Kathleen Lehigh LIS 518 Literature Project April 29, 2016

GOTHIC YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE

Gothic Young Adult Literature can find its roots in some very old books. They include Dracula, Frankenstein, and Jane Eyre. The best definition for Gothic Literature is

actually from the online dictionary, Merriam-Webster (n.d. Retrieved 25, April 2016). The definition alludes to a

writing style that specifically describes events and places that are frightening, strange and mysterious. Goodreads

(Gothic, (n.d.)) focuses on a similar style, but that it is more of a romance in nature and is most likely the preluding

writing style for mystery and horror genres. The population that normally gravitates toward this genre,

especially in the Young Adult area, are mostly females. There are some wise males who read this genre, but in

general you will denote it is a female population that reads this the most.

GOTHIC STYLE LITERATURE?

Black, H. (2014). The coldest girl in Coldtown. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

A wonderful current day take on vampirism and what our society would do if there was an outbreak. The story focuses on a few main characters, but allows the most

growth to one human girl and one male vampire. The style is written in modern vernacular and several of the climactic

scenes definitely make you realize how much Holly Black can make you sit on the edge of your chair! This book, if considering a female population of readers, would be for

those 14 and above.

THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN

Bray, L. (2010). A great and terrible beauty. New York: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers.

This is the first in a trilogy based in the Victorian time period of England. At first Libba Bray makes you feel like

you are reading a period piece as nothing out of the ordinary occurs, besides Gemma Doyle’s mother’s untimely

death. Libba then takes you on a roller coaster as the character returns to England to attend a boarding school since her father and brother do not feel adept at dealing

with her at the tender period of reaching womanhood. That is when the sparks start to fly. Subterfuge, new and

frightening worlds and creatures, and myriad of other issues definitely allows Ms. Bray to have her way with your

imagination. Just remember, the journey has not ended!

A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY

 Bray, L. (2005). Rebel angels. New York: Random House.

This is the Second of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. The story introduces new nuances to the worlds and the characters created by Ms. Bray. Her storytelling in the second book makes you definitely feel that you are participating in the excitement. Again, this is only another step in the journey

that Gemma Doyle must make.

REBEL ANGELS

Bray, L. (2007). The sweet far thing. New York: Delacorte Press.

This is the third of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. This is the book that clenches Ms. Bray’s storytelling capabilities. Gemma Doyle is not only finding out about her family’s

past, but trying to figure out who she is and what she has to do to save not only herself and her new friends, but

perhaps also the world.

THE SWEET FAR THING

Bronte, C. (1924). Jane Eyre. Edinburgh: J. Grant.

An annotated bibliography on Jane Eyre, almost seems sacrilegious, but it shall be attempted! Jane Eyre seems to be introduced to the young adult population between 12

and 14 years of age. One way or another, some literature teacher will assign it for a book report or for a class

reading/presentation. At first the size of the book seems daunting to this tender-aged population. Once the reader

gets the hang of the writing style and vernacular of the time period, they are normally hooked on the premise of the poor young Jane working with the children since she has no

one else, and no where else to go. The surprises and frights that come with this story are a true right of passage

for readers of the Gothic genre!

JANE EYRE

Clare, C., & Rosamilia, M. (2010). Clockwork angel. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

After reading the Mortal Instruments series that Ms. Clare wrote prior to this series, many readers may be doubtful in

trusting their imaginations to this writer again, because after originally promising it to be a trilogy, it seemed to

never end after the 5th book. This series, while it follows the main theory of Shadow Hunters, seems to be breath of

fresh air as it follow very true to the flow and ebb of a world of mystical and magical creatures and worlds. This

was well written for an audience of 13 and above, and definitely increases a reader’s craving for the Gothic novel.

CLOCKWORK ANGEL

Creagh, K. (2011). Nevermore. New York: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.

 This is a standard storyline of the popular girl getting stuck

with the “goth” boy at school for a project, and mahem ensues. The characters were crisp and clean in their

defining roles. The story seems like any teen fiction, but does take a turn to the dark side, and oh what ride it is!

