The Coming of Age Genre
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Coming of Age in Books and Films
The coming of age rite of passage is more than just becoming legally an adult. It's when you are on the brink of adulthood, and most likely full of inner turmoil and heightened emotion! You are trying to make sense of life, make sense of who you are and trying to forge a path for yourself in the world. You are officially a grown up but really don't feel like that at all sometimes.
The coming of age genre is a popular subject to write a book or create a film about, and one that appeals to all ages. If you are well past being a young adult, you probably have some pretty nostalgic memories about the "good old days", if you are still lucky enough to be a teenager - enjoy it, you are in your prime!
Image Courtesy of St. John Publishing at Wikimedia
Coming of Age Themes in Fiction
My top 5 coming of age tales
The coming of age theme in literature is one that has been written about through the centuries. These are my favourites, with the subjects ranging from terribly sad to extremely funny. Coming of age makes such a good topic because at that time you are feeling so many different emotions and will react to situations and circumstances in a very unique way.
Growing Up is Hard to Do
I really wished I had studied harder...
Coming of Age Genre in Movies
The coming of age genre in film is a popular one, ranging from ridiculously silly to surreal to poignant, there's something for everyone here!
Kevin the Teenager
A very typical British teenager! I have two brothers, and they were just like this when they were in their teens. The little horrors!
Classic Coming of Age Tales
Books that have entertained generations
These authors have all been tremendously popular through different generations, the coming of age genre is their speciality. Which did you grow up reading?
The Twilight Saga Collection by Stephenie Meyer
This stunning set, complete with all four hardcove more...0 points
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7) by J.K. Rowling
Now for the first time ever, J.K. Rowling's seven more...0 points
The Adrian Mole Diaries : The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 : The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend
Adrian Mole faces the same agonies which life sets more...0 points
Best of Blume: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret/Blubber/Iggie's House/Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself by Judy Blume
This set includes Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.; more...0 points
The Coming of Age Genre on the Web
- Midtown Conference Explores Family Travel's Coming Of Age
- Family travel is finally coming of age and becoming more inclusive. "Pets are welcome, every age is welcome, the mobility impaired are welcome, kids with special needs are welcome," says Kyle McCarthy of Family Travel Forum. According to Family Travel ...
- Best-reviewed films of Reese Witherspoon
- It's sentimental, and some viewers may feel manipulated by the melodramatic final act, but this finely drawn coming-of-age story set in 1957 Louisiana boasts an excellent cast - including Witherspoon in her film debut. Filled with lighthearted humor, ...
- Same old story gets a new twist
- Max von Sydow and Thomas Horn in Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, a coming-of-age story in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Max von Sydow, a movie star since 1949, could win his first Oscar at 82, writes Hadley Freeman.
- The Secret World of Arrietty: Little Heroes, But Big Emotions, In Another ...
- For decades now, Hayao Miyazaki and his collaborators have taken traditional coming-of-age fables and elevated them into magical meditations on topics as vast as the sacredness of the environment, the mystical charms of animals, the paramount ...
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What's your Favourite Coming of Age Story?
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Ramkitten
Aug 2, 2010 @ 11:53 am | delete
- Even as an adult, I still really like coming of age stories. To read them AND write them. I'll lensroll this to my "A Picket Fence in Pawpaw" lenses (excerpts from my own coming of age novel). It really is a great genre and never seems to lose popularity. After all, there are always new people in that demographic and those of us who've been there can always relate.
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WordCustard
May 24, 2010 @ 6:17 am | delete
- Some great recommendations here -- something for every taste. I love historic fiction/films so would add "I Capture The Castle" to the list, the captivating story of a young girl called Cassandra in 1930s Suffolk (England). Lensrolling to my review of it.
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paperfacets
Apr 19, 2010 @ 8:09 pm | delete
- I thought Igby Goes Down covered most bases young people run. I'm, glad I never got beat up, though.
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Stazjia
Mar 17, 2010 @ 5:11 pm | delete
- You've made a really striking looking lens - well done. I like your choices of books and films and I love the 'advice' in the introduction's graphic.
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Ramkitten
Mar 17, 2010 @ 4:33 pm | delete
- I've always liked coming of age stories. Which is why I wrote a coming of age novel. :) I'll lensroll this to mine about "A Picket Fence in Pawpaw." Nicely done.
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callinsky
Mar 15, 2010 @ 8:49 am | delete
- Good stuff. When I was young the taboo was the 'Free to be you and me' stuff? Do you rememember that or am I that much older than you. (O;
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prosperity66
Mar 13, 2010 @ 8:21 am | delete
- Very well crafted!
Dom.
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Mickie_G Mar 12, 2010 @ 12:25 pm | delete
- Some of the books you mention are among my favs. There a some films you talk about that I need to see. Thanks for writing this lens.
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LKW31
Mar 12, 2010 @ 3:37 pm | delete
- Thanks for your comment, much appreciated!
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by LKW31
I was actually quite a naughty teenager, but hid it very well from the grown ups! I have always loved reading and films, these are some of my favourite... more »
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