I am very very very passionate about YA books.
You probably are too, since you’re reading my blog and it’s basically an ode to YA and my adoration for it. (Actually my blog is an ode to CAKE, but sometimes I talk about books too, just to even things up.) Today I want to talk about who YA is actually for. Because I am 22. I am not a teenager. And yet YA books 100% appeal to me and I basically want to stuff them all in my mouth immediately with zero regrets.
I read this article posted on The Guardian titled “Most YA Fiction is Grown Up Fiction In Disguise“. Now this is a topic WE HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN OVER BEFORE IN THE BLOGOSPHERE! Multiple times. Shaming adults for reading YA and saying teens aren’t intelligent enough for adult books is pretty obviously dumb. But this article gave me like 9 EMOTIONS AND NONE OF THEM WERE HAPPY so I wanted to talk about it. (Plus I never do response posts!! I think this is a first?!) I want to discuss misconceptions about YA and I want to point out all the problematic statements in the article.
THEN WE CAN ALL EAT CALMING CAKE AND CHAMOMILE TEA AND GO BACK TO READING WHATEVER THE HECK WE WANT.
Now obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The author of the article is. I am. GOOD TIMES.
The basic thoughts of the article is that YA is not for teens anymore and this is a massive diabolical issue with society.
Do we…laugh??? Is that the way to handle this??? It really bothers me that some people think that the “age recommendations” on books must be law. If adults shouldn’t read YA, then maybe teens shouldn’t read Middle Grade? Adults probably should not read picture-books to their children? Please stop that 12-year-old from reading classics because those are adult books. What’s next? BANNING BOOKS??? When you start telling people what they should and should not be reading — you are saying that we do not have rights to choose our own reading material. THIS IS SO VERY WRONG.
So I’m just going to go through and list all the problematic statements in this article.
“Figures from Nielsen show that 80% of YA literature is read by people over 25. It’s a pretty astonishing and, to me, disturbing statistic. It strongly suggests that something has gone horribly wrong in publishing. (And, possibly, with those readers…)”
I clicked over to the article he’s referencing and do you know what it actually says? “Nielsen’s figures show that 80% of all the YA books that are selling are being bought by adults.“ BOUGHT and READ are two hugely different words! Because you know what? Teens don’t usually have a lot of money. Their parents buy them books. #astounding And teens go to libraries. Because the books are FREE and the options are ENDLESS.
I only got into YA when I was 16 (because prior to that I’d just been reading a lot of MG historical-fiction because that’s what was available in my house…and it was good quality literature and amazing!) And you know what else? 100% of my YA diet came came from LIBRARIES.
And can we take a moment to notice how the article writer says “something has gone horribly wrong…with those readers”?? How can you judge someone for reading? How can you say that you know what they should be reading and if they don’t, then there’s something wrong with them? SPOILER ALERT: There is something wrong with a person who wants to tell others what to read.
There is honestly NOT ENOUGH CAKE IN THE WORLD TO HANDLE THIS ARTICLE.
“many children stop reading when they reach the teenage years – especially boys. Could this be because the books that should belong to them, inhabiting their hearts and brains, are actually (consciously or subconsciously) directed at older readers?”
Oh dear. This is so absurd.
Actual Reasons Kids Stop Reading:
- School devours their life and they have NO TIME FOR READING.
- Their parents weren’t readers so their house is not full of books so they didn’t grow up with a bookworm mentality.
- They develop other interests and hobbies which, again, take up their time.
- They don’t find joy in reading because reading is difficult for some people.
- They never found the kind of books they enjoy. (When I was a teen, I leant my non-reading-friend an action/survival book and they LOVED IT despite hating all other books. Sometimes people don’t know what they want to read and have no idea where to find their niche.)
- Their friends don’t read so they feel silly for reading. (This is VERY real. My friends used to laugh at me for reading and I didn’t read as much between the ages of 14 to 16 because of this.)
- Boys are TRAINED NOT TO READ by this culture of “oh boys don’t want to read that book; it’s too girly”. Boys are conditioned to only pick up masculine looking books. Boys are not given books about girl protagonists because “that’s too girly”. I think society is very much to blame for this. My 5-year-old nephew will just as happily read a pink book about ballerinas as a blue book about trucks. Why? Because NO ONE TELLS HIM WHAT TO READ.
“I’d contend that at least some of these books appeal to me, as an adult, because they are not teenage books at all. They are adult fiction. The themes, the style, often even the characters belong in the world of adult literature.”
It is condescending and insulting to assume that teenagers don’t want to read about real-world issues. BECAUSE THEY DO. Remember how I said I was 16 when I got into YA? Why was that? BECAUSE I WANTED TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD. I grew up quite sheltered and, as a teen, I wanted to know all the things. I distinctly remember feeling like that as I devoured as many YA books as I could fit in my library bag. I remember reading Sold by Patricia McCormick when I was 16 and being ABSOLUTELY AGHAST because I didn’t even know the sex trade existed. Yes that book is about the sex trade. Should teens be reading it? Should teens KNOW what kind of world we live in?
Yes. Heck yes. OH LET ME YELL ALL THE YESES.
You are a teen for about 8 years of your life. Then you are an adult. Then you have the opportunity to change the world. (Although you can totally change the world when you’re a teen. Get started early. Rule all the things, I say.) Education is super important. How can we expect the world to change and develop if we want teenagers to know NOTHING about the world?? And it is ACTUALLY VERY EXCITING AND GOOD to be “educated” in the form of a story. It stays with you! It affects you! It makes you think!
People have told stories for thousands of years to share knowledge. Stories make us care.
Also ANOTHER THING THAT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: YA books are relatable to adults because we have all been teenagers. Sometimes it’s hard to envision life in 10+ years time. But remembering 10+ years ago? Easier. And homey! And while, as adults, we sometimes have collected more life experience and know ourselves better…we still have a lot of the same fears and struggles that teens have. BECAUSE TEENS (GASP) ARE HUMANS TOO AND HUMANS OFTEN STRUGGLE WITH THE SAME THINGS THEIR WHOLE LIVES.
“And much YA is a lazy, disheartening mush of false problems, fake solutions, idealised romance, second-rate fantasy, tired dystopias. Easy to read; easy to forget.”
Quotes like this just show that the author of this article doesn’t even read YA. Because when are generalised statements EVER correct? Not ever, my friend. And also, FYI, dystopians are rarely published anymore. I think the last time this guy read a YA book was in 2013.
Let’s have a QUICKIE LOOK at some popular YA books and see if they have “false problems” and “fake solutions”.
- THE FAULT IN OUR STARS: The problem = battling terminal cancer. (That sounds pretty real to me.) The solution = making relationships and taking risks like pursuing the dream of meeting a favourite author despite declining health. (Doesn’t seem fake either, to be honest.)
- THE HUNGER GAMES: The problem = a girl wishes to save her sister from murder. (This premise is very real in some countries.) The solution = trades places with sister. (The most noble loving sacrifice there is.)
- PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The problem = boy is accused of stealing something he didn’t steal. (And this happens like, a lot.) The solution = attempts to catch the real thief and clear his name. (Sounds super logical to me.)
- THE RAVEN BOYS: The problem = several teens want to lead meaningful lives but have no idea how to, or who they should be. (Um, do we not all face this?) The solution = the find a network of likeminded people who will support them as they look for their identities and destinies. (If finding friends to help you through life is a “fake” solution than humanity is doomed.)
“Many writers hate the idea that they are writing “for” a particular audience. They like the idea that their books are somehow universal. They also subscribe to the idea that a work of art is a solitary, internal process, like laying an egg. The egg they produce is a reflection of their own, adult tastes.”
Seriously where is this information coming from? I invite you to open ANY YA BOOK EVER and look at the acknowledgments. Every single one will mention people in the back they wish to thank. A ton of them have phrases like “I couldn’t have have done this without so-and-so”. I always read acknowledgements because I’M A NERD AND THEY’RE SUPER COOL. And I’ve never come across one where the author claimed writing is a solo-job.
But yes, it’s so true that authors like the idea that their books are “somehow universal”. Why? Because many wonderful authors subscribe to the idea that THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT FOR GOOD LITERATURE.
There is this quote I adore by C.S. Lewis:
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ~ C.S. Lewis
“And that means focusing on the readers – the teenage readers that YA fiction doesn’t serve – finding a language to engage and entertain them, a literature that talks about their lives, their hopes, their fears and their dreams.”
Teenagers are not stupid. Teenagers do not need things to be watered down. Teenagers do not need things to be carefully explained so they “get it”.
And you know what else? Teenagers are very aware that they’re growing up. LIKE THAT’S TERRIFYING, DUDE. As a 16-year-old I felt woefully underprepared for adulthood but at the same time scared of it? YA was awesome because it gave me characters who I could relate to who were facing HUGE issues and yet tackling them successfully.
Why do I (a 22-year-old adult) read YA?
- Adulting is scary and confusing and who else thinks that way? Oh yeah…TEENAGERS. I relate so much to their struggles.
- I like books with concise plots and quirky characters and fun writing. YA fills a lot of these needs! Plus oftentimes adult books are, quite frankly, ginormous and that’s terrifying.
- I adore engaging writing.
- I LOVE HOW FEELS-STABBY YA IS.
- Teens in books are passionate about changing things. They’re not too tired yet of the world. I LOVE THIS.
- YA books are my passion and I don’t see why age has anything to do with that.
Do YA books sometimes feature very mature characters?
They do, it’s true. Sometimes I look at a character and think they’re not really being a teen. Other times I’ve said in a review that a book wasn’t very YA. SO SOMETIMES I DO THINK YA IS GETTING VERY MATURE. Is this a problem though? Nope. Most people would rather read about characters who are too mature instead of immature. (Do you know how annoying immature people are? ARGH. You’d rather stick yourself in the eye with a pineapple frond then be around them.) I think YA needs to be aware it’s writing about teenagers, of course! But we ALSO need to be aware that EVERYONE IS VERY DIFFERENT AND REACTS DIFFERENTLY. My sister and I were at completely different maturity levels at the age of 16.
People need to staaaaahp thinking that there is only ONE WAY to write a human.
No one should ever tell people what to read.
Nope. Just…do not do it, Marge. You are immediately on the path to book banning culture. Teenagers are not stupid alien creatures who need the world sugar-coated. Adults are not stupid alien creatures who shouldn’t enjoy certain types of books.
Books are for everyone.
Adults read YA because we enjoy it. We feel at home reading it. And we don’t even need reasons. Plus I would like to also point out that the words “young adult” are not synonymous with “teenager”. I am 22. I think I’m a young adult. AGE IS RELATIVE ANYWAY.
YA is exciting and addictive and passionate and very very honest and changes lives — of teens and adults. And if we’re reading anything, we are expanding our brains, so WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM HERE?
Who are YA books for? Anyone who wants to read them.
Yes! Well said. From another YA loving adult ☺
YAY. WE SHALL STAND TOGETHER, SUE! *HI FIVES*
I’m well past my teens and still read YA, MG, and anything else that strikes my fancy. I’m delighted to see the quantity and variety in it now. When I was an actual teenager, my “in age” choices were pretty much limited to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys (shouldn’t I have read the Hardy Boys mysteries because I’m a girl?). Since there were tons of books around our house, I even found some Tom Swift back then, though it was published decades earlier. So as a teenager I read a lot of adult books, many of them from the public library because, you’re right, teenagers can’t always afford to buy enough books to satisfy their hunger. As an adult, I still read voraciously. I include plenty of adult fiction and non-fiction in my diet, but I still read YA and MG because: 1. it often has great, relatable characters; 2. the stories are engaging; and 3. a lot of adult “literature” is far too pretentious in its style for my taste.
I am reading just those quotes from that article you read and getting so mad. Why do people feel the need to A) either bash the different genres; or B) tell people what they should or shouldn’t read? I mean? If someone wants to read something, let them? Let them find out whether they enjoy it or not? Do not police their reading choices? Because not only are you limiting their enjoyment, you’re also limiting their education? Because you can always learn something from a book, even if it’s what not to do?
Ugh. People.
Thanks for writing this, Cait! (Also, psht, I’m 25 and still reading YA so. Read on!)
I WAS SO MAD WRITING THIS.😂 And omg, I have no idea…what pleasure DO people get from bashing what other people love? Can’t we just let people enjoy what they want without stomping on it????
Ugh people < --- EXACTLY MY THOUGHTS
YES YES YES THIS POST. I find the article that you reacted to quite insulting, and I’m still a teen reading YA. I have a strong suspicion I will still be reading it when I am seventy or something because for me too, it’s my passion. I read YA. I write YA. I love the stories in it, the raw human emotions, the hope, and tackling real-world problems. No one has the right to put other people down because of what they read. I don’t read much contemporary, but that doesn’t mean I look down on those who read it.
Different books are for different people. Books are for enjoyment, and when you start limiting who reads what, you are stealing good honest, life-changing stories from them.
I’m really glad you wrote this post. Bravo, Cait! 🙂
I have a strong suspicion I’ll be reading YA at 70 as well. *nods* AND I LOVE THE REASONS YOU ADORE IT. Me tooo for all of them. And also HECK YES: no one has the right to tell other people what they should or shouldn’t read. Or sneer at them for it. It’s just kind of ludicrous?? What does that article writer want? Everyone to be the same? That’s ridiculous.
Thankyou, Melissa! *twirls happily*
I was waiting for this post since I read your tweet. LOVED IT!
I bought Harry Potter as a Christmas present to my sister that at age of 15 read Stephen King. And she LOVED IT! It also meant that I read Harry Potter at the age of 24. Was I weird? Well, the person that recommended me was 30. So. There are a bunch of weirdos out there.
The only thing that sometimes gets me is the YA angst with love triangles. Maybe because I never had one. Or maybe I had and was too busy to notice. I’m weird like that.
I just turned 41, and I’m telling you that one of my most wanted new releases of this year is the new Laini Taylor. Because I love YA. Specially when is brilliantly written. I also love me some hot and smutt mm-romantic suspense books. Let’s burn all stereotypes and read whatever we want!
Oh, and yes. There is not enough cake to compensate for that article.
AHHH THANK YOU, SONIA!! I was totally nervous about this.😂 But I’m glad it’s going over okay (and not too wildly ranty I hope hahahah).
I read Harry Potter for the first time when I was 21 and I LOVED IT. I also read Game of Thrones when I was 21 and loved it. PEOPLE CAN LOVE VARIETY. IT IS SO VERY OKAY.
OH I definitely think YA has its faults *nods* as does every category of books.
YES. BURN THE STEREOTYPES. LET EVERYONE READ WHAT THEY WANT. And we all deserve cake for surviving the idiocy of the internet omg.
I love this post so much!!! Why do we have this “boys won’t want to read this book, it has girls in it,” idea? WTF IS THIS? One of my friend’s parents saw the book I was reading and said (surprised) “Oh! x would probably enjoy that, but he only reads books with boys in.” What’s the point in this mentality where we’re deciding which books different people can read? BOOKS ARE FOR EVERYONE! Why do we have “boy’s” books and “girl’s” books? Do we think that males are born with an instinctive dislike of anything with females in? NO.
Also, this idea that YA is “dumbed down” because it’s written for teens needs to go. Teens aren’t stupid. They don’t wander round like brainless zombies until they reach 18 and BAM they’re suddenly able to read “adult” books. Why don’t we stop telling people WHAT they should be reading and instead start trying to spread reading to those people who haven’t experienced the greatness of books before?
I hope that wasn’t too ranty XD
Omg I am so infuriated by the boy vs girl thing over literature. IT’S RUBBISH. And it doesn’t appear to be getting better either, right?!? The mentality that boys should only read certain books is just terrible — particularly when no one cares if a girl is reading an action story, but heaven help the boy who reads anything by a female protagonist. *rages*
TEENS ARE VERY MUCH NOT STUPID. And the moment books start acting condescending — TEENS NOTICE. And they ditch that book fast.
You weren’t too ranty. Or else we are both equally righteously indignant over this. *HI FIVES* 😂
Yes, yes, and yes! Thank you, Cait. I couldn’t have said it any better myself! I like to read YA books because they can empower and challenge young adults. Even though I’ll be 21 soon, I still consider myself young (like yourself). After all, every teenager grows up. *gasp* I mean, heaven forbid the intended audience for YA books should actually age. They should all move to Neverland so they would never grow up and take all the YA books with them because that would totally end well. Rant done. Please excuse me while I go back to devouring my TBR list containing dozens of YA books.
I also wholeheartedly agree with your C. S. Lewis quote: “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
EXACTLY! And when we do grow up, what…are we supposed to just suddenly switch to literary fiction and classics??? WHY? WHY WOULD WE ABANDON THE BOOKS WE LOVE JUST BECAUSE WE’RE A FEW YEARS OLDER???
The CS Lewis quote is my most favourite. <3
This article just makes me raaaage so much. GAHHH. It’s so frustrating! I wish I had all these diverse & complex YA books when I was a teen. I DIDN’T. I only read chick lit and psychological thrillers & detective books. BECAUSE they were interesting and complex.
A few months ago someone said YA wasn’t complex enough and too standard. Now they say the opposite. MAKE UP YOUR MIND DAMMIT. During my hiatus I made a list of discussion post ideas and one of them was exactly this. And I hate the fact that a post like that is still relevant today.
IT MAKES ME RAGE SO MUCH TOO, BEE. THE FURY OF MY PAPERYNESS IS COMING FORWARD. *breaks a plate* The haters are just going to find something to hate about whether it makes sense or not. I mean, this article was simultaneously saying YA is dumb and simple AND saying that it’s too complex and tough. LIKE WHICH IS IT???
Take it from a former high school teacher. My students read YA books. Yes, they were ages 12-16. When they went on to college, became “young adults”, then were of legal age, they still read “YA” books. I swear, those people dissing on YA like it’s inferior? “And much YA is a lazy, disheartening mush of false problems, fake solutions, idealised romance, second-rate fantasy, tired dystopias. Easy to read; easy to forget.”
OBVIOUSLY these people who see a “problem” have only read the few mainstream YA stories and said bundled the entire genre/category into a dumbing down of “adulthood”. There are sooooooooo many YA stories out there if only they bothered to find and read them. And that’s why they’re able to come up with an article like that because they DON’T read a lot of YA, because they’re influenced and limited by what they hear and see as second-hand observers.
*Whew* Great post because I totally agree with you and hellz yeah people should stop telling people what to read! G*damn I swear these people are stepping on romance and YA.”
