It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of a love of reading must be in want of new books – all the time. It is also a well known fact that books such as The Fault in Our Stars have elevated the YA sector to a whole new pedestal of importance in the eyes of the general population. People who had never really heard of the YA bracket before now talk about it enthusiastically, pushing the 'popular' books with a startling amount of energy. It was only last week that a girl I know, who had previously told me she hated reading, came up and asked if I'd read Divergent and if not I really should because "it was amazing" and "I can't believe so many people still haven't read it"!
I'm glad YA books are finally getting the attention they deserve; they were hardly unheard of before, but the recognition is on a whole other level now. There have been a lot of debates about how even adults are now reading YA fiction, and discussions about whether they shouldn't because, after all, they're aimed at teens – but that's not the point of reading. We read to escape, to imagine, to explore, and whether the words we absorb are bound in a cover aimed at teens, pre-teens or adults is not the issue. Besides, it is mostly adults who write these novels in the first place, so does that mean we should be criticising authors too?
Aside from this controversy, the one thing that saddens me about YA fictions' new-found fame is the way that it is being marketed, constantly shoving the same books into people's faces. I'm a TFioS lover; I enjoyed The Hunger Games – I'm not saying these books shouldn't be celebrated – but what about all the other books out there? If I say the name "John Green" in a room full of people, I can almost guarantee that everyone's eyes will light up in lanterns of recognition. But if I mention another of my favourite authors? Nothing. Not a single reaction. Why? Because these are the books that are not being made into films, that are being passed on by word of mouth, through blogs, BookTube, and social media.
I fully comprehend why some particular books are being spotlighted: they are unique, and emotional, and they capture readers' hearts and touch us in a way we never thought we'd be affected. They are also being adapted into films. But so many other books have sparked tears in my eyes as The Fault in our Stars did. So many other books have left me feeling empowered as The Hunger Games and Divergent did. Yet the media keeps on playing the same track, keeps on rewinding the same tape recording about the same characters. Nearly every book I see has tried to capture the attention of readers with Liked The Hunger Games? You'll love this! and For Divergent fans! stickers.
Maybe this is why some people have developed such strong views about adults reading YA novels. Maybe it's because the only YA books they've read are the ones they have heard about the most, the ones that are constantly staring back at them – and maybe they didn't enjoy them (some books are not for everyone), but are now basing their entire knowledge of YA fiction on the 'popular' books that everyone is talking about and concluding that adults should not read YA because it's for "weepy teenagers".
In the end, books are books. Books should not be judged or compared; they should be loved and read. And sometimes, