Comments on: Grownup books vs. kids books

By: Alissa

Alissa — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:29:35 +0000

Sam: I think you’re right. And some of the most popular adult fiction moves along at that same fast pace as YA fiction.

By: Alissa

Alissa — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:28:54 +0000

Heather: I agree, and I’ve noticed that certain adult genres (mystery and science fiction come to mind) do a little bit of a better job at this than other books.

By: Runner Sami

Runner Sami — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:18:34 +0000

I think that Heather has a good point about the pace of YA novels v. adult novels. Although it's interesting that a lot of popular adult novels also involve fast-paced action and interesting plot twists, so that even if the novel isn't well written (ie. James Patterson), people still love to read them. I am a huge fan of YA lit and one of the main reasons is that I feel like the authors are able to capture the fresh nuances of what it means to grow up. But I have read a number of quality and not-so-quality novels in both adult and YA lit. If an author has a gift for writing that speaks to you personally than her book can suck you in leaving you wanting more regardless of whether its YA or adult lit. .-= Runner Sami´s last blog ..It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? =-.

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:34:52 +0000

Since I’ve started reading and writing YA I noticed the same thing. Then I realized what was causing it. YA writers know how to really move a story along. They have to, young adults have shorter attention spans. ‘Adult’ books often move at a slower pace. I’ve also noticed YA writers really get you into the story emotionally while not all ‘adult’ books do. Some do of course, but not as many.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Follower Appreciation =-.

By: Alissa

Alissa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:49:56 +0000

Angie: Very true. I remember reading an article by Lev Grossman (who wrote The Magicians) about why YA fiction is so appealing, and I’m paraphrasing here, but it was basically because stuff actually happens in YA books, where some adult books just sort of trudge along with not much happening. The ones that I tend to enjoy the most are as exciting and riveting as a young adult novel.

By: Alissa

Alissa — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:47:52 +0000

Medeia: I think I have grown pickier and a bit more impatient when it comes to adult books, but maybe that’s just because I’ve reached a point in my life where I don’t feel like reading something I don’t really like.

By: Angie

Angie — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:53:26 +0000

I had this very same thing happen to me! I’ve been reading so much YA that when I picked up the first Sookie Stackhouse, I was like, eh, not so good, even though I’m sure that a year ago I would have loved it. There were a couple other adult books I’ve read recently that I’ve had a hard time getting into. I kind of think that part of it is that with YA the action, and that feeling of being hooked, happens so fast that I’ve become used to it. But it could also be that I’ve just picked up some adult books that weren’t that great. Will have to see if the trend continues.

By: Medeia Sharif

Medeia Sharif — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:45:36 +0000

I'm flexible and read just about everything. But I do find that after reading YA heavily for a few years, I'm pickier about what adult books I read. .-= Medeia Sharif´s last blog ..Welcome =-.