Sometimes, I read YA novels in public (scandalous, I know). Other times, I go to the bookstore or library and browse the YA shelves. And sometimes, the most ridiculous statements come out of other people's mouths when see me reading or perusing a YA novel.
Let's get something straight here: I am an adult, but I am still young (almost 22). But, even I still receive comments whenever I read YA in public, from people who seem to think it's strange for someone in college to read teen literature. These are some of the more popular random comments I've received:
1. "You do know that's for children, right?"
Thank you. I had no idea. I thought
THE HUNGER GAMES was a new diet trend. My mistake.
2. "Isn't that story a little immature for you?"
I laughed at this statement, because I was reading
BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY at the time - that book is far from immature. It's thoughtful, intense...such an excellent, moving story.
3. "I read a YA novel once. It wasn't deep or complex, unlike (insert very literary adult novel title), which I'm currently reading. Now that's a stimulating story."
I honestly didn't know how to respond to this person. I was too surprised by the statement to formulate a decent thought. But honestly, anyone that doesn't find YA to be deep has not read the right book.
4. "Do you read YA because you have a hard time reading more difficult and complex texts?"
Yeah, they might have called me an idiot to my face (in an underhanded way), but I didn't feel the need to explain myself or my reading choices. I'm happy with the A grades I'm earning as an English major, so his statement didn't bother me. What bothered me was the idea that all YA lit is "easy" and uncomplicated, because there are many YA novels with layers and meaning.
5. "So you must love Twilight then, right?"
Um, no.
TWILIGHT is not the worst book ever, but it doesn't live up to the best of the best. All YA lit is NOT like
TWILIGHT! *sighs*
6. "Maybe you should try reading a novel that is actually educational and worth your time."
I'm 80% sure I said something like "I already am, but thank you so much for your concern" ;)
7. "I cannot believe you're reading that in public. I would be so embarrassed to be caught reading a book for teens!"
And this, dear readers, is the one statement that always makes me sad. I usually just respond with my usual "Life's too short to worry about everyone else and their opinions of you - read what you want and forget everyone else if they don't like it" but it saddens me how often this conversation pops up.
It seems as though, for the most part, people who do
not regularly read YA have this inaccurate view of Young Adult literature. They think it's for kids, it's immature, it requires zero thought to read, that it's exactly like
TWILIGHT, and that everyone will mock you for reading such uninspiring and meaningless stories. To anyone that thinks YA is like that...wow. I feel sorry for those people, because they are missing out on some of the more exceptional YA novels based on a couple bad experiences by not reading the
right book for them.
YA literature isn't perfect (is anything?), but it is moving, meaningful, hilarious, sad, heartbreaking, and nothing to be embarrassed about, even if the book features a girl-in-a-pretty-dress (
SWEET EVIL), a couple making out or almost making out (
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE has the most gorgeous example of this that even makes me forget how much I hate this trend), an embarrassing title (like
ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS), or even strange clouds that make it look like you're reading something
very immature (I'm looking at you,
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, but I still adore you), or some other typical YA cover and title trend.
So, the next time you try to hide that YA book cover or title from everyone else when you're out reading somewhere in public, remember
why you read YA, and read it proudly. Because if we don't start reading YA with confidence, then how can we expect non-YA readers to take us and our preferred genre seriously? This post is my reminder to never be that woman who hides her reading material in public because she's embarrassed, but to be the one that reads them proudly - no matter what anyone thinks.
Have you ever had anyone say something crazy to you about YA lit when they catch you reading it in public? What are your thoughts on YA being "embarrassing" for older readers?
All images from Goodreads.
