Compare and Contrast

I wrote a more general post about literary quality. But then I realized I had specific comments to make about the two novels I read for my YA lit class: Rot and Ruin and Please Ignore Vera Dietz.

On one hand, the Rot and Ruin is a fairly conventional example of dystopian YA. It isn't an innovative novel in terms of structure or plot; it moves predictably and linearly from point A to point B. On the other hand, the narrative voice is strong, the pacing is tight, and the plot - while not extraordinary - is engaging  and layered enough to keep the reader interested. The arc of the character development isn't surprising, but it is satisfying and the characters are well-developed and three-dimensional. In particular, the book's antagonist, while initially depicted as little more than a thug, is fleshed out as the story progresses. While readers are not invited to sympathize with him, they can understand his point of view - and maybe even be reminded of times when they have made similar rationalizations.

In contrast, Please Ignore Vera Dietz (a Printz Honor Book) is unconventionally structured, with a unique compilation of narrative voices.  Yet, I think an argument could be made that the structure (and the multiple voices) is a gimmick that functions to "dress up" an otherwise pedestrian story about a boy from an abusive home and the girl who loved him. More importantly, I think that while Vera and her father are fully-realized, three-dimensional characters, Charlie remains an enigma (perhaps deliberately) throughout the novel, and Jenny is presented as nothing more than a one-dimensional "evil girl."

As between the two, I'm not convinced Please Ignore Vera Dietz is the worthier book. As my classmate, Will, points out in his blog, " I often find myself remembering parts of some of the best books I've read, or the best songs I've heard as I go through my day, and I think it helps me make sense of all the craziness out there." I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment. And while I have mulled over Rot and Ruin repeatedly since I read it, I haven't thought about Please Ignore Vera Dietz outside of my classwork.