It never ceases to amaze me when op-eds appear in newspapers about young-adult (YA) books. Here are the usual flavors:
- YA books contribute to the degradation of teens.
- YA books are too dark and scary.
- YA books have stopped sending messages about morals.
- This YA book should be banned (even though I have not read it).
- YA books are turned into movies too much.
- All YA books are like Twilight and Harry Potter so why are people still reading them?
- Dude, what is up with YA? I thought it was a fad.
Most of you already know that we have been blessed with another lovely opportunity. Last week in the New York Times, author Joel Stein shared his opinion that Adults Should Read Adult Books.
Of course, he is entitled to his own opinion. In his mind, it is totally not the business for an adult to read anything that resembles teen subject matter. It is embarrassing and as adults, we should only read “adult” things and have the common decency to leave those YA books for the kids. Seriously, grow up ya’ll. LOL.
So with that said, I want to share with you my opinion: Adults Should Read Anything They Want.
I could possibly be a little biased because I’m an adult who writes YA fiction. But even before I dove into this particular type of literature (yes, it is literature), I was an avid reader of YA books.
For me, reading YA novels doesn’t mean that I’m childish or irresponsible. I don’t want to “relive” or “revise” my teen years. I was drawn to these books because I wanted to be engrossed in a fascinating world with dynamic characters who are doing interesting things.
The fact is that adults read books that speak to them. Romance. Science Fiction. Fantasy. Contemporary. Mystery. Horror. Young-adult books have all that covered and then some.
Joel Stein has every right not to read a YA book. Like ever. But it’s sort of sad because I’m thinking he would really like The Fault in Our Stars. :)
For me, I think he missed the most obvious point: Maybe adults are reading YA books because they love good story-telling.
EXCELLENT post, Karen! I so agree with you. People of all ages read books that speak to them, entertain them, draw them in by way of characters and situations. I would much rather read a YA, MG, or picture book than the arrogant opinions of those who think they can tell me what I should be reading.
I know right? What I don’t really get is why does it bother these people what other people are reading? Why do they care? Ha.
I saw that op-ed piece and was greatly amused. There are dozens of children’s and YA books that are more sophisticated, mature, insightful, and thought-provoking than some adult books I’ve read! I feel bad for him because he’s missing out on a lot of fantastic storytelling and beautiful writing.
I find this is also true for me. There are so adult books that I love but I love far more MG and YA books for sure.
I agree! I’m an adult who reads juvenile fiction and middle grade. I’m not immature because I read “down” on this level – it’s just my tastes. I say, read whatever strikes your fancy!
I think maybe people think that people who read MG and YA are somewhat “stunted” mentally? We obviously know that this not the case. But I see this time and time again. And most of the time, these people haven’t even read any of these great books! Ugh!
I’m guessing Joel is upset that more adults are reading YA than are reading his books. The beauty of YA books is adults have always read them, Tom Sawyer, 1984, Animal Farm, to name a few, just go to show that YA knows no age bounds.
*high-five*
Honestly, he probably doesn’t think these are “kid” books. I remember when I was in a MFA program, my professor told me that my work was “coming of age” and not necessarily YA. There still seems to be a stigma attached in some circles. Hmm…
I wholeheartedly agree with what you’ve said. His article made no sense, especially because he admits to not even reading YA. He really is missing out on some great literature…
He is definitely missing out. It never ceases to amaze me how people complain about something that they haven’t even read or explored in detail. Ha.
Agreed! As an adult I exercise my right to read whatever I please, thank you very much! I read adult, YA & MG books – and I love them all. I wonder why people get all up in arms about these things? Why would adults reading YA upset anyone. Silly.
Ha, I totally agree. I mean seriously, is it really necessary for someone to tell me what I should or shouldn’t read? It is silly.
I love reading the middle grade and young adult that is for both kids and adults – like The Fault in our Stars. Classic middle grade like Holes I’ll read any day over an adult novel!
The only adult books that I read are mostly science fiction and horror. The contemporary and literary ones sort of depress me to be honest. YA books can be depressing too of course but I tend to gravitate to MG and YA. And I should be able to do so!
You are exactly right. I’m so sick of the bad rap YA gets (and I was really, really angry when I first read the Joel Stein thing—I’d always liked him, but now forget it). I just need to let it go. I read YA because it’s my favorite thing to read. Tight storytelling, good pacing, relatability. Some people are going to knock it, but they don’t know what they’re missing.
YA really does have some great things to offer. It’s sad that people who have *never* read any good YA tend to always bash it.