THINGS CHANGE LISTS

 

Springsteen songs mentioned in Things Change

  • “Adam Raised a Cain” – an angry song about the theme of the sins of the father passed down to the son, which certainly is the tragedy of Paul’s story.
  • “Backstreets” This plays in the background of Paul and Johanna’s break-up scene.  It is about the loss of innocence, unfaithfulness, and heartbreak.
  • "Badlands" - Bruce at his most hopeful; this is the person that Paul wants to be and Johanna wants to be with.
  • Born in the USA CD - As Johanna assumes more of Paul’s identity and loses her own, this is the CD she listens to, probably “I’m on Fire” was her favorite song.
  • “Born to Run” – Paul’s personal theme song; the images and obsessions of Springsteen are shared by Paul. 
  • “If I Should Fall Behind” – not only is it Paul and Johanna’s “song” but the theme rips at Johanna.   She’s in love with Paul and wants to be there for him, but at the same time, knows she can’t stay in an unhealthy relationship.   
  • “My Hometown” – written about Freehold, New Jersey, it certainly could apply to my hometown of Flint, Michigan.  I also like the father / son circular story.
  • "She's the One" - Used near the end of the book for the sake of pure irony.
  • “Something in the Night” – Paul quotes this after he breaks up with Johanna; it is from the Darkness on the Edge of Town album, and is Bruce at his most relentless.
  • “Thunder Road” – The book is really a riff on “what if” the male character in the song "Thunder Road" was like Paul, who used his skills to harm as well as charm.

 

 

YA Novels and Nonfiction about dating violence

 

Eight other great YA novels about intense teen relationships

Web Resources about dating violence

  • Break the Cycle An organization and website whose mission is to end dating violence by working proactively with youth. Site offers information about domestic violence, statistics, warning signs of abuse, legal options, safety planning, and information on how and where to get help.
  • Dating Violence Happens: Information from a Portland, OR shelter
  • Fact Page on Teen Dating Violence from The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center.
  • Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt American Psychological Association website on teen dating violence
  • Teen Dating Violence - It Does Happen, web site from Cool Nurse.com
  • Teen Relationships : Helpful advice on recognizing and handling abuse in relationships.
  • What's Your Dating Violence IQ:  some statements that a lot of people believe. What are they – FACT or fiction?
  •  When Love Hurts. A guide for girls on love, respect and abuse in relationships

 

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