Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and letters that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Marie Lu, James Dashner, Gayle Forman, David Levithan, Julie Murphy, Jeff Zentner, Renee Ahdieh, and many more!
“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”–Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We all experience moments when we struggle to understand the state of the world, when we feel powerless and–in some cases–even hopeless. The teens of today are the caretakers of tomorrow, and yet it’s difficult for many to find joy or comfort in such a turbulent society. But in trying times, words are power.
Some of today’s most influential young adult authors come together in this highly personal nonfiction collection of essays, poems, and letters, each a first-hand account that ultimately strives to inspire hope.
Like a modern day Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul or Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens, Hope Nation acknowledges the pain and shines a light on what comes after.
Authors include: Marie Lu, David Levithan, Gayle Forman, Renee Ahdieh, Alex London, Julie Murphy, James Dashner, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Sarah Mlynowski, Jeff Zentner, Ally Condie, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Romina Russell, Angie Thomas, Howard Bryant, Aisha Saeed, Margaret Stohl, Ally Carter, Nic Stone, I.W.Gregorio, Kate Hart, Atia Abawi, Libba Bray
Goodreads
I received an early copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved reading inspirational stories. I’m tellin’ ya, Chicken Soup was my jam. I always cried and just kept going back for more. Honestly one of my favorite things about reading is its ability to instill awe in me. I’m in awe of the characters I read about, their plight and peril, and the obstacles they overcome. Most of all, though? I am in awe of the brilliant and unique minds that come up with these worlds, plots and characters. As an aspiring author, I couldn’t say yes quickly enough to this tour – an opportunity to read inspirational stories from some of my all time favorite authors? WHERE DO I SIGN?!
I won’t lie to you (come on, do I ever?) I opened this book and BEELINED for Marie Lu’s story. Having read every one of her books, and having met her, I had to know what she chose to write about. She spoke of her journey to America, her experiences with the Chinese government, and her time in college in the midst of the Iraq war. Marie’s story was wonderful, and it was so incredible to read something that was so her. Its hard to explain, but when reading an author’s book, you’re learning about them in all of the little ways: the characters they base off of themselves, the characters they base off of who they wish they could be, etc. But there is just something so cool about reading a story written by an author you love about an author you love.
A few of the stories really stuck out to me aside from Lu’s were Jeff Zentner and Nicola Yoon’s. They were absolutely wonderful and touching. Honestly, though? This entire book was phenomenal. Even if you are a fan of only one author in this anthology, it is worth reading. I feel like after reading this, I can read their works of art with new eyes, knowing just a bit more about authors I love and admire.
Sure, there were a few stories that didn’t completely capture my attention (I won’t name names, chum*, they just weren’t for me). As surprising as it may sound, some of the stories just weren’t paced in a way that kept my undivided attention. But overall, I absolutely think this is a book for bookworms and non-bookworms alike to pick up. As an aspiring author, I can absolutely tell you this: if you want to write as a career, this is a must read for you.
My Takeaway: Filled with incredible tales, told by some of my favorite YA authors, this anthology was a quick read that kept me intrigued almost all the way through.
**For those who don’t know, I just finished Obsidio – so I’m obviously calling everyone “chum”, and “cuz”. I have also been known recently to use the terms “dusted” and “BLISS” on more than one occasion. Blame Jay Kristoff and Amie Kauffman.**
As The Book Ends 