Never Too Old For Y.A. & N.A. Books discussion

This one sounds quite interesting and I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks.

I'm excited about reading this one too after reading this review a few weeks ago. Sounds intriguing and a little different ...
http://theyoungfolks.com/review/book-...

I absolutely cannot wait to read this one! I'm going through Ness-book withdrawal :)

Belkis wrote: "This one sounds quite interesting and I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks."

Ugghhh...everything I have wanted to read/listen to lately I have had to put on hold. it does sound very interesting Belkis.

David wrote: "I absolutely cannot wait to read this one! I'm going through Ness-book withdrawal :)"

Oh me to David. I love Ness.

Katie wrote: "I'm excited about reading this one too after reading this review a few weeks ago. Sounds intriguing and a little different ...
http://theyoungfolks.com/review/book-......"

Yes it does Katie. Let us know how you are liking it.

I just finished it. I loved it (though not as much as Chaos Walking trilogy).

I thought Patrick's choice to focus on the 'ordinary' teens instead of the 'Chosen Ones' really interesting. Though I wish he would release a novella with the story of the Indie kids (the chosen ones). Those brief glimpses into their world at the beginning of each chapter had me hooked.

He cleverly pokes fun at the clichés we usually see in YA books like weird names (which automatically makes you one of the chosen ones), insta-love (which only happens in the indie kids story) and completely clueless adults who don't believe the teens (despite having lived through zombie and vampire infestations themselves).

I'll wait until more of you to finish it before I post all of my thoughts because I don't want to accidently post spoilers.

I've read quite a few reviews complaining that the book has no storyline and they were bored.

I agree that it may have been a little slow but otherwise I couldn't disagree more about this very unique story. It's about so much!
Family, friendship, relationships, mental illness, eating disorders, alcoholism, OCD, anxiety, self worth, sexuality (LGBTQ)

A very gentle and beautifully crafted story, with well developed and fabulous characters that totally hits the heart.
It was a reading experience that definitely made me look at myself.

Ghah...I want this book. I'm still on hold at the library.

Tracy wrote: "Ghah...I want this book. I'm still on hold at the library."

Me tooooooo!

Lynn wrote: "I've read quite a few reviews complaining that the book has no storyline and they were bored.

I agree that it may have been a little slow but otherwise I couldn't disagree more about this very un..."



I completely agree.

I started listening to this book today, I am Hour 15 minutes into it. Pretty good so far. I had never heard of this book before I saw it was the BOTM on here.

I'm number two on the waiting list at the library!

David wrote: "I'm number two on the waiting list at the library!"

Ugghh David! Me to and they have 21 days to keep it!

LOL! I know, and because I'm going for the digital copy, some people don't "return" the book from their device when they finish so I have to wait until the last day :( *stomps impatiently*

I just finished reading it and I absolutely loved it! I loved all Patrick Ness his books!

I finally got mine from the library and am so glad it was chosen as a book of the month. I adored it! I can see where people who are accustomed to supernatural YA might be disappointed since Mikey isn't that type of hero, but I thought it was fabulous! It was the book that celebrated the rest of us who aren't fighting vampires, werewolves, angels, etc.

I agree that the book was about so much. The fact that they were regular in a world where only certain teens were fighting supernatural forces, and adults claimed they didn't know what really happened, made their own real-world problems somehow even more meaningful. Their lives went on despite their lack of knowledge about or control over potentially life-threatening events.

This was my first book by Ness, and it was fabulous.

Lara wrote: "I finally got mine from the library and am so glad it was chosen as a book of the month. I adored it! I can see where people who are accustomed to supernatural YA might be disappointed since Mikey ..."

You have to read more of his books! He's my favourite author. You should try the chaos walking trilogy.

Does anyone else wish he had written a novella following the Chosen Ones story? I know that he deliberately focused the story on the "ordinary kids" but those little snippets at the beginning of each chapter had me wanting to know more.

I am a little more than 1/2 way and it is better than I was expecting. (view spoiler)[ I really want to know what the mother saw when she was a teen. She started saying something but then shut down. Spill the beans senator! (hide spoiler)]

I.want.this.book. I'm getting mad at my library.

LOL Tracy! Me too!!!!

I liked the book, not my favorite read this year but still pretty good.
I like the concept of focusing on the average not the "hero"

Right David? I don't understand. I just want one little book and they can't accommodate. I don't get it.

Brandy wrote: "I liked the book, not my favorite read this year but still pretty good.
I like the concept of focusing on the average not the "hero""

Have you read any of his other books Brandy? I LOVE Chaos Walking. I read the whole series back to back.

I've read Chaos Walking (Best dystopian ever!), A Monster Calls (absolute perfection) and More Than This (okay), so I'm super-excited for my next Ness read! Still two people in front of me at the library.

Whoo whoo, I'm down to one person ahead of me.

Tracy wrote: "Brandy wrote: "I liked the book, not my favorite read this year but still pretty good.
I like the concept of focusing on the average not the "hero""

Have you read any of his other books Brandy? I..."

I have not read any of his other stuff. Everyone seems to be raving about Chaos Walking, maybe I will check it out.