I KNOW RIGHT???!? Like how dare they diss YA. It makes me pretty certain they don’t read it. My bookshelves are absolutely STUFFED with meaningful, considerate, poignant YA books that deal with so many issues and are just so so glorious. And some are just fun books too. And all kinds of books are needed. And also some people don’t mesh well with YA — AND THAT’S OKAY TOO! But it’s ridiculous to not like something so then trash it for everyone else, gah.
I saw the title of this post in my inbox and went “so, the Guardian article, RIGHT!?”
I’m so glad you wrote this! The same things really got on my nerves too! Especially the judging!! Because that’s never okay. My friends used to laugh at me for reading too when I was in my teens! So I hid my reading and didn’t talk about it to anyone until I started blogging, pretty much. And then I realised that 1. teenage trauma should probably not affect me in my twenties and 2. I can bloody well like what *I* like. Anyway.
ALSO society is such a problem, It’s the same thing with everything. Boys can’t like pink because it’s girly. (It actually used to be a boys’ colour once upon a time.) This is why I always say men need feminism too. And it’s why I argue when my mum says we don’t need feminism, Because our society still seems to agree that being feminine means being weak. It makes me so angryyyy.
Problematic statement #5 really annoyed me, because I think YA writers are actually really conscious of their readership. And none of them seem ashamed to write books firstly to a YA audience – but obviously that doesn’t mean they don’t write for adults too. WHAT EVEN IS THIS, GUARDIAN.
And oh my gosh, the most important thing for me when reading the article was probably what you said too, teenagers do NOT need things dumbed down for them. That is insanity.
Agh this is the longest comment of ever and I’m being super ranty so I might have to post a response post to yours at some point :p
But I seriously don’t think YA is being marketed to adults. A lot of bookshops I go to have YA in the Teens section. If I looked a little bit older I’d probably be afraid to go take a look at those books because people are judgy.
I’ll stop now, Cait! Thank you for writing about this! <3
AHHH THANK YOU, ANNIKA! I debated writing it because honestly it’s probably just shouting things we already all agree with, right?!? BUT I WANTED TO DISCUSS IT.😂 And I thought “Omg why not?” because I haven’t done a response post before so it was time. *nods*
It REALLY frustrates me the boy vs girl book thing. Like nobody would even think twice if I’m reading a “boy book” but if a boy picked up a pink book, he’d never hear the end of it. THIS IS SO WRONG AND I HATE THAT SOCIETY DOES THIS. GRRR. I hope it’s changing, but it’s definitely not changed. Men do need feminism. The entire planet does.
I honestly think this dude has no idea what he’s talking about. Like I thought the post was a bit long now, so I didn’t get to talking about his comments on editors/publishing houses…but SO WRONG. ARGH. From someone who is actually working to become an author so knows behind-the-scenes stuff about publishers??? They totally are hyper aware of their audience. THEY KNOW THINGS. THEY HAVE DEGREES TO PROVE THEY KNOW THINGS. I hate all these uneducated blanket statements in that guardian article.
Agh exactly! The publishers are SO aware! I’ve been doing research into publishing too since I want to get into all of that later on. And they know what they’re doing! Which doesn’t mean they never make mistakes in marketing – of course that happens. But that in no way means that YA isn’t for young adults! That article doensn’t even make senseeee.
Plus we read so many books by men in school etc. because well, a lot of the classics are by men, for men. And obviously girls can read those. I can relate really well to male characters. So why do people think boys can’t do that? It really upsets me, like, a lot. It’s the 21st century and men are still ‘better’ than reading women’s perspectives? Whyyy, world, why?!
I’m almost 51 years old and I have a whole section of my home library devoted to YA. I love YA!! I have been more moved by some YA books than I have by so called adult books because they somehow seem more raw and honest, and fantasy YA books are absolutely amazing!! Great post!
YES EXACTLY!! “Raw and honest” are brilliant words to describe YA and that’s why I think it’s so universally appealing! And I think YA books ARE so raw/honest because teens do not like condescending books and they can sniff out lies a mile away. Ergo YA is the most awesome. *nods*
If that’s the case no one should read Harry Potter because its middle grade. Your post is so brilliant! In your point about buying YA as opposed To reading YA, I’d be thought of as reading picture books and middle grade because I buy a lot of them. But I love my god daughter and my niece and can’t help but buy books for them. And I went to the library for my books too when I was a kid. So where are the statistics from that. Haha. This whole book shaming thing is ridiculous and like you said, there’s nothing wrong with anyone reading anything. Some of the most intelligent people read kids comics and it doesn’t make them any less intelligent. Loved the post!
SAME. And parents shouldn’t read to their children because *gasp* IMAGINE ADULTS READING PICTURE BOOKS. THAT’S AN ABOMINATION. And I’m so astounded about the “bought vs read” quote. Like how could he misquote that so blatantly??? Teens don’t have MONEY TO BUY BOOKS MOSTLY. So of course their parents are buying them! And yeah, where are the statistics for buying online and buying secondhand? Sheesh. You can’t really make statistics for book buying. It’s just too hard to do accurately. :O
YESSSSS. No shame for readers!
I read both adult andYA books because i like both and I feel like I different things out of each genre. I love YA because it’s so optimistic. The characters srill have that spark that has been so thoroughly beaten out of us adults by life. In YA people have hope and its not all doom and gloom and they are all may be 17 but they are gonna suck it up and save the damn world! And something being for/about teenagers doesn’t mean its inferior. YA authors are no less talented than those who write adult fiction. With the wide appeal of YA to adults, maybe the adult fiction writers are just getting a bit cranky cos no one is buying the pretentious doom-and-gloom oh-the-humanity clap trap they’re selling. I cant stomach that all the time! I need some fun and some joy and thats what YA is about. I want to take the author of that article out into the woods and have Katniss hunt them for sport. That will show em not to look down on YA!
Yes and YES!! SO TRUE. I have quite a few adult books I love too. And it actually makes me kinda happy that I can enjoy something like Harry Potter and also enjoy something like Game of Thrones. READING A HUGE VARIETY IS AWESOME. GO US.
And omg, yes, it’s so insulting to say that YA writers are less competent writers. But I can’t even figure out who this article-writer was trying to advocate for?!?? He was insulting teens AND adults’ intelligences and saying YA was very good and also stupid in like the same paragraph?!?!?? Did no one edit this??! GAH.
Clearly written by some dude who thinks he’s WAY smarter than he actually is.
Or she as the case may be…
It’s a he, I’m pretty sure from the author’s name.
Thanks you so much for posting this Cait!! I can’t believe people are still equating YA with teens that only contains content that is “dumbed down”. You expressed all my chaotic raging thoughts towards those people into an eloquent piece of writing. That article is really an insult to everyone, pigeonholing the types of books people should read because the age of the characters?!? Problematic statements #3 really got on my nerves – it’s basically saying teenagers aren’t mature enough to be educated about the real world and they don’t want to make a difference in the world. Also problematic statement #4 is just assuming that YA readers are incompetent at reading deeper into the issues explored in YA books and really offensive to YA authors “much YA is a lazy disheartening mush of false problems, fake solutions”. Are you suggesting YA authors are lazy and inferior writers?? *throws YA books at the person who wrote that article*
I will continue to read YA for as long as I’m enjoying it *and breath*. I need some cake.
OMG THANK YOU, EMILY!! And I’m intensely pleased you said “eloquent”. hahahh. I was worried I was being too ranty here,😂 BUT SO MANY MAD EMOTIONS OMG. I HAD TO LET IT OUT. *nods* And honestly this article DOES insult everyone. It insults teens for being too dumb to understand heavy topics, and it insults adults for wanting to read YA. Like what even was he trying to accomplish here??! Gah.
And it totally insults YA writers too. AND PUBLISHERS. Just the insinuation that publishers don’t know how to market books, I mean, wut even??? They have years of experience and UNIVERSITY DEGREES to be able to do this stuff. So much rage.
*GIVES YOU COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF CAKE*
I must say this is probably the best post I have ever read, ever. So thank you for starters.
As a teenager myself, I must say that I do enjoy reading YA, I like to be able to relate to a character, even if it is in such an obvious way as age. But is that all I read ever?? Do I not venture into *gasp* other genres?? I find so often that people tend to assume that all teenagers are the same and require careful handling incase they explode spontaneously, Well some of us are rational humans, who enjoy reading any books we please, not just the ones the publishers have labeled under ‘Young Adult’.
“Teenagers are not stupid. Teenagers do not need things to be watered down. Teenagers do not need things to be carefully explained so they “get it”.”
THANK YOU! There as at least ONE human who understands life and has great taste in books! 🙂
ZOMG, THANK YOU CAIT. *flails wildly* I was a bit worried it’d be too nonsensically ranty.😂
OMG HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST THAT TEENAGERS CAN BE RATIONAL AND INTELLIGENT.😂 hehe. Joking, joking. I totally agree. 😉 And it’s kind of scary when people start wanting to dictate and judge and shame others for their reading choices. Did I SLEEEP THROUGH THE PART WHERE WE ARE A FREE UNIVERSE AND CAN DO AS WE PLEASE??!?! Sheesh.
Whoa this was so deep I’M GETTING THE FEELS EVERYONE WATCH OUT
I hope this is a good thing.😂😂
Wow reading the statements made me mad. Thank you for this post! All you said I completely agree with. I don’t know if it’s too mature or what but I absolutely love YA. I’m not saying all these because I’m a teenager but because I imagined what it would be like when I become an adult because I most likely will keep loving YA. How horrible would it be for someone to judge what you read based on your age? YA gives so much more than the article gives it credit for.
They made me soooo mad too. ARGH. I was completely enraged when I first read the article!! Hence = rant.😂 And YA is full of such intelligent characters and writing and it’s BRILLIANT and honest and moving. It’s really sad to think that teenagers can’t “handle” that. I mean, what rubbish. GAH.
Well I’m 26 and I’m still reading mostly YA, and I’m not ashamed haha. The author of that article has some craaaaaazy ideas… I don’t think there’s a specific reason I’m reading YA, I iust like it. And that should be enough, shouldn’t it? Adult books definitely don’t give me the feels like YA. The only adult books I like are detectives/crime/mysteries and fantasy books. I guess YA books contain themes you just don’t find in adult books.
I do agree some YA books have a more mature MC, for example the A Court Of Roses And Thorns serie is way more NA in my opinion, but in the Netherlands it’s really marketed as a YA. So in that case you might get something different than what you were expecting but apart from that I would say read what YOU like and don’t ever apologise for it. Because reading is cool no matter what you read 😀
*hi fives* YOU ARE CLEARLY AWESOME. It bothers me that the article is just 99% opinions and no facts (especially since the only fact he linked to, he misquoted to make his article work better…like, wut even. LIES). I think adult books are just so wildly different to how YA is written, so it makes sense that the STYLE of YA is what we love and what we keep coming back to. I can’t get enough. <3
I definitely think A Court of Thorns and Roses is NA, bordering on adult. I do think that YA is not supposed to be steamy/sexy. Not that teens can't "handle it", but I do like that barrier of knowing YA is going to be tamer on the romance. *nods*
My brain is working double-time processing all of this!!!!
I read YA because I read above my category? Like when I was 8/9 I was reading MG books and when I was 10/11 I was devouring YA books. So I’m terrified when I’m 16/17 I’ll be reading NA but I’m sure there are good NA books! Not ready for it yet though. I’m right at home with YA. I wish I could say something poetic about escapism or connecting to characters but it’s the truth, I’m used to reading about characters a good 3/4 years older than me.
Also this question is so so so scary. I mean, I’m a writer. I’ve always written about YA-aged characters even when I was eleven or twelve, they were all sixteen or seventeen. But like what happens when I’m an adult? I DO NOT THINK I WILL EVER ADULT I AM HAPPY WITH YA! The thought of saying goodbye to YA characters and stories and writing NA stories terrifies me 😬
Oh and I couldn’t resist adding but I heard at one point writers choose to write YA is because it has complex plots but easy writing. I have to agree with the ‘complex plots’ part but with easy writing? Uh… Then I guess Cassandra Clare and Amy Zhang and Jennifer Niven are not known to them? There are so many authors I love simply because of their writing, like I dislike their plots and characters but their writing just makes me want to sob because #PERFECTION. And while the writers of YA don’t necessarily sound like Tolkien or Jane Austen or whoever, that doesn’t mean their writing is ‘easy’.
It’s so true! It’s a completely different STYLE. It’s like saying cake is stupid because it’s not pie. No. They’re completely different. And that’s okay. It just seems if anything slightly DIFFERENT is around, people die because they can’t handle it. GARGH.
YA IS WONDERFUL! And I’m like opposite to you, because I’ve alwasy read down lower than my age.😂Like at 15 I was still reading mostly MG and in my 20s I’m all about YA.😂 NO REGRETS THOUGH. Ahem. Anyway.
It’s odd, too, because from this article-writer’s logic, the only people who should read/write YA should be teens. 0_0 So basically that’s ridiculous. Teens can and are good writers, but how can you expect that?!? THE WHOLE ARTICLE REALLY DOESN’T MAKE SENSE.
OH MAN THIS POST IS WONDERFUL.
I work in a bookstore, and the kids section is categorized by age. It’s merely there for a guideline for parents, on subject matter but also reading level for younger children. However, adults come by this section and I can tell they’re looking for themselves and not for their kids and they get SO EXCITED when they see the book they came in for and just…why would you deprive someone of that just because of a number?
I also find YA is a lot more diverse in terms of race, gender and sexuality. The last adult book I read was rife with misogyny because it’s just a normal part of life for many adults that they don’t even notice stuff like that. But in YA, there’s POC characters, LGBTQ characters, characters that SHOULD be there because in my eyes, YA can be a lot more forward thinking. There’s just so much more on offer in YA for me (not to bash adult fiction) and I, at 23, honestly do NOT CARE if someone thinks it’s awful I read teen stories because it’s no one else’s business!
Anyway, I LOVED this post I’m probably going to share it on Twitter! xD
EXACTLY!!! Numbers are all very well and good for guidelines, but they aren’t law. THEY SHOULD NEVER BE LAW.
And omg YES to YA being more diverse and it incorporates so many huge themes too! Like growing up is a huge topic, but it never stops there and it’s always so honest about it because teens like honestly. ADULTS LIKE HONESTLY, hence we want to read YA. And also heck yes: no shame for what we want to read. That’s really the end of the matter.
(Omg thank you for sharing it!! <3)
I LOVE THIS POST! That article, man?! COME OFF IT. He was saying that most people who read YA are adults (though your point about BUYING vs READING is VERY VERY SOUND), and therefore YA books are becoming too mature and clever to fit their adult readers. Because obviously teenagers need to have stupid, immature books so that they can understand them … ?!!!! Why don’t we just REMOVE ALL ADULT CHARACTERS FROM YA. Because a teenager couldn’t at all possibly relate to an adult. Because we’re too stupid. Clearly.
I spend about 40% of my time passionately defending TFIOS, even though it’s not one of my faves (I liked it, but I’m not, like, a rapid Green-ite), against all the people who are like “oooh teenagers can’t be philosophical! Teenagers can’t write lyrically! TEENAGERS CAN’T HAVE OPINIONS OR VIEWS ON THE REAL WORLD. ERGO HAZEL AND AUGUSTUS ARE TOTALLY UNREALISTIC.” I just … ?????????? If Mozart can write a symphony aged 5, teenagers can have opinions, THANK YOU.
Brill post!
ARGH. IT’S SO FRUSTRATING, RIGHT?!? And of course, YA books shouldn’t have teens in them. And also they can’t have any real-deep issues, so idek what they’re going to be about? Kissing? BUT NO THAT WOULD MAKE THEM FORGETTABLE. (Like what does this article writer even WANT??? Sheesh.)
Zomg, I completely agree about Gus/Hazel. Every time I see someone saying they’r etoo pretentious and teenagers aren’t like that, I just stand there awkwardly because I was 100% pretentious and using big words when I was 16. I thought it made cool.😂 I was simultaneously pretentious and shallow hahaah. SO basically people need to stop saying what is and is not realistic because EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. Just because we didn’t specifically experience something doesn’t mean it can’t happen!!
OH MY GOD CAIT I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU JUST SAID. Articles like these make me SO angry! They’re completely short-sighted, based on nothing but speculation (or twisted facts, as you pointed out) and make it seem as if they’re an authority on this issue. Which shouldn’t even be an issue in the first place. The term “YA” is nothing but a marketing device used by publishers to place an enormous range of literature (fantasy, contemporary, funny, sad, romance, adventure, sci-fi ETCETERA) in one box – because people like boxes. Boxes sell. It says absolutely nothing about the literature itself, though. The fact that this author is unable to see that just proves how very little knowledge they have of YA literature and its context. I love YA, and I hate the fact that people can be so terribly condescending about non-teenagers loving YA. As a side-note: I read a book on the history of YA lit recently that said that because of the changing circumstances (people living at home longer, more time in between high school and actually starting to work, etc.), the term young adult as an age group now covers a much larger group of people, perhaps even up to 30 years old. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re 80 and you want to read YA – DO YOUR THING. It’s a free world. Books are books, stories are stories. Get used to it, people.
AHHH I’M GLAD, ANNE. *hi fives* And I totally agree that “young adult” encompasses a wider audience than just teenagers, plus even if it didn’t, what’s to say we can’t enjoy it?!? Are we not allowed to read middle grade? Can we not read picture-books to small children now? GAH. IT IS A FREE WORLD. STORIES ARE STORIES.
Seems like an article like that crops of every other week…
Very well said – from a 26 year old who loves reading YA.
Oh really? I haven’t seen one for a while! But YAY for we who unashamedly love YA no matter our age. *hi fives*
Sister, you rocked it!
OMG THANKYOU. <3
Cait, you hit the nail on the head!
I read the article in “The Guardian” as well your response to it is the AWESOMEST! I’m a teenager who enjoys reading YA and the fact that I’m being called someone who doesn’t have the intellectual capacity to understand more mature fiction makes me go MAD, especially when the YA novels that I read and love now are being pitched as “easy to read and easy to forget.”
Secondly, who has the right to tell people what they should and shouldn’t read and what they should like. Whether I read a non-fiction book about Economics or a Mills and Boon romance, I’m reading and I’m enjoying myself while doing so. WHO HAS A RIGHT TO DICTATE WHO READS WHAT AND WHEN?? I love YA and I will probably read it till the day I die. A 22 years old, or 25 year old likes reading YA… SO WHAT??? They are having a great time relaxing, enjoying themselves and reliving their teenage years. WHO THE HELL HAS THE RIGHT TO JUDGE THEM FOR THAT?!?!?!
