As an adult who reads YA, I have to step back and remember these teens are experiencing a lot for the first time. They'll make mistakes, many of them. I know if there was a book written based on my teenage years it might be titled Broken Hearts and So Much Drama.
I had been wanting to share my thoughts on this subject here at my blog for awhile, but it was this post I read by author Shannon Hale that pushed me to actually do it: http://shannonhale.tumblr.com/post/71967015477/the-young-adult-book-tropes-that-ate-the-world. She brought up a lot of good points when it comes to Young Adult fiction and how we are quick to judge as readers, especially if you're an adult reader like me.
"I believe that teenagers need those years to get messy, to make mistakes, to fall in love all the time instantly and slowly with him/her, then him/her, to complain, to fight, to struggle for independence but then still need comfort and safety, to live an entire lifetime condensed into a few volatile, fascinating, difficult, beautiful years." -- Shannon Hale
I want to be a better reader, a more forgiving reader. My patience needs to be practiced, as well as my understanding. "Old Lady Syndrome", as my friend Anna calls it, can be altered as I read more YA. I just have to remind myself that even though I've been there, gone through similar experiences, that these characters don't have it all figured out yet. And isn't that what makes a story so rich and compelling? When character growth is witnessed from beginning to end?
This topic is open for discussion on my blog, as I'd really like to know your thoughts on this subject!
First of all, I had no idea you were 32. You don't look a day over, MAYBE, 24-25. o__o
ReplyDeleteAs for the rest of the post...
I'm 22 (turning 23 this year), so I don't know if that classifies me as an adult or not. I'm just going to say yes, as I'm older than the intended audience of Young Adult literature. Because of that, though, I do tend to get a little fed up with some of the actions that some of these characters do. It's like one of those moments where, when you look back at some of the things you did as a teen, you wish you could reach back and bop yourself in the head for acting so ridiculous. Haha. Sometimes I need to put that book down for a moment, just to take a breather and remind myself, "Hey. You did that once, too. Remember?!"
This was a great discussion, Ginger! Especially since so many readers of YA are older than the intended age group.
Oh goodness, you are too sweet! I'm definitely well over 24 though haha. And yes, I do think being 22 can be classified as an adult. It all depends on YOU and where you're at in life. It's easy to get annoyed by a character, but it's also important to understand where they're coming from. Thank you for your thoughtful comment!
DeleteI'll admit I'm the reader that YA authors probably hate. I'm an adult reader who reads YA but I have a really hard time with angst in books. I understand making mistakes and falling in love fast and all the rest but sometimes it's all a bit much for me as a reader. Maybe I'm too old now and should move away from YA but some books just totally hit the mark for me. YA is a tightrope walk for me. It's a risk and sometimes I stumble but other times I make it across and marvel at the finish.
ReplyDeleteReading ANYTHING, whether it's meant for teen audiences or adult audiences, and hoping to relate to it or have a personal reaction to the story is taking a risk. But when it's worth it, it is SO worth it - right?!
DeleteGreat post, Ginger. This is something I think about while I'm writing--do I write to my teenage audience or to the adults who are reading YA? I choose the teenage audience and expect a certain number of reviewers and readers to be frustrated that my characters are some of the things you mentioned: impulsive, whiny, dramatic, etc. (And that's not an insult to teens. I have the highest respect for them, but my characters are experiencing things for the first time, and that means those reactions are normal.)
ReplyDeleteI've heard that from authors before, about keeping in mind who your audience is meant for. I'm sure you want to please as many readers as you can, but then you're sacrificing the story. I'm finding it a natural feeling as we get older and read about younger characters to often question their actions. But if a story makes us think, whether we agree or disagree, that's a good sign - right?! Thank you for your comment!
DeleteI'm 30 and have two kids, so sometimes I find myself reading as both my angsty teenage self *and* as a parent. I sobbed through The Fault in Our Stars, half because of the first love aspect made me feel all giddy and teenagery inside, and half because, as a parent, I can't imagine losing a child. It's an interesting perspective and I find it happening with a lot of YA books that I read, especially as my kids get older.
ReplyDeleteOh I bet it's got to be a natural feeling to read YA as a parent, especially when you are one. That's got to be hard sometimes, especially for stories like TFiOS.
DeleteI really like this post, Ginger. I'm an adult who reads YA, too. I'm 30 years old, so I've long since said goodbye to my teen years. And now that I think about it, I definitely need to be more forgiving as a reader of YA. There are some things that don't bother me at all. I don't even hate insta-love. But I hate when there's a lot of drama for no reason. Sometimes I see this character totally freak out over something, and I'm like "what's the big deal?" I will definitely need to take a step back and really think how a teen could react in such a situation. But, honestly, it probably will still affect how I feel about the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you Quinn! I get irritated with the unnecessary drama too, but as I said above in my post, THAT is what happens! Ya know? So I am trying to remind myself of this the more I read. Part of the character's story is figuring this stuff out and dealing with it. If they knew how to be mature and handle every situation as an adult, it would be pretty boring, right? haha
DeleteI'm with you! The high school drama is what gets me the most, and I have to remind myself that to them, it matters what the cheerleader thinks. They've never been out in the world where it just DOES NOT MATTER what some random person thinks of you. It probably means that I'm over-impressed when the characters are super mature and comfortable in their own skin, but that's one of those "YA tropes" that I struggle with.
