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The Best Thing
Mel's life is chaotic. At school her ex-friends have ganged up on her, at home her parents have lost touch with her and each other. Pug is the only good thing - loving him, in his untidy room scented and shadowed by frangipani, she finds passionate fulfillment. But his world is so different from hers - can they possibly make it together? And can she let him in on her overwhelming secret? Learning to accept herself and him and the new life growing inside her is painful - but being Mel, she gives it everything she's got.
181 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 1997
3 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Margo Lanagan
109 books627 followersMargo Lanagan, born in Waratah, New South Wales, is an Australian writer of short stories and young adult fiction.
Many of her books, including YA fiction, were only published in Australia. Recently, several of her books have attracted worldwide attention. Her short story collection Black Juice won two World Fantasy Awards. It was published in Australia by Allen & Unwin and the United Kingdom by Gollancz in 2004, and in North America by HarperCollins in 2005. It includes the much-anthologized short story "Singing My Sister Down".
Her short story collection White Time, originally published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in 2000, was published in North America by HarperCollins in August 2006, after the success of Black Juice.
Many of her books, including YA fiction, were only published in Australia. Recently, several of her books have attracted worldwide attention. Her short story collection Black Juice won two World Fantasy Awards. It was published in Australia by Allen & Unwin and the United Kingdom by Gollancz in 2004, and in North America by HarperCollins in 2005. It includes the much-anthologized short story "Singing My Sister Down".
Her short story collection White Time, originally published in Australia by Allen & Unwin in 2000, was published in North America by HarperCollins in August 2006, after the success of Black Juice.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 14, 2012
Am in love with it.
Lanagan's writing makes me cough-laugh (humor as dry and delicious to encounter as cat fur) and inhale-groan with envy (You want scenes or characters that stun or entertain you, that's a dime a dozen. You want stunning language and emotion conveyed indirectly but spot-on, go for Margo Lanagan).
How have I lived so long without fangirling Lanagan?! When this was published, I was nine, but that's no excuse.
I read a huge chunk of YA in the market, and I haven't encountered writing like this. Lanagan makes your breath catch, and not just because of her breathtaking male lead (lesson learned: male leads doesn't always have to be smart, like I've gotten used to in contemporary YA's). Heh. Other writers do this introspective style--it's a staple for the market--but more often than not they're boring exposition/soliloquy and kill-able and even redundant. But Lanagan writes indispensable darlings of paragraphs.
Amazement instead of angst. Fascination instead of fear (at least at first, hehe, before she browses the birth books). Melanie's reaction to being pregnant at sixteen.
It's so heartening. Never mind that the protag is a teen. Is there an age prerequisite to applaud life? And to applaud it in the middle of your parents divorcing, after you walked in on your father doing the dirty with your mom's best friend?
Melanie's mom is such a brick, not at all the parents you often see in other YA's, who are the indirect causes of their kids' miseries because they're too steeped in their own miseries to care. It's her and Melanie's attitude that earned this book my 'feminist' shelf. But mostly Melanie's mum. Melanie IS seventeen. She has growing up to do. Her mother and her 'Pug' assures us she'll be on the right track.
tags: bullying, pregnancy
Lanagan's writing makes me cough-laugh (humor as dry and delicious to encounter as cat fur) and inhale-groan with envy (You want scenes or characters that stun or entertain you, that's a dime a dozen. You want stunning language and emotion conveyed indirectly but spot-on, go for Margo Lanagan).
How have I lived so long without fangirling Lanagan?! When this was published, I was nine, but that's no excuse.
I read a huge chunk of YA in the market, and I haven't encountered writing like this. Lanagan makes your breath catch, and not just because of her breathtaking male lead (lesson learned: male leads doesn't always have to be smart, like I've gotten used to in contemporary YA's). Heh. Other writers do this introspective style--it's a staple for the market--but more often than not they're boring exposition/soliloquy and kill-able and even redundant. But Lanagan writes indispensable darlings of paragraphs.
It’s just so hard to believe! How can we all have come into the world like this and just be so cool we never talk about it? Why aren’t we all awestruck, all the time, at this unbelievable thing that happens when we start? How can everyone just carry on like normal? How come I never knew about it before this? I mean, everybody knows, but why doesn’t anyone acknowledge? Why does all this birth stuff happen in books, behind doors, behind screens of medico-speak? Shouldn’t we all stand around amazed, applauding?
Amazement instead of angst. Fascination instead of fear (at least at first, hehe, before she browses the birth books). Melanie's reaction to being pregnant at sixteen.
It's so heartening. Never mind that the protag is a teen. Is there an age prerequisite to applaud life? And to applaud it in the middle of your parents divorcing, after you walked in on your father doing the dirty with your mom's best friend?
