From my English major days: compare and contrast four teenage themed works of fiction. Grown Lee will just comment on each; ain’t nobody got time for blue book essays.

My Friends The one I anticipated the most and my least favorite of the four. The narrator’s tone had a sharp edge that was off-putting to me and it felt heavy-handed with the lessons we’re to take from the story. Themes of creativity, abuse, foster care system, escaping one’s past. 3 stars.

Dear Edward This is the most “coming of age” story as we meet Edward when he’s 11/12 years old. This survivor story is heartbreaking and heart-mending. Themes of family, loss, rebirth. 4.0 stars

Mad Honey Great book club read/discussion of a teenage love story with a treasure trove of details on beekeeping. Themes of abuse, identity. 4.5 stars

The Mighty Red Unlikely teenage love story with parental issues on full display. I can’t stop thinking about the characters, plot, and noticing how many less birds there are. Themes of land stewardship, mother-daughter relationship, financial hardship, secret guilt. 5 stars