ReplyDeleteBut like you said, reading YA is so rewarding even when you're wearing your adult glasses. It reminds me of those first crushes when I was convinced we'd get married one day. In YA, it's okay to get steamrolled by your feelings because you're just feeling what the characters are feeling (or more).
LOVE this topic because, as you know, I constantly struggle with Old Lady Syndrome. But you just have to keep in mind sometimes: This wasn't written for me. And judge it accordingly. REALLY good discussion here!
ReplyDeleteAdd 2 years to your age and this is me! I have a friend that I suggest books to. I told her that Lauren Oliver is coming in March and I would love to go see her. She said she would go but doesn't know what she writes. I suggested that she try Delirium as I find that book somewhat more mature for a new YA reader. She looked at me with disgust almost and said, "Is that YA? You know I'm not reading a book written for teenagers."
ReplyDeleteIt is so FRUSTRATING. Seriously I get made fun of so bad by some family and friends. Been told I'm no longer a "young adult" and get flat out told no when I suggest a book. I say, if the book interests you, genre doesn't matter and people shouldn't be judged by it.
Great post Ginger.
Well, I'm 20 years older than you, so I definitely have this problem. However, I'm around teens every day, so I have a bit of an edge. When I read reviews that complain about the insta-love, or the cheating, I usually think to myself, "but, that's the way teens are!" I see it every day.....
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post. Thanks.
I often get annoyed with teen characters acting like teenagers! At 33, I am firmly a member of the Old Lady club, and I get so eye-rolly when characters jump to conclusions, or act rashly. This is a good reminder to take it for what it is, a novel about actual imperfect young people who don't have their whole act together yet.
ReplyDeleteOn a related note, I can also sometimes feel myself relating to characters more as a parent, which is a little scary. For example, I read This Song Will Save Your Life last year, and I got so anxious about the mc sleeping with a guy who clearly was just using her. I just wanted to protect her from her own bad decisions! Sigh, I'm so old.
I am 24 years old and I sometimes feel this way as well. However, I often work with youth and I find that a lot of teens do act the way that characters in do in ya novels. I like to think this helps me understand them better. Not to mention that I still have many friends who act like they are still in high school! So those people actually frustrate me more than young adults in books.
ReplyDeleteI related to this post SO much! I'm 27 & mostly read adult contemporaries but when I hear about a certain YA book that's buzzing in the book blogger community, I of course get curious & want to check it out. However, oftentimes when I do pick up a popular YA book I finding myself getting annoyed with the angst and narcissism and just want to give the girl a hard shake to snap her out of it!
ReplyDeleteBut you're right in that adult readers need to give the characters a break because they're...well, being teenagers. Though I like to think I wasn't NEARLY that clueless when I was a teen (Ha! Right). You touched on a lot of great points and I think I'm ready to give YA another chance, this time keeping in mind your tips of being patient with the MC and taking a step back to put myself in the characters' shoes.
Thanks!
This is such an interesting post, Ginger!
ReplyDeleteAs an adult reader, I really enjoy exposition--well-written prose about setting and back story. I love inventive language and little, maybe even inconsequential, details. But, I didn't care about this nearly as much as teen. It's hard, as writer-me, to remember that the things I love to read now, as an adult, can slow down a story for teens who may be reading more for character/action than exposition and, like, lush prose. (Though I'm also a big believer in never "writing down" for teens.)
I'm reading for characters I fully believe as people these days. But, as a teen, I have to say...I didn't have any interest in spending time with a narrator who I didn't like or root for. Adult, English major me says: that's not the point! Reading is not about finding a character BFF. But Teen Em wanted, on a subconscious level, girls she looked up to or could see herself in.
Ironically, I have very little patience for adult narrators. If they're making terrible choices, being selfish or irresponsible, I'm like...get it together, I have no sympathy for you. You're an adult. Haha :)
First of all, I would LOVE to read a book called Broken Hearts and So Much Drama!
ReplyDeleteI'm also 32 (well, for another two days), and I mostly read YA. For me, it's not so much the character's actions that I sometimes judge, but the way the stories unfold. Sometimes it seems SO obvious to me how the plots will develop, and I have to remind myself that I've been reading heavily for at least 15 more years than the intended reader, and really think about whether it would be predictable for her too.
One thing I see adult readers complaining about a lot is "instalove," and I always wonder if those people never fell in "instalove' as teenagers. I would absolutely have said I was in love with my high school boyfriend after a month (and I'm pretty sure I did). I also would have said I was in love with the boy in my creative writing class who I spoke maybe ten words to for all of high school. And every boy in between. So that never bothers me.
I'm 31 and I love reading YA books and personally have no problem with "instalove." I experienced it when I was a teenager, and I'm not too old to remember that feeling. I agree with Emery in that I am much more forgiving of teen narrators than adult ones.
