YA Fiction that Adults Will Love
Readers' choice: WSIR #22
“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis
In debating a few possible themes this week, I put a selection of options out to my friends and resoundingly … fervently … definitively … people preferred “young adult fiction that adults can appreciate.” To be honest, I didn’t expect that, but who am I to argue with The Readers? I aim to serve!
Some adults recoil from the YA genre, and while I completely understand and honor that, I think it’s a mistake to dismiss this genre entirely - especially when it’s such a murky distinction. I’ve had myriad conversations (including an endless, ongoing debate about this with my writer friend Danielle) about what actually constitutes “young adult fiction” versus “fiction about young adults”. Is To Kill a Mockingbird young adult fiction? Certainly Room, narrated by a five year old, is … NOT a children’s book. The Goldfinch is narrated by a teen, and regardless what I thought of it, it won the Pulitzer Prize. Last I checked, the Pulitzers are not in the kiddie lit business.
General consensus seems to be that YA-classified fiction features a young adult (this seems obvious)'; has plotting that may be dark but does not contain graphic, extensive sex or violence; and features themes that are accessible to a young adult audience (family, transition, coming of age). Of course many YA books are truly too juvenile to hold adult attention, but when chosen wisely, this sounds relevant to all ages, no? So to that end, below are a few suggestions of recent (and not-so-recent, but KerryKBeloved) YA fiction that adults can enjoy.
“Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw
Fine, so I’m not kicking off with the most contemporary selection, but A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (published in 1943) is a classic must-read, and if you don’t believe me, consider that most frivolous of sources, The New Yorker, who called it “one of the greatest American novels.” (This photo is of my actual copy, to give you an indication of how much I loved this book through the years.) It’s the story of sensitive, bookish, wise Francie Nolan, growing up in a poor Brooklyn neighborhood, faced with the hardships that come from poverty, from addiction, from shame and scorn, and from sacrifice. At turns poignant, heartbreaking, funny, literary, inspiring, and with beautifully observational writing. Fragments from this book have honestly lived with me for decades and I hope you’ll give it a go if you never have.
A thoroughly contemporary suggestion is The Hate U Give, which tackles the all-too-relevant topic of gun violence, police brutality, and racism through the eyes of 16-year-old Starr, the only non-police witness to the shooting of her childhood best friend. It’s powerful and smart, without easy villains or cliches. I particularly love Starr’s relationship with her parents, but the whole book is stunning, a clarion call for change that hits differently when seen through the eyes of a teenager.
There are so many good YA fantasy series, so I’m going to assume you’ve read The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner (yes? of course? of course) and go with a lesser-known suggestion, which is The Forgetting. Nadia lives in Canaan, where everyone writes their experiences in a sacred book because every 12 years, the city experiences the Forgetting and all memories, relationships, families etc are wiped clean. It has all the crafted world-building of a good fantasy read, the “things aren’t quite right” elements of sci-fi, and the adrenaline and romance-fueled heroics you’d want. I also quite liked the companion novel, The Knowing.
Jenny Han’s three books, starting with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, are just an absolute delight. The premise is that throughout her life, now 16-year-old Lara Jean has written letters to the boys she’s loved, letters she never intended to send. But of course, they DO get sent and then lighthearted chaos ensues! What’s really lovable about these books is the seamless intertwining of universal themes (young love, grief, failed friendships, family) with perfectly captured modern life (biracial family, social media reputations) and the snappiest, wittiest, most fun dialogue. As always, these books are much better than the films. I think I read all three in about 48 hours.
If Clap When You Land were about 22-year-olds instead of teen girls, I think it would have received a lot of attention due to its ambitious, lyrical verse-as-prose format (it’s written by a poet) and its engulfing emotion, the way it practically shimmers with grief and anger. It’s about two girls, one in New York City and one in the Dominican Republic, who don’t know each other but whose lives are connected and upended by a sudden, tragic event. It’s an unusual read, one which I wasn’t even sure I “liked” at first but which really stuck with me.
Everyone seems to have a YA favorite - let me know yours by leaving a comment (this includes you, H & Poppy)! I’m collecting suggestions for an upcoming “reader bag” and I’d love to share your wisdom.
A Year of Shakespeare: Looking Like Two Years of Shakespeare
The Shakespeare reading challenge, I find, is like working out. Once you get in a routine, it’s easier, but once you fall out of the routine? Starting feels like a ton of bricks on the back, an albatross around the neck, in a series of weeks that have taken more than they’ve given.
All of this to say that I’m no farther along on Shakespeare than I was last week. Whatever you’re working on, let’s all agree to start anew, together, with resolve and grace this coming week, okay?
Also, did you know that Shakespeare is credited with the introduction of hundreds of words into the English language? WORDS! You can see some here including “bedroom,” “honey-tongued,” and “anchovy.” and PUPPY DOG, a great gift to us all.
Hey stranger, you new in town? Some things to know:
You can find nearly 100 other book suggestions & synopses in the archive, including things like mysteries and investigative non-fiction. Have at it!
These books are all linked to Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores. You can find all past recos on my Bookshop.org page if you want to check-check-check that out.
If you’ve read this far, or read at all, please know that I’m so glad you’re here! Let me know what kinds of suggestions you’re looking for by replying to this email or leaving a comment.