*Takes deep breath*
AHH THANKYOU, ZARA!! THIS MEANS A LOT. *shares cake with you*
And I couldn’t agree more! It’s a bit scary when people are acting like they know what’s in our best interests to read…I mean, how can anyone do that?!??! Every person is different and has different needs; and they find books to fill those needs! It’s not “disturbing”. Ugh. I can’t believe the article even used that word in relation to people READING FOR GOODNESS SAKES. Reading is GOOD FOR YOU. These haters need to stop.
I am so glad you decided to write this post about why anyone can and should read YA, thus saving me from reading that silly article in The Guardian. Whenever I read articles like that I end up getting upset because I am 25 years old and I still love YA. It has been my home since I was ten or eleven. That’s right, I started reading “teen” books before I was technically a teen. No one at the library stopped me and said, “I’m sorry, you can’t read these books until you’re 13.” My mother never told me, “This book might be a little too mature for you. Why don’t you wait a few more years before reading it.” Now that I’m 25 and have money to buy books, I’ve never had the cashier refuse to let me buy a book because I was too old. None of these scenarios have happened because most people are smart enough to know that books do NOT have age requirements or restrictions. Also, adults reading YA books is a great way for parents to bond with their children. I remember my mom reading the Harry Potter books right along with my sisters, brother, and me. She even made a cloak for my brother and took him and his friends to the midnight release party for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at our local bookstore. Too many adults don’t read because they’re too busy. So, in my opinion, if a YA book gets an adult reading again, that’s awesome. This doesn’t mean that authors are going to change the way they write YA books simply because adults read them too. The wonderful thing about YA is that it is as complex and unique. You can enjoy it when you’re 10, 17, 25, 56, 89, 104, etc.
I got SO upset and angry reading that article!! I was going to write a different post for today but once I read that article arghgh I COULDN’T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD AND I NEEDED TO VENT.😂
But ahhh, I love your comment! SO MUCH TRUTH HERE AND WONDERFULNESS. The idea that adults can’t read YA is like telling, like you said, 12 year olds not to read YA or kids not to read classics. And parents can’t read picture books to their kids. IT’S ALL BALONEY. And just because a book is about a character of a certain age doesn’t mean you have to match that age! Like no one cares if a 50 year old person reads a book about a 30 year old person?? Why does it change for adults reading YA? Also YA books are really accessible and usually quick to read and engaging…which is excellent for people who are busy too. And just excellent all round. If someone is reading then where is the problem exactly?!?
*shares cake with you* HI FIVE MY FRIEND, WE KNOW WHAT’S UP.
Yes, I totally agree! Reading YA has opened my mind about different issues, like LGBTQ (which is a taboo subject in my society), diversity (my country is always being called diverse in textbooks but I never really understood what it stood for), some history and a lot of other lessons. I’m 16 (or going to be) and when my parents tell me to take responsibilities because I’m going to be an adult, I freak out. I feel woefully unprepared to be an adult! The only thing I’m excited for is getting my driver’s license, but other than that, adulthood looks like a murky syrup to me.
“Nielsen’s figures show that 80% of all the YA books that are selling are being bought by adults.“ BOUGHT and READ are two hugely different words! Because you know what? Teens don’t usually have a lot of money. Their parents buy them books. #astounding And teens go to libraries. Because the books are FREE and the options are ENDLESS.”
YES! I have borrowed like 99% of the books I’ve read because my parents don’t shower money on me to buy books, so I borrow. I don’t regret that I borrow a lot. I’m a proud creature.
Okay, that comment about YA having fake problems, excuse me? I don’t think homophobia or mental disorders or any serious problem counts as being ‘fake’. I totally agree with what you said!
This was a really good post, Cait!
Adulthood IS totally murky syrup. TRUST ME. IT’S A TRAP. FIND PETER PAN AND RUN AWAY. *runs off shrieking into the distance* Ahem.😂 But honestly that’s how I felt about adulthood too…and I love that YA is about teens facing similar and relatable fears. LOVE IT.
I don’t even think I bought ANY books when I was a teen! Unless they were like a few dollars second hand. I just didn’t have money! I think statistics really need to take this into account: libraries. are. life. And also the fact that parents buy their kids books! IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE OMG.
And yessss….YA doesn’t deal with fake problems. You are so so right. It deals honestly with some of the biggest problems in society and gives us so many different viewpoints. LOVE IT.
“Teens in books are passionate about changing things. They’re not too tired yet of the world. I LOVE THIS.”
This is a fantastic reason to read YA. I read all kinds of books, but I’d say the majority is usually YA, and this is definitely one of the reasons I enjoy it. The books, which are often considered “serious” adult books tend to feature jaded, world-weary characters – throw in a little adultery and philosophical waxing and you have the exact kind of book I want to throw against the wall. And OBVIOUSLY I’m not saying all “adult” books are like that AT ALL, but often the ones that are being taken seriously are and it just makes me want to hit my head against the wall. It’s true that people often grow more jaded when they grow up, but it’s not like there aren’t adults who enjoy their life, are passionate about changing things and aren’t afraid to be unironically excited about something. I’d rather read about those characters TBH and a lot of the time you can find them in YA.
Also, as you mentioned, a lot of the very mature issues YA deals with are realities for teenagers, so ergo they’re NOT too mature for teenagers, because they literally have to deal with them in their every day life. And yeah – I’m an adult, but I’m also 22, so I’d say that qualifies as a young adult. One of the things I constantly complain about is actually that YA characters are usually 15-17 while there are VERY few characters in their early twenties, or at least 18-19 year-olds in YA. I know that’s just a marketing things, because those books probably often don’t get marketed as YA, but really they should be according to it being called YA. I was excited when I discovered New Adult, but it’s not what I’m looking for, so it’s back to the quest of finding books about people my age (which doesn’t mean that I’ll stop reading YA obviously).
As you said, we do struggle with similar issues all throughout life. What I love about YA is that it’s about people growing up and deciding who they want to be and of course that process happens in a more concentrated way in your teenage years, but it’s really something that happens all throughout your life. Also, a lot of the time YA heroes are “underdogs” who become more confident throughout the book and grow as people, which is fantastic encouragement for readers.
I love that C.S. Lewis quote too, it’s so very true. Obviously age brackets are just for marketing, and they’re not always complete rubbish, but they shouldn’t be treated like law either.
AHH THANKYOU!! I confess I was nervous about this post, but it seems to have worked out.😂
And I totally know what you mean about adult books vs YA. I agree! I think that’s a huge reason I gravitate towards YA…also the concise factor?! I feel like YA gets in and SAYS it without waffling around. (But like you said; that’s not for EVERY adult book.😂 I’m actually really mad that this article generalised YA so much! So I don’t want to generalise adult.)
I’m a weird one and actually don’t want to read about characters my age…who have achieved so much ahhahahahah. *melts into puddle of non-achievement* 😂 Although I DO appreciate VE Schwab’s books for this!
Anyway, I totally agree with your comment! ALL THE THINGS. and I love how YA can appeal and resonate with such a wide audience. That’s what makes it so special I think. <3
I read that article too, and I definitely agree that the things you mentioned are problematic. But it had some valid points– like the fact that books marketed as YA tend to not win the big literary awards (because those awards judges). And half the problem is that the publishing industry markets books a certain way– and sometimes that means that YA books might appeal more to adult. But to me a YA book has YA-age characters, more than being ‘just for teenagers’. And of course we should NEVER judge people for what they read, or over generalise, even if there is some truth. The point about the economic powers that kids vs. adults have is also so true. The characters DO act too old sometimes, but they also do completely silly things (like trusting strangers or having sex with someone they met 24 hours ago), so I feel like YA has variety. There are cases like Harry Potter, The Hunger Games or Divergent, where the books are marketed to YA people and adult with different style covers for example. Having availible books is really important if you want people to read– but in the end people read what they want– and we need to cultivate that mentality.
It’s all very subjective, to be honest, and also it’s never okay to generalise literature. That’s like saying all classics are boring and dry and don’t have any real meaning to today’s society. Totally not true! When people start to generalise YA books, it feels like they haven’t read them.
I don’t think YA characters are getting too mature…well no more so than IRL teenagers are! I mean, maybe not “mature” but the world is changing and the internet makes knowledge very accessible, so I don’t think teens are as naive/sheltered as they once were, you know?
The writer of that sucky article should be written into a YA novel as an equally sucky character and be killed off in rather a mean way. #FittingPunishment
I am 17, but I know MANY adults who read YA. And I will continue to read YA and MIDDLE GRADE probably for the rest of my LIFE! One of the main reasons I like MG and YA is because they don’t have graphic sex in them or heavy swearing. It is very hard not to find an adult book that has these so YA AND MG FOREVER.
ALSO NO RANDOM WRITER IS ALLOWED TO TELL US WHAT WE CAN OR CANNOT READ, YOU ARE NOT OUR PARENTS SO SHUT UP!
I don’t think YA is getting saturated w/mature characters. I still see plenty of immature ones, who are frankly annoying. But then again, I am very mature for my age and find almost all the teens around me to be immature so what is that writer’s definition of maturity? That is a relative term!
HA! YES! NO one can tell us what we want to read, no matter our ages! We have RIGHTS. And also if it’s a good book than of course it’s going to appeal to people of different ages. Good literature is magical like that. :’)
And I hear ya with the immature YA characters. *nods* There are plenty still there.😂 I also think bookworms ARE often more mature? So we don’t really want to read about immature characters anyway. I was that way when I was a teen. :O And YES IT’S ALL RELATIVE AND SUBJECTIVE. You are a very wise bean, Hannah. *gives you cake*
YES, CAIT!!!! WOOOOP!!! Thank you, that article makes me want to go hurl a million books at the person who wrote it. They just seem like someone who either hasn’t read a lot of YA or just doesn’t understand that teenagers can read and SHOULD read about real issues, even if this person deems them ‘adult’.
I am glad you wrote this. I was tempted to write a post on it but mine would probably have been far too ranty and full of every swear word in existence, as I have ZERO filter.
I am just so fed up of the bashing of adults who read YA fiction. It is utterly ridiculous and needs to stop. People should be able to read what they want, when they want and not have people try to make them feel bad about it. It should only matter that people are reading, not what they are choosing to read.
AHHH THANKYOU!! *flails and gives you cake* It’s like the Dan Brown rewriting his book for younger readers thing aaaall over again, right?!? People need to STOP being condescending to teenagers! They are not little delicate petals who will die at the first sign of the real world. In fact, teenagers WANT honesty. I know I always really did and got seriously angry if I thought people were keeping things from me.😂
Hahahaha. I would still love to read your version!😂
I think adults bash YA because they secretly like it and are horrified at themselves because they’ve somehow got it in their brains that it’s a terrible thing to enjoy teenager literature. *facepalm*
Love this! I’m 30 years old and read YA. The YA section at Barnes and Noble is the first place I go to.
YOU HAVE EXCELLENT PRIORITIES AND I HIGHLY APPROVE. *gives you cake*
I’m 21 and I still love YA fiction. I don’t see myself stopping reading it anytime soon *clears throat* any time at all, either. Ages are guidelines and suggestions, not rules. I read classics like Dickens when I was a lot younger. I’ve read and enjoyed books for 12-13 year olds when I was 19….
I’ve heard (I’ve not studied it myself…but it makes sense) that many young adult books are better written then adult books, because if they aren’t engaging and well written, the they’ll get thrown to the side more quickly by a young adult than an adult. Or at least that is the theory behind the writing. What do you think?
YESSSSS I thoroughly agree! The protagonists’ ages aren’t the readers’ ages! I was reading classics when I was 14 and I’m reading middle-grade when I’m 22. The point is that good literature doesn’t NEED age limits because IT’S JUST GOOD AND EVERYONE SHOULD TRY IT.
And I do think YA books have to be more engaging!?? Like that’s somehow just a thing with them, I’ve noticed? And I love that! It helps us with shorter attention spans, right?! hehe
So many good points!
I suppose I’ve never thought about it, me not being very deep into the YA world. I, too, have spent years devouring MG Historical Fiction because it’s so stinking good and I love it. XD
My problem with YA is content. Like, no explicit content please. And I’m super tired of love triangles and basically all romance, unless it’s well done (Harry Potter.) or only a minor subplot. But that’s just me. I know there are books like this and I’m slowly finding my way through the swamp of books.
Ahhh thankyou! I think a big point of this is that not ALL YA books are the same and it’s really dangerous to generalise like the author of the article is doing. Yes there are YA books that are fluffy and nonsensical and there are tired dystopians and love triangles….but not ALL of them are! There are horrible adult books out there too. And horrible classics. Not every category of books is going to be perfect.😂 BUT YEAH. NO SHAME FOR WHAT WE WANT TO READ! If we enjoy it; we should read it.
i did not read the whole article but based on the statements you included I would hate it. It’s good that you decided to write this and make the rest of us aware of it. Sounds very insulting to readers, We can choose when and which books we read. I’m 23 and I’ve read quite a few children’s books this year actually. Wonder what the author of that article would say to that hahaha 😀
It was TOTALLY insulting. AGH. I’m still raging.😂 But ahhh thank you!!! I’m glad you liked my response. 😀
I’m 21 and 50% of what I read still is middle grade, with 25% YA, and then the rest Indie Books that I’m not actually sure what age group they’re supposed to be and/or classics. (There’s a small sliver of modern adult books in there, but only by certain authors, and usually sci-fi or fantasy.)
See, I like my books to be clean, and for the most part, MG is, and YA at least has a good chance of it. MG and YA are comfortable, Also, MG usually doesn’t have any romance, and while I enjoy a good love story, I don’t want it to be the focus of every book I read. Ya know?
Kendra, I agree with you COMPLETELY! That’s one of the biggest reasons that I still read 80% YA and 20% MG. I prefer clean books and that’s hard to find in the new adult genre. Now and then I’ll find an interesting and (mostly) clean NA book, but that’s extremely rare.
@Kendra: That’s fair! I do like that romance is usually less in YA (definitely less/nonexistent in MG!) so that’s another reason I enjoy YA. Not that there’s anything wrong with romance, it just comes to personal preference of course.😂
Um…forgive me if I’m wrong, but if YA stands for young adult, then isn’t it aimed at young adults as well as teenagers? I mean, I’m 18, so I’m technically an adult, but if I say that I’m an adult, someone inevitably shoots me down. If it was just aimed at people aged 13-17, wouldn’t it be called teenage fiction? I kind of feel like this is an adult trying to justify why YA books appeal to them…
Also, people LIKE idealised romance. Even in adult fiction, romance tends to be idealised. People don’t read for reality.
I think the term “young adult” should be going up to mid-twenties at LEAST. But even if it’s not, the age range of the protagonist shouldn’t dictate the age range of the readers! There are TONS of adult books written by the POV of children and we don’t give them to kids!! I mean, for goodness sakes, half the narrators of Game of Thrones are under 15 in the first book!!
And so true about the people-don’t-read-for-reality. It would be a boring world if all books were 100% realistic, right?!
I can’t imagine how you were able to write this post after reading the article while still being reasonable and giving clear opinions. I would be fuming and write nonsense words. Telling people what they should read based on their age is stupid (well, unless an the person is a child and he/she wants to read Game of Thrones, which is unlikely, then we tell them). I read YA because they’re relatable; the characters are relatable, their situations are relatable, and it’s nice to read something relatable to our lives!
And I read YA because I like to crush my own soul. And perhaps it’s because I still consider myself as a young adult (even though I’m 24. I don’t want to be an adult just yet).
But seriously, I read all kinds of books but I prefer YA to adult books because in my opinion adult books are too… heavy? Not that YA books are not serious, but they’re just more fun and fascinating! The characters are mature despite their young age, and I think that’s an interesting representation of today’s youth. They are more mature because of the circumstances they are in, and I’d like to believe that the youngsters in the real world would act the same if they were in the characters’ position.
Just, let people read any book they want to read and be happy in life! SMH.
AHHH THANKYOU.😂 To be honest, I feel like I am fuming and ranting instead of being reasonable. hehe. So I’m actually glad it came out SOMEWHAT sensibly. *nods* ;D I think once someone gets to like 14 or 15 and are sensible and know what they need in life, then yes they can choose their own reading material! (I mean, I don’t think kids should read Game of Thrones particularly.😂 But it ALL DEPENDS ON THE PERSON!) I think the biggest trouble with this article is that it’s not allowing room for individuality and different needs. You can’t box people up into age categories! YOU JUST CAN’T.
I think YA books concentrate on being more engaging that’s for sure. *nods* And faster paced, maybe?! IDEK. But they’re written in a completely different style to adult books and I Just loooooove YA and have no intentions of ever giving it up. 😀 Plus if adults shouldn’t READ YA then how are they allowed to write it?! Does the article think only teens can write books for teens? Maybe only 10 year olds can write books for 10 year olds? IT’S JUST ALL SO ABSURD.
Oh I COMPLETELY AGREE. I was thinking the same thing! Are adults only meant to write adult books because that’s the only genre they’re meant to read and understand?? Doesn’t make any sense. SMH.
My favorite part of this article may actually be how internally inconsistent it it, though. I’m kind of appalled it was published, not just because it makes silly claims, but because the claims it makes contradict each other.
“Teens aren’t reading YA because it has all these complex, mature themes and would appeal only to adults. But YA is lazy writing, and it’s actually embarrassing adults would be reading this garbage anyway.”
…So??? I’m not even sure what the proposed solution is here. COMPLETELY changing the entire way authors write YA? But what would it look like?
YES YES EXACTLY!! It’s so confusing with all the contradictions. Is YA too mature??? Or terribly forgettable? I guess that just cements the fact the article is useless if it can’t even put facts together.
OHMYGOODNESS, CAIT, THIS IS ANOTHER POST OF GENIUS. :O (Of course, I’m not surprised. ;D) BASICALLY YES TO EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I’m a teenager who actually falls into the “intended age range,” but I absolutely positively believe that YA is for ANYONE who wants to read it. Seriously. ADULTS ARE JUST KING-SIZED TEENAGERS. (Y’know, like a king-sized candy bar? I’M SORRY, I HAD NO GOOD METAPHORS ON HAND.) Personally, I’ve read adult books, YA, and children’s books and found enjoyment in ALL of them. BECAUSE I CAN RELATE TO ALLLLL THE BOOKS. It doesn’t matter if it’s labeled for teens, kids, or adults–in the end we can all relate because we’re human. (YES, EVEN IF THE PROTAGONIST IS A DRAGON WE CAN RELATE. BECAUSE WE’RE ACTUALLY BOOKDRAGONS.)
