Introduction
As someone who writes fiction, and who has always been drawn to writing YA fiction. I get asked all the time what makes YA literature so special. The answer is simple: It's not just for kids! In fact, if you're an adult who enjoys reading young adult novels (and if you don't, you're missing out!), then this blog post will help you understand why they're worth your time.
YA books have unique storytelling styles.
YA books are often told from a first-person perspective, with the narrator talking directly to the reader. This style is often used to create a more intimate connection with readers. It helps the reader put themselves into the story, therefore getting more invested in what happens to the protagonist (since, if written well, in their imagination they are the protagonist!) Other authors use first-person POV simply because it's easier for them. The most important thing is for you (the author) to find what works best for your voice and style of writing.
They remind you of your past.
In the world of YA literature, there are two types of books: those that are set in high school and those that are not. If you're like me and have read a lot of young adult novels, then you've probably noticed that most YA books take place during or around high school—a time when many people experience big changes. Some stories focus on this time period; others don't even have anything to do with it at all! But one thing they all have in common is their focus on growing up as an individual—something we all go through at some point in our lives. Or in many cases, continue going through long after we've reached adulthood.
The thing that makes YA books so amazing is that they can capture this experience in a way that other types of literature simply cannot. They are full of relatable characters and situations, which makes them perfect for anyone who wants to read about someone going through similar things in their own life. Even if you're like me and are more advanced in your years of life experience, reading YA stories can remind you of times when you may have experienced those youthful emotions or challenges, and got through them (hopefully fairly unscathed.)
The best YA books are those that can both make you laugh and cry within the same chapter. These stories are so powerful because they're not just about characters going through struggles; they're about people who are dealing with real issues that many readers have faced themselves. One great example of this is John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, which follows two cancer patients as they fall in love despite their terminal conditions. This story hits home for anyone who has ever dealt with a serious illness, but it also features plenty of hilarious moments that make it worth reading even if you've never had cancer yourself.
It's easier to think of a time before adulthood.
The teenage years are a time of great change and transition. You're growing up, going through puberty, and trying to figure out who you are. It's a time when everyone else around you is changing too—and if they don't do so in some way that feels healthy for them (or at least normal), then it can feel like the world is crumbling around them.
YA novels are often about this process: how we learn from our mistakes; how we grow up; what makes us happy; what makes us sad; how to make friends or fall in love with someone who loves us back just as much as we do them (or more). And since YA stories focus on young adults rather than children, there’s no better place for these themes than within their pages!
A YA novel is a great story no matter how old you are!
The truth is, YA novels are great stories no matter how old you are. They can be read by anyone, and they can have a wide variety of topics. You may not have grown up in the same era as your favorite author, but that doesn't mean you can't relate to their work or vice versa.
Young adult fiction offers us an opportunity to understand ourselves better than any other genre does: what it was like for our parents' generation (or grandparents'), how different things were from then until now (and maybe even beyond). It also allows us to look at our current situations through these lenses today!
The stories are all different in their own ways and will help you get a better understanding of how life has changed over the years—and how it's stayed the same.
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you some ideas for how to keep reading even after your teens. If you're not sure what to read next, consider picking up a YA novel. You'll be able to get lost in the world of your favorite character and forget all about those pesky adult responsibilities!
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