'One Small Thing' By Erin Watt Is The YA Book Every Adult Needs To Read
“One Small Thing” by Erin Watt: A Must-Read YA Book for Every Adult
Erin Watt’s “One Small Thing” is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking young adult novel that delves into the intricacies of grief, love, and forgiveness. The author has crafted a story that not only captures the essence of adolescence but also resonates with people of all ages.
Erin Watt is a pseudonym for the writing duo, Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy. They are the authors of the highly acclaimed Secrets and Lies series. However, with “One Small Thing,” they have ventured into a different territory, exploring the complexities of life, death, and healing.
Main Themes and Ideas Presented in the Book
The central theme of “One Small Thing” is the power of forgiveness, both of oneself and others. The book follows the story of sixteen-year-old Beth, who is struggling to come to terms with her sister’s tragic death. Beth’s family is torn apart, and she is left feeling lost and alone.
As a result of her sister’s death, Beth is overprotected by her parents, who try to keep her away from anything that could cause further pain. However, when Beth meets Ryan, a boy who has a complicated past and is unpopular at school, she finds herself drawn to him.
Through their friendship, Beth begins to see Ryan in a different light, and she starts to realize that there is more to him than what meets the eye. Ryan, on the other hand, finds solace in Beth and her family, who accept him without judgment.
While the story is primarily a romance novel, it is much more than that. It deals with intense themes such as bereavement, guilt, and regret. The book explores the journey of grief and how it affects individuals differently. It highlights the importance of communication, understanding, and forgiveness in overcoming difficult times.
Critical Evaluation of the Writing Style and How Effectively the Author Conveyed Their Message
Erin Watt’s writing style is crisp, precise, and evocative. She has a way of weaving words together that captures the reader’s attention and takes them on a journey of emotions. The book is well-paced, and the plot is organized, making it easy to follow.
One of the strengths of the book is how effectively the author conveys the message of grief and healing. The characters are multi-dimensional, and their struggles are genuine and relatable. The book showcases the importance of empathy and how it can facilitate the healing process.
The author also does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of adolescent relationships. The romance between Beth and Ryan is sweet and heartfelt, but it also highlights the challenges that young people face in today’s society. The book deals with issues like bullying, peer pressure, and the stigma of mental illness, all of which are prevalent among teenagers.
The Book’s Strengths and Weaknesses and How it Compares to Other Works in its Genre
One of the biggest strengths of “One Small Thing” is its ability to address difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. The book is not afraid to delve into the dark aspects of life, but it also balances it out with hope and optimism.
The book’s characters are well-developed, and the relationships between them are authentic. The romance is not overwhelming and does not overshadow the central theme of the book. Instead, it complements it, making the story more captivating.
One of the book’s weaknesses, however, is that some of the secondary characters are under-developed. They do not have a significant impact on the story, making their presence somewhat inconsequential.
Compared to other works in its genre, “One Small Thing” stands out because of its depth and complexity. The book deals with issues that are not often addressed in YA novels, making it a refreshing read for adults as well as young adults.
Overall Impression of the Book and Whether You Would Recommend it to Others
“One Small Thing” is a captivating and poignant book that will leave you thinking long after you finish reading it. The book is an excellent exploration of the complexities and nuances of human relationships and how they affect the way we cope with loss and grief.
The book’s central message of forgiveness is one that we can all use in our lives. The book encourages us to let go of the things that are holding us back and embrace the present with open arms.
I would highly recommend “One Small Thing” to anyone who is looking for a well-written and thought-provoking book. The book is an incredible journey, and the characters will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
FAQ
Who is the book for?
The book is primarily for young adults, but it will resonate with people of all ages. It deals with issues that are both complex and universal and will leave you thinking long after you finish reading it.
Is the book a romance novel?
The book has elements of romance, but it is not a typical romance novel. The book deals with intense themes such as death, grief, and forgiveness, making it a more complex and nuanced read.
Is “One Small Thing” a self-help book?
No, “One Small Thing” is not a self-help book. However, it does offer many valuable insights into the human psyche and how we cope with difficult times. The book encourages us to let go of the past and embrace the present with open arms.
Are there any trigger warnings?
The book deals with themes of death, grief, and mental illness. There are also references to bullying and suicidal ideation, which may be triggering for some readers.
