Since the start of my teen years, coming-of-age stories have been my favorite genre to consume. There is something uniquely human about the trials of adolescence and the lessons gleaned from them. From the social stratification of high school to the intimidating transition into adulthood, which carries new responsibilities, there are many interesting aspects of this stage of life for authors to thoughtfully consider. Winter break is the perfect time to unwind and embrace nostalgia. Below are eight suggestions to further explore this foundational genre over break:
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chobosky
My favorite novel since I picked it up in my freshman year of high school, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and overcoming mental health struggles. The protagonist, Charlie, is a sensitive, caring teen who navigates the start of high school and the complications of friendship. Through his honest narrative voice, presented in the form of letters to an anonymous friend, Charlie presents an unflinching analysis of the difficulties of the first year of high school.Â
“Carrie” by Stephen King
By far my favorite horror novel, King’s first published work presents a coming-of-age story through the aftermath of a horrific incident at a high school prom. The homely and socially isolated Carrie is tormented and limited by her mother’s religious fanaticism. This book masterfully navigates the effects of trauma on adolescents and the aftermath of horrific events. The original work offers significant differences from the subsequent film adaptations, sure to entertain even those readers already familiar with the story.
“The Virgin Suicides” by Jeffrey Eugenides
Like “Carrie,” “The Virgin Suicides” explores the detriment of social seclusion. This theme carries through many coming-of-age stories, as connection with other teens is one of the most important experiences at this stage of life. The book follows the five Lisbon sisters who are deeply sheltered by their overbearing, staunchly religious parents. Told from the perspective of the boys in their neighborhood who are enthralled by their looks, the story is an interesting examination of how women, especially young women, are viewed by society.Â
“Oranges are not the Only Fruit” by Jeanette Winterson
Through a semi-autobiographical narrative, Winterson presents her coming-out journey and the opposition her religious mother expressed towards her lesbian identity. In an experimental format, she interweaves details of her adolescence with fairy-tale vignettes that construct allegorical representations of the emotions she was experiencing throughout each period. A deeply personal novel, Winterson’s autobiography provokes further questions as to the duty children owe to their parents in continuing contact and when it is acceptable to abandon them in the name of self-preservation.
“Pick the Lock” by A.S. King
Masterfully, King combines social commentary and surrealism to form a captivating and wild narrative. The protagonist Jane lives in a country house where her father has encased her mother, a renowned rock star, in a series of human-sized hamster tubes. Jane must determine how this took place by analyzing home-video footage and exploring the history of her family. King’s novel challenges the persistence of the patriarchy and its sprawling nature. Through carefully crafted, often stylized prose, she analyzes how women often remain complicit in the patriarchy and perpetuate its harms.
“The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth
I picked up this novel after seeing the film, which follows protagonist Cameron Post’s experience at a LGBTQ+ conversion therapy center. This book is so, so much more than the often emphasized aspects of the queer experience. Many LGBTQ+ narratives focus on the traumatic experiences faced by queer youth, like conversion therapy camps, but do not highlight the joy that can be found in the acceptance of one’s identity, and peace that can be realized in this moment. This novel analyzes the negative messaging that Cameron received around her sexuality from an early age and the self-hatred that grew from it. The horrors of conversion therapy are only a portion of the conversations the novel promotes dialogue around. Vitally, the ending is hopeful, a rare feat in mainstream queer stories.Â
“The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo
Told in verse, “The Poet X” tells the story of Xiomara, a fifteen-year-old in Harlem, who releases her frustrations through poetry. The novel follows her dealings in life and love, and her discovery of slam poetry performance as a means to share her voice. Xiomara explores the frequent conflict she endures with her mother and her family’s refusal to accept her brother’s sexuality. The lyrical verses of this novel give voice to many uniting life experiences faced by teens.
“We Are the Ants” by Shaun David Hutcherson
A brilliant, impassioned novel, “We Are the Ants” explores the relationship between grief and hope. Throughout the story, the protagonist Henry reckons with whether or not he should stop the destruction of the world that aliens have told him will occur in 144 days. Through an endearing love story, Henry comes to find hope in his and everyone else’s future. This coming-of-age story offers a fantastical premise with deep truths thoughtfully woven throughout.
Ultimately, each of these books analyzes the unique trials faced by adolescents. Though often emotionally tumultuous and raw, each story ends with a message of hope pointing towards a better future for the protagonist. These novels can help you come to terms with the details of your own teen years or help you understand the emotional experiences others face. So bundle up this holiday season with a cup of cocoa and enjoy these reflective reads!