Why You Should Read Young-Adult Fiction

I adore young-adult fiction. If you go through my ‘read’ list or even my collection of books at home, you’ll find over 95% of it belonging to the YA genre.

While that was perfectly acceptable around five years, ago, I now get a lot of raised eyebrows over my reading preferences at my current age of almost twenty-two. I know I’m not that far ahead from that supposedly ‘right age bracket’ for reading YA, but I just find it interesting how these books have been reduced to the age of their main characters. Seriously, I can go on and on about how misunderstood this genre of literature is, especially in India.

There have been numerous instances where people have come up to me with their unsolicited advice on how I should consider reading stuff that has genuine ‘literary value’ instead of the teenage fluff *mega eye rolls*.

I could turn this into a rant post, but I would rather prefer talking about the reasons you should, as an adult, absolutely read young-adult fiction if you wish to.

So let’s start with some facts, shall we?

As per a study published in 2012, more than 50% of those who purchase YA fiction are over the age of 18. But more interestingly, the study revealed that 78% of these buyers had reported that the books were bought for their own consumption and not anybody else’s.

Now, why do you think these books appeal to so many and so far beyond their target audience? I have been discussing and researching this subject for a while, and from my understanding, here are a few reasons:

• Universal Applicability: The themes, issues and complexities explored in YA novels are vast, not only in terms of numbers but also applicability. While these books involve the perspectives of younger people, most of the subjects matters discussed are ubiquitous in nature.

• Nostalgia: Even if you’re not a teenager and the things happening in the book don’t apply to your life, a YA book will make you remember your younger self. The one who once might have been in a situation similar to that of the characters’ in the book, if not physically, then mentally. They will remind you of times when things were both simpler, yet infinitely harder. (For example, Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen)

• Escape, not: Now, of course, the escape these books provide play a big role in the ever-growing popularity of the genre. Some of them give you the fluffy, satisfying feeling of a happily ever after (which we all know, real life doesn’t always provide). But that isn’t what the genre is all about. There are plenty of YA books with real stories and realistic characters, some with heartbreaking and tragic endings. These kinds of books make you think and feel and believe, and cannot be considered fluff in any sense of the word. (For example, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell)

• Conciseness: A few people I spoke to pointed out that YA books do a great job of telling a story more succinctly as compared to similarly themed adult books. I agree because it makes sense, doesn’t it? Teenagers have shorter attention spans, so the books have to communicate the message clearly, without beating around the bush.

• Honest good work: Here’s the thing: a good story is a good story. No matter who it is written for, a solid story filled with depth, emotions and messages can win can anyone over. YA fiction explores all kind of themes and characters. No subject is too taboo, no protagonist too diverse. So why shouldn’t it receive the kind of appreciation it deserves? (For example, Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma, need I say anymore?)

• Tone: When you compare young-adult fiction to adult fiction, one pertinent difference you will find is the more optimistic tonality adopted by the writers of YA. When I discussed this particular point with a fellow book blogger who has read a lot of both adult and YA fiction, she agreed, saying “Young-Adult novels make me feel like I will be okay. Even the most tragic of stories end with a feeling of hope.” (For example: Looking for Alaska by John Green)

When it comes to this genre, there is a lot that can be said in terms of why it attracts such popularity. From strong female-driven stories to empowering and coming of age tales that are extremely relatable, it gives you a little of everything. YA even has more subsets of genres like romance, fantasy, comedy, dystopian fiction, realistic fiction, etc. Basically, there is a little something for everybody!

And we all have J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series to thank for normalizing the popularity of the YA genre. Did you know that the HP books were published with two separate covers, one for children, and the other one for adults? The reason was simple. The publisher wanted to make sure the adult readers didn’t feel conscious about reading a YA book, especially in public.

So the next time someone tries to make you feel bad about what you’re reading, remember it’s them, missing out on some kickass work, and not you, who is having all the fun.

So that’s it for today, folks. If you liked this post, make sure to SUBSCRIBE or LIKE or COMMENT or do all of them!