Melanie's mom is such a brick, not at all the parents you often see in other YA's, who are the indirect causes of their kids' miseries because they're too steeped in their own miseries to care. It's her and Melanie's attitude that earned this book my 'feminist' shelf. But mostly Melanie's mum. Melanie IS seventeen. She has growing up to do. Her mother and her 'Pug' assures us she'll be on the right track.
tags: bullying, pregnancy
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January 17, 2012Mel is not having a good year at school. Her friends have turned on her, and her boyfriend one day stopped talking to her, became her ex over night and hasn’t spoken to her in weeks. But she does have Pug.
I don’t think I am going to say very much in this review. But just in case you don’t read any further can I just say quickly that I really really really loved this book.
This is one of those books that might be labelled “domestic fiction”, because it is about those small everyday things that happen in life. And Lanagan writes it so well that you’ll be wondering why more books aren’t like this. Highlighting the small things in life because they really are the most important things.
Mel is such a great character. At times I just wanted to shake her because she was being so silly. And yet, it made sense in her convoluted way of thinking. Nothing she said or did ever made me think a real person wouldn’t do/say that. It all seemed so real.
And I loved her relationship with her parents. Not that it was perfect, or even functional at all time, it was just so realistic and believable. And that is what I want in my books, real characters who mess up, who make mistakes, and who are sometimes, just plain stupid in their actions.
I could maybe argue that Mel should have been a bit more worried about money, and her future. I know I was thinking about that as I read the book. What was she going to do if she dropped out of high school. Was she going to get a job? But that was never really brought up, which is understandable in one way. And she is still a kid in many many ways.
And then there is Pug. He was just wonderful. He’s the nice guy who never seems to get to play the love interest in books/films any more. He was solid and dependable and just nice and lovely. And you could so see why Mel fell in love with him. I mean, in comparison to the likes of Edward in the Twilight series, well, there is no comparison. Edward is a stalker, and I really don’t understand why Bella falls in love with him. But Pug… ah, just read the book. You’ll find him adorable, I almost guarantee it!
Okay, I’ve never wanted kids. Never had any interest in becoming a mother. So when I tell you that reading this at one point I actually thought, hmmm having a baby sounds pretty cool will tell you just how well written this book is. Not that I thought that for long, I mean, nope. Still not interested :) But it is a perfect illustration of what good fiction does, it gives you an alternate viewpoint from your own.
I don’t think I am going to say very much in this review. But just in case you don’t read any further can I just say quickly that I really really really loved this book.
This is one of those books that might be labelled “domestic fiction”, because it is about those small everyday things that happen in life. And Lanagan writes it so well that you’ll be wondering why more books aren’t like this. Highlighting the small things in life because they really are the most important things.
Mel is such a great character. At times I just wanted to shake her because she was being so silly. And yet, it made sense in her convoluted way of thinking. Nothing she said or did ever made me think a real person wouldn’t do/say that. It all seemed so real.
And I loved her relationship with her parents. Not that it was perfect, or even functional at all time, it was just so realistic and believable. And that is what I want in my books, real characters who mess up, who make mistakes, and who are sometimes, just plain stupid in their actions.
I could maybe argue that Mel should have been a bit more worried about money, and her future. I know I was thinking about that as I read the book. What was she going to do if she dropped out of high school. Was she going to get a job? But that was never really brought up, which is understandable in one way. And she is still a kid in many many ways.
And then there is Pug. He was just wonderful. He’s the nice guy who never seems to get to play the love interest in books/films any more. He was solid and dependable and just nice and lovely. And you could so see why Mel fell in love with him. I mean, in comparison to the likes of Edward in the Twilight series, well, there is no comparison. Edward is a stalker, and I really don’t understand why Bella falls in love with him. But Pug… ah, just read the book. You’ll find him adorable, I almost guarantee it!
Okay, I’ve never wanted kids. Never had any interest in becoming a mother. So when I tell you that reading this at one point I actually thought, hmmm having a baby sounds pretty cool will tell you just how well written this book is. Not that I thought that for long, I mean, nope. Still not interested :) But it is a perfect illustration of what good fiction does, it gives you an alternate viewpoint from your own.
maybe
September 11, 2013Is there a US edition? Because I need more of this woman's fabulous writing...
November 27, 2017
Young Adult Fiction as a genre seems really to have come into itself in the past ten years or so. I don’t remember there being much YAF (or at least not much of quality) around when I was in the right age bracket, however I do remember reading The Best Thing multiple times between the ages of twelve and fifteen. It was one of those books that I always trawled the library shelves for, that was just as good (if not better) the second and third and fourth time around.
