Genre: YA Copyright: 2009
US Release Date: 18th Feb 2011
Pages: 313
Book Source: ARC courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers
Ava has a secret. She is tired of her ultracool attitude, ultra-radical politics, and ultrablack clothing. She's ready to try something new—she's even ready to be someone new. Someone who fits in, someone with a gorgeous boyfriend, someone who wears pink.
Transferring to Billy Hughes School for Academic Excellence is the perfect chance to try on a new identity. But just in case things don't work out, Ava is hiding her new interests from her parents, and especially from her old girlfriend.
Review:
Pink is a coming of age story with a difference. It's not cliched, sweet or fluffy, but a fresh, honest and realistic portrayal of a teenager trying to find herself, to fit in while remaining true to herself. Ava doesn't always manage to stay true to herself but I think that's half the enjoyment of the book ... the realness of it.
A declared lesbian with a anti-establishment girlfriend, and quirky, liberal parents, Ava is determined to give herself a fresh start as she questions her personal and sexual identity. A progressive new school and a new look accompany her search for self. I liked the fact that Ava doesn't know what she wants and Pink reinforces the fact that it's ok not to know.
That feeling of being a part of something. Something wild and beautiful and a tiny bit wrong.
It made me cry even harder, because I knew it wouldn't last. This belonging feeling. Tomorrow morning I'd wake up and go to school and pretend to be a Pastel with Alexis and Ethan, and then I'd come home and pretend to be a lesbian with Chloe.
Lili Wilkinson's writing flows smoothly, the characters are fun (especially the misfits in Stage Crew) and the story is told with a good dose of humour. Pink was a quick read, quite different from any YA I've read previously and if I had to sum it up with just one word, I'd say ... Unique. I'll definitely be looking out for more from Lili Wilkinson and the fact that she's an Aussie author is a bonus!
Visit Lili Wilkinson online at http://www.liliwilkinson.com/ or on twitter.
Oh ~ I SO AGREE with this review. Isn't it just a FABULOUS and different coming of age? I really loved the stage crew ~ just HILARIOUS and so teenagery!
ReplyDeleteSometing different than all the other coming of age stories out there? I need to get this. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great! Might have to read this one.
ReplyDeleteSince I love covers so much I'd love to read this one, and it sounds good too _D
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the sounds of this one...not enough great GLBT books out there!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, totally recommend Pink so let me know if you do get your hands on a copy. I'd love to know if you enjoyed it as much as I did.
ReplyDelete@Nomes, totally with you. Will pop in to check out your review!
Sounds like a good read and interesting story. Thanks Teddy :)
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