Ness is a very unique story teller Brandy. You won't be sorry.

Tracy wrote: "Ness is a very unique story teller Brandy. You won't be sorry."

I found on audible the prequel to the series was free. should I start with that or with book 1?

I finished this book yesterday. It was cute and all but nothing spectacular. I don't get why everyone is going bananas over it lol
I do think he should release a free novella online about the indie kids. I actually started the book thinking those pieces were based on a story he had already written, since this is the first story I've read by Ness and it seems like he just throws you right in there.

Farren wrote: "I finished this book yesterday. It was cute and all but nothing spectacular. I don't get why everyone is going bananas over it lol
I do think he should release a free novella online about the indie..."

I'm glad I am not alone. I agree with you, everyone is raving about this book and Chaos Walking.

I just finished reading it and it was funny in places, but pretty slow and boring the rest of the time. Also, I thought the "normal" kids were not normal at all and actually had more problems then most people.

Heather wrote: "I just finished reading it and it was funny in places, but pretty slow and boring the rest of the time. Also, I thought the "normal" kids were not normal at all and actually had more problems then ..."

Omg yes! I was thinking how is a dude who is part god and can heal cats and sometimes people one of the normal ones?

I have 3 other books by Ness, but from what I've read this is his least intriguing and the others are better. If this was a 3 star book (for me) then I am pretty excited to read the "better" ones.

Heather wrote: "I just finished reading it and it was funny in places, but pretty slow and boring the rest of the time. Also, I thought the "normal" kids were not normal at all and actually had more problems then ..."

But I think that is part of the point. Just because Mikey isn't supernatural doesn't mean he doesn't play a very important role in people's lives. And it doesn't mean that his problems are less important.

Brandy wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Ness is a very unique story teller Brandy. You won't be sorry."

I found on audible the prequel to the series was free. should I start with that or with book 1?"

I would start with the prequel if I could get it, especially if its free Brandy but it's not necessary.

Lara wrote: "Heather wrote: "I just finished reading it and it was funny in places, but pretty slow and boring the rest of the time. Also, I thought the "normal" kids were not normal at all and actually had mor..."
No, his problems aren't less important, but he has the problems of the main character in a slice of life fiction YA novel like something Sarah Dessen would write.

Farren wrote: "Heather wrote: "I just finished reading it and it was funny in places, but pretty slow and boring the rest of the time. Also, I thought the "normal" kids were not normal at all and actually had mor..."

Ness has a very unique story telling ability. Kind of like Michael Grant who I also love.

Farren wrote: "I finished this book yesterday. It was cute and all but nothing spectacular. I don't get why everyone is going bananas over it lol
I do think he should release a free novella online about the indie..."

I haven't read this one yet Darren but I loved Chaos Walking. It's a little slow in the beginning but Ness has a way of pulling you in, at least for me he did.

I liked this book, but it isn't one of my favorites. I think that I am one of the only people that felt a little underwhelmed with this one. I really like the concept, but it didn't play out as though I thought that it would in my mind. I guess it just isn't for me. Even though I didn't like it as much as I thought I would, I still really love the premise. It is definitely not anything that I've read before and I liked that.

Vanessa wrote: "I liked this book, but it isn't one of my favorites. I think that I am one of the only people that felt a little underwhelmed with this one. I really like the concept, but it didn't play out as tho..."

You're not alone. While I really liked it, several others here have posted feeling underwhelmed by the story.

I read it last night in one sitting. So, I'd say that means I found it to be pretty good. I loved the structure - the first couple of chapters had me a bit confused, but I just love when an author keeps you guessing like that (like Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld where the chapters alternate). I also thought it was a good description of OCD - and a great way to show kids how to ask for help.

Meredith wrote: "I read it last night in one sitting. So, I'd say that means I found it to be pretty good. I loved the structure - the first couple of chapters had me a bit confused, but I just love when an author ..."

Meredith, you brought up two aspects of the book that I particularly liked. First that the OCD seemed like a very true description--the behavior is somewhat random and uncontrolled. It isn't related to his passions or anything special. I recently heard a radio interview with someone who has OCD and she talked about how so many people use the term inappropriately to describe their behavior when I think this was a realistic description.

The other thing I liked is that it had a positive view of mental health provision and medication when needed. His counseling sessions were meaningful and helpful, and his medication made a difference as well.

Lara wrote: "Meredith wrote: "I read it last night in one sitting. So, I'd say that means I found it to be pretty good. I loved the structure - the first couple of chapters had me a bit confused, but I just lov..."

Exactly! And it wasn't preachy or moralistic, it was funny, matter of fact and real.

So...I'm REALLY mad at my library. I put this book on hold in October and i still haven't gotten it.

David wrote: "LOL Tracy! Me too!!!!"

Did you ever get this one from your library David?

No, Tracy, I'm in the same position as you. I've been waiting since October and I've been near the top of the list but the last few readers have taken a long time to finish it :( Hoping to g et it soon!

Well David, i hope it's a REALLY good book.

Whoo hoo! Got this one after waiting 2 months!

Tracy wrote: "Whoo hoo! Got this one after waiting 2 months!"

LOL, well I hope you're in the love it group rather than it's boring group!