Friday, March 2, 2018

Discussion: Why I Read YA


This Week’s Topic: Why I Read YA


Recently, I saw a bunch of tweets about adults reading YA. There was the "it's for teens" argument and the "it's not a genre" argument to name a few that caught my eye, but mostly what caught my eye, were the YA-loving adults explaining why they read YA. So, I thought I would share my own reasons with you. 

I was one of those moms, who would try to connect with my daughter by learning about things she liked. I watched a lot of Barbie movies, went to many a Radio Disney event, learned how to play Pokemon, and also started reading the books she was reading. 

After my daughter started her blog, I became more and more interesting in sharing her love for books.  I wanted her to recommend books to me, so that we could discuss them together. I really enjoyed getting that peek into her life, but the more YA I read, the more I realized how much I liked these books. 

To be young again! I remember the future being wide open and full of possibilities, and being in a position to explore all these possibilities. I just love taking that journey with the character. Where the character is at a crossroads, and big life choices must be made or they are trying to figure out who they really are. These are choices that people of all ages may face, but it's different when a teen is experiencing it. 

I also love how a YA story can take me back to that time in my life. It's like a walk down memory lane, and I really enjoy taking the trip. Additionally, YA novels usually feature so many firsts, and that prompts me to reflect on my own firsts. 

In the end, I am just a reader, who reads books. I read middle grades, young adult, new adult, and adult books. I read because I am drawn to the story and characters, the age category doesn't figure into my choice, and from the stats I have seen, I am not alone. 

I found some interesting articles about YA here and here

Now it's your turn!


Why do you read YA? 
Let us know in the comments!

50 comments:

  1. I just love the story about reading and doing other things with your daughter. That is so sweet! I'm excited for when my kids get to the age when we can read things together. I myself agree with you on how it takes you back to those days. That's a huge reason I read YA. :)

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    1. I think because I was working with teens, I realized how important it was to keep connecting with my daughter.

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  2. What a great post, Sam! Like you, I read YA mostly for the "trip down memory lane." I also like YA because it can be a glimpse into what teenagers are experiencing today, like with social media, stuff that wasn't really prevalent when I was a teenager.

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    1. I do think it is important to keep a finger on the pulse of our youth, because they are our future and they are growing up in a world that is so different from the one I grew up in

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  3. I like YA because the books are relatable and quick to read. I still vividly remember being a teenager, even though it was a long time ago. I also just love books in general. I read everything from picture books to serious nonfiction. I’m not picky about which age group a book is meant for.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. I am the same way. If it's fiction and the story interests me, I will read it. I think some books may have an age minimum, due to content, but I do not believe there is an age that you need to stop reading a book that is targeted to a particular age range.

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  4. While I don't always read YA, I'm usually surprised by how much I enjoy the ones I do read. I've got a new one set for the blog later this month, so I'll be back in that mindset soon enough!

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    1. I read a mix, but I do love switching age groups to get a different perspective.

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  5. I enjoy reading YA books because they are sometimes easier to understand and more relate-able. Sometimes I find adult fiction to be the same topic over and over. Great topic!

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    1. Once my daughter told me that a book read like an adult book. She explained that adult books tend to be a little slower paced than YA. It may be true.

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  6. I originally started reading YA during the Twilight craze - my SIL sent me the books, then moved on to HP, THG etc At first it was for nostalgia but then I just started enjoying the story telling and I consider them like any other book. I read from different genres, age groups as well. A good book is a good book to me.

    i do think YA is more relatable though. Some times adult books get too caught up in trying to be clever while YA tends to be about feelings and big moments/changes in life.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I am with you on that. A good book has no age boundaries.i think you are right about some adult books trying too hard. It can sometimes detract from the story.

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  7. It has always bothered me when anyone judges a reader. Honestly! It is a form of entertainment and it shouldn't matter what format or genre you read at any age. I see quite a few adults participate in other teen-related activities such as video games and movies. Why do those that tend to read teen novels get picked on so much? I think that it is amazing that you found a way to connect with your daughter. She is so lucky. :)

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    1. You are so right!! I never thought about other pursuits that have a teen angle, but adults enjoy. There is definitely less of a stigma attached to adults who game.

