Romancing the Dark in the City of Light, by Ann Jacobus

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Romancing the Dark in the City of Light

Author: Ann Jacobus

ISBN:  978-1250064430

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Copyright: 2015

Reader’s Annotation:

Sometimes tall, dark, and handsome men give you more than you bargained for.

Plot Summary:

Summer is living in Paris with her mother, when she meets a mysterious stranger on the train.  Summer is desperately trying to get through her senior year and make it into college to meet the terms of her inheritance.  She continues to have random encounters with the man from the train, named Kurt, while she simultaneously grows close to a schoolmate named Moony.  The more time Summer and Kurt spend together, the more she indulges and drinking, and succumbing to her own depression, particularly once she learns the truth about her father’s death.  Summer must determine is she is so starved for attention that she lets Kurt lead her to follow her father’s footsteps.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the first elements that stands out in this book is the fact that it is set in Paris.  Sometimes, setting is inconsequential to the story, while other times the setting almost becomes another character in the story.  The latter applies to this story.  The fact that this takes place in Paris adds an air of gothic romance to the story, and really sets the tone of the writing.  A specific example of this can be seen when Summer goes into the catacombs with Kurt.  The setting is imperative to a scene such as that.

This story tackles two very important issues common among teens- substance use and depression.  While these are two very dark topics, it is imperative that young adult literature tackle them.  Often, depression and suicidal tendencies can be approached in a way that romanticizes or fetishizes them; this book does the exact opposite, in that Summer actively fights against the romantic view of suicide when she ultimately rejects Kurt.

Jacobus deftly develops Summer as a character.  While Summer is not the type of character that a reader easily likes or roots for, she is one that I feel so many teens will find believable.  Despite Summer’s position of wealth, and the presumed glamour of living abroad, many teens will be able to relate to Summer because she is written so honestly, with all her flaws exposed.

This story comes across as dark, and intense, due to its setting and the issues it tackles.  However, it is imperative that these dark issues are covered in teen literature, and with the way Jacobus has written the story, specifically the character of Summer, this book can give teens hope they they too can face down their own problems.

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Originally from Texas, Ann Jacobus has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a BA from Dartmouth College. She learned to tap dance at age six and sang off-key in musicals as a teen. She volunteers weekly at San Francisco Suicide Prevention, loves Tex-Mex, and believes the world runs on stories.

Genre(s): 
Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion about the impact of mental health issues on teens, and some of the signs to watch for.

A discussion about various resources available in your specific community for teens to get support for mental health and substance abuse issues.

          

Reading Level:

Not available

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, mild teen sexuality, teen substance use, and discussions of depression and suicide.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

Issues of mental health and teen substance abuse are some of the scariest things a teen can face, and can lead to a teen feeling very isolated.  Sometimes teens will not seek out help from adults at first, they will seek out fantasy.  By including fiction materials that touch upon such heavy issues, teens will see themselves represented.  This tells teens that they have a safe space at the library, regardless of what demons plague them.  I chose to include this book in the hopes that it will speak to at least one teen, and open the door for them to discuss their issues with a trusting adult, perhaps even a librarian.