This Rogue Review is kind of cool for me, because it’s of a book I found at the library. My initial idea behind this whole review thing came when I lived in Chicago the first time and spent a lot of my commuting hours reading random books I would find at the library. This month’s book was the first one I checked out from the library now that I live here for real, so things have somewhat come full circle!
Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Stay with Me by Paul Griffin
Stay with Me is the story of two teenagers, Céce and Mack, and the complications of their relationship. The story is told from alternating points-of-view, so the reader gets Céce and Mack’s side of the story. The two worked together at the same restaurant, were set up through Céce’s brother, but particularly bonded over Boo, a pitbull Mack rehabbed. Mack had a rough past, though, which eventually catches up with him and results in actions that threaten his relationship with Céce.
I’ll be honest: even though I’m 21, I still really enjoy Young Adult literature. I guess part of this is due to the fact that I don’t feel like I can particularly relate to many of the characters in adult literature. While I may not be 15 anymore, I at least have some idea of what it’s like to be a teenager, whereas I have no clue what it’s like to be a burned out 35-year-old divorcee. When I went to the library, I tried to find a “grown up” book to read, but the YA section kept calling my name and I ended up with this book.
Stay with Me may not have been my favorite book ever, but that’s certainly not to say that I didn’t enjoy reading it. Mack’s talent with dogs really warmed my heart. I thought Griffin did an excellent job making this story real. The characters weren’t artifical or shallow and took me on a wild emotional ride. This book may not be what everyone my age might gravitate towards, but I still think it was a very well-written, engaging read.
I tend to believe that “Young Adult” translates to “The young at heart”. YA fiction is still often in my hands. And I’m WAAAY past 15. Read what you love.
Haha, I like that! Fortunately my library is small so the YA section is essentially included in the rest of the library, because I do feel kinda weird hanging out in separate YA sections of libraries now that I’m a college grad haha.
Totally understand that. Which is why I learned to use the head space of “I’m not in here for me, I’m in here for someone who asked me to come pick up some books. Yes, this someone is totally younger than me.” I’m pretty sure it translates onto the face.
Props help. Like a list of books you’re looking for. That way, you can even ask for help in finding them!
My library is big enough for a YA section and I have to admit, I’d feel like some sort of old lady creep going into the teen section without my list.