Road Trip Wednesday: Best Supporting Actor Goes To…
It’s Road Trip Wednesday time again at YA Highway, and this week’s question really made me think: What supporting character from a YA book would you most like to see star in their own novel? Since I’ve only been reading YA for a relatively short time (really only since I started writing The Novel), I’ve not read nearly as much YA as I want to or need to, so my scope of reference is quite limited. Someone from the Harry Potter novels would be an easy choice since J. K. Rowling put so much time and care into every character named in the books (my oldest daughter is one of the million that got early entry into Pottermore, and has seen some of the character back-stories there). Who wouldn’t want to read a novel starring Ron, Hermione, Luna, Hagrid, or even Draco? So, I’m taking a bit of a risk with my choice, and going with David, one of the Smokies from the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. Why is this a risk? Because I’ve so far only read the first two novels in the series, and as yet I don’t know what happens to him in Specials. Anyway, I think his story would make an interesting novel in itself, how his parents escaped, his life being raised outside the city, and so on. So, there’s my choice. And if you’ve read the whole series, no spoilers please! Just smile knowingly and move on. š
I haven’t read the Uglies series yet, but I’ve been interested in doing so. It sounds like David is pretty interesting if you’d want to read an entire novel dedicated to him. I might have to go ahead and add this series to my TBR pile.
In the context of the series, David’s story could make a good novel. It’s hard to say why without giving away too much plot, but I think those that have read it understand. Let’s just say, his family are essentially on the run, and he’s grown up on the outside which would make him not only physically different from many kids his own age, but also psychologically different. He sees the world differently. Enough said. I hope you get to read it soon. š
It’s been a while since I read that series, but I do remember adoring David. And I never got around to Extras, because I thought it wasn’t necessarily a sequel, but I kind of want to read it now just to go back into that world. Good pick š
I have Extras, and I’m wondering exactly what it could be about. I’ve tried not to read much about it in case it gives away too much of the plot of the other three. I guess I’ll find out! Thanks for commenting, Crystal!
Extras, for me, was one of those situations where it was different enough at first that I was a little resistant, but then extended the story in a really cool way and was good enough to stand up on its own. But I really need to re-read that whole series. It’s so hard to keep all the good YA in my head at one time!
A prequel of David would be cool!
Yes, it would. Is there a reason there couldn’t be a post-Specials/Extras story for David? Do you know something I don’t know?? Don’t tell me! Spoilers! š
I haven’t read that series yet, but it’s on my TBR list. And, yeah, most characters in HP could handle their own story. I’d especially like to see one of Ron, Snape, Neville and Voldemort.
As I said, I think that’s the fruit of spending a long time developing characters before the first word of the novel is written. Each person in Potter lived inside Rowling’s head and had distinct characteristics and personality. No wonder so many of them could have their own books! I still think Lupin’s would be an interesting story. Thanks for the comment, Tracey!
Ooh, I haven’t read THE UGLIES, but I’m always intrigued when I see the books in the store… I might just have to snag one next time! (And I’m totally on board with ANY Harry Potter side character staring in his or her own book!)
The premise intrigued me, so I took the plunge and bought the four-novel set hoping I didn’t hate Uglies. I read the first few pages on Amazon, so I knew the writing was solid, but you never know how stories are going to turn after that promising start. Thankfully, Uglies was as good as I hoped, and I’m enjoying the series. Yeah, go on… snag a copy. You’ll not regret it. š
I’ve had Uglies on my to-read list for a long time, but I’ve been trying to cut down on my book buying and it was never available at the library. I finally gave in and bought my own copy last week, so I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the series so far. I’ll have to keep my eye on David too.
I think I’ve seen maybe one copy of Uglies in our local library. Though it’s not like I live in a major metropolis. Still! Yes… keep an eye on David. š
You’re right. His story would make an awesome one.