One thing that drives me crazy is the fact that people often complain about how many people don’t read. And yet, at the same time, they try to DICTATE WHAT YOU CAN READ. Um…NO WAY. If you want people to read, you need to let them choose their own reading material. Saying that you’re “too old” for a certain book is like saying you’re too old for cookies. (NO ONE GROWS OUT OF GINGERBREAD.) I may be a teenager, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to read the glorious books that are Peter Pan and The Chronicles of Narnia. (Heck, I still collect stuffed animals. #noshame) Children’s books are for EVERYONE, people. (By the by, that C.S. Lewis quote is my FAVE.)
This post is just PERFECTION and really nothing I say can do it justice. HERE, HAVE SOME CAKE. *hands you every flavor of cake ever* *hugs post*
AWWW WHY THANKYOU! *blushes* I’m so glad the post turned out okay! I was seriously worried, hahahha (I don’t do rants very often).😂
Anyway! I totally agree with you too! Enjoyment for any sort of book shouldn’t be limited by age range. It just isn’t even logical, tbh. And YES. The irony of the not-reading-enough but oh-wait-you-must-only-read-this IS REALLY RIDICULOUS. Gah.
I read the article and BASICALLY YOU OUTLINED EVERY PROBLEM WITH IT IN A WAY I NEVER COULD. The one thing you didn’t mention with number 6 – YA DOES talk about teenagers problems and hopes and fears and dreams in a way I think all of them can understand. For example, I have a friend who is korean. Recently she’s started reading a lot of books. She might not get all the words but she always enjoys them. In a broader sense, reading something written by adults that is apparently not for teens doesn’t mean they won’t get stuff out of it. You don’t have to be as mature as the characters or share their life problems or even understand all the book’s themes to get something out of it. And also, I don’t think that YA books are no longer for teens, but maybe they’re broadening so that people who aren’t teens can also appreciate them? (Like, I still appreciate the gruffalo?) But because of the label ‘for teens’ most adults assume they’re stupid. grrrrrrrrrhhhh (like my parents, sometimes.) [okay this is too long]
AHH THANK YOU SHAR!!! I was super worried about this rant but it seems to have gone over okay?! CAKE FOR EVERYONE. *flings cake in the air* Ahem.
It’s actually super amazing that YA can appeal and be relatable to such a wide variety of audiences, right?!? That’s so exciting! And I think Ya books are also acknowledging that teens don’t stay sheltered and naive for as long anymore? I mean, the world is changing. Maybe 15 years ago it was different, but YA book need to move with the universe as well. AND GAH. There is just NEVER any right to call teens stupid. IT’s SO CONDESCENDING.
I read that article yesterday afternoon and spent the rest of the night fuming. I mean, I knew that the YA authors on the twittersphere were freaking out about it. But, y’know, people tend to make a bigger deal of this kind of thing on the internet so I went in expecting it not to be as bad as it was and boy was I surprised. Basically the entire point of the article was “YA is getting too “adult” for teens, and it’s going over teen’s heads and that’s why they’re not reading”, which is the same as “teens are too stupid to read adult novels”.
I’m kind of considering getting a bunch of teen bookworms to make a comment on why they don’t agree with the article and then sending it in to the editor.
UGH, I mean, it simultaneously insulted adults AND teens. What even!?! I think that guy was just in a bad haters mood and took it out on a public platform (it bothers me that big websites can condone stuff like that though #sadface).
Getting some teens’ opinions would make AN EPIC ARTICLE!! I hope you do that!!
YES, YES, YES to this post! I am still a teenager reading YA. though I’ll be 20 this year but I fully intend to still be reading YA for years to come. I don’t get why people feel the need to police other people’s reading habits! I’m legally an adult but I don’t really consider myself that way and I feel like a lot of people in their late teens/early twenties feel the same way? So actually young adult is a pretty accurate description for what we are! I totally relate to your point about teens stopping reading because their friends think their silly, I never stopped reading completely but I definitely read less when I was about 12/13 because I used to get teased for it. I also did a whole discussion post about a month ago on boys and reading and how society trains them that reading is girly so I totally get that one too. Great post Cait!
Saaaame. Policing other peoples reading just is ludicrous! It’s just such NONSENSE to think you can see someone happily reading a fantasy book or whatnot and say “that’s disturbing”. No. No it’s not. *sighs* This article is so problematic. IT’s JUST GAHHHHH.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my response, Jo, thankyou! 😀
I’m 42 and I still read YA – and my mom does too. She’s … older than me. 🙂 I get SO frustrated when people act like reading YA past a certain age is some sort of sin. Honestly, I read YA because it’s less … boring than many of the adult books I’ve read. And, yes, this too is a horrible generalization, and I’ve certainly read some good adult books, but I’ve also found that sometimes I get bored by them – and I’m not into thrillers (I’ve tried, but they just don’t thrill me), so …
The one thing I MAY agree with a teensy bit from your quoted article is the part about kids reading less when they hit a certain age. One thing that I’ve found as a parent is that it’s hard to find books for my 13-year-old son. He’s getting a little tired of middle grade (though he still likes it) and a lot of YA I just don’t feel is appropriate for him because of some of the content. Maybe I’m too sheltering, but I DO think that a lot of YA is more mature YA – stuff I certainly don’t mind him reading at some point, but I don’t know if 13 is the right age for it. I kind of wish there was a “younger YA” category, but I know that would make things even murkier because who decides what’s right for what ages? Anyway, my son used to DEVOUR books, but lately he’s tapered way back and I think part of that is because he’s just not finding books that feel like they’re aimed toward him – and I’ve had a hard time finding suggestions for him as well. (His favorite is James Dashner – LOVE those books for him!!) So in that one SMALL way, I think the writer of that article may have been onto something. (I hate to think that my son will fall out of the habit of reading because he pauses while searching for the right things to read!)
Other than that, though, I am 100% behind you and the rest of the article you mentioned makes me stabby!!
I grew up with my mum reading to me! Is that “disturbing” according to this article?! Because my adult parent was reading childrens books?! SHEESH. NOTHING IN THE ARTICLE EVEN MAKES THE REMOTEST BIT OF SENSE. *stamps foot* Some people need to not be talking if all they can say is insulting things, backed up with fake facts.
I mean, I do know what you mean about feeling like there is a bit of a gap between MG and YA at times. I do think there are tons and tons of YA books out there that aren’t as heavy (have you tried Neal Shusterman?! I totally recommend Bruiser, btw! Random recommendation haha, but it just popped into my head😂) but I think the ones that are more publicised are the heavier ones. *nods* So YES, you’re right! But I did put on my list of why kids might stop reading is the “not finding the right books for them” so I definitely acknowledge that can be an issue.
YES! Neal Shusterman is genius and both my son and I love him!! (Especially the Unwind series, which is pretty much the most brilliant dystopian of ever, in my opinion). Actually, though, I own Bruiser but haven’t read it yet – need to fix that! Thanks for the reminder!
Oh Cait you are on to something here. Nice retort. I second EVERYTHING you said here and I would like to throw something else in.
The article states; “Publicists at publishers have very limited budgets. One free source of publicity is the vibrant blogging community. The YA bloggers are almost all adults. They favour a particular type of YA novel.”
What the absolute hell! He mentions bloggers, then states that WE are part of the problem. How the hell can that be?
This is just another example of a YA hater. We can group this article writer with that guy on youtube who states that makeup doesn’t make someone a real reader.
What a crock!
aHHH THANK YOU, KAREN. *flails happily*
And also I think it’s ludicrous that he mentions bloggers like that. Although I guess it’s kind of flattering that apparently we bloggers have so much sway!?? *Snorts* I actually read a statistic somewhere that said bloggers sell/advertise a very small percentage of books. We are NOT the largest book publicity service! Hmm, I just feel like this article writer has no idea what he’s talking about and just rambled on about whatever popped into his head. 0_0
Just the other day I was thinking about why YA was only synonymous to teenagers. I think the early 20’s should definitely fall into the YA category seeing as we’re literally young adults (old enough to make our own choices but young enough to be afraid of ‘adulting’. All these labels and boundaries society creates are actually really unnecessary. I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when I was 11 and I didn’t understand anything that happened cause it’s an ‘adult’ book so I read it TWICE more until I was used to the language. No one stopped me or told me I was too young to read it and I think that had a really positive impact on my journey as a reader. My youngest sister is now 11 and at times I’ve been tempted to say ‘you’re too young for this’ or whatever but I don’t because I was lucky enough not to have that said to me and I want her to be able to read what she wants (as long as it’s not 50 shades of grey… I draw the line there) and now at the age of 11 she’s deep into YA and fantasy novels already! And are we just supposed to stop reading YA on our 20th birthdays? Our mentalities and interests don’t just change overnight. Teens can read adult books and adults can read teen books. It’s just snobbery to turn your nose up at something because it’s not ‘serious’ enough or whatever -_-. ANYWAYS. enough mature talk. Brilliant post Cait :’)
Yessss exactly!! We are still “young adults” when we’re in our 20s!😂 And even when we’re not, the age of the protagonist doesn’t have to equal the age of the reader! Like should we ONLY read books by characters in their 30s when we are 30?!?! IT JUST DOESN’T MAKE SENSE. READING SHOULD NOT HAVE RULES!
And plus how do we learn if we don’t read books that challenge us?!
(And okay totally agree with 50 Shades.😂 I mean, I wouldn’t want a 12 year old reading Game of Thrones, despite liking that series.)
I’m glad you liked the post, Alliyah! THANKYOU.
Fantastic post, Cait! I don’t agree with people being judged for what they read–isn’t it a good thing that they’re reading at all? I’m not so sure YA is being marketed to adults but instead books being labelled YA that don’t belong in that category but in NA or adult. Something I find really frustrating because I find it misleading.
There is nothing wrong with adults reading YA! I’m 27 and most of what I read is YA–also, my mum also reads YA as well as adult and is always reading my books. 😀
Yes totally agree! Reading is GOOD. It absolutely is excellent for your brain and it’s ludicrous to want people not to read because they’re not “The right age for that book”. Sheesh.
I think some NA books are definitely being called YA and I don’t think it’s a “problem”, per se, just a little frustrating? I 100% think that Sarah J Maas’ books are New Adult. It does bother me a bit that people keep labelling them NA, but that’s the public! I don’t think publishers are pitching them like that. And anyway, I don’t think it’s that teens can’t handle NA, it’s just that those teens who don’t want the more steamy sexy scenes of NA should be warned. If they want to be warned!
Yayyy for you and your mother and your EXCELLENT READING TASTE. 😀
“Aren’t you a little old to be reading that?” and “Aren’t you a little young to be reading THAT?” are two phrases I am very used to. I do not like those phrases, they insinuate that my mental capacity is not unique and is in the box of 12-16. Therefore, reading a book that is, say, 9-12 is *GASP* scandalous and degrading for me mentally. I could honestly go on and on about this topic, but you KNOW WHAT! I am a bookqueen, and they are simply peasants. XD
YES. It’s so condescending when people think you’re too old/young for something. Don’t WE know what we’re ready for???? We humans are intelligent creatures and I think we can figure out what kind of literature we need.😂
YOU ARE BOOK QUEEN. WE ARE ALL BOOK QUEEN. WE KNOW WHAT WE WANT.
This is a great post!
I read that article, as well as the comments on it, and I have to say that some of the discussion happening over there is not as irrational and bizarre as the actual contents of the article. Some of it I still don’t totally agree with but some of it is spot-on, and even in the comments I wasn’t totally on board with, I think the commenters made some good points and gave me some stuff to think about.
But the article ITSELF is just utter nonsense in so many ways. It seems like the author is saying they enjoy YA themselves and that’s really the main problem. “I’m an intelligent, well-read adult, it’s not possible that I am actually enjoying and getting something out of books for TEENAGERS!?” So they are proposing that YA is actually written by and for adults, to comfort themselves. “Shhh, it’s ok! you’re not a dumb teenager, the YA book market is LYING to you, this book is actually Just For You.” This is….super offensive, because even though the author never said it outright, the implication is pretty clear that this author (and possibly other adults) just doesn’t want to be An Adult Who Identifies With Literature For Teens. The reference to the editors of YA as “cultured, intelligent people” who “enjoy adult-oriented YA” gives away the real meaning behind all of this – that since a cultured, intelligent adult couldn’t possibly find something to enjoy in books for teenagers, there must be something amiss. Instead of admitting “hey, YA fiction, despite having its share of lazy and easily-marketable books (((which it does, because so does EVERY OTHER AREA OF THE BOOKSTORE))) is really finding its footing and there are some very high-quality, memorable books being given to teenagers which can also be enjoyed by people of all ages because they contain themes, characters and stories that resonate on a wider scale of human experience and I ENJOY THIS WITHOUT SHAME” they are digging their heels in the dirt and saying “NO YA IS FOR DUMB TEENAGE GIRLS WHO JUST WANT TO READ ABOUT PRETTY BOYS AND TALK ABOUT KISSING AND NAIL POLISH”.
So the solution is to … label it for adults? So they don’t ruin their street cred as Grown-Up Readers of Grown-Up Books For Grown-Ups Because We’re Very Smart Grown-Ups. It’s just……complete drivel.
Another thing that doesn’t make any sense about this article is the insistence that teenagers aren’t even reading YA. Aside from the misrepresentation of the statistic at the beginning, using the word “read” instead of “bought”, they said that most people blogging about and publicizing YA are adults. I think there are plenty of adult readers (defining adults as 20+ I guess, though as you pointed out, 20-25 is still within the range of a young adult) who run YA-centric book blogs but I don’t think that means teenagers aren’t reading them? I work in a library and at my branch in particular, probably 75-85% of the people who regularly check out materials from the YA section are actual teenagers or young adults under the age of 25. A few adults check out or request books from that section but not to the extent that I see the teenagers do (STACKS of YA novels every 2 or 3 weeks, requests of YA books from other branches, asking whether we have a certain new book or series, clearly being very in touch with what is popular in YA).
I think this article is about a problem that isn’t an actual problem. The real problem is the pervasive idea that enjoying things belonging to/intended for teenagers makes adults look bad somehow. It’s kind of similar to gendering power bars and soap and hair dye as “FOR MEN” because men seen as being like women = The Worst/Demasculinizing. Banishing these toxic and devaluing notions to OBLIVION is the actual solution to the actual problem.
Anyway. This was long and rambly but I had a lot of thoughts. Thanks for starting this discussion, I think it’s an important one.
Oh yes!! Your point on the author making it sound like they are almost embarrassed to like YA. I never thought about that, but I do think there’s a huge stigma if you’re an adult who loves YA. Which is such crap because honestly who cares?? Like Cait said, we were all teenagers once so we can all relate to these characters. I love YA because the characters jump off the pages, they are fast-paced and they make me feel. I want books that give me a few hours escape from my real life and YA accomplishes that.
*applauds* OMG THIS IS GOLD, ABSOLUTE GOLD. I love your points so so much and I entirely agree. I do think that the author is terrified that they’re enjoying stuff that’s for teenagers, ergo they must be of lower intelligence too. Grrr. It’s so insulting. The article insults BOTH teenagers AND adults and I don’t even know what it’s trying to achieve???? It wants YA authors to be out of a job??? It wants to write simpler/boring books for teens that they can “handle”?? It’s condescending and ridiculous.
Also I love what you said about working in the library! And I think it’s TERRIBLE for this article (and any statsitic really) to assume that they can gauge the age of readers via just looking at book buying stats. Libraries are huge!! And teens do not have money to buy as many books as they probably want. I never did. I don’t think I bought a single book from 16 to about 19 unless they were second hand from library sales. 0_0 Plus, as an adult, I’d buy books and give them to my little sister. I’m sure hundreds of people do this and parents too.
Thanks for adding your thoughts! I really loved how you summed it up too and I COULDN’T AGREE MORE.
I completely agree with you on all points! I didn’t feel that it was a very convincing piece as it had weak arguments and made ridiculous blanket statements. The one thing that bothered me the most was when they said that the Nielsen statistic (that they completely botched, as you noted) was “disturbing.” Disturbing, really? If they find it unsettling or strange or whatever then fine, but a disturbing statistic would be something more like, “80% of YA literature is read by felonious criminals.” Then maybe we should consider why such a thing happening (other than felonious criminals sitting in jail having nothing better to do than pick up and read great stories).
I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!??! The use of “Disturbing” Is just horribly insulting to everyone. Plus, I mean, this one article writer was basically saying they wanted YA authors to be out of a job. HOW DARE THEY. It makes me so angry that big websites like The Guardian will endorse things like this. And the fact that the author of the article misquoted that statistic to further his case just further proves his arguments were 100% weak and unfounded. If he doesn’t like YA, fine. That’s because books are SUBJECTIVE. Why is that so hard to accept?!? Sheesh.
hehe, more ranting from me😂 But I’m glad you liked my post!!
Girl… I could kiss you right now…BUT THAT WOULD BE WEIRD. Just forget I said that! XD So I read that article and OMG.. it made me SO MAD!! I don’t know what that person was thinking when he/she wrote that, I don’t think he has a single clue what YA is about otherwise he wouldn’t have made those biased and blatant statements. I’m so glad you wrote this post because everything is so sooo true! Each and every word about what YA is about! I think many people still have misconceptions about YA being only for teenagers which is so not true! Nonetheless, you made everything pretty clear in this post! LOVED IT!! <3
I’LL GIVE YOU CAKE AND YOU CAN KISS THAT. 😂 And omg I was SO SO MAD TOO. I like spent a few hours writing and rewriting this post and venting. hahah. Very therapeutic. 😉 And I don’t think the article writer ever read YA, tbh. Because the statements were just so wildly inaccurate. Yes there are “bad” YA books out there, but please, that is a matter of personal taste and anyone who doesn’t understand that art/literature is subjective needs to not be speaking. -_-
Oh YES YES! That sounds like the best alternative! XD And yup, you are absolutely right! I wish we could tie up that person and make him read all the YA books in this world, perhaps then he would have gown a brain….
Personally I don’t really believe that books should be even given these weird categories. I think of course YA deals with a lot of serious issues but its still very ‘ teenager-like’I like YA better now than before although this thing of sugar coating makes reading YA annoying and so predictable. I like YA cause its funnier and diverse just get better on the romances (pleeeeaaaase)
AGREED! I mean, sometimes it’s a nice guidelines to say “oh this book is for 8 to 12 year olds” or whatnot, just to give you an idea, but IT SHOULDN’T BE LIKE “THIS BOOK IS ONLY FOR THOSE READERS; ANYONE ELSE IS FORBIDDEN”. Nooooo. And I agree that YA is just getting better and better!!
