Joel Stein discusses YA

[Anamnesis]

Adults Should Read Adult Books - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com

The only thing more embarrassing than catching a guy on the plane looking at pornography on his computer is seeing a guy on the plane reading “The Hunger Games.” Or a Twilight book. Or Harry Potter. The only time I’m O.K. with an adult holding a children’s book is if he’s moving his mouth as he reads.

I’m sure all those books are well written. So is “Horton Hatches the Egg.” But Horton doesn’t have the depth of language and character as literature written for people who have stopped physically growing.

I don't like his casual dismissal of The Hunger Games. From what I've read of that series, it attempts to deal with "serious issues". I do agree that anyone 18 and older shouldn't be debating the mythology of the Twilight Saga. Or reading the Harry Potter series .

 

[beer good]

 

[abecedarian]

Adults Should Read Adult Books - Room for Debate - NYTimes.com



I don't like his casual dismissal of The Hunger Games. From what I've read of that series, it attempts to deal with "serious issues". I do agree that anyone 18 and older shouldn't be debating the mythology of the Twilight Saga. Or reading the Harry Potter series .

I respectfully disagree. People read for numerous reasons, and I choose to read YA titles that interest me or my kids. One good way to know what kids are thinking about is to read with them. Some of our best family times have been when we sat around discussing plot twists or 'what do you think will happen next', or comparing the book with the movie. To each their own.

 

[Landslide]

Well, I read the Harry Potter series when I was over 18 and I still love it today. In fact I'm currently listening to it (audiobooks). I read the Twilight series two years ago and although I didn't love it, I can't say I hated it either. The Harry Potter books are far superior, in my opinion, because they deal with serious matters like death, loss, friendship, loyalty, honor, overcoming your fears to do the right thing, etc.

But my point is, just because a book is YA, it doesn't mean an adult can't enjoy it. Being an adult gives you the freedom to read whatever you want, whenever you want. And it's no one's business the kind of books you read.

 

[readsalot]

I read a lot of YA...some of it is crappy or too young for me, but for the most part, I find the YA genre full of adventure and excitement.

Er, I also like a good murder mystery, but hey, you need variety in life.

 

[SFG75]

Joel Stein writes for humor in TIME and he probably gets the most hate mail of anyone there.:lol:Just about every week features letters to the editor excoriating him for insulting someone or some group. He comes across at times as insensitive and inappropriate in his discussions of things, but I do find him amusing at times.

As for the topic at hand, I won't criticize adults who read YA. Life and work at times can leave you at a pulp by the end of the day. We all need an "escape" somehow I suppose.

 

[Conscious Bob]

I respectfully disagree. People read for numerous reasons, and I choose to read YA titles that interest me or my kids.

You've kids so you're exempt...

 

[Alix]

I read YA and quite enjoy it. That doesn't mean I don't read lot of other genres as well. abcedarian, my kids and I read stuff at the same time too. They're older now, but we still have those discussions at the table. I love it!

I find the snobbery of some adults rather amusing. You shouldn't be bound by labels. Read everything, read often. I've found some of the YA literature I've read recently to be better crafted than a significant number of "adult" books.