Why is the manic pixie dreamgirl such a mainstay in youth adult literature, and what does that say about our attitudes on mental health and young women?
Will we ever shake the manic pixie dream girl?
Tag: YA
Book review: Ramona Blue, by Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy’s Ramona Blue was criticized for its handling of bisexuality—I explore complicated tropes and narratives Murphy wrestled with in her latest.
Book review: Wintersong, S. Jae-Jones
S. Jae-Jones’ Wintersong is a layered, fascinating Labyrinth retelling that balances a deep aesthetic of sensuality against a naive, self-sacrificing main character.
Book review: A Million Junes, Emily Henry
A Million Junes is a fantastical, richly imagined novel that delves into the bitterness that can last generations and destroy lives.
Book review: This Savage Song, Victoria Schwab
Victoria Schwab’s This Savage Song is a bit draggy at times, but is a generally pretty fun story with thoughtful worldbuilding and a few nice surprises.
Book review: The Lie Tree, Frances Hardinge
Frances Hardinge’s The Lie Tree is a fantastically dark, twisted, and thoughtful novel about the inevitable consequences of secrets and lies.
Book review: Still Life with Tornado, A. S. King
Still Life with Tornado aims at ambitious storytelling, and it doesn’t quite get there.
Book review: Sacrifice, by Cindy Pon
Cindy Pon’s Sacrifice integrates elements of embracing the monstrous with Chinese folklore and culture, in an excellent followup to Serpentine.
Book review: Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer
Aaron Starmer’s Spontaneous is a super fun, silly, grossout read. If you like explosive love stories, you’ll need this book in your life.
Book review: Three Dark Crowns, by Kendare Blake
Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Crowns would be almost perfect, if it weren’t for the painfully obvious attempt at setting up for a sequel.