I just read the article, and I agree with absolutely everything you’ve said here! I’m 23 and still read YA fiction, and one of the things i love so much about it is that even though it’s aimed at teenagers, it can be enjoyed by literally everyone, because anyone who has been a teenager (so everyone over 13) can remember being one.
The author of the article seems to have such a problem with YA books ‘actually being books for adults’, but personally I think that’s great – so many people are determined to patronise teenagers and assume they’re stupid or too immature to deal with big, real world issues, when actually they are at an age where they need to really start learning about those things. Teenagers are essentially at a stage in their life where they need to learn how to be an adult, and their books should treat them accordingly!
Great post!
Exactly!! YA is like the best genre (oh well, it’s not a genre is it? Category? IDEK😂) because it can work for anyone. It’s relatable and we want to read relatable books!! And teenagers HATE being patronised and can smell condescension from a mile away…so it’s wonderful that YA is tackling heavy topics. Plus a lot of teens actually deal with A LOT of heavy stuff IRL and it’s nice to read books that encourage them. And is it really that horrible to think that adults want to read books that make them happy and comfortable and entertained?!? YA is a very specific style and if we like that style then JUST GO US!!
BRILLIANT post, Cait! I actually feel so offended by some of the things that article contained.. I’m so tired of people thinking all teenagers are shallow and stupid and don’t want to read about real life issues. I read YA because a) It’s fun b) The writing is really, really good (Laini Taylor, John Green, Siobhan Curham, Jandy Nelson HECK YES), I’ve read a lot of articles where people assume YA books have basic writing and are predictable and I’m like NO THEY’RE NOT JUST STOP c) I can relate to them just like adults can too because like you said: teenagers are confused. Adults are confused. We’re all just trying to figure life out. d) They’re so fun! Most YA books I’ve read have intricate plots and witty one-liners and they’re just so. Maybe adults like reading YA because they can lose themselves in a book and not worry about money or their job etc. It’s beneficial to their mental health e) I learn things and not always things relating to science or maths or general knowledge. But I’ve learnt how to be more compassionate and open-minded and I’ve learnt how to do deal with things I might face without having to go through the turmoil in order to learn from the experience. YA books can be read by anyone. People have the freedom to choose what they want to read and I hope this never, ever changes.
Saaaaame. It’s just downright ludicrous to say that teens are stupid and ignorant and can’t “handle” heavier issues in books. Of course they can. OF COURSE THEY WANT THEM. Teens don’t want to be lied to. And anyone who thinks YA is all “The same” Just doesn’t read very much of it. That’s really obvious. Because I read a TON and I would never accuse it of being all the same or forgettable, omg.
ALL HUMANS ARE CONFUSED AND WE JUST WANT RELATABLE BOOKS AND GOOD STORYTELLING AND YA IS GIVING US THAT SO THERE IS NO DOWNSIDE.
Great response Cait!
Thanks Abi!! *flails*
YESYESYES to all of this YES because oh my penguins, you make all the best arguments of ever. I…there’s really nothing else I can say, except three cheers to you and a pint of pineapple smoothie! (which…makes no sense, but I’m rolling with it okay?)
Seriously though–thank you for this post. Your arguments are valid and need to be read by everybody. I am 28 and still read YA because of all the things you wrote above. I don’t see this as a problem. In fact, YA has enriched my life in a LOT of ways that I am appreciative of.
I’LL TAKE THE PINT OF PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE. IT WORKS. AND I SHALL EXCHANGE IT TO YOU FOR PINEAPPLE CAKE OF HAPPINESS. Because I’m so glad you liked my post!!😂
All the yes. Rock on girl. I am sitting over here nodding my head enthusiastically reading your post while occasionally yelling about how ignorant and stupid this person who wrote this horrendous article is. You have addressed all his points beautifully.
I think the most important point is… no one should be telling anyone what they should or should not be reading. Books are books. If I want to go read a Dr. Seuss book right now, I will. If I want to read The Hunger Games I will. If I want to read War & Peace I will. Because I get to choose what I want to read. Is reading YA as 25 year old hurting the people around me? No. No it’s not. I’m currently reading Harry Potter for the first time ever. Should I not be reading that because it’s reserved for children? If a teen wants to read War & Peace should they be told no? Absolutely not. This article made me so angry and then your post made me cheer and woot. Now I’m exhausted and shall go eat the mentioned cake.
AHHH THANK YOU, REBECCA! *hi fives* Let’s yell together at that ignorant horrendous article.😂
I think it’s monstrously WONDERFUL that we like to read so widely! I absolutely enjoy reading picture books to my preschooling nephew/nieces…because they’re actually works of art and there’s SO much to apprecaite in them! Same as I want to read The Fault in Our Stars and Game of Thrones. WE READERS DO NOT NEED TO BE CONFINED.
Definitely eat cake. We ALL deserve cake after this.😂
I think books are there to be enjoyed and it’s great that people have different tastes. We should all read what we like, whatever it is. Fantastic post, very well phrased.
Exactly! There shouldn’t be “rules” on what we can and cannot enjoy when it comes to literature! THANKYOU.
I am 16 and read YA. I feel like YA is targeted for anyone. If you had a YA or adult book published would you care if a 10 year old read it? Nope, you would probably be glad that a 10 year old liked your book so much to read it. I started reading YA when I was 13, my first YA book was Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck (and I loved it soooo much). I never liked going into the YA section though because there was a big neon sign saying TEENS, and I used to hate that word so much. So like for 2 years I would put all my YA on hold, and just pick them up off hold. I don’t remeber when I stopped hating the word “teens” as much, but now I don’t care if you ask me what I read I will tell you. I love what I read, I read a little of everything (but mostly YA). I read Adult, Non-fiction, Middle Grade, and kids books. I have always grown up in a household with books, my mom taught me how to read in Kindergarden, and I loved Junie B. Jones when I was a kid. Do you remeber what books got you into reading overall? I hate problem #2, I wish more kids read. Since I’m homeschooled I always have time to read, I’m the type of person that is like unless we are going to the grocery store brings a book everywhere. I don’t think a person can ever be too old to read something. I have friends that don’t read but one of my friends parents love The Mortal Instruments. One of my old neighbors is in her 50’s and loves The Mortal Instuments too. I think if someone told me “Aren’t you a little to old to read that?” I would tell them to shut up and leave me alone. This is a very good discussion, and was a great post!
I wish people put more value on reading too!! I mean, there are tons of logical reasons books may not be forefront in their life, but it’s saaaaad when kids don’t read PURELY because they’ve never been taught to love it. 🙁 READING IS SO FUN AND SO GOOD FOR THE BRAIN!! *flings books at the world* It’s just beyond ridiculous to think that you should ONLY read what society deems appropriate because of your age. Like, sheesh, who even decided the age ranges??? And also I read a bit of everything too!! I LOVE READING ALL THE THINGS. It makes me super happy that I can enjoy Narnia (which is what got me into reading!) and then turn around and love Red Rising. <3
I hate when people are telling me what do to because they know it the best. The mere thought that someone could dictate what I should and what I shouldn’t read is just ridiculous. I am 23 and I can easily say that I love YA. Why? It makes me think about issues I know little about, I can experience hard times of others, it teaches me compassion, it teaches me a lot about making the right decisions or to be selfish when one needs to be. It teaches me it’s okay not be okay, it teaches me about bravery and friendship and the hardships of life and if this is TOO MATURE for teenagers than we will keep treating them as children until they are what… 25? 26? What is the right age to read YA? As you said age is irrelevant because everyone is different. I don’t feel 23 years old. Society is so messed up nowadays when it tries to tell us what to wear, how to look, what to eat… and now it tries to tell us what to read? Thanks, but no thanks. I have my own mind and I want to create my own opinions and I want to decide for myself whether the book is too mature or too immature and that should apply to every single one of us. Seriously, I was speechless when I read those quotes and I could tell it made you mad. Well, you’re not alone. 🙂
YES IT IS FULLY RIDICULOUS AND DISTURBING. And also, I didn’t even get to this in the most (ahha, it was too long already) but it’s so offensive that this writer was basically saying a ton of YA authors shouldn’t have their jobs. Like how dare you say that of someone?!? And it’s ludicrous. There are NYT bestselling authors out there and this article writer thinks they don’t know how to write? THE STATS SAY DIFFERENTLY.
I suppose they expect a teen to turn 18 or 21 and sudden — KABOOM — never read YA and always read adult books? *eye rolls*
Society definitely needs to stop telling people how to live. It’s not healthy and it’s not fair. WE DO WHAT WE WANT AND TRY TO BE HAPPY.
Short comment today (because I’m SUPPOSED to be writing an abstract for a conference, and it’s due tomorrowwwww *sniffles*).
Long story short, I loved this post. I read YA mostly because it feels more relatable to me than a lot of adult fiction. Besides, adult fantasy is often bizarre and too explicit (in both romance and gore) for me to fully appreciate the character development that goes on. YA is less explicit and I just generally like the plots better.
I really only got into the genre about 5yrs ago (I was a late-ish bloomer when it comes to regular YA, mainly because my parents were ridiculously strict about the books I could read – like all I could read was whatever they sold in the local Christian bookstore 😐 and I exhausted that supply years and years and years ago). So I read a lot of classics and Victorian literature (which I ADORE) and random stuff. Plus many re-reads of Tolkien and CS Lewis 😛 but now I’ve just branched out into YA mostly for all the adventures and ugh – heaven knows my life could use more adventures!
Goooood luck with your abstract thing for your conference! DO YOU NEED CAKE? I SHALL SUPPLY VIRTUAL MOTIVATING CAKE. *sprinkles it in your hair*
And omg thankyou! I’m glad you liked it! I’m not a fan of the overly romance-y-ness (that is totally a word) of adult either. Reason #93898 I love YA. I mean, YA has romance and sex, but it’s not explicit. That suits me!
HI FIVE FOR LATE YA BLOOMERS. My parents were pretty strict too, hence I read a lot of historical fiction which was safe.😂 I kind of wish they hadn’t? Because it was a culture shock later on actually realising what the world was like, but I’m making up for lost time.😂
Oh. My. Word. That 4th statement. WHAT?
Of COURSE they have idealised romance and some pretty unrealistic solutions – IT’S FICTION. They need to look up definitions for that word and EAT THEM. People read fiction to escape to those heart-wrenching romances, those solutions that most likely involve dragons. Ugh.
And relating to that and #6, even if it’s fantastical elements, they can paint the same learning pictures as contemporaries with their life lessons, just with aspects that are more fun! You can still learn! Or escape reality, it’s up to you.
I’m not even going to comment on #2. No.
And isn’t mature stuff supposed to help people learn and grow. Are they contradicting themselves somehow?? In my opinion, the biggest reason it’s considered YA is the lack of sex (not the only reason). You can still be very mature no matter what age. There might be blood and death, but if you don’t like, don’t read it. If it’s overly gory, maybe it should be adult, but I haven’t come across much of TOO much in YA.
That article is completely befuddling.
Lack of explicit sex*
I wanted to clarify. I know occasionally there is sex in YA.
Which is just another point about teens actually being curious about sex. Don’t hide too much from them! A little hint is fine.
And ALL fiction is somewhat unrealistic, after all, because if it was perfectly realistic why would we read it?!? 😂 And it’s just downright RUBBISH to say that a teenager can’t save the world. Why not? I read actual real-life articles about teenage geniuses doing great things all the time.
And I agree with you about the lack of explicit sex. Like, it’s not hiding things? But it’s not going to be overboard either. I LIKE THAT. And also it’s ridiculous to think that teenagers aren’t curious and thinking about it. So books need to be honest. There is nothing WORSE than reading a book that’s condescending and clearly hiding things. And I also agree that YA isn’t usually overly violent or graphic too. Which is fine! I don’t think that’s dumbing down the audience, I think it’s just giving you an intro, kind of?
But yes, the article is so befuddling. IT MAKES ME MAD. 🙁
Oh.my.God. I just read the article – but only after I read your amazing (as usual) post 😉 – and I have to agree that it is very…well. I initially wanted to quote Lewis but then I saw you already did! XD I guess I could write 100000 words about this but I’ll try to keep it short. ^-^’ I think that if you enjoy a certain type of book: go ahead and have fun! No matter if you are an adult reading fairy tales (who doesn’t love those?) or a teen reading Kafka etc. etc. My Pa never really cared about what age group a film, certain music or books were directed to. When I was three he read LotR to me beacuse he loves Tolkien and thought I might like it. The same year I got to watch Conan the Barbarian because I couldn’t sleep and he was currently watching it so why not? When I was eight he handed some songs by Rammstein (e.g. Engel, Sonne, Du Riechst So Gut) to me to listen too because he figured I would like them. And I did! My point is: books, films, music etc. can roughly be directed to a certain age group but that doesn’t mean this group has to enjoy it or that people who are older/younger can’t enjoy it. I think it’s important to a) let people read whatever they want and b) to not pamper teenagers. I think it’s important to have access to books that feature characters we can relate to -for example because they are the same age and have to learn how to deal with “adult”-problems. The author of the article listed Patrick Ness as an example and I think that a book about a boy whose mother is dying because of cancer, who gets bullied etc. is neither easy to read nor does it only apply to children/teenagers/adults since you can loose someone to cancer at every age etc. (I’m using a lot of “etc.”s, I know). Furthermore, there might be some crappy YA books out there but there are “adult” books that are just as worse. I also happen to have a younger brother (he’s fifteen) who only reads very few, very special books because he just likes computer gaming more. Nothing wrong with that. It doesn’t have something to do with YA books allegedly not being directed at teenagers but with him having a very specific taste (he actually mostly reads “adult” books)/loving computer gaming more than reading. Phew, that was one monster of a comment. ^-^’ You should probably get paid for reading this much. XD
OMG BUT FIRSTLY: YOUR PA IS AWESOME AND A FABULOUS PARENT. *nods emphatically* And I couldn’t agree more with all of this! Sure books can be aimed at a particular audience, but it’s ludicrous to think that every 12 year old (or 16 year old, or 20 year old) is needing the same literature and has developed the same amount emotionally and creatively and mentally and all of that. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT AND WE NEED DIFFERENT THINGS. It’s not that hard of a concept, and yet some people really don’t get it????
And it’s interesting that the author’s article approve of Patrick Ness, because when I read A Monster Calls I was a BLUBBERING MESS and that was for 12 year old audiences?! Another pointer that the article writer was grasping at straws for his whole post.
And also YES YES to your point about people just having specific tastes. Like it’s great that I want to read every kind of YA book ever, but it’s also perfectly fine for people who don’t. It doesn’t mean the market is failing them. Sheesh.
I LOVED THIS COMMENT, MATIE. I APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTS SO MUCH!
Ahhh, I’m so excited that you liked my comment! Thank you. 🙂
And yes, my Pa is awesome. ^-^ (my Ma too, of course, for letting him do this)
I totally agree on A Monster Calls -most emotional read of the year! This book wrecked me. With a capital “W”.
Everyone is different and likes different thinks. Enough said. 😉
Ok, I am considerably older than you at 37 (going on 18), I am an avid YA reader but at the end of the day I am reader who loves books and I am going to read what I want to read, hell I still love a Mr Man book!
“37 going on 18” < --- I LOVE THAT. MY AGEING GOALS TOO, TBH.😂
As an 18 year old who has been reading YA since I was about 12, I completely agree with just about everything you said.
Firstly, I have noticed first hand that a lot of my friends stopped reading when they started high school and that even though I personally never stopped reading, found myself reading less. I thought that the reasons you gave for why this happens were exactly right. It’s not the books that are the problem, it’s life as a high school student: when you are assigned to read textbooks and even classics that you simply don’t want to read, the whole idea of reading for just seems a lot less appealing, as though you’re voluntarily doing extra homework (I’ve personally found that reading for fun during the school year actually makes me feel happier and less stressed but it is still harder to get myself to start a book for the afore mentioned reasons).
Secondly, even if YA books have been getting more mature, I don’t think that’s a bad thing, like you said, teens don’t need to be sheltered from the real world and personally, I really want to grow as a reader and am admittedly still a bit scared of the adult section (I really need to get over that). So; even if the author of the author of that article is right and YA books are getting more mature, I don’t think that is a bad thing.
Thirdly, I can’t speak for all teenagers, but as a teen myself, I think the author of the article underestimates us. The teenage years are a time to grow and mature and I personally want to read things that are not only absorbing and enjoyable but that also make me think. I know that at this point I’m a bit above the “target age range” for YA, but I know I felt the same way as a 12 year old or else I would have stuck with middle grade books for longer (though I actually find the line between MG and YA to be pretty blurry, like is Harry Potter YA? If so then I’ve been reading YA since I was 10).
Finally I completely agree that you can’t tell people what to read or not to read. Reading is something people do for fun and enjoyment and you just can’t tell people what they should or shouldn’t find enjoyable. If you want to read YA as a 22 year old, that’s perfectly fine by me, heck, you can even read YA when you’re 82! ( it might be less relatable at that point though). Thanks so much for this blog post!
AHH THANK YOU KAREN. I’M REALLY HAPPY YOU LIKED THE ARTICLE!!
And YES! My little sister used to be a hugely avid reader, just like me. We’d basically have reading competitions all the time. And then she hit the higher levels of highschool and kaboom. GOODBYE TO BOOKS. Just no time! And if you’re working as well and then having to do so much textbook reading….I can’t blame people for skipping books. 🙁 It’s sad, of course, but it makes sense.
And YES. I wish I’d said that in my article about it’s not even a bad thing if books are mature. The universe is not a cotton candy place. And it gets more so every year and teens are VERY aware of it. When you try to pretend the world isn’t like it is, teens would be furious (I WOULD BE FURIOUS) because who wants to be lied to??!? I want honesty in books.
I was the same when I was a teen. *nods* I wanted to learn. I wanted to KNOW THINGS. I felt hopelessly underprepared to be an adult and I wanted to read as much books as possible to help me, while still being relatable because they were my age. (I think some MG series are crossovers? Like Harry Potter starts as MG and goes to YA?)
Yes to ALL of this! YA is for anybody who wants to read it. Just like ALL books are.