This is the beautifully portrayed story of 17-year-old Mel, who, after going through a horribly rough patch in her senior year finds herself in a relationship with – and pregnant to – high school dropout, unemployed boxer and not-quite-Einstein Pug. With her family life, school and hormones in turmoil, she struggles to carve a path forward for herself, her baby and the boy she loves.
Re-reading this book as an adult was like catching up with an old friend: I found myself gradually remembering all the plot turns, and was constantly flooded by waves of nostalgia as I turned the old familiar pages. It was just as good as I remembered, and as an adult I can more fully appreciate the wisdom and profundity which are wrapped up in the book’s seemingly simple narrative. I loved Mel’s humanness and flaws and her journey of adjustment to live a life that didn’t work out quite the way she had planned. The passion and awkward tenderness between the couple perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to be a teenager in love. But probably my favourite part of the book is the wonderfully stolid, affectionate and inexplicitly desirable Pug, who turns relationship stereotypes on their heads and reminds us that nice guys can be heroes too. He’s right up there with Mr Darcy and Jamie Fraser in my books.
All in all, this was a fantastic read. The author manages to take a snapchat of quite ordinary teenage experience and weave it into a beautiful and reflective fable about life’s best “things”.
This is the beautifully portrayed story of 17-year-old Mel, who, after going through a horribly rough patch in her senior year finds herself in a relationship with – and pregnant to – high school dropout, unemployed boxer and not-quite-Einstein Pug. With her family life, school and hormones in turmoil, she struggles to carve a path forward for herself, her baby and the boy she loves.
Re-reading this book as an adult was like catching up with an old friend: I found myself gradually remembering all the plot turns, and was constantly flooded by waves of nostalgia as I turned the old familiar pages. It was just as good as I remembered, and as an adult I can more fully appreciate the wisdom and profundity which are wrapped up in the book’s seemingly simple narrative. I loved Mel’s humanness and flaws and her journey of adjustment to live a life that didn’t work out quite the way she had planned. The passion and awkward tenderness between the couple perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to be a teenager in love. But probably my favourite part of the book is the wonderfully stolid, affectionate and inexplicitly desirable Pug, who turns relationship stereotypes on their heads and reminds us that nice guys can be heroes too. He’s right up there with Mr Darcy and Jamie Fraser in my books.
All in all, this was a fantastic read. The author manages to take a snapchat of quite ordinary teenage experience and weave it into a beautiful and reflective fable about life’s best “things”.
August 5, 2023
I liked how realistic the conversations and interaction between the characters were, as I read I felt like I was living it, like: ‘oh, that's something I would say’. Even the relationship between the parents, the parts with the dad, even if they weren't the kind of TV comedy relationship that you see, their interactions were pretty realistic (Reflecting myself much?)
I really liked Mel as the protagonist, the way she responded, the way she thought. I don't usually see characters like her, I'm always afraid that the main character is obnoxious, but this time I felt the genuine humanity of a teenager and I enjoyed her narration.
I liked Pug a lot, you don't see a lot of male characters like that, not now, not before and it's like a fresh wind kind of thing. Cute 90s himbo.
I enjoyed this a lot, It was the kind of book that I couldn't stop reading and my mind was making a whole movie meanwhile. This is the kind of YA books I like.
I really liked Mel as the protagonist, the way she responded, the way she thought. I don't usually see characters like her, I'm always afraid that the main character is obnoxious, but this time I felt the genuine humanity of a teenager and I enjoyed her narration.
I liked Pug a lot, you don't see a lot of male characters like that, not now, not before and it's like a fresh wind kind of thing. Cute 90s himbo.
I enjoyed this a lot, It was the kind of book that I couldn't stop reading and my mind was making a whole movie meanwhile. This is the kind of YA books I like.
May 16, 2019
Disappointing...
I adore her short stories and her facility with language.
I found this story - bland
I adore her short stories and her facility with language.
I found this story - bland
June 13, 2012
I was hesitant on this one. I loved Margo Lanagan from her more fantasy-based novels (Tender Morsels, etc). But I worried that a story about a more pedestrian topic might not work in her hand, that I might be let down. I needn't have worried. Instead this story, about a pregnant teenager, *soared* to amazing in Lanagan's voice. I have a friend I send good quotes to, from books I'm in the middle of, to say, "Hey look, this one is seriously good!" and I lost track of how many times I almost sent her quotes, and then stopped, because I needed to keep reading.
This whole, "Loved the author in one genre, lost them in another," thing happened for me with Melina Marchetta. Finnikin of the Rock I adored. Her other novels, like Saving Francesca? Meh. In fact I was so let down by her other books I couldn't enjoy the Finnikin sequel. So you see, when I heard Margo Lanagan had written a book about teen pregnancy, my first thought was, "Oh man, I can't have that be terrible and then ruin Lanagan for me." I just love her books too much. I honestly had this for weeks before I touched it, even though Tender Morsels and Rollrock left me wanting more more more.
