I’ve decided to tackle the list in alphabetical order, so my first novel will be The Adventures of Augie March. I’m pretty excited for this book, because I think it’s a coming of age story (or a bildungsroman if you’d like). Coming of age stories are my absolute favourites. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m “coming of age” myself, or if it’s because I find younger characters more compelling than their adult counterparts. Younger protagonists usually possess all the wit of an adult protagonist, but without the cynicism and “worldliness”. Even when a teenage protagonist seems like a skeptic, underneath it they have a charming naivete.
I find it interesting to see an adult writer take on the mindset of a child/teenager, especially if they do a good job of it. An example of this would be in The Catcher in the Rye (One of my all time favourites!). J.D. Salinger completely brought Holden to life. After reading that book I didn’t just want to know Holden, I wanted to be best friends with Holden! Holden, however, probably wouldn’t want to be friends with me- but that’s beside the point! The point is, Salinger obviously “got” kids. He remembered what it was like; the insecurities, the loneliness.
Another great example of an adult writer who obviously remembers her adolescent years is Curtis Sittenfeld (the author of Prep and The Man of My Dreams). Think Holden Caulfield, but modern and female. LOVE IT.
I’ve actually heard The Adventures of Augie March compared to The Catcher in the Rye, so that adds to my excitement! I didn’t want to look up any information or summaries on it (I’m trying to avoid spoilers on this challenge!), so the comparison to the Catcher in the Rye is basically all the info I have. I still have to check out the library and find this book, so hopefully I’ll be able to start tomorrow.
Some of My Favourite Coming of Age Stories (Thus far!):
The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger
Prep- Curtis Sittenfield
A Complicated Kindness- Miriam Toews
To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
She’s Come Undone- Wally Lamb
Kit’s Law- Donna Morrissey
The Girl with the Pearl Earring- Tracy Chevalier
Great Expectations- Charles Dickens
Lullabies for Little Criminals- Heather O’Neill
Child of My Heart- Alice McDermott
There are more of course, but those are the best ones I can think of at the moment! Does anyone else have any they would like to share? I wonder if I’ll want to add The Adventures of Augie March to this list when I’m done…
