Adultolescence

Blog Contributor:  Megan Clabby

“life isn’t fair

but it’s unfair to everyone

so that’s fair i guess.”

Gabbie Hanna’s adultolescence is a reflection of childhood, teen, and young adult memories as newly official “adult” Gabbie explores the differences between teen and adulthood and comes to understanding the effects of change in growing up. Gabbie compares childhood aspirations with the reality of adulthood. Adultolescence explores the concepts of truth versus reality while seeking the solace of childlike dreams in the “real world.”

I liked this book because Gabbie’s poetry was very real. Growing up is something that not many like to admit is a scary process however through her words Gabbie spills her deepest feelings drawing the reader in with her on a more personable level. She does not sugar coat the downfalls of growing up but instead exposes them for what they really are. Gabbie has a sharp and witty sense of humor that she expresses in many of her poems. Her use of sarcasm and irony is very clever in supporting one of her central messages that the main difference between a child and an adult are contradicting (pretty ironic) concepts.

Gabbie Hanna is a successful youtube star, not a professional writer. I personally think this fact made her poetry even more relatable and raw. Knowing that everyone is going through this process brings readers together and rejects the societal idea that growing up is an unspoken process that needs to be done alone. When in fact, it is scary and confusing. I would definitely recommend this book to teens and young adults who all experience the exciting and scary feelings of becoming an “official” adult.

Heretics Anonymous

Contributed by:  Megan Clabby

Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry follows the story of a sixteen year old boy named Michael who is forced to attend a Catholic school after his father’s new job uproots him, his sister Sophia, and his mother to yet another new house in another new neighborhood with another new school. Only this time the school he is set to attend is none other than St. Claire’s Preparatory School, a Catholic school. This is a problem for Michael because he is an atheist. He has been a nonbeliever for as long as he can remember and not just in religion but anything that offered another opposing, more plausible explanation such as Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. Michael’s one goal is to find someone like him, to find a friend that can help him survive the school year. On the first day he befriends Lucy, who challenges the teacher on a basic religious principle taught by the school. Michael believes she is the same as him although quickly realizes she believes heavily in God and Religion as a whole. However, after learning more about Lucy and meeting her three friends he finds out that they all hold and value beliefs not necessarily accepted within St. Claire’s High and the Catholic Church- Heretic values. Lucy, for example, wants to become a priest. These heretic beliefs unite the five friends as Michael is offered membership into the “Heretics Anonymous” club formed by Lucy and her friends. The club’s agenda, originally designed to be a support group for its members and their varying beliefs, comes into question when Michael suggests HA goes public at St. Claire’s. But, how does one anonymous group voice radical ideas intended to change life at St. Claire’s and beyond- the Catholic church? And, how far are they willing to go for change?

Filled with humor, and charm, Heretics Anonymous explores the concepts of feminist theology, progression, rebelion, and power along with the painfully real struggle of finding, understanding, and coming to terms with the meaning of faith. Any and all can relate to Michael’s story as he comes to understand this new world and discovers things about himself along the way. Heretics Anonymous addresses prominent themes that are shared with our world today. Themes such as defiance, revolution, and change. Katy Henry emphasizes the relatable struggle of being a revolutionary minded young adult in today’s pre-revolutionary world. Heretics Anonymous explores the frustration of understanding one’s ever changing identity in a world that is constantly defining you, while entertaining the radical ideas of harnessing change.

I adored this book. Michael is a very relatable character with lots of wit and charm. He is very funny, and offers humorous commentary throughout the novel. The themes and characters are thoughtfully crafted while still allowing the reader to make their own decisions regarding “right” and “wrong,” and even exploring that gray areas in between. Much praise (pun intended!) for Heretics Anonymous. 

  

Rate: 5/5 stars :)