When you grow up reading books, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would tell you what you can and cannot read. I always felt fortunate to be trusted to read whatever I wanted and to form my own opinions about what I read.
Book banning is still a widespread issue. So, it was interesting to come across a fictional YA novel that surrounds this issue in Randi Smith’s Ada Holloway’s Had Enough. Below is my review of the book followed by an interview with Smith about her story and her writing.
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough plot summary
Ada is a high school senior in the small town of Freeport. She’s the youngest, sheltered, only daughter with two older brothers and very strict parents.
When it’s time for her English class to write their traditional senior paper on a local topic of the town, Ada already knows that she wants to write about the town’s founder, Everrett J. Washington. Just as she’s getting started, though, the town’s mayor enacts a book ban at the local library, and her primary source on her subject, The Founder’s Promise, is one of the books added to the list.
In silent protest, Ada joins a secret book club held after hours at the library where the group reads the banned books aloud, starting with The Founder’s Promise. Here, Ada is able to take notes for her report, though it’s challenging for her to sneak around, even with help from her best friend David, and her cousin, Molly. As the book ban continues, Ada finds herself confronting her parents’ strict rules, their plans for her future, and finally beginning to think about what future she would like for herself.
The story
Ada Holloway’s Had Enough is a story for the passive introvert who is looking for a character who isn’t necessarily a fighter but a hesitant rule follower who is pushed around and leans on others to defend her. This isn’t a crack at Ada’s character. It’s a genuine depiction of those of us who struggle to find the bravery to yell into the megaphone when it’s handed to us.
The story is very concentrated on the book ban and focused on Ada’s report. Ada spends most of her time in her room doing her homework. Aside from David, she doesn’t really have much of a social life, and you never really learn about her interests or hobbies, aside from reading. The library is a comfortable place for her because it’s where she spends so much of her time, though it’s more for schoolwork than anything else.
The book ban really inspires Ada to fight for a cause in her own way. She’s a willing participant, though she relies on the library staff and her teachers to organize and carry it out. Her biggest challenge is just finding ways to sneak out of the house to attend the meetings.
Eventually, things intensify, and the book club comes out of hiding to march in protest of the ban. This is where Ada is faced with the decision to outwardly show her support for the club, and it’s where she gets her first real taste of trouble.
The idea of fighting against banned books is what really drew me to this story. However, I feel like the story really dodges any real message or viewpoint on the subject.
It’s unclear as to why The Founder’s Promise is banned other than alluding to the idea that the town was founded by a former slave. There was also no distinct message about the perils of censorship.
The characters
Like I said, Ada is our teen heroine, but she’s a very timid hero. She’s 18 but still treated like a kid, particularly by her parents, and she seems to give into this role. She doesn’t drive. She has no real responsibilities at home or even a part-time job to help give her some autonomy. She’s just a studious rule follower whose biggest act of rebellion is to write a paper on a confusingly controversial figure.
Though Ada is the main character, it’s the supporting characters who really bring the flavor to the story. There’s her reliable and strictly platonic guy friend, David, who has familial ties to the library. I was kind of hoping that there may be a romance there, but in the end, it feels that the two are better off as friends.
Early in the book, Ada’s cousin, Molly, comes to stay with them after Molly drops out of college. Ada is not thrilled about sharing her room, but the two develop a sisterly bond. I expected Molly to be an edgier character than she was. Really, she’s only edgy according to Ada’s strict mother who doesn’t tolerate any kind of disobedience. In fact, she’s more of a role model than anything.
An unlikely ally is found in Beckett Forsythe, the class jock and son of the mayor who is enacting the ban. At first, it appears that Beckett is just using Ada to do his homework for him, but eventually, they too develop a friendship, and Beckett shows that he’s more than just the town’s sports hero.
The real tension in the book is carried by Ada’s mother who is very strict and very mysterious. Her strictness is never given any real motive other than the excuse that she has a nervous condition. She’s typically found in the kitchen or doing housework as if she has to constantly keep herself busy in order to keep her mind occupied. She seems to be miserable and maybe a little regretful of her life’s choices, and she seems to take it out on her family.
My recommendation
Smith’s writing style is very strong. The prose flows well, the imagery is clear, and the characters are distinct. She knows how to create tension and catharsis. I just wish the actions and emotions would have gone a little further than they did. I also wish the story had earned its title a little more and that Ada had her epiphany moment and was able to advocate for herself in a strong and inspiring way.
I recommend Ada Holloway’s Had Enough to any teen reader who feels like they’re being pushed around in the world and have strong opinions on censorship. Ada is a likeable character, even if she still needs to come into her own, and she’s a character who can make shy and timid readers feel a little more seen and a little more powerful.
My rating
An interview with Randi Smith
You wrote in your bio that this book started out as a short story. What elements from the original story made it into the final novel? What was the biggest addition or surprise?
For the most part, that original short story became the first half of Ada Holloway. Plotwise, it’s the same: Ada learns about the book ban, joins the book club, and struggles to hide the truth from her parents.
The biggest change that came out of it—for the better—is Molly Ingram, who didn’t exist in that first iteration. She sprang into existence about a year later, and she’s so integral to this story and Ada’s character development that I cannot imagine this novel without her spunk and heart.
If you were transported into the story as a supporting character, what role would you want to play? Who would you most want to interact with?
I could definitely slide into the role of librarian very well! Not only does it sound super fun to lead a book club, but this way I could interact with everyone. And maybe have some of Mr. Martin’s cookies too!
What are your favorite banned books?
My favorite banned books, and the ones that surprised me the most about how often they’re challenged, are Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and John Green’s Looking For Alaska. I love both of these books, and they still hold a special place in my heart today. I truly think I’m a better person for having read them!
Do you have a favorite character?
I go back and forth on this one, but I truly think my favorite character is Beckett Forsythe. There’s more to him than meets the eye!
Who do you most want to read this book?
Teens, especially those who want to learn about censorship or about themselves. It’s teenagers who are hurt the most by book bans and teenagers who have the most to lose from outside intervention in their public libraries. We can protect our libraries—if we can start those conversations. And reading Ada Holloway is a perfect conversation starter.
Ada and her mother have a very tense relationship. Why do you think this is? What do you think their future holds?
Ada’s mother means well. Her worry comes from a place of love, but it presents as a harsh over-protectiveness. Ada, of course, values harmony and avoids confrontation. It’s only natural that there’s a lack of communication where they disagree. It’s not healthy, and I think it’s something they’re both becoming aware of.
While it won’t be easy, Ada and her mother both value their relationship enough to try to repair it with honesty and patience. I think their future may be a bit more rocky, but it will be more truthful and healthy!
If the book were to become a movie, who would be your dream cast?
This is such a good question because I honestly don’t know! The only character I’ve ever actually cast in my head was Daveed Diggs as Mr. Booker. They’re one and the same in my mind!
What’s next for you?
Lots of writing! I’m currently working on my second novel, which is very exciting. I plan to continue spreading awareness about censorship and talking directly to students while I’m at it!
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Bravo for shining this spotlight!