending. WELL DONE.
If you haven't already had it to the gills with this genre, I strongly recommend the Matched series for its unique perspective, excellent characters and hopefulness.
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