Teen Reads Interview- Elaina

Welcome to Teen Reads, a podcast that asks: What book should all teens read this year? Season one, Prose and Cons, is where teens go to bat for the books they love and love to hate. Brought to you by the North Vancouver City Library, this podcast features interviews with North Shore teens about the book they think all teens should read in 2025. Read along with our teens and vote to see which book comes out on top!

Elaina Munro, Grade 9, Sutherland Secondary: 

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Q: How do you fit reading into your schedule?

A: I tend to read at night when everything has quieted down and I have nothing else to do.

Q: What's your ideal reading environment?

A: A cozy corner in my room, or a café.

Q: What is your favourite genre and why? 

A: It would definitely be fantasy. I love the wild and wacky settings and characters that fantasy books have, and how I feel like I'm in a different world when reading them.

Q: How do you get out of a reading slump? 

A: Honestly, I find it really hard. I usually try to find a new book that lots of people have recommended to me and that I know I will like. Just finishing that book gets me out of my reading slump.

Q: Where do you go for reliable/trusted book recommendations?

A: I always go to my friends. They have the best recommendations for me since we all love similar types of books.

Q: If you could meet any author, who would it be and why?

A: I think I would meet with Marissa Meyer. There are so many authors that I would love to talk to and rant with, but I think Marissa is my favourite author. Her series are amazing and I would just have so many questions for her.

Q: What is your current read?

A: I'm currently reading "Fearless" by Lauren Roberts, "These Broken Hearts" by Amie Kaufman, and "Once Upon A Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber.

Q: What books on your TBR (To be read list) are you most excited to read?

A: Oooh, I have so many. If I had to choose it would be: "A Court of Thorns and Roses", "Anatomy: A Love Story", and "Six of Crows".

Q: Do you read one book at a time or do you have multiple books on the go? 

A: How could someone only read one at a time?!?

Q: What is your favourite book adaptation to film or TV? Why? 

A: My favourite book adaptation to a movie would have to be "The Hunger Games". I think it's very well done, and it captures the characters, environments, and the emotions of the original book so well.

Q: How did you choose your Teen Reads 2025 book? Why should other teens read the book?

A: I always loved the book "Heartless", and I fell in love with its wacky and confusing world and characters. I think that other teens should read this book because there was never a moment I wanted to put it down, it was a roller coaster of emotions, and it was written so well that I was attached to all of the characters and their worlds.

Q: Share a quote from your Teen Reads 2025 choice

A: My favourite quote in the book "Heartless" is the quote "Murderer, martyr, monarch, mad." This quote is near the end of the book, and left me with such a haunting impression.

Book synopsis: In this prequel to Alice in Wonderland, Cath would rather open a bakery and marry for love than accept a proposal from the King of Hearts, especially after meeting the handsome and mysterious court jester.