I hate it when they do this, I really do. Those sadists over at YA Highway always like to make us choose favorites, and I hate that. (I have a real problem with any hierarchical ranking…I realize this about myself. I don’t even like to rank my favorite breakfast cereals, let alone songs, books, movies, etc.).

But, here we go.

Actually, the book I’m going with I haven’t even finished yet. And it’s quite disturbing and hard to read sometimes. It definitely falls into that “dark YA” trend that occasionally gets people up in arms. But the writing is extraordinary,and despite the darkness there are some lovely joyful moments. And the fact that I can’t get it out of my head definitely means it is worth of being:

The Best book of October:

STICK, by Andrew Smith

I confess, this is not the kind of book I would normally read. Not because I don’t enjoy it, but because it is darker and grittier than what I am writing these days, and therefore what I am reading these days. But my dear writer friend Helene is indeed writing dark and gritty work (and quite well, too, I might add), so when she sent this to me with the note – “can’t wait to hear your thoughts” I knew I would read it.

As I said, STICK covers some difficult topics, and breaks your heart a little bit while you’re reading it. But it is also a great example of how young adult literature can challenge us, engage us, hurt us a little, and ultimately – hopefully – redeem us.

Happy Road Trip Wednesday! What have you read lately?