This whole, "Loved the author in one genre, lost them in another," thing happened for me with Melina Marchetta. Finnikin of the Rock I adored. Her other novels, like Saving Francesca? Meh. In fact I was so let down by her other books I couldn't enjoy the Finnikin sequel. So you see, when I heard Margo Lanagan had written a book about teen pregnancy, my first thought was, "Oh man, I can't have that be terrible and then ruin Lanagan for me." I just love her books too much. I honestly had this for weeks before I touched it, even though Tender Morsels and Rollrock left me wanting more more more.
October 26, 2016
This is a sweet little story. I really enjoyed a lot of things about it. For one thing, it has a very visceral, real description of pregnancy and the first few months with a baby. The characters are all endearing in their own ways, and I was engrossed enough to both laugh & cry along with them. I have a few issues with it, like the places where suddenly the narrator was addressing "you" instead of "he" or "she" - there was no explanation and it seemed more like an editing error than a stylistic choice.
If you pick this up because you liked the magical realism of Lanagan's other books like Tender Morsels or The Brides of Rollrock Island you might be disappointed, though - this one is set entirely in the real world, although it still has the gorgeous descriptions of her other books.
If you pick this up because you liked the magical realism of Lanagan's other books like Tender Morsels or The Brides of Rollrock Island you might be disappointed, though - this one is set entirely in the real world, although it still has the gorgeous descriptions of her other books.
November 30, 2012
I wonder, how many times do I have to write 'bullshit' (pardon my French) in order for this to be long enough to count as a review? Seriously, dear Margo Lanagan, I'm terribly disappointed. My acquaintance with Ms. Lanagan got off on the right foot with 'The Brides of Rollrock Island' - a novel, which I enjoyed immensely .... and from there it went downhill. First, there was 'Black Juice' and I can forgo that, I've always had problems with short story books as there is always a story or two that I cannot stand, but now this? One could tell that she is a skilled writer (hence the +1 star in the rating), but honestly the story was horrible and so simplistic I felt sick at times. It had 'extremely dumb teen drama' written all over it, I couldn't care less about it.
Oh, and while I'm at it, thank you Stephenie Meyers for forever ruining the name Bella!
I'm giving Margo Lanagan one last chance with 'Tender Morsels' and it better be good!
Oh, and while I'm at it, thank you Stephenie Meyers for forever ruining the name Bella!
I'm giving Margo Lanagan one last chance with 'Tender Morsels' and it better be good!
August 27, 2013
This book starts out a bit slow but then draws you in. It's a teen pregnancy YA novel, a pretty well-used genre, but the story is unique enough to hold its own. The plot does not suffer from being fairly simple. I found myself really interested in the characters and wrapped up in the language. The review on the blurb says that Lanagan uses words like they're freshly minted; I agree wholeheartedly. Much like teenagers do, suitably enough.
The Best Thing was published in the 90s and Lanagan has written much more since. I look forward to finding more of her work.
The Best Thing was published in the 90s and Lanagan has written much more since. I look forward to finding more of her work.
November 1, 2013
I found this a little slow to begin with, and wasn't sure about it. By the end I was totally in love with this author. This is the first book by Lanagan that I have read, and will be searching her out for more.
Her ability to capture the everyday and make it riveting, engaging and so true to life is astounding. The last few chapters of this completely echoed my own experience of being a first time mum, I felt that the author had been inside my brain.
Brilliant writing, a great book for young adults and adults alike.
Her ability to capture the everyday and make it riveting, engaging and so true to life is astounding. The last few chapters of this completely echoed my own experience of being a first time mum, I felt that the author had been inside my brain.
Brilliant writing, a great book for young adults and adults alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
This is a beautifully written book about teenage pregnancy and childbirth. Although I found the first part rather slow, "The Best Thing" improved dramatically after this. Mel is a nice protagonist with a moving voice, but my favourite character is Pug, Mel's boyfriend. He is so loving, dependable and supportive, that I think it would be impossible for female readers not to fall in love with him. This book is one of those gentle, lovely reads that remains with you long after the last page, and makes you appreciate the wonder and mystery of human procreation.
April 9, 2009
I know people who dislike this book on the grounds that it seems to glamorise teenage motherhood. I personally disagree - I found it a beautiful and very grounded story, which admittedly shys away from the traditional attitude that 'getting pregnant as a teenage girl is the worst thing that could happen to you' in favour of a more humanistic approach. It's not all sunshine and puppys, but it's not the end of anyone's world, either.
June 8, 2011
Teen pregnancy
School bullying
School bullying
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