When S.E. Hinton published her 1967 coming-of-age novel, The Outsiders, she was 18 years old. Hinton began writing the book at 15 and completed the work while in high school. At the time of publication, the story stirred significant controversy for its portrayal of gang violence, underage drinking, and profanity. The Outsiders continues to be a frequently challenged book today, but in many U.S. schools, it is required reading.
Part of this classic novel’s enduring appeal is that it portrays teens as showing more maturity and insight than most adults believe they have. The Outsiders helped shape today’s sophisticated young adult fiction genre. If you are an older adult who enjoys reading coming-of-age stories, you have lots of company! Readers of all ages love to explore the common threads of youth. So sit back, relax, and enjoy an armchair journey to a time of endless possibility. Click on the links to download these titles on the library’s website.
The Last Picture Show - It’s tough to resist Larry McMurtry’s quirky characters as they stumble into adulthood. His 1966 semi-autobiographical novel about two friends growing up in 1950s Texas is a raucous, heartbreaking ride. Download the e-audiobook narrated by actor John Randolph Jones for a first-rate armchair journey to small-town America. The Last Picture Show was adapted into an award winning film in 1971, directed by Peter Bogdanovich.
The Book Thief - Growing up in Nazi Germany, Liesel Meminger is a lonely girl starved for literature and learning. She steals what she cannot resist, especially books. With the help of her kind-hearted foster father, Liesel learns to read. She shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish refugee hidden in her basement. Touching and poignant, Marcus Zusak’s 2006 story of the redemptive power of books is an inspirational journey perfect for armchair contemplation. This award-winning novel was adapted into a 2013 film by the same name and features a musical score by Oscar-winning composer John Williams.
The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas’s 2017 debut novel features 16-year-old Starr Carter, an African American student who witnesses a police shooting that kills her childhood friend Kahlil. The powerful, compelling story follows Starr as she navigates two worlds— the predominantly white, affluent high school she attends by day and the poor neighborhood where she lives. After a grand jury fails to indict the white police officer for the killing, Starr is swept up in public controversy and racial tensions. Thomas’s award-winning novel is full of memorable supporting characters who will stay with readers long after the book has ended. This New York Times bestseller was adapted into a 2018 film by the same name.
