Jesse Andrews and Patrick Ness

This May, hear from two heavyweights of young adult fiction – in Melbourne and Kyneton.

American writer Jesse Andrews is best known as the author (and scriptwriter) of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, a touching, funny YA sensation turned award-winning film – and his debut. He’s since written The Haters – and now, Munmun. A dystopian fantasy, it’s provocative and funny, with a generous helping of class drama and social politics stirred through.

American-turned-Briton Patrick Ness is beloved by readers worldwide – particularly for his YA books, including the Chaos Walking trilogy and A Monster Calls. The latter, conceived by Siobhan Dowd before her death, and completed by Ness, was released as a major film in 2016; like Andrews, Ness was enlisted to write the screenplay. His latest book, Release, deals with the tenderness of coming-of-age – and coming out – in a conservative religious family, interwoven with an otherworldly search for truth and revenge.

Both writers have grappled with how to translate dark, important themes into addictively readable books – and how to adapt their work for the big screen. They’ll chat with host C.S. Pacat about what it means to be generous towards your readers, and the power of unseen forces that shape our world. 

Readings will be our booksellers for this event.