ReplyDeleteAs a 55 year old man who reads YA during bus commutes, I wish the covers were more... plain. I get some strange looks when my nose is deep into a book with a girl's teenage backside or extreme facial close-up on the cover. To be honest, I flip through the swollen lips smoochie pages, but I love the pace and humor I find in most of these books.
ReplyDeleteLol --- I agree with you, the covers are a bit much and can be slightly embarrassing.
DeleteI often wonder if I will enjoy YA less when I am older. But here I am, 30 years old, and still loving it. :)
ReplyDeleteI am also an adult reader of YA and I do find myself being irritated sometimes from the whining, overdramatic, and fickleness of some of the characters - even sometimes from the horrible decisions that are made. But I really enjoy reading YA because it takes me back to my youth, when everything was so much BIGGER and DREAMIER. First loves and loves that feel like your heart is going to burst right out of your chest. Ahhhh, being a teenager...
ReplyDeleteI'm writing my own comment before I go and read anyone else's...I definitely have moments where I think "this character is completely ridiculous" and I always *try* to ask myself if it's because the writing is ridiculous or if it's because the character is 16 years old or whatever. I think this is partly why I like reading a little bit older YA, often if I see a main character is 15 years old I'll skip it unless someone has told me I have to read it. We've talked about Meant to Be, but I actually think I just found the main character to be too immature, but I think that's just because of her age. Or I finished Heartbeat this morning and I thought the main character's behavior was appalling, but I thought it was totally appropriate for someone her age.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought this up! I agree it's something important to keep in mind while reading YA as an adult.
I have to be honest and say that whenever I find myself thinking that a character is being ridiculous or unreasonable, I right away remind myself that they are TEENAGERS and are entitled to be that way. It wasn't too long ago when I was a teen myself, and I felt so many of the things that these characters did. It helps me be a little more gracious and understanding, for sure.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, G! I'm glad you were able to write about it.
As a Young Adult reader, I sometimes feel this way when I read Middle Grade books. I question why a character acts so childish or annoying or something along those lines, and then I realize that, when you're at that age, that's not what you think. Yes, you've been through it, but you went through it yourself, not looking from the outside in.
ReplyDeleteI think that's similar to what you're getting at with adults reading YA. I'm interested to see how my view on teens in YA will change once I'm not a teenager anymore. (Don't get me wrong, there are still many characters that I don't understand or find annoying or any of the other things you mention, but there are also so many more that I connect to so much.)
Great post!
I'm 22, so I'm not too far removed from being a teenager age-wise, but being a teenager is a distant memory for me because I had to grow up pretty quickly. I'll sometimes find myself judging a character, especially when it comes to romance, but I try to catch myself because I remember how quickly relationships began and ended at times. Teens are experimenting with so many things, and as an adult it is really easy to look back and point out everything they're doing wrong, but when I remember how I was as a teen, I was just as ridiculous as everyone else so really there's no room for judgement. You do bring up a great point that we have to remember what perspectives we're coming from because that can really affect that way we perceive things.
ReplyDeleteAs a 27 year old high school librarian, I read A LOT of YA. I just claim it's because I "need to be able to suggest books that are good" or because I "need to make sure the material is appropriate. Those who knows me know it's actually because I just love YA. :P
ReplyDeleteI'm 28 and I LOOOVE reading Contemporary YA so much! Reading YA after I've passed my teenage years for me makes me able to understand the story not only in the main character's POV but also the parents or teachers who sometimes appear to be bad people for the main character (since that's how the teenagers see adults, right?) and also it teaches me to understand children and teenagers more when someday I have a child.
ReplyDeleteEven though, I am a teenager the details you mentioned still annoy the heck out of me. I truthfully it all comes down to, "How well is the drama done?" I guess there's no real answer.
ReplyDeleteAh so it's confession time. I am 34 and I primarily read YA. I like to justify this fact by stating I also teach middle schoolers and I read it so that I can share good reads with my students (which of course is only partially true because I also read for me). I read for entertainment and to escape my life and while I guess "adult" books could fulfill that requirement, ya makes it easier, because, let's face it, ya is just easier to read. The emotions, the conflicts, the adventure is easier and that does not mean to say that it is worse than it is in adult novels, in some ways, I think, it makes it better. I do not have to invest tons of brain-power to enjoy a ya novel, I can simply immerse myself in the world and forget my troubles for a while.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic. WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE.
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely a few books that I pick up in the YA section + I'm like... these are a bit too young for me. But most of the time, I don't feel too different from the teenagers in these books. I think because I am an emotional person and very self-reflective that I find comfort in them and also, direction. I don't think my teenage years stray from my adult ones all that much -- friendships, relationships, family, finding the right path -- the same challenges are there. If a character does make it full circle and does experience extreme growth, it makes me hopeful. And reading YA also expands my knowledge of people and how unique they are. We all deal with problems and people in different ways. Learning about others helps me learn about myself, I think.
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