[In this new series (idea copped from High Fidelity), our contributors put together a "top 5" list of books on a theme of their choosing. Read other entries in Top 5 Books here, and catch up on other fun series like this on our Special Features page.]
Top 5 Books for Bonding with Your 13 Year Old Daughter
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5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Show that you can bend. Start with the dystopian action adventure she’s been obsessing over for the last year. Sure, a book about teens battling to the death while a rapt nation watches on TV seems morbid, but there is a sweet little romance that lifts things up, and finally you’ll find something you can agree on: Peeta is way too good for Katniss.
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4. Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi
Now that you’ve proven your “cool” credentials, slide her a copy of this semi-autobiographical graphic novel about a girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution. Bonus points: You will demonstrate that you actually know what a graphic novel is; She will realize there are worse injustices than having to clean her room.
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3. Maximum Ride, by James Patterson
This one is hard because it is sort of lame and all proceeds benefit the writing industrial complex known as James Patterson. (No one can write that much!) But young teens really like this story about mutant flying children who battle their evil scientist creators. You’ll get through it. IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU, AFTER ALL!
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2. The Once and Future King, by T.H. White
Like a certain other wizard-loving book series, this classic novel about King Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table starts out silly but gets increasingly dark, and here’s something else you’ll agree on: Arthur is way too good for Guinevere.
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1. Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry
It’s a western, and that may be a hard sell, but emphasize that there is lots of violence. That will help. Then show her the actual tome. It’s like twelve pounds. That should seal the deal. She’ll either see reading it as an opportunity to shame you (because, of course, she will read it way faster than you) or she’ll see the book itself as a potential weapon in the epic Sibling War raging in your home. Either way, it’s a great read for you, and you did have to read Maximum Ride. You deserve some reward.
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I admit I’ve only read the last two, although “Persepolis” is on my list. My excuse: I don’t have kids, so I don’t have to read them all! Ha!
I think T.H. White was kind of a sexist, though I give him a break because of the time and life he lived. The book is a classic for many reasons, even if Guinevere is a pill.
The Hunger Games sounds a little like the Japanese Manga and movie Battle Royale. I have not read Persepolis but have sen some of the panels from the graphic novel where she listens to Iron Maiden.
The movie Battle Royale is awesome.
Seconded, I love that movie
Petrea: Having recently re-read White, I have to agree. All the women come off very poorly, but it good to know it still holds up with the younger crowd.
Great list. I loved reading the Hunger Ganes series (3 books) with my teen. And I am looking forward to the movie coming out.
Oh, thank the goddesses! I don’t have a thirteen year old daughter. I’ll pass the list along to my daughter who is 37, because her daughter is closing in on the teen mark.
Fabulous!
Steve, Olga, and Des: Thanks for the comments. Glad you dropped by.
Ok, some of us are feeling pretty lucky we’re not joining the 13-year old daughter book club. But I’ll bite on the Larry McMurtry. I love Lovin Molly.
Times have changed. Besides the bible, my mother pushed “Gone with the Wind” as a coming of age story.
excellent
There aren’t any 13 year olds in my house, but I could get into “Persepolis” and “Lonesome Dove.”
Battle Royale? I don’t know that movie. Can my teen watch it too?
It’s fairly violent/bloody, but in an over the top silly way rather than a serious one. You should probably check out part of it yourself first.
Unlike everyone else, I’ve only read Persepolis, but I highly recommend it. Sarcastic humour in the middle of tyranny–yup, good reading for teens and anyone else. I’ve been meaning to get to Hunger Games. Good picks, Margaret!
I agree, Persepolis is great. Didn’t like part 2 quite so much though.
Wow. I was barely able to put this book down for a second after the first few pages got me completely hooked. Normally it takes a week to read a book, but now I read this in 24 hours. Suzanne Collins here has an immediacy to it that, when combined with the very dramatic life-or-death plot, is incredibly compelling. It’s entertaining, and incredibly disturbing all at once. They say great art leaves you changed after you experience it… and this book definitely did that. Suzanne Collins has, with one amazing work, propelled herself onto my top shelf.
Have a nice day,
Molly
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I’ve been to this blog a few months ago and decided to get me a copy of Persepolis after reading a few good comments here and on other blogs.
I must say I was impressed by this book and it’s only fair that this book is in the top 5
I want to thank you for taking the time and effort to write this post. Good work.
Regards,
Josephine