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  8. This is an excellent post, Sam. It was so lovely to read your thoughts! I love YA, and I'm proud of it!
    Megan @ http://wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk/

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  9. I think if the kind of YA books that exist now existed when I was a teen, I would have fallen in love with books a lot sooner. I think there's this misconception that because these books are written about teens that they can't be universal stories. I personally appreciate how diverse YA books are as well and feel like it's taken major strides that other "genres" haven't yet. Also, I love being able to read YA and MG and know that as my nieces and nephews grow older, I'll be able to recommend them amazing books.

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    1. I think each generation had some gems. Judy Blume books ruled my childhood and teen years, but I agree, that there are a ton of high quality books coming out these days. Yes! I have read so many YA books with cross appeal, since many deal with family dynamics. As a parent reading it, I get a lot of insight into the teen's POV in the situation.

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  10. I love that L'Engle quote you opened your post with Sam, and I think it's very apt. And how cool that you started reading YA to connect more with your daughter! As for why I read YA, it's because I like it. Simple as that! Honestly, when it comes down to it, I have no clue why some people get so up in arms about what others are choosing to read for fun. Let it go, y'all!

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    1. Isn't that quote awesome (and from such an excellent author). This is actually my daughter's blog, and she invited me to contribute, since she and her co-bloggers are busy getting degrees, and well, I'm not. So, she is not reading too much any longer, and I am still reading YA, because just like you, I like it.

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  11. I think that makes sense, that you're drawn to stories and characters, and the age doesn't really matter all that much. I feel the same, to an extent. I don't usually read middle grade, but for YA and adult, it's just about whatever sounds interesting to me! I also think it's cool that YA makes you look back and reflect. I'm not sure if I do that when reading YA or not. And that's awesome that you started reading it in order to connect with your daughter!

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    1. In the end, it's all about the story, and the YA field is packed with so many great authors. Look at how many YA books are being adapted for movies and TV. Obviously the appeal goes further than 12-17, or they would not be making the investments they are making in these stories.

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  12. I agree, we only get old if we let ourselves. Well not really ha ha we get old either way, eventually, but the point is yeah there's nothing wrong with reading YA, and I think some of it is written with half an eye on the fact that adults are reading it anyway! And I love what you said about the future being open and full of possibilities- that's so true when you're young, and it's nice to re- experience that, even through books.

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    1. It always amazes me how fired up some people get about YA loving adults. When I was in school, we read tons of books that would be considered targeted for adults, but I didn't hear any complaints about me reading them as a teen. Examples: The Scarlet Letter, Invisible Man, Native Son, Frankenstein - I could go on and on.

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  13. I love that you started reading YA as a way to connect with your daughter, share what she was reading, and open that up for discussion. I wish more parents did the same. It's crazy to me that there is often this feeling of justification when it comes to reading YA (as an adult). As if it's somehow less worthy and apologies have to made because it's "only" YA. Sure there's some crappy YA books out there - just as there are plenty of less than stellar adult novels. But it's all so subjective, and that's the beauty of it. There's truly something out there for everyone and who care what genre (or age group) it comes from? I think just reading period is cause for celebration! :)

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    1. You have to hold onto your teens in any way they will allow. I saw first hand when I was teaching what happens when you don't. I feel like I am always under fire at some point as a reader because I love YA and romance, and you know romance readers are always being picked on. You are so right. I remember seeing how few adults read even 1 book a year, and I will be proud of all the books I read.

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  14. Great topic. I also love that you started reading YA as a way to bond with your daughter. I think that's wonderful. I agree about reading for the stroll down memory lane. That's definitely one of my reasons for reading it. I'm also really into books that explore relevant issues like racism, mental illness, etc. and I personally think that a lot of the YA contemporary books out there are some of the most powerful reads on the market in those areas.

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    1. It's sort of fun to relive that time in your life through someone else's eyes. I think there are more YA authors who are more socially conscience, and I appreciate it when the topic is done well, because their audience is very impressionable.

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    1. Yes to all of this! I hate when people try to make me feel bad or dumb for reading YA. This happened again to me recently at work. People do not know what they're missing! :D

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    2. I read YA and romance. Everyone is always trying to make me feel inferior, but I don't care, because I like it. *high five*

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  16. Godh no, you're not alone. I hate it when people make such generalised statements about YA without actually seeing the topics YA is taking on.

