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It's time. I've been blogging for a little over a year now and it's time that I write my obligatory "why I read YA" post. It does feel like something we all must do, doesn't it? A couple weeks ago I wrote a post about people judging me and how much it drives me crazy. It was at that point that I decided it was time to write this post.
YA is misunderstood. It has a bad reputation based on just a few books. My goal today is to set everybody straight on YA and to tell you why I personally love it.
Reason #1
YA books tend to move faster. The plot moves along quicker, there's constant action. Basically I'm never bored. This of course isn't to say that all adult fiction books move slowly, but I think it's fair to say that most YA books move extremely quickly. I'm not the type of person that wants to spend two weeks on a book. In fact, if I spend one week on a book I'm itching to move on. I like to read books quickly and jump right into the next one. That's just the kind of reader I am. YA allows me to do that.
Reason #2
The characters. As most of you know, most YA characters are teens. I think there is so much development during these years and it makes the characters so interesting. I love seeing them grow up and start thinking and acting more like adults. I'm 23. So I guess I was a teen pretty recently. I can relate to these characters. I remember clearly what it was like to be their age, and sometimes what it was like to be in their shoes. These characters help me connect to the stories and feel like I'm a PART of them, not just a spectator.
Reason #3
The worlds. There are so many interesting worlds in the YA genre. One day I can be in a sleepy beach town. The next I can be in a completely made up kingdom. The next I can be in a futuristic America. It's so easy for me to get lost in these rich worlds that the authors create. I love love love the variety.
Reason #4
The other readers. YA readers are passionate. That's not to say that other readers aren't, but I find that readers of YA are particularly passionate about what they are reading. Everybody is so excited. They are constantly jumping in to discuss the books they're reading and they are bugging publishers and authors about when the next book is coming out in their favorite series. I love the excitement, the buzz, the community, everything. It's just so amazing to be surrounded by people who LOVE these books and this genre just as much as you do.
Reason #5
I don't need a reason really. This goes back to my discussion post. Do I really need a reason to love YA? Nope. I just do. Sorry not sorry. I will never stop reading from this genre. I'll be the 65 year old grandmother sitting in her rocking chair reading a YA novel while my grandchildren play in my front yard.
YA FOREVER!!
Let's talk! Why do you read YA?
I read YA because I am a young adult. I love the books. I write the YA books. That's good enough reasons along with yours, right? Right! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteExactly! I love the books. That's really the only reason that matters isn't it?
DeleteI read it because it's fun :) I think I have a better reading experience than I normally do with adult! Just like you, I like to whiz through books and it's much harder to do with adult reads (although I love those too!!).
ReplyDeleteYeah, they are a lot of fun! So many interesting stories and characters.
DeleteI agree with you, there's just something about YA. I never get bored because you're right, they're written in such a way that the plot moves very quickly. And it's such a great escape because you can lose yourself in whatever world the author has created. There also seems to be so much hope in them, even when things are really depressing and dark. And I have to say, most of the time, they have HEA endings, which I like. I think that's why when a YA book doesn't have one, it creates a lot of controversy. I read to have fun and be entertained and basically, they're just good. Great post!! ~Pam
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point about the HEA. Most of them do end on a hopeful note which I love. I don't want to read books that depress me. I want to read books that are fun!
DeleteLove this post! I read YA because I read to be entertained and swept away. I don't want to read about people exactly like me, doing all the things that I do. I love my life, but it's not what I want to read about for fun. So I, like you, would say that I read YA because I happen to like it! I'm not sure why some bookish people care so much about other people's reading habits. Reading is cool! Let's all read what we enjoy and leave each other to it! :)
ReplyDeleteYes! YA totally does just completely sweep me away. I get so lost in these worlds and these stories and I love that.
DeleteI love YA too, I use the excuse that I am a school librarian but the truth is I would read them anyway!
ReplyDeleteBecause they're so good and so entertaining! :)
DeleteI agree with everyones' posts. YA is just so good for all of the above mentioned reasons. Additionally, I read YA because I have a freshman and middle schooler and I love having something in common to discuss with my teens who usually think I'm a big nerd. We can talk about the books, the movies based on the books, etc. I love it! -Dana
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point! I don't have any kids, but what a great way to connect with them!
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