

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously – and at great risk – documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.
At the heart of this book, Author Sepetys is telling about imprisonment, about the human condition…about the will to survive. And I believe the reason she chose to tell the story from a teen’s point of view is the same reason many YA authors do: because teen emotions are beautiful and virginal and raw.
Sometimes, YA books are written for teens. To the point where adults may have trouble enjoying them the way a teen might. But other times, in cases like BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, books are written using a teen lead because it makes sense for the story. This is why readers should never shy away from YA. Because there are stories on those shelves you can’t find anywhere else. Because the characters experience life in fresh, exhilarating ways.
And because YA is where it’s at, baby.
Thanks for writing this article Victoria! I actually read this book a few weeks ago and thought it was brilliant. Must read for any teen.
I LOVE this book! Great rec!
I've said this exact thing to many of my friends who don't read YA. YA is for everyone! 🙂
One of my favorite books. Great call!
Wonderful review! I have this book now and I can't wait to read it. Even your review gave me goosebumps, so I should prepare myself for an emotional reading session.