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    1. I always wonder if the nay-sayers have read any current YA books. I think there is something to learn from any story that is told well.

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  17. I have always read YA since I was a child [because my parents never aid attention to what I read lol] and I guess I just haven't stopped! I have seen the controversy but don't see a reason to stop. Especially because my kids will be YAs in a few years. I do see the point of some YA readers of how we adult are impacting their books with our reviews. I have a post coming up in April about how we Adults as reviewers are impacting the YA industry. Great Post Sam!

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    1. I love the insight you get as a parent into the mind of a current day teen, and also a look at the issues that are affecting them. This world they live in is vastly different from the one I grew up in. Looking forward to reading your post!

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  18. Such a great post! I read YA for a lot of the same reasons. I enjoy reading the books that my daughters, their friends, and my nieces are reading so that I can talk to them about it. Sometimes I just think that the story sounds good. I don't read a ton of YA but I do work in quite a few.

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    1. Right. It's such a good way to connect to people. I may have complained about some of the books I was made to read in school, but so many other people read those same books, and it can be a conversation started. Therefore, to connect to my kid, I read her books.

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  19. I don't care if YA books aren't "for" me---I'm reading them anyway! I have occasionally tried to expand my reading to more adult reads, but I always find myself drifting back to YA.

    Is your daughter a blogger on this blog or another blog (or does she not blog anymore?). I want to make sure I'm following her!

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. Whoo hoo! I love that! This is actually my daughter's blog, but school took over her and pretty much the other WLABBers' lives too. Noor has popped in and out the most, but I would love to have them all back, since we have different reading interests and I think the variety would be good for the blog.

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    2. Okay, that's what I figured, but I thought I'd double-check!

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  20. I love YA books. I've always kind of read them, but I've always kind of read other books too. There is nothing wrong with adults who read YA or teens who read adult books, etc. It's just about finding books that you love to read and enjoying them. I'm actually in a YA for Adults book club at my local library and I love it!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I read all over the age groups. Whatever story I am attracted to, I read. To me, it's like saying you should read a book that is geared towards someone of a different ethnicity, race, or sexual preference. But what an awesome way to learn about someone, who is different from you. I think reading across the age groups is a way to help us understand those younger than us (and maybe older too if the book is appropriate for younger readers).

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  21. I never understood why some people have such a strong dislike of a genre that they're determined to say it isn't one to begin with. I like books in a wide range of subjects and as long as the story is interesting I'll read it. Regardless if it's categorized as young adult, new adult or adult. I hope that remains to be the case as I get older so I can also reminisce of the "good old days" :)

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    1. Exactly! A good book is a good book. I don't care if I am not the target.

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  22. Totally agree with you! It's funny too, because do we all only have to read about characters our own ages? Can you just see it in a bookstore? "Excuse me, miss, I need a book with characters age 35 ONLY. That one's only 32? Sorry, that's unacceptable." Why can't we just read about whoever, at whatever age? I do completely agree about the possibilities, and the reflection on our own past experiences. Great post!

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    1. What if we were only supposed to read about characters who are exactly like us. A book can be an opportunity to learn about people you don't know in real life, and there are definitely some older people out there, who could benefit from learning a little bit about the youth out there.

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  23. I love how you began to understand your daughter but grew to enjoy them for the great books they are as well. I don't read as much YA as a I did but I still enjoy the genre. not all the books work for me anymore but I certainly won't rule out an entire group of books because they're for teens. That has always felt like a ridiculous argument. Am I also not meant to read books with male protagonists?

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    1. There is so many incredible YA authors. They just write fabulous stories and stories I want to read. And yes, great argument. If we were only expected to read the book, which feature protagonist like ourselves, there are a ton of books I would have never read, and that would have been sad, because they really taught me a lot.

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  24. I enjoy reading YA. I love a good adult fiction every now and then but it seems that YA writers are taking more risks with their characters and the world building. Since most of what I read is fantasy, I enjoy that about YA. Great topic!

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    1. I read all over age-wise, but I don't hear a lot of buzz about adult SFF. There are a few, but I see a lot more for YA books in that genre. My daughter/co-blogger had said that there is a pacing difference when you read YA. The books tend to move faster. I think it could be true, and maybe I like that too.

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