In Darkness vs The Thing About Luck

While one can describe In Darkness as raw and vibrant in its description of people, violence, and bleak circumstances.  In Darkness is also a rich and complex story with shifting tales and settings.  Colored heavily by the worldview of the main character, it lends itself to a rich discussion of choices and how they are shaped by worldview or life circumstances.  However, it is its very complexity, the deepness of the subject matter, and the graphic description of both the violence and gore that makes it a poor choice as a YA novel.  I believe the novel is far too intricate to be readable for the majority of young readers.  

The Thing About Luck, however, is a story that is both readable and engaging.  While the plot is not strong and contains little action, the story is a charming, character-driven, authenticate account of a family living through poverty and illness. It is told from the perspective of a young woman who is undergoing a period of learning and change.  While the story is not epic, it is relatable, and far better suited for a Young Audience.  

While neither novel was a personal favorite, I choose The Thing About Luck as the better novel for this round.