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A review by katysanderlin
Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock
Some readers, regardless of their political affiliation, might feel uncomfortable reading some of these essays. Many of these famous and noteworthy YA authors do not hesitate to let their readers know how they identify politically. That being said, there are some very moving and thought-provoking essays in this book. Two essays in particular that have stayed with me since I’ve finished reading this book are Libba Bray’s “Before and After” and I. W. Gregario’s “Caution: This Hope is NSFW (But It Shouldn’t Be)”.
In "Before and After", Libba Bray shares her experience of losing her eye and severely damaging her face in a car accident in the summer before her freshman year of college. It’s honest and relatable, and she offers a refreshing (non-platitudinal) view of “hope” that I think readers can actually latch onto.
I.W. Gregorio’s “NSFW” essay is a much-needed, de-stigmatized discussion of something that the very thought of makes everyone squirm: our bodies. Gregorio writes about her experience as a body-hating teenager (wherein she felt the need to hide her body) and how she became a urologist - a career that specializes in some of the most intimate and “embarrassing” bodily functions imaginable. She discusses how her view of the human body has completely changed, and she speaks with a wisdom that I think every young adult (and myself!) can find humor and comfort in.
I also appreciate the audiobook recording of this anthology wherein a full cast of readers perform the different essays.
In "Before and After", Libba Bray shares her experience of losing her eye and severely damaging her face in a car accident in the summer before her freshman year of college. It’s honest and relatable, and she offers a refreshing (non-platitudinal) view of “hope” that I think readers can actually latch onto.
I.W. Gregorio’s “NSFW” essay is a much-needed, de-stigmatized discussion of something that the very thought of makes everyone squirm: our bodies. Gregorio writes about her experience as a body-hating teenager (wherein she felt the need to hide her body) and how she became a urologist - a career that specializes in some of the most intimate and “embarrassing” bodily functions imaginable. She discusses how her view of the human body has completely changed, and she speaks with a wisdom that I think every young adult (and myself!) can find humor and comfort in.
I also appreciate the audiobook recording of this anthology wherein a full cast of readers perform the different essays.