I don’t think I have anything else to say, because you said everything so perfectly. I’ll just go be mad at whoever wrote the article and proceed to read all the YA I want to for the rest of my life. I’m 109% sure that someday I’ll be an old lady in a retirement home compiling a (ridiculously long) list of my most anticipated YA releases of 2088.
YES!! ALL BOOKS ARE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS THEM. I mean, obviously a 5yo does not need Game of Thrones😂 but once you have the ability to make decisions on your own part and know what your tastes/interests are, then the whole book world is open for you.
I will be a little old lady with my YA too. *hi fives*
UGH THAT ARTICLE IS SO ARGHHH
I’m an eighteen year old that is adulting and what can I say, ADULTING IS SCARY & YA books hold me trough the mess that is my life and I’m pretty sure I’ll still be reading YA after two years because I enjoy the books. I was reading adult books like ASOIAF when I was 13 and I started reading YA when I was 16 so why should I alienate myself from a genre that I like just because I belong to a certain age.
ADULTING IS SCARY AND I’M 22 AND LET ME TELL YOU, IT KEEPS BEING SCARY.😂 I want my YA books to comfort me, hehe. And also inspire me! Okay so that 16 year old can rule the world? I can get matching socks and be sensible. *nods* And I think it’s awesome that we can like read something like Harry Potter AND ASOIAF and highly enjoy both for different reasons. Reading is subjective! We should just go with what we need and want!
I love, love, LOVE this post Cait, and I completely agree with everything you’ve said here. Yes, YA may be aimed for teens, but that doesn’t mean that teens are the only people who can read YA. There is absolutely nothing wrong with adults reading YA. What’s great about YA is how it covers universal topics that are relatable to people from every age group, and that is part of why it’s so successful. Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous discussion! <3
AHHH THANK YOU, ZOE. *gives you cake* and omg I couldn’t agree more! The fact that YA is universally appealing to so many ages is actually brilliantly talented. I mean, the fact that I can love and relate to a book and so can someone who is 30 or 40 or 50 is just amazing. :’)
In the publishing world, YA does = teenager. You may technically be a “young adult” at 22, but in publishing, you’re a New Adult. (I guess that makes me an old adult. 😛 )
Who made this stuff up? I don’t know. Someone who wanted to complicate things, I guess.
I’m in my 30s and I read YA. And MG. And children’s books. And I read them to myself, because I don’t have any kids. I’ve read a few NA titles and some adult books, as well. There are boundaries between the age groups… but sometimes those lines are kind of fuzzy. There are very adult books with very young main characters (such as Emma Donoghue’s Room, which you would definitely not read to a five-year-old, even though that’s how old the narrator is). There are YA books with pretty adult themes (like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief.). There are adult titles that could easily fit into the YA category, but aren’t put there simply because YA wasn’t really a thing when the book was first published (Stephen King’s Carrie would fit in YA quite well, I think).
I read the article, and I think the guy who wrote it is a little confused. He’s equating the YA he reads (which appears to be artsy-fartsy, literary-wannabe stuff) with all of YA, then saying that it’s too adult. Well, yeah, if that’s his narrow view of YA, then he may be right. Teenagers don’t all want to read overly philosophical, pretentious word vomit with ambiguous endings. They want to read Twilight and The Hunger Games and Throne of Glass… not books with no dialogue about kids screwing their cousins, or committing suicide and ending up in The Matrix (or not… I still don’t get the ending of that book). So I do agree with him in that there are some YA titles that are not really aimed at teenagers… but he’s wrong if he thinks that all YA is like that.
I think YA is super talented to actually appeal to such a huge range of readers! And like maybe some YA books don’t seem to be aimed at teens…but then what kind of teen are we talking about!? Like not ALL teens are the same and have the same wants/needs, right?!? So we actually need a huge selection of styles and topics in YA (like we do in any genre). It’s just so sad that this article-writer thinks adults reading YA is “disturbing” when we’re just enjoying good solid literature by excellently talented authors. 🙁
Wow that article is so judgy! Who cares if adults are reading YA! If humans are ready books, no matter what genre, no matter what age, then that’s a good thing to me! Let people read their books and eat them too! Oh, wait, that’s cake. 🙂
~Sara
LET’S EAT ALL THE BOOKS AND ALL THE CAKE. NO JUDGING.😂 But yes! If humans are reading, then what exactly is the problem here?!? Gah. That article was totally unfounded and rather bizarre.
I will always read YA even when I am not anymore, that time is quite close….. why would I stop! They deal with such real things, And I still read MG because they are so fun! And the books are all so different anyway!
Same! I read MG! I read picture books to my little niece/nephews and I enjoy them! I think it’s brilliant that literature can appeal to such a huge range of people. THAT’S TALENT! Not something to be condemned!
Very good article! I totally agree. How can reading be something that went terribly wrong? I am a middle schooler who reads YA, and I like it because all the worlds are so inventive! Plus, I got tired of the linear and cliche plots in children’s fiction. It just got irritatingly predictable.
There is no age limit on reading. I read To Kill A Mockingbird in elementary school, and it amazed me, and I was able to appreciate the message. There are some kids in my grade that read adult fiction, and some that still read children’s fiction, and that’s fine, because everyone has different tastes, so we shouldn’t be limited to what popular opinion thinks we should do.
Ahhhh YES! And like To Kill a Mockingbird is by the point of view of a SIX YEAR OLD…should only six year olds read it?!? (I don’t think 6 year olds would GET it omg.) Of course not. The age of the book character doesn’t have to equal the age of the reading audience. *nods* And so true that everyone has different tastes and needs! WE READ WHAT WE NEED TO READ. Age recommendations are just that = recommendations.
All the Yeses!!!! As an adult much older than 22, I love YA. I also love Adult fiction, and non-fiction, and classics, and children’s books because I love books and reading in general. And I love good writing and great characters. And anything that will get people to read, because if people read, then they think, and if they think, then they can make the world a better place.
ALL THE BOOKS ARE WONDERFUL! HUZZAH! *buries self in books* I think it’s glorious that YA books have such a wide and relatable reach. They’re actually super talented for that and should be commended!
I still read YA books…and MG books, and even picture books. Admittedly, those last two are usually because I’m reading to little bro. I’m doing my best do give him a healthy and well rounded taste for literature. He’s not even six, and he’s read a YA book about a princess with me. He liked it enough for me to read him other books in the series.
Saaaaame. 😂 I read picture books to my preschooling niece/nephew but omg I actually really enjoy it?! It’s super clever to tell a story in in like 100 words or whatnot. AND YES! I think it’s just endlessly good when books can extend to any age and still be great and relatable and wonderful. (Also you sound like an AMAZING sibling to your little bro.)
I 1000000% agree with what you said. I read the original article before I read this post, and the more I scrolled, the angrier I get. It makes us teenagers look really stupid and need to be protected from the world! We’re not stupid, and honestly, books ARE universal. I could write whatever I want, to whoever the audience is, and ANYONE even the ones that aren’t on my target audience could read it. WHAT’S SO WRONG WITH PEOPLE READING OUTSIDE THE CATEGORY? What happened with “expanding reading genre”? If YA isn’t YA anymore bc most of the readers are adults, then I guess you could say The Great Gatsby is a MG or YA since most of us read it at school, not when we’re adults. And the so called “idealised-romance” doesn’t exist only in YA, there are A LOT of adult fiction having it. Heck, even Disney has it. I think that’s because no matter how old we are, we still believe in “idealised romance”. Is there anything wrong with that? I can read whatever I want, it’s 2016, not 1016.
I honestly think that article is one that deserves to be deleted.
AHHH I LOVE THIS COMMENT, TASYA. SO TRUE! And like, can we take a moment to think of To Kill a Mockingbird being by the point-of-view of a 6yo? Should only 6yos read it?!? NO. It’s just ludicrous to think that the age of the protagonist must indicate the age of the reader. Reading doesn’t have RULES and it shouldn’t ever have rules. *nods*
I think some adults are reaaaally patronising and totally underestimate the ability and need of teens to engage with the real world. So often it’s not about what the teen can handle, but what the adults are comfortable with the teen knowing/thinking.
Luckily, my parents pretty much let me run wild and never stopped me reading anything I felt like reading (except LOTR, for which my mother demanded I be at least 11 so I could properly appreciate it, but that was more about the prose than the themes!).
So so true. UGH to the condescension in that article, right?! Teens also are like bloodhounds for dishonesty and if they find books that are sugar-coating the world, they ditch them. (I was 100% like that and so are/were all the teen readers I know!) Plus I’ve read books that have SUPER heavy topics and THEY ARE WRITTEN BY TEEN AUTHORS!!
Your parents sound like the knew what was what. :’)
I love this post 🙂 I really hate when people judge me for reading some books, like they are ”too trivial” or they ”don’t make me think about real problems” or ”they are worthless”. I don’t see a reason why I should always choose some deep philosophical book or a classic over a YA contemporary or YA dystopian novel. It’s not like YA books don’t have any problems in them as you said, and it’s not like they don’t make me think about certain things. A guy once said to me, that I read so many books because I read ”trivial” books or ”unimportant books” that ”don’t have a real meaning in this world” to which I responded that I read so many books because I love reading and that nobody will judge my book choice, ever. Period. 🙂
EXACTLY!! I couldn’t agree more! And it’s also horrible when people assume just because this YA book is set in a fantasy world and has a love-triangle and a talking cat that it CAN’T have good themes. Like, no. It can!! Some YA books make me think so so much and some absolutely change me. THAT’s REALLY AMAZING AND I LOVE YA FOR THAT.
And YES. We shouldn’t even have to defend our love of books. The people who are shaming/judging us are the ones with a problem.
I just read the articles and it’s making me so angry. Like, why is the society telling people what to read? It’s already bad enough that society is defaulting “straight” and “white”, they want to do this too? This makes me fume. I’m so glad you wrote this, and I am so tempted to email this blog link straight to the writer of that article. But nope, couldn’t find their email anywhere SIGH.
I agree with so much things that you said, such that I don’t even have to write a blog post about it (mine will prolly be full of curse words, so I guess it was for the best xD). Yes, YA has more mature characters, but what, teenagers cannot be mature too? Do people think that they are so dumb that they couldn’t make life-threatening decisions? This sentence made me rage “It strongly suggests that something has gone horribly wrong in publishing. (And, possibly, with those readers…)”. Just because an adult decides to read a YA book means that there’s something wrong with them? I’m 22 and I read YA. I love reading YA. I started out at the age of 14 reading Adult books, and I slowly went on to YA because they talk about world issues. About real life. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Why is it that society always deems that there’s something wrong with a person if they don’t abide by “society’s rules”? RUDE.
Anyway, such an amazing post, Cait <3 (Sorry for the tiny rant!)
Society has so many problems. *collapses in a heap of nope* I just wish people would THINK before they throw out words like “disturbing” when references a group of people who’s sole crime is READING BOOKS. Like, wut. It makes no sense! Not only do YA readers enjoy and love reading books about exciting things, we also support an ENTIRE INDUSTRY of YA authors who get to live their dream and create stories that we can’t wait to devour! Like because we like to read, people get to write. It’s amazing! I also hate how the article basically wanted to put half the YA authors of today out of a job. Nopity no. That author needs to stop.
*standing ovation*
Well said, Cait. I agreed with every point and found myself nodding along the way.
I almost never use curse words, but I FUCKING HATE people who judge what other people read. It is not your business and WHO CARES? Reading is supposed to be fun, so whether you pick up a comic, an adult book or even picture books from children, it should not matter.
You can easily forbid someone from reading a shit ton of books, because: you can’t read a book about a lot of things if you look at it from the intended POV. A non-fiction book about parasites is probably meant for someone who studies in that field, so that means someone who studies English could not possible read it and find it interesting.
I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t even care anymore about these STUPID AND SICK AND RIDICULOUS opinions. Every once in a while another even more messed-up article pops up with people who say lots of crap without knowing what they are talking about. It’s like they are having a contest who can write the most narrow-minded article.
AHHHHH I’M SO GLAD, MEL, THANKYOU. *gives you cake*
And I absolutely concur. It’s just NEVER OKAY to shame people when it comes to books. Reading means so so much to some people and telling them they’re “Disturbing” for liking to read a fantasy about a 16year old?! Like, no. Stop. There is just so much wrong with judging people and shaming them for NO REAL REASON.
UGH WHY. Not to call anyone names……but the person who wrote that article was a moron. Those quotes were a) not properly based on facts and b) and infuriating. As a teen who reads YA, middle grade, adult and everything in between, this was very insulting.
I read YA mostly because I WANT TOO. Oh and I like it when the main character is around my age, but that’s not really a solid reason, because I also like adult lit and the characters in adult lit are generally adults… It’s all relative really.
So this is what I have to say to the person who wrote that article: Let people read what they want, and stop with the insults and slander. Oh and if you insist on writing that kind of stuff, at least make sure what you write is fact.
*smh because people can be so stupid.*
Great response post, Cait! *nods* You completely SLAYED that monster of an article.
It really really bothers me that the article twisted facts too. Like, who does that?!? You can’t misquote to make your own argument stronger! GAH.
And it IS all relative. And I just think it’s who you relate to, right?! And what interests you. *nods* I have read some excellent adult books…but I’ve read more excellent YA ones and that’s where my interests lie right now.
And zomg when is it EVER fair to shame people when it comes to books?!? Book banning is EVIL and telling people what to read is basically condoning that. Grr.
OMg thankyou!! *gives you cake*
Oh my god. This is sooo annoying! I am a teenager and I Read YA but you know what. I have seen many adults talk about the books I’ve been reading and how much they enjoyed reading them. ANYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ WHATEVER BOOK THEY LIKE. it’s not good to tell people what they can or can’t read and it actually is probably much better for people if they do read different kinds of books. I love this post and your whole blog Cait!!! Off to dream about some cake now….
Laila
http://www.lailabee.blogspot.co.uk
EXACTLY YES! *nods enthusiastically* It shouldn’t be about age. It should just be about READING!! Reading is good for you and who cares what the “age recommendations” are anyway?!?
*gives you cake* WE DESERVE IT AFTER SURVIVING THIS.😂
Those statements kind of annoyed me. Bad. I could care less about a book’s suggested age, I read adult, YA, MG, all of it – if it’s fantasy, I’m in! The reason I love YA is because I like coming of age stories where a young adult learns all about herself and presumably a new magical world and then grows into an adult and into himself/herself in the process. I like reading about that period of discovery! Screw the critics, YA till we’re seniors LOL!
YES!!! That discovery and coming-of-age thing is MAGNIFICENT and entirely relatable no matter your age, I think. :’) And definitely ignoring this critical article-writer…gah. It’s just so petty to shame people for loving books.
I love this post and I definitely agree! No one should be told what they can and cannot read, and I think that anyone can enjoy a good YA book.
YAyyy!! *shares cake with you* I’m so glad we’re in agreement on this.
I cannot believe anyone would write an article such as The Guardian article! People should really be educated on a topic before writing about something they obviously haven’t read a lot of.
I am another YA loving adult (25) and I completely agree with you!
Way to go, Cait. You deserve lots of cake for this article.
Thanks for sharing!
OMG I TOTALLY AGREE. It’s like this article-writer is having a rant on something that annoys him but he knows NOTHING ABOUT. So so wrong. And it’s horrible to generalise books. That’s like saying that “all humans like bananas” or something….no. Generalising = no no no.
*shares cake with you* THANK YOU AMANDA. <3
Okay first up, I’m glad you mentioned the actual reasons why people stop reading – and the last one especially is true. It’s insanely sad that boys feel silly for reading slightly feminine books with female protagonists and whatnot, just because it emasculates them. Like ???? Double standards much. Also, getting the mick taken out of you for reading, regardless of gender, is another thing. I’ve never really had it happen to me personally before, but if we have family over or whatever and there’s people sitting on their phones then that’s okay, but god forbid you bring out a book, because that’s just antisocial! ~sigh~
Amy;
Little Moon Elephant
AGH, I KNOW RIGHT?!? It’s horrible. No one will care if a girl is reading a “boy book” but omg to the boy who dares pick up one with a girl in a pretty dress. It’s absolutely ludicrous. And society keeps underlining this, so it’s not in a hurry to change. I just hope the current generation raises their boys to be free of gender expectations like that.
AND OMG YES TO THE PHONE VS BOOK THING!! It makes no sense and it’s so frustrating!
Wow, they make some bold statements in that article. Completely ridiculous. YA fiction is fiction that represents problems young adults face. Everyone will be, is or has been a young adult. It’s relevant for everyone. Books should not have age restrictions. Ever.
I so so agree with you! The fact that YA is so relevant to everyone is what makes it so appealing and so widely selling!! AND I AGREE ABOUT NO AGE RESTRICTIONS. Recommendations? Fine. But those are not rules!
Um, YES. I wholeheartedly agree with all of your points. Especially the ones about not telling people what to read. And that C.S. Lewis quote is definitely my favorite too! I read books for just about every “intended audience”. If an adult prefers to stick to their designated section, that’s fine. But it seems immature and insecure to insist that there’s something wrong with adults who also read stories for children or “young adults” (what does that even mean, do we actually know?)
Yesssss. Basically we can read what we WANT. No shame for reading in your “age category” or out of it. *nods* That’s like telling a 5 year old they can’t read 2nd grade readers because they’re not the right age. It’s just rubbish. Those age things are guidelines anyway. Plus like To Kill a Mockingbird is told by a 6 year old. SHOULD ONLY SIX YEAR OLDS READ THAT???! *stamps around growling at article*
Okay, Cait, please hear me out before hating me forever but I found myself kind of agreeing with #4?
I DON’T READ ALOT OF YA. So I wouldn’t really know, to be honest.
But the first thing that popped into my head was the Twilight saga. I don’t know that I agree with the “fake problems and solutions” part but the “mush, idealized romance, second-rate fantasy, tired dystopias, easy to read, easy to forget part”… yeah, kind of. Even (and oh you’re going to hate me for this!) Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments struck me as so… mindless.
If nothing else, I personally think it is VERY true that if a book is easy to read, then it will probably also be easy to forget.
We can all have our opinions! I have to point out though, that saying that “most YA” is the mush/easy to forget/second-rate-fantasy/tired dystopias etc etc is a HUGE generalisation. I could say that all classic books are boring and dry…which is NOT TRUE. Maybe some are. But not all! Generalising is always a bad idea, in my opinion.
