I don’t know if you have the same problem as I do, but finding good reading material for teens over the summer can be a challenge. In fact, just getting teens to read at all can be difficult.
I was recently sent a copy of the “Birthday Suit” written by Tyler Durman. I decided to preview the book before handing it off to one of my teens. Well it didn’t take long before I was laughing out loud.
He takes the long lost art of storytelling and brings it alive again. It is comprised of nine short stories that take you on an adventure of his life. Interspersed with the humor are lessons in redemption and hope.
My 13 year-old son’s favorite short story was “Naked.” The title itself is probably what captivated his attention. But I tend to think he could relate to the story of what it felt like to be a young teen, trying to discover your place in the world.
After several missteps, the now 22-year-old man in the story found himself sitting in a psychologist’s office. He would discover that as a result of having severe OCD, he would best be suited as a forest ranger.
The story continues on to share some of the struggles he would have and how eventually he ends up living in Hawaii and decides that in order to keep visitors away (due to his anxiety), he will walk around nude 24/7. Eventually he comes to terms with the fact that he has become a recluse and makes a promise that one day he will openly share his struggles with others. Inside his chest hope begins to rise up.
Another story that was enjoyed by all of my teens was “Running.” I think my children could relate to the feeling of thinking you are going to get in really big trouble for doing something wrong.
I won’t spoil the story on what the young boy did but just when he expects the worse possible punishment his father says, “Before you tell me what happened today, I want you to know that I love you no matter what you do. Nothing you’ve ever done, or will ever do, could change how much I love you.”
As a mom, I could certainly relate to this. My children have been dispensed the same type of grace again and again. Hopefully they were able to recognize that in this story.
This is a great teen summer read. You can purchase this book from Amazon for the price of $14.95 or the Kindle edition at $9.99.
Related Articles:
An Instant Hit with My Tween: Big Nate
Zombie Hunting Gone Real World
Book Review: No Biking in the House without a Helmet
Learning the Real Rules of Life