Thursday, June 2, 2011

Allyson Condie Appreciation Day


It would be creepy if someone as old as me liked YA literature, right? Of course right. That's common knowledge. (wink, wink, nod, nod)

Matched by Ally Condie is YA, and I loved it. This book is well-written, fast-paced and lyrical. It had me at Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight. The Dylan Thomas favorite figures prominently in the plot of Condie's dystopian story. I crave dark, passionate poems. They call to me as sirens would a sailor. I wasn't disappointed with the Thomas tie-in. His masterpiece fit into the plot, calling the characters to rebellion. I admire any writer who can do that.

Another plus! The next installment comes out in the fall. I have all summer to anticipate Crossed (Matched #2.)

My philosophical post script . . .
To quote Dylan Thomas:

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

This poem challenges us to resist death. In all its forms. The death of body, soul, dreams, love. It urges us to fight the good fight, and never surrender. What a beautiful sentiment. So perfect for struggling writers.

Do not go gentle into that good night, my friends. Be bold. Think up something new, and write it down. Fall back into love with a troubled manuscript . . . even if you and your muse aren't speaking and rejections are camping out on your front step.

Keep reading, creating, and revising. You'll make your own light as you do.






9 comments:

  1. This is wonderful. I read this and loved it. You are not too old to read YA. Puh-lez. I can't wait for the next one. This is a great message especially for a writer. Thanks.

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  2. I'm ancient and love YA too. I don't wanna grow up! :O)

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  3. I'm another ancient who loves YA novels, and we have quite a few excellent YA authors in Northern Colorado. The advice you give here is right on.

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  4. Make your own light. Perfect words, my dear. Lovely, heartening post.

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  5. Roxy!!! You can never ever ever be creepy!!!! And old is in the mind!! Always!!! Yay for this fab book!! Take care
    x

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  6. That poem is one of my all time favorites. Now I'm intrigued by a YA that would make use of it. Your mini review has me wanting to read the book. I think one is never too old to read a YA. Never too old to read an MG. Any book that's well-written is worth reading.

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  7. Hmmm. Sounds interesting. However, being a high school teacher I get exposed to quite enough YA fiction already without having to look for it!

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  8. I liked this book. And the beginning sets up the dystopian world so well with so few words. From the hype, I was expecting more. But it was still an enjoyable read, and I think I'll buy the next one.

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  9. It's not creepy at all. :)

    I liked Matched and I might read Crossed.

    Have a great weekend.

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