Personally I’ve stuck to the YA (fantasy) genre even though I’m past the intended audience because the things I find so endearing about it—complex themes, unique characters, and amazing plots—aren’t something I can find in the new adult genre, which only has plots centered on explicit romance and gratuitous violence. The only new adult book I’ve read so far that had all the good things about YA and also had an older protagonist was “Vicious” by V. E. Schwab. If NA books were written like YA and had main characters in their 20s, I’d read that instead—but until that happens, I’ll be another one of those 20-year-olds who still read YA 🙂
Omg isn’t VE Schwaba mazing?!? *hugs her books* I 100% recommend A Darker Shade of Magic too if you don’t like romance but want to read about characters in their 20s! Aaaanyway, YES. I totally agree about the heavy levels of romance — not my favourite too. I feel safer reading YA because I don’t have to deal with that.😂 I’ll probably be a 90 year old reading YA…#noregrets
Once again, this is an absolutely brilliant post Cait! I’m so glad you shared this. That article is appalling, and I can’t believe we’re STILL having to deal with people who won’t let us read what we want to! Who even CARES if YA books have more adult buyers/readers? Reading in itself should be celebrated and praised, so I can’t understand why this should matter. I’m 19. I read YA. I also read a range of other lit – is this a problem? I’m not exactly going to magically stop reading YA when I’m no longer a teen. We rarely dissuade kids from reading classics (actually, we encourage them too!) so why can’t adults read YA books?
Honestly, the themes and issues dealt with in YA are relevant and will continue to have powerful messages for all readers, but if you can’t see past that and insist “much YA is a lazy, disheartening mush of false problems, fake solutions, idealised romance, second-rate fantasy, tired dystopias. Easy to read; easy to forget.”” well then, clearly, the problem is you.
AHHH THANK YOU, FATIMA. <3 That is so kind of you!
And yes, omg, I agree...why do people still insist on thinking they can insult readers? THEY ARE BOOKS. READING IS GOOD FOR YOU. THE END. And you make a brilliant point about telling teens to read classics. SO TRUE. Kids are handed classics in school...and no one says they're too stupid to understand them. And I think Ya books are typically written in really engaging and witty ways, which is what makes them so addictive and fun to read. ALL THE WIN FOR YA. ALL THE LOSING FOR THE HATERS.
Wow. There are a lot of problematic things with that article! And I do not understand this recent trend where someone gets on their stage and feels the need to tell us all why their opinion is perfection and everyone else who thinks differently is wrong. There are a lot of reasons to love YA. There are a lot of reasons to write YA. None of them are “wrong.” They are all personal. And stories of any age category or genre exist to serve an audience of some sort, even if that audience is one person, the author that wrote it.
Great points all around by you! You did a great job of point-counterpoint on this. I nodded my head all the way through.
It is sad. *weeps* And I guess I have basically done the same thing here.😂 But it’s just really insulting to have someone telling a community of book loving people that they’re “disturbing”. Like…why???? What does this gain?!? We are fans and supporters of hundreds of YA writers who have careers because we love their books. That is only awesomeness.
This makes me angry to see that there are people trying to make other people feel bad for what they like to read. I may not like all the things that others read, but that doesn’t mean that I think they are silly for reading it. I work at a library and just last week I was helping a very sweet lady in her 50’s or 60’s pick out a series for herself to read from the YA section. I myself love to read books from all over the place. YA, middle grade, adult fiction, non-fiction, memoir, magazines, classics, heck, I still collect the Magic Tree House books! I would say that there are some limits on being too young to read some books *cough cough*, but you should never stop reading something you love just because you get older. Reading is for the love of words, not for the sake of fitting in. For shame to those who say otherwise. Personally, who cares who the book was “marketed” toward. If you like the story, just read it!
ISN’T IT JUST ABOMINABLE?!?! We shouldn’t have to justify what we like and we shouldn’t have to feel bad about it! And isn’t it awesome when one’s bookish tastes HAVE no boundaries?! Like I 100% enjoy reading picture books with my niece/nephew, and I’ll read Harry Potter for myself and Lemony Snicket and the last YA fantasies and then Game of Thrones. I WANT TO READ EVERYTHING. (And yes, well, please no one give a 12 year old Game of Thrones😂.)
I didn’t read the whole thing, but you have some good points! I find A LOT of YA fiction relates to teenagers completely. Just two examples are “The Fight” by Luke Wordley and “Angel Eyes” by Shannon Dittermore. Loved both books!
http://teensliveforjesus.blogspot.com/
I’ve never read a YA book that I didn’t think wasn’t appropriate for teens. 😀 Teens can handle anything, really, and I think YA authors are really wonderful with how they handle heavy topics. *nods*
Great post Cait! I totally agree with all your points – I’m 26 and I still read YA. When people ask why, I just say, “Because I like it.” Do I really need more or a justification? Apparently, for some people I do. Now those are the people I want to spear with pineapples!
Otherwise What really gets me mad is when someone makes another person, particularly a child, feel ashamed of what they are reading. As you said, if boys want to read sparkly pink covered books about ballerinas and Unicorns, why shouldn’t they? It really bothers me how so many schools, especially in the UK still gender-label books. Even going as far to limit who can and can’t attend certain author talks and events!
Grr! It makes my blood boil!
EXACTLY! We honestly don’t even need reasons besides “I enjoy this”…books are good for one’s brain, ANY books are, so why do we need to have a list of reasons why it’s okay to enjoy something?!
And I totally agree about how sad it is that there’s still so much gender-stigma around books. Like the amount of pink books on my shelf is…omg, maybe 10 of them?!? Because “boys can’t read pink books” probably so publishers make sure not to use the colour. IT’S RIDICULOUS. I can’t wait until humanity realises colour is just COLOUR and pink unicorns are as awesome as blue pirates.
You speak the truth!!! So tired of hearing “Cyrielle, you’re twenty-one now, when are you going to stop reading your children books and get to serious books?” or worse, “Cyrielle, you’rre twenty-one, when are you going to stop WRINTING stupid teenage books?” well i’m twenty-one and YA is awesome and I just finished reading a MG book and I am not ashamed!
Yay for reading freedom!
YOU ARE TWENTY-ONE AND ENTIRELY AWESOME, THAT IS JUST THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER. *nods* And isn’t it glorious to know we can read/write/enjoy whatever kind of books we like!??! :’)
Glorious is just the perfect word !
also you’re awesome too 😀 and I can’t wait to have some free time (like really free, not with my mother pestering me every two hours to go outside and socialize and UGH) to start reading your book on wattpad!!!
Omgggg I’m SO thrilled you want to read my wattpad story! THANKYOU. I hope you like it!😂
Ha ha, I don’t even want to read that article, but I basically don’t have to because you summarized it very well. It was like that guy who wrote those two articles about teens not reading anymore that Henry Holt publishing kept posting all over social media. I would post pictures of teens lined up to meet authors, the stats for book sales, and the study that found more teens are reading novels now than in the 50s, in the comment sections. I read a study that said the real drop off in reading is for the Baby Boomers! And you are right they will take figures for books sales and skew them, like the read vs buying thing. This guy also tried to say reading on devices doesn’t count because the teens are not getting a real reading experience, so right there his own figures were skewed because that is still reading. Hey, I wonder if the same person wrote all of these articles. I will have to look. Anyway, I have never had anyone IRL say anything about me reading YA because non-bookish people usually don’t even know there is such a thing as YA. I have friends who have read Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and to them they are just books people had recommended they read, or they wanted to read after they saw the movie. 😉
AGH. SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST SO FRUSTRATING. >_> It really bugs me how this article discounted the use of libraries. Whoever thinks that libraries are dying KNOWS NOTHING, JUST LIKE JON SNOW. *stamps foot* I am constantly at my library and when I used to go there when school is out (I don’t at the moment though) there were always a stack of kids in the YA section borrowing things.
It’s kind of nice when a book can be JUST A BOOK and not have to worry about who it’s intended for or if it’s famous or just ANYTHING. :’) It’s nice when a book can just speak for itself.
I definitely agree with this!
I was never told what to read, back when I was in high school, I shift from Sydney Sheldon & Danielle Steel novels to Sweet Valley High, Nancy Drew and that was the time I was beginning to enter the world of YA.
Besides, parents should be aware of what their children is reading. They themselves gauge if their child is capable of understanding the content, if not let them read it anyway, and guide them throughout the reading experience. This is a very opinionated but somehow well-put together.
AHHH I’M GLAD. *hi fives* And I’m glad you thought my post was well-put-together.😂 I honestly was worried, because I don’t really do rants?? And I didn’t want to come across rude or anything. SO YEAH.
I would like to think parents know what their kids are reading too! At least while they’re at an impressionable age. (I kind of think 15+ you have the brains to choose your own reading material.)
This post is TOO INCREDIBLE TO REMAIN UNNOTICED, and I am so happy already so many fellow bloggers commented here, because you deserve ALL THE AWARDS FOR THIS, and I kind of want to print this down and shove it in EVERYONE’s FACES, really. This was just brilliant. Reading that Guardian article made me SO MAD, because clearly that person never has read any single YA books and just doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and I think that’s what makes me SO ANGRY. I have nothing against people expressing their thoughts, but they should at least base themselves on accurate statistics and stuff.
Anyway.
I’m 22 just like you and loving YA books just like you. (I’m kind of wishing I’m your secret twin, except that I’m all the way across the world eating baguette while you’re well, battling with crazy dinosaurs-looking alligators in Australia (that’s scary?!!)). I just LOVE that I can FEEL all the things while reading these kind of books, and the stories are brilliant and accurate, I definitely consider myself as a young adult as well, searching my way through life. I LOVE FEELS as well, and I got them ALL with YA books. To be honest, it’s all just marketing. YA books are YA because of the protagonist’s ages, but I think that everyone can relate to some level to some struggles, and reading IS A HOBBY to be distracted, so ALL THE YES to read whatever you want to read <3
OMG *BLUSHES* THIS IS SUPER NICE OF YOU TO SAY. THANK YOOOOOOOU. *happy flails* And yes, I mean, it’s okay to share opinions…but it’s always really sad when someone feels like that means they can rip apart other people’s happy place. What does it even achieve? There just this one article writer saying teens are too stupid for the content of YA books and adults are stupid for wanting to read YA. LIKE WHAT IS HE TRYING TO ACHIEVE HERE BUT HAVE EVERYONE BE ANGRY???? Sheesh.
WE’RE TOTALLY SECRET TWINS. I WANNA COME VISIT YOUR COUNTRY SO IT WORKS.
And YES! I think the “YA” is just saying “hello the protagonists’ ages will be between 15-19” but not saying that the ages of people who READ it have to be there as well. I mean, that’s ludicrous. To Kill a Mockingbird is by the point-of-view of a SIX YEAR OLD. IT IS NOT A BOOK FOR SIX YEAR OLDS. Reading whatever we want, especially books we relate to or just downright enjoy, is the only way. *nods* :’)
Why I Read YA…
I’m an adult (nearing 40) and adulting is hard. While YA books do tackle tough topics like cancer and sacrificing yourself for your sister, the writing is often easier to read and follow after a stressful day of pushing papers and stopping yourself from doing unkind things to the people you work with. The topics are big, but the writing is less complicated (Harry Potter’s political world vs. George R.R. Martin’s political world as an example).
I also majored in secondary education and english so I spent 2 years plus reading YA and grew to love the genre as a reader. 🙂 I’m really Peter Pan at heart. I WON’T GROW UP.
Totally agree! And I feel like YA books are written with the intention to be very engaging and hard to put down…which is excellent for just wanting to devour them! The style is pretty different to adult, right?! So obviously it appeals to different people. WHICH IS GREAT, because humans are all different and have different reading needs!
PETER PANS FTW I SAY. I AM GOING TO BE PETER PAN TOO.
I am in 100% agreeance with you that the reason high schoolers stop reading is ALL THE HOMEWORK! I was an avid bookworm until then. Couldn’t figure out why I lost my way, but it is all the forced reading and essays that make us just not be able to read for our own enjoyment anymore.
But yes, while there may be an “intended audience” from a publisher’s perspective, the truth is anyone who enjoys YA books will read them, age doesn’t matter.
I remember when I first started reading YA, I would get the oddest looks from people when I would check out. I mean, they don’t know that I wasn’t buying them for “the intended audience”, but who cares?!? I’m not inviting myself over and making them listen to me read the book out loud. People are far too concerned with what other people are doing.
This is a great post!
BLESS THIS POST!
I totally, totally agree.
Read what you want to read – READING IS READING. And there should be NO SHAME in reading.
I think ALL books – even ones we don’t like – have something to say about this wacky wide world of ours and all of its wonders and faults. If we listen. Clearly the article-writer-person-thingummy just isn’t listening hard enough.
I AGREE WITH ABSOLUTELY ALL OF THIS 10000%.
You stated this perfectly and thoroughly and GOSH, I really hope the author of this article reads your blog post. Shows him. O.o
I have nothing to add. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS.
This has to be the best article I’ve ever read of yours, Cait. So much truth to this. I love all of it. The reason why we have age audiences is because of marketing primarily. But like you said adults can still enjoy YA. I just turned 23 and I love YA. A lot of the struggles of teenagers we can still relate to now. That guy who wrote the article you’re rebutting is an idiot and has no idea what he’s talking about.
I almost left a comment on that article, but then I was like “nope, this is not worth it.” I really agree with everything here, the article shamed adults reading YA and then didn’t even include any evidence that teens weren’t reading YA books. Also, does the argument not extend to children’s books? Because I’m sure adults write those books….AND I’M PRETTY SURE CHILDREN DON’T BUY THOSE BOOKS, SEEING AS THEY DON’T EXACTLY HAVE ALL THE MONEY.
Oh my goodness YES! So much yes! I despise all the hate adult people get for reading YA books. Like, what even is your problem if you’re judging someone for reading anything? I’m 21 and I still read mostly YA books. I’ve been to the adult section. it’s frightening and dense, and actually, in a lot of ways, I think YA books are written better (at least compared to the adult books in my library). The pacing is tighter, the stories more gripping, and there’s less existential waffle. I sometimes think that adult books get a lot of leeway because they’re for adults, and adults can handle more everything. As an adult myself, I say bosh. I want a good book and a good book shouldn’t be measured off the age of the characters but off the truth of the story and the quality of the writing. And if that means reading YA books, then A) go and read allllll the books and B) adult writers, lift your game and write books that will grip people.
Cait, this post was AWESOME!
Ugh, I’ve just read that article and it’s so annoying to see someone write about how YA is no longer for teenagers. That is ridiculous! All books are for any age. You don’t hit a certain age bracket and have your reading tastes magically change to fit your new age. I mean, when I was a teenager I read YA (before it was YA it was teen fiction back in my day and there wasn’t much of it and that frustrated me) but I actually read way more romances and crime fiction because that was what my mom read and I always stole her library books because I was not old enough to go the adult library and I wanted to read everything! It’s ridiculous to claim adults have taken over the YA genre and stopped it being for teens because the entire concept of MG, YA and adult categories is an arbitrary way of categorising books which doesn’t actually mean much of anything. People will read books which interest them,
One thing which really bothered me was how derogatory the writer was to adults reading YA, There is nothing wrong with me for reading it. It felt more like he was trying to make himself better about the fact he liked some YA books. The only explanation could be that it wasn’t written for a teen audience but instead for adults and has been miscategorised because he couldn’t possibly like reading something as lowly as a YA book. It’s people like that put people off from reading, not that the books aren’t targeted for the right readers. Teenagers are more likely to stop reading because of articles like that making them think that reading YA is immature and they’d rather read ‘grown up’ books.
Ugh… just people! They suck.
YA books are relatable to adults because we have all been teenagers. THIS.
I tell you smushster, I’m sick to death of every man and his dog trying to put down adults for reading YA or teens for being mindless YA readers. Who cares what people are reading? I’m 36 and read not only YA but MG as well. It doesn’t affect anyone elses reading enjoyment nor does it make me any less of a reader than someone who reads Dickens or Austen (which I also read but not for review). As long as YA authors are first and foremost writing with teens in mind for their YA readers and not catering to adults,
I have a theory of why so many of these sensationalised opinion pieces come about, Is it because they see that adults spend their disposable income on young adult novels and therefor not supporting the adult book industry? Are they not thriving and looking for someone to blame? The adult consumer who’s turned to young adult reads because it reminds us of our own teen years or that we have unresolved issues that stem back to our teenage selves? It won’t be long until these opinion pieces become more aggressive in shaming adults who read young adult.
I couldn’t care less. The most important point is that people ARE reading and supporting publishers, bookstores and authors themselves. No one should be ashamed of reading.
ARGHHHH THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING AND CONDESCENDING AND WRONG. LIKE…okay I don’t swear much on the internets but WHAT THE FUCK? This is why I never read these articles. They just make me angry :’) Instead I’m just going to nod vigorously, agree whole-heartedly and continue to write my false problems, fake solutions idealised romances.
Thank you so much for this post Cait! Literally all of my thoughts and feels on one page! And I really love that you addressed these stupid, stupid things that this ignorant person has said. And oh yes, YA is sooo lazy, fake and second-rate that teens aren’t able to understand it because these books are for adults *applauds*. Awesome logic, dude.
Yes yes yes!!! I hate how people put age limits on books. Okay, there are some situations where I think putting ages on certain literature is okay, like if it’s excessively gory or sexual, a little kid shouldn’t be reading it, but other than that, I think that people should read WHATEVER they want to read.
I read YA because it a) makes me HAPPY (well, and sad, but in a wonderful way) b) the characters inspire me to be a better person and to be brave about whatever life throws my way c) it’s fun and usually easy to read (but that does NOT necessarily mean that it’s watered down or poorly written. Every genre has terrible books and fantabulous books, it’s unavoidable) and d) is it just me, or does YA do quirky, awesome, struggling, perfectly imperfect, diverse characters better than most other books?
As for the characters being TOO mature, I think that it’s good to have mature characters that inspire us to be less immature and CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER, thank you very much. Maybe they’re more mature than most, but I agree with you completely. Who wants to hear about immature people who break up with their boyfriend(s) every three weeks and do nothing but tweet about how much their lives suck? Not me!
Cait, you are the BLOGGING QUEEN for reals. You come up with such great material, and your writing is engaging and funny, and relateable in a really awesome way. Gosh, I’d read a microwave manuel if it was written by you! XD I don’t know how you do it…
GAH this makes me SO. STABBY. Okay so I am older than 22. I’m :whispers:: 33. So I guess according to THIS particular asshat, I should probably go grab my walker and my dentures, and then stab myself for being so stupid as to read a book with a (horror of all horrors) younger character? How could I even think this was okay? Obviously I am suffering from the worst case of Peter Pan Syndrome ever. Actually, I am probably highly unstable and should be quarantined until further notice. Did he read that in ALL the dystopians that came out 10 years ago?
