I used to think I was a bit of a dork for liking Young Adult literature, even though my years as a young adult are long gone.
Not so anymore. Although some may be too shy to admit to it or call it a guilty pleasure, YA fiction has a huge fan base among grownups; in fact, a recent study states that 55% of its readers are actually adults. And while I also choose from a variety of other genres and often crave the more literary and classic offerings as well, I particularly enjoy writing Young Adult fiction, as two of my upcoming novels will attest.
Why do I and so many others love reading YA novels? I don’t believe it implies immaturity, but rather suggests a more “young at heart” sensibility of the reader. And I am careful about not lumping all of them together; as in every genre there is great writing and not-so-great writing. With that in mind, here is what I find appealing about most of the YA and coming-of-age literature I have read:
- It draws you in and hooks you on the first page.
- It is usually light on the exposition and heavy on the action and dialogue.
- The drama isn’t contrived. The teenage years, with all of its growing pains, can be filled with turmoil. Ordinary situations often feel emotional, and even catastrophic.
- Teens are well-known to be impetuous and curious, therefore their actions are often unexpected. This opens up all sorts of drama which may include acting on violence, sexuality, and other previously uncharacteristic behaviours.
- We’ve all been there, so we can identify with many of the common conflicts that arise. Other times, we might enjoy reading YA as an escape into wish-fulfillment: a way of righting the wrongs in our own experience.
Still not convinced to give Young Adult a try? Peruse these quotes taken from bestselling YA fiction:
What do you think of the Young Adult genre?
Do you have any favourite YA quotes to share?
Jennifer's Journal 
Great quotes, Jennifer. I adore all things Anne Shirley. ❤ She provides good "scope for the imagination."
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Glad you enjoyed them, Wendy. Yes, Anne Shirley is a beloved character for most of us Canadians. 🙂
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Im a huge fan Jennifer. My favourite Author at the moment is Maggie Stiefvater and I cannot get enough of her books. I guess the trilogy that started my passion for YA was The Hunger Games. But I will read anything if it sounds interesting enough.
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Me too, Kath, whatever the genre. As for writing, I think I’m going to try my hand with something more mainstream after my second YA book, either post-apocalyptic or dystopian. It will challenge me more, I think.
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All so much fun this writing thing is, you can go wherever your imagination can take you.
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There are many wonderful books that are written for young people that older people would also enjoy,
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Definitely, and some of them are quite famous. A great book is simply a great book!
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I’m late to the party on YA. I had no idea how compelling it was until I posted an article on my blog (for YA week) and got wonderful comments from readers. they make me want to go find a pile of YA novels and read all weekend.
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Check reviews before you select, Jacqui. I would want you to read the finer ones so you can see why we love them so much.
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Great blog post, Jennifer. I write and read YA too, for the reasons you mention. Emotions are magnified a thousandfold when you’re in your teens; each new experience more dramatic. here’s one of my favourite quotes: “It’s not my fault I can’t be like you, okay? I don’t get up in the morning thinking the world is one big, shiny, happy place, okay? That’s just not how I work. I don’t think I can be fixed.”
― Lauren Oliver, Before I Fall
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Thank you, Katrina! Yes, emotions often run high because they are teens, but sometimes it is completely warranted, depending on the plot.
Wonderful quote. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by with your comment.
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Are you kidding, young adult books are the best! Never tire of them!
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Agree. There are great books in every genre, but when you get a great YA book? Heaven!
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Indeed!
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I’m with you on this Jennifer! The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants comes to mind. ❤
Diana xo
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Yes, a fine example, Diana, and a wealth of quotables too! 🙂
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I don’t tend to read Young Adult fiction, but I know it has a huge following, and it’s definitely the it thing now, so it’s great you enjoy writing it. When I was at an agent pitchfest at a conference a couple years back, they were all looking for YA. I should probably read The Hunger Games sometime. I’ve read that all writers should read it just for its great structure alone.
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My daughter loved The Hunger Games, but I have yet to read it. Still on my list. Isn’t your newest book YA, Carrie?
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No, but one of my protags is a teenager, so it might appeal to that crowd. But it’s geared more toward adults, with the serial killer and all.
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Sounds like it would have wide appeal. I devoured serial killer books when I was a young adult. I know, I got it all backwards. 😉
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Haha, I understand. I was reading Stephen King at the age of 13. And yes, I hope my book will have wide appeal. The teenage protag just made sense. Made him more malleable to my nurse’s crusade.
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