we need to talk about "the problem with YA books"

TL;DR

A discussion on the complexities and perceptions of YA fantasy, the limitations of the genre, and the need for adult fantasy to cater to the growing adult audience.

Transcript

is a truth universally acknowledged that someone in once of sharing their opinion online must be sitting at a desk so I pulled my dining table over to my couch I'm legit now first I hesitated making this video because I didn't want to perpetuate the stereotype that you can't criticize wait because then you get a horde of angry teenagers after you t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 The criticisms of YA fantasy, such as the lack of morally ambiguous characters and the abundance of romantic subplots, are subjective and depend on personal preferences.
• 🥹 It is important to recognize that enjoyable and fun books can still hold value and should not be dismissed simply because they are not complex or deep.
• 🧑 The growing adult audience of YA fantasy has specific needs and tastes, and adult fantasy should consider catering to that audience without forcing YA fantasy to change.
• 👶 YA fantasy has been successful in capturing a new generation of readers, particularly young girls, by providing relatable stories and diverse female characters.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why was there backlash on Twitter towards a person who mostly filled their bookshelves with YA books despite being an adult?

Some people believe that reading books intended for a younger age group is not respectable or appropriate for adults. They question why adults only read YA books and suggest that they should read more adult literature.

Q: Is it possible for YA fantasy to have morally ambiguous characters and explore darker themes without becoming adult fantasy?

While the video argues that there are YA fantasy books that do explore moral ambiguity without explicitly dark content, the preference for morally ambiguous characters can vary among readers. Some readers enjoy the morally great characters commonly found in YA, while others prefer darker and morally ambiguous protagonists.

Q: Can the prevalence of romantic subplots in YA fantasy be considered a limitation of the genre?

The video acknowledges that the amount of romance in YA fantasy can be a matter of preference. While some readers enjoy the inclusion of romance, others find it unnecessary or overwhelming. It ultimately depends on the individual reader's taste.

Q: Why do some adults continue to read YA fantasy instead of transitioning to adult fantasy?

The video suggests that adults who read YA fantasy do so because they find something unique in the genre that they can't easily access in adult fantasy. This could be attributed to the specific themes, writing style, or relatability of YA fantasy that appeals to them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video addresses the ongoing debate about the value and perception of YA fantasy literature, sparked by a Twitter incident and a popular YouTuber's critique of YA fantasy.

• The content highlights the importance of personal enjoyment in reading and challenges the notion that enjoyable and fun books are less respectable.

• The video explores the limitations of YA fantasy, such as the lack of morally ambiguous protagonists and the prevalence of romantic subplots, while also acknowledging that these aspects appeal to many readers.

• It suggests that adult fantasy should cater to the specific needs and tastes of the YA audience, rather than forcing YA fantasy to evolve with its growing adult audience.