DO YOU SEE MY RAGE!? I am also offended, on behalf of “90%” of authors/books that this jerk so flippantly lumped their books as ” lazy, disheartening mush of false problems..” like, go float yourself (The 100 reference, finally I get to use one!) And like, then to blame BLOGGERS for having the audacity to help promote books? How dare we, really? And those pesky editors who dare… edit books too well?! WHAT EVEN IS THIS NONSENSE!?
I am mad about this. But I am VERY happy with your response. It was on point. VERY very much so.
I spent my teenage years reading about the holocaust, American atrocities against the Indians (the term Native Americans wasn’t used much then) & internment of the Japanese, and the other terrible things that had and were happening in the world. That is the time when the brain is changing in such a way as to begin directing our attention from ourselves to the wider world. It is critical that books are available to help teens understand the world they are going to be entering.
Of course, I also spent my time devouring fluffy romances, and that’s fine too.
I am now more than twice your age and still read YA. Why, because I enjoy the stories. Yes, I sometimes think that no teenager I ever knew was that mature, but since I am reading for the stories and not due to the protagonists’ ages, it doesn’t matter.
So, I’m just going to ignore the fact that I intended to reply to this, like, 3 days ago…
I forget you’re older than me! I am 21.
It’s funny, I was talking with an editor of a local press the other day about what is YA. He asked me if my novel was YA, and I replied not, for a number of reasons: 1) My MC is 23, 2) I can see it sitting on an adult shelf with the likes of Gail Carriage and Cherie Priest, and 3) I don’t quite have the knack for YA voice, and my protags tend to sound unrealistic. This MC is a grown woman, studying, working, engaged. I mean, she’s older than me!
Then he asked me if the novel has sex. You will appreciate how quickly I said no! But, though he didn’t say it, I think he was implying that the presence or not of sex makes a book YA or not. But – again it goes without saying – not having sex doesn’t make a book YA and vice versa. Because we know that’s clearly not so fix a link there, even in the industry. Guh, articles like you’ve discussed make me annoyed, though.
I know this is a bit off-point. But there’s, obviously, a link between the intended audience of YA when reading and the intended genre/audience of the writer. *sips camomile tea*
Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT!
I agree with all of the points you have made here, and I want to share this post a bazillion times. That might just happen if I can figure out how to make Twitter work…
I recently took a /college/ course on children and YA literature, and there was a point that my teacher made that I think just about sums up everything wrong with the article you responded to. As my teacher put it, YA and children’s books must be better quality than adult books. Not softened, simplified, or written as though the readers cannot understand. Why, and how? They must be better because children and teenagers are more genuine than many adults, and they will see through a book if it fails to ring true. Therefore, the writer needs to write the novel so that the problems, solutions, characters, and everything else about the book will hold up against reality. Percy Jackson is such a great book because Percy is /real/ to his readers, and there is nothing formulaic about him.
Loved this post. Everyone should read what they want to. I read adult books at 12 and Y.A’s now. I just read what I felt like. It made me happy, sometimes there can be content issues I guess, I usually skipped over parts I didn’t like, still do. Dumbed down books are the worst, teenagers are smart, their books should be too.
SO MUCH YES TO THIS ARTICLE. It basically addressed all the points that needed to be said, and you’re so concise and eloquent about it. Bravo! I hate reading elitism. An 80 year old can love Harry Potter. A wee teen can absolutely be enthralled by Stephen King. Good books and good books and they should not be barred from anyone. Creating stigma around reading certain genres is abhorrent, it’s almost as bad as banning a book outright – because shame is a huge demotivator.
I have not been the same age as your average YA protagonist for many years now. However, the experiences of good YA books are still relatable to me and you will have to pry me out of my cold, dead hands. I love the community around these books as well, both teens and adult alike.
Thank you for this post!
I LOVE this post so much. YES to all the things!
Also: I’ve read that article and how effing patronising is the author? Plus there are plenty of teenaged bloggers out there! “They’re all adults”. Psh.
Loved this! A few years older than you, I read a fair amount of YA (amongst a bunch of other genres) because I like it. I relate to the characters, and I enjoy the stories. I hate story snobbery – I think phrases such as ‘chick lit’ and ‘beach read’ are so rude and dismissive, and it makes me super sad to think of people constructing more barriers to reading for pleasure… as if there aren’t enough of those already!
I reviewed one of my favourite classics for my blog a week or so back – Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster – and touched on similar theme there: the book is classified as a classic, but usually now as children’s literature, and it makes me sad to think that people might not ever read it because they think it’s for kids. Well, it is – but it’s also for teenagers and grown ups and basically just anyone who enjoys a well written story! (If you haven’t read it, you might enjoy it – it’s kind of a precursor to YA before it really existed.)
Thanks for sharing your reaction – boooo to book snobbery! 🙂
Another brilliant post, Cait!!
I HATE IT when people dumbly have it in their minds (though yes, I know, that everyone has their own opinions) that I can only read MG books because I’m just leaving middle school, or how I can’t read The Raven Cycle (which, BTW, I’m on Raven King already. AAAACKKK!!!!!) because it’s “not a church book” and the like. It’s so INFURIATING!!! I can read YA if I feel it, or I can read books that are by my favorite author though written for preschoolers (I bought it, and it’s amazing!). I’m so glad that you did this post!
I love to read the acknowledgements! Every. single. time. I do.
Oh, and, I hope that you don’t mind that I “reblogged” your post. Meaning, I did a post with a link to yours and a couple paragraphs saying why they should read it. (the post is right here: https://writinganyone.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/ya-intended-audience-paper-fury/ )
You read the acknowledgments too? I thought that I was the only one who did that! That article really irritates me. YA is for everyone (except newborns, but I guess that you could read it to them). I agree with everything you said, especially about boys not reading. I think that reading should be seen as an a activity for everyone! Not just girls. Awesome post (as usual). 🙂
In problematic statement 2 I totally agree also t.v and movies can take up their lives in which they don’t know books exist (or barely). We must teach them the truth. My younger brother isn’t that big a reader but when he finds a book he loves he thoroughly enjoys it. Also I have one best friend is not a reader at all in high school she once ran away with one my books (thankfully I got it back). The only books I can remember her really enjoying is the Divergent series. Those were the first ones that I heard her talk about .
Problematic statement 3. I agree with I have live quite sheltered to and still fill like I’m totally oblivious but books help me learn about the world. Also Adults may like YA because really inside their not adults at all their teenagers and children.
prob 4. Easy to forget I think not. After I finish a book it’s story can stay in my head for days while my brain tries to come up with solutions to continue the story.
I love that quote by C. S. Lewis. It’s so true
I read YA because I find it gives me joy (that sounds somewhat profound) but truly if I didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t read it. I try not to let others dictate what I read. To tell the truth I’m not sure my family knows what I read they just know I read a lot. Read whatever you like reading because you like it not because you’re told to. Sage vice for whoever is out there.
I’m 20. I don’t read a lot of YA because it’s hard to find YA with Content levels I’m comfortable reading (which is also consequently why most of the adult books I’ve read are classics), but I’ve found a few YA books to love and, even at age 20, I still love reading quality MG literature. I grew up on children’s classics and Newberies, and I’m never going to stop reading them. People should be able to read what they want to read. I want to read quality books of any age grouping. I don’t care if it’s for ten-year-olds or if it’s for forty-year-olds as long as it’s clean, quality literature. (Now, if it’s a badly written book, it also doesn’t matter what age it’s written for, I’m going to tear it to shreds, privately, not publicly on the internet, for bad writing.)
*stands up and claps* And I think that’s really all I need to say about this wonderful post.
YESSS. This is an excellent post and you have great points, Cait!
My 2 cents (3?) to add:
I think another problem is that in this day and age, children and teens DO NOT READ MUCH. And it’s largely due, I think, to two factors: 1) they have to spend like 90% of their days either at school or doing homework (from what I hear… I was homeschooled so obviously I don’t KNOW this…) and so most of them are not going to want to spend their “off” time doing READING which is usually something done for school. 2) Technology. I’m not saying it’s BAD but let’s be honest: most kids from 18 and downward love playing video games and watching movies and TV and surfing online. It’s just a FACT. I was homeschooled so I loved/love reading, but if I was stuck at a desk at school for 8 hours a day and had mountains of homework, I’d just want to chill in front of a screen myself, so I’m not judging, I’m just observing. XD
My second thought is somewhat in line with you saying we were all young adults/teens once. And that is, I don’t think of myself as grown up. I’m 21 so I’m technically “adult” but I still sometimes catch myself calling myself a teen and to be honest I think my inner “me” is 17. So I feel like I’m still a teen and eternally 17 inside and the very notion that I’m “supposed” to be an adult or knowing what’s up is frankly terrifying because I’m not ready. So maybe it doesn’t occur to people that even when all us 20-something-year-olds are technically 20-some, WE STILL THINK OF OURSELVES AS TEENAGERS. Or I do. So. The fact that we’re used to reading YA, means we carry on with it… and while we may end up reading adult fiction at some point, perhaps trickling into our diet of YA, it doesn’t mean we’re going to INSTANTLY OVERNIGHT STOP READING YA AND START READING ADULT JUST BECAUSE WE TURNED 18 OR 20 OR 21 OR WHATEVER. Ahem.
Aaand my final point would be content. Just because I’m technically over 18 does NOT mean that I particularly want to read books filled to the brim with a ton of mature content/foul language/sex/graphic violence/whatever it is that bothers me. So at least for awhile there, YA was a nice “safe” place. …Not that it’s safe anymore the way people are writing books now, but still. XD Anyways, SOME of us “adults” like cleaner reads, and if the only place we can find them is (or used to be) YA… well, what’s wrong with that, I ask you?
Anyways I loved your post and wasn’t able to comment till now because of dead internet BUT I AM HERE NOW SO YAY. Sorry for the long comment, apparently I have lots of thoughts on the subject. XD LET PEOPLE READ WHAT THEY WANT, SAY I!
👏👏👏👏👏👏 Well said Cait. I agree with every point you made. I can’t believe someone would write an article like that (actually I can because sadly I feel like there are quite a few people who feel like this about YA :/). I only read the excerpts you shared, because the article just sounds too infuriating and I don’t want to ruin my good mood haha
YES. YES YES YES YES YES YES YES.
I LIKED YOUR CAPITALS.
AND YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.
AND YOUR RIGHTNESS.
YOU ALWAYS SAY SO MUCH SO CONCLUSIVELY I NEVER HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY BACK.
BUT I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
Argh!! This makes me SO ANGRY!! I was angry at the very first problematic statement when the author said something must have gone horribly wrong with publishing and the readers. God, that is so stupid. I am 36 years old and I LOVE YA!! I actually read more adult fiction as a teenager and I just got into YA several years ago. I love it. YA books usually have so much more emotion that adult books. I’m not even sure why that is. One of the other commenters mentioned that she adult books can be a bit pretentious and I agree with that. The YA characters are super relatable and I just love them. People who make adults who read YA feel bad are pure evil.
Does the OP have any real credentials? Because I sincerely doubt he has a life.
You’re totally right. I’m a relatively young person, and I have… Virtually no money. I’ve read 60-something books this year, and almost 50 were library books. YOU ADDRESSED ALL THE POINTS AND THIS PERSON IS GOING DOWN.
Oh my gosh. Those idiots. Seriously, if people can’t make educated and true statements, they should glue their mouths shut and stop talking about things they know nothing about. UGH! Books are books and if people want to read them THEY SHOULD READ THEM. I am a 16 year old who adores YA and MG and ANY BOOKS because I LOVE TO READ. The genre or title a type of book is given doesn’t matter, but I have learned more about the world and what it is like to be someone other than myself through books. I have become more empathetic and have understood more. I love this, and YA accomplishes it so seamlessly. GREAT POST, Cait.
I love this post. SO MUCH! EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!
I like what you’re saying here. I was actually wondering the other day, what exactly is the difference between MG, YA, and adult? Because everybody likes to read anything they want. I kind of think it comes down to the pacing of the story and the way the events are presented? Like in MG everything just happens and happens, it’s like out of the pot into the fire. Like Percy Jackson. YA, we get some extra little scenes in there to help us process what just happened, there’s deep emotion and sometimes the themes are bigger. Adult fiction tends to be a gargantuan beast that moves slowly and thinks a lot. Honestly, I’ve seen YA books that are way more realistic than some adult fiction.
Ah, yes! Today’s society tends to shame boys who read. Like, why??? Reading makes you think. There is nothing specifically girly or feminine about reading. How does this even happen? (Although when I give things a serious look I wonder why some things ever get stereotyped as specifically girly or manly?)
I’ve noticed that, yes, YA has matured a lot. Often times we have more mature protagonists. But I’ve also noticed that nowadays teens tend to mature faster? Not always, and in different ways and on different levels. But people give into the stereotypical image of teenagers and it’s just so wrong. They don’t even think for a moment that teens can experience mature emotions or mature events, which is really dumb, because isn’t that what’s scary about being a teenager? You’re suddenly bombarded with bigger ideas like: Who are you? What do you want to do with your future? How will it effect others? You start developing romantic relationships or feelings for people. You question everything. Not necessarily because you’re being”rebellious” but because you’re thinking on your own now, coming to your own conclusions, instead of just believing everything you were taught. I remember when I was a teen I would say that I was “stressed out” because of school and clogging and writing and everything I was trying to keep up with. But everyone was just like “You don’t know what stressed out is. You don’t have enough life experience to be stressed out.” It was kind of patronize and if anything it just made me feel more alone.
Okay, sorry for the long comment. But I do have to say that I have NEVER and probably will never think writing a book is like laying an egg?! What even?! I’ve never heard that saying, expression. . . thing before. That’s just weird.
Okay so this article was a whole load of rubbish and THANK YOU for pointing out all the rubbishness in it. Yes, YA is for teenagers. But guess what teenagers are? Young ADULTS. So of course it is going to appeal to adults too, of course they are going to include grown up themes. Teenagers nowadays have to deal with so much that they are practically little adults already. Maybe not in the same way as grown adults but yeah… lots of things wrong with that article.
I just want to state that I discovered ya genre as an adult.
I was always a reader and when I was teenager I started reading adult books only (our library was awful and when you start high scool you are forbidden to borrow middle grade and children’s books. That changed though and today if you’re an adult you can pay one membership and the other for the half price.).
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that, once I discovered ya genre I realized how many amazing book I missed when I was a teenager, and I can’t help but feel bad aboutit, bc I know that the teenage me would devour those books jn no brain and would be more passionate about reading (even though I was passionate, but you know what I mean!).
So just from that it is obvious that today’s ya books are NOT adult books in disguise.
They are books for teenagers, bc teenagers can relate to their protagonists, but they are also books for adults, bc adults too can relate to protagonists even if those characters are younger then them. There are always situations in life that can happen to adults and teens, feelings that whelm anyone, no matter of the age.
And as I like to point out, a smart reader will be able recognize a good book no matter of it’s aimed audience, it’s genre or theme.
A good book is a good book, that can be enjoyed by every age range.
Everything you said here, Cait, as I read I kept agreeing “YES!” You said it perfectly! YA can be for everyone. I don’t care how old I get in the future, I will continue to enjoy and read YA books, because they are books that tell heartfelt and meaningful stories, and the characters are fun and quirky and have problems. I also enjoy writing in this genre, so why wouldn’t I also enjoy reading it? Is anyone shouting at the adult, maybe over-50 years old, authors who are writing these books for young adults or middle graders, or etc?
Like you said: YA books are for anybody who wants to read them. 🙂
I’m well out of the range of anything remotely resembling the YA age range and I fall in and out of reading them, but every time I do, I am completely and utterly impressed with the topics these authors are tackling — school shootings, rape, issues of consent, slut shaming, arranged marriages — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The author of this article is so completely out of touch with the reality of YA I can only imagine he/she sits in her library clutching her/his leatherbound classics to their chest and bemoaning the state of the publishing industry as it falls to those most heathen of genres: YA.
Bloody git. Honestly, the stupidity is galling.
A lot of times adults have this huge misconception that the YA genre is all fluff and love stories when the truth goes much deeper than that. I’m 23 years old and I can’t stop reading YA and I don’t want to either. Why? Because the characters have a more relatable and also a 3 dimensional personality to them. The adult books I’ve read tend to revolve around bank heists, robberies, murder, steamy romance without any other added value- there is no learning in them. That doesn’t mean there aren’t adult books with things to learn from. YA is a genre that has so much to offer, and so many kids and adults around the world learn from the genre that it’s amazing! If my mom asks me what book she should read, I would pick up a super awesome YA book for her and guess what, she’ll love it! People need to realize that teenagers aren’t dumb and adults aren’t stupid for reading YA, they’re better for it.
I just wanted to say that your article is amazing and so inspirational! I’m 20 and still reading YA, and I do not plan on stopping any time soon because as much as I do love adult fiction, I cannot really relate to the characters, since I do not have a job, nor do I feel like an adult… And YA stories are amazing, why should we stop reading them!
Oh Cait. This is such a great post! I don’t read much YA just because I don’t, but the thoughts you conveyed about teens and books in general is so wonderful.
I want to thank you sooo verryy much for saying these things. I get so angry because aduls treat us teens as infants. It is true, there are teens that act like infants. That is beside the point. In my limited experience, once kids hit 18 they change. Like literally over night they become “an adult”. They stop laughing at your silly jokes. They stop hanging out with the teens. They stop playing fun games with you. They act like suddenly they are EVER so much more important, and you are EVER so immature. They feel obligated to listen to boring adult talk about nothing in particular because they are “adults” now. And you get stuck with the five year olds. ( which can be very fun, it’s true. Five year olds are hilarious to watch) The worst thing about it, is that it is usually an unconscious action. They don’t even notice. But we do. We young teens feel the brunt of the blow. And it is…. terrible.
But you, Cait, you are so wonderful and funny and childish, I had no idea you were an adult. I was shocked that you are 22!!! I mean this in the best way, you acted like a teen. Like a relatable, hilarious, mature teen. And still do. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! !!!
*gives you seven layer [insert flavor here] cake* thank you a thousand million times a day for a thousand million years.
~E
Ugh that article is despicable… I have no words.
Tremendously helpful article.
Do you know anyone who could read my YA novel and give me the barest minimum of a critique — or simply on the concept…!?
I am not published.