The first book in a trilogy that does end with a cliff hanger. And no, that is not a spoiler! Any book that is first or

second in a trilogy ALWAYS ends in a cliff hanger! The Edgar Allen Poe angle is a definite drawing point for many

readers.

NEVERMORE

Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Pub.

 As always, Neil Gaiman manages to scare the snot out of his readers with this seemingly non-chalant, slight ghost story. Based in somewhat current day England, a certain young boy, referred to as Bod (short for nobody), is raised by a village of ghosts in a graveyard. As the reader builds

the bits and pieces of history and story around each character, the trepidation increases. How can one find fault

with this wonderful running story from Mr. Gaiman!

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

Garcia, K. and Stohl, M. (2010). Beautiful Creatures. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

This is southern Gothic at its best. Even the movie was phenomenal, though it did not follow the storyline of the

book. The book started with its main character being a sad boy who had lost his mother, and felt like he had also lost his father. The way that the second character enveloped

the main character so slowly into the plot, it almost seemed to be by accident. As we all know, there are no accidents in

Gothic literature!

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

Griffin, Bethany. (2013). Masque of the red death. New York: Greenwillow Books.

As with many Gothic and steampunk type novels, this story begins and draws its breath from a post-apocalyptic plague that ruins the modern world and wipes out the population.

As many do throughout history, when the world is crumbling, party til you drop! The main character, Araby, learns what is wrong and what is right with the world as

she makes two new friends who are more than they seem. The supernatural nature of anything related to Poe

definitely gives this story an extra kick.

MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH

Hodge, R. (2015). Cruel beauty. New York: Balzer + Bray.

Strong heroine, bad times for a kingdom with a tyrannous ruler, and a betrothal of the heroine to said tyrannous

ruler! A little bit of fright, some magic, some martial arts training, and a main character who believes there is no way but her way and you’ve got a pretty good Gothic plot. Many

will notice that partway through the book the main character’s hormones are a definite weakness! The writing

style and swashbuckling nature of the characters are a wonderful treat, while reaching out to readers that adore

such Gothic types of adventures.

CRUEL BEAUTY

Pope, E. M., & Cuffari, R. (1974). The perilous gard. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

An historical classic, that many have never seen or heard before. Written before The Lord of the Rings, but definitely a frightening concept of good versus evil and all that fairies can bring from below. One of the first books that focused

on a strong female character combatting supernatural villains. At least one of the first that this reviewer ever

read! Written with clear focus of intent, but still surprising until the last page.

THE PERILOUS GARD

Reger, R., Gruner, J., & Parker, B. (2010). Emily the Strange No. 1: Lost Days. New York: Harper & Collins.

A thirteen year old girl wakes up and doesn’t know who she is. This character is beloved by many because of her

spunky attitude and take-no-prisoners persona. This book has scares, and laughs, twists and plots that will leave the

reader feeling awesome after completing it.

EMILY THE STRANGE NO.1: LOST DAYS

Taylor, L. (2012). Daughter of Smoke and Bone. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

A blue haired artist from Prague has a few skeletons in her closet. Karou doesn’t question who, what or why from her family until she is confronted by some unusual events and

people. The plot continually thickens and scares the reader into reading more. Karou will learn that she is more than blue hair and artistic talent, but will she learn too much

about herself and her family? 

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

Venters, J., & Venters, P. (2009). Gothic charm school: An essential guide for goths and those who love them. New

York: Harper.

This should be listed first as a “must-read” for anyone wanting to become Goth. Life is not just black lipstick, black velvet and a sullen look. This book, while truly

fiction, is a funny look at how literature has personified the “Goth” young adult.

GOTHIC CHARM SCHOOL: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR GOTHS AND

THOSE WHO LOVE THEM

I could have added Twilight, due to the vampire content (even the sparkly kind). It

truly could classify as Gothic, but I just don’t think it’s right. The only other

argument to include it would be that it could possibly encourage Twilight Fans to

read other things….

COMMENTS

Gothic. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.goodreads.com/genres/gothic

(n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gothic

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

THANK YOU!!!