In the world of young adult literature, the concept of a “happy ever after” remains a staple for romance narratives. However, as Jennifer Dugan, author of ‘Some Girls Do,’ reflects, the path to bliss can be considerably more complex for adolescent couples compared to their adult counterparts. While some young people do manage to maintain their relationships after high school, many face the reality that their sweethearts may become part of their past.
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Dugan’s insights emerge from her experience writing for young adults, a demographic marked by intense growth and change. The transition from high school to adulthood can lead to unforeseen challenges that test even the strongest of relationships. Her characters, like Ruby and Morgan from ‘Some Girls Do,’ encapsulate the dichotomy of young love that flourishes yet often stumbles when facing the uncertainties of the future.
With high school graduations looming, Dugan found herself contemplating what might come next for Ruby and Morgan after they secured their happy ending. As her own son prepared for college, she recognised the emotional upheaval inherent in such transitions, both for students and their families. Transporting these sentiments into her narrative, Dugan grappled with how to faithfully develop her characters’ stories beyond the initial tale.
In ‘Some Girls Do,’ Ruby and Morgan experience a joy reflective of young love, yet their lives are set on diverging paths following graduation. Morgan is poised to pursue athletics and academia at a university far from home, while Ruby is eager to embark on her journey into automotive mechanics at a local community college. The impending changes raised significant questions: Could their relationship withstand the distance? Would the effort they invested in each other crumble under the weight of new beginnings?
The prospect of exploring these uncertainties was daunting for Dugan, who had committed to granting her characters a gratifying conclusion. Yet, driven by the desire to deepen their narrative, she decided to expand on their story by penning a sequel titled ‘Girls Like Us.’ This new work melds the joy and anxiety of young adulthood, confronting the reality that each character faces in their respective new environments.
For Ruby, the sequel unfolds as she claims her place as a standout in her automotive programme. Her narrative arc introduces new friendships and experiences that empower her to fully embrace her authentic self. In contrast, Morgan finds herself navigating the intricacies of university life, becoming a small fish in a vast ocean filled with new challenges. This role reversal creates an intriguing dynamic between the two girls, and Dugan relishes the opportunity to explore these contrasting experiences.
Dugan’s aspiration with ‘Girls Like Us’ is for readers to identify with the characters’ evolving journeys, much like they resonated with Ruby and Morgan in their original story. By illustrating the girls’ courage to expand their horizons and face new adventures together, Dugan hopes to provide a sense of comfort and joy during times of uncertainty—an experience many young adults will inevitably endure.
As Dugan reflects on her own son returning home for the summer from his college in another part of the country, she draws parallels between the personal and the fictional. She observes the warmth and laughter that fills her home, yet acknowledges that much like Ruby and Morgan, her son is also eager to return to his new life.
In navigating the prospects of future relationships, education and independence, both Dugan’s characters and her son exemplify the idea that the future, while daunting, can also be filled with promise.
‘Girls Like Us’ is currently available in bookstores nationwide, ready to offer readers a deeper look into the lives of Ruby and Morgan as they continue to grow. As Dugan moves forward in sharing their story, she invites her audience to reflect on their own experiences and the unpredictability of young love. In this evolving landscape of youth, love can be both a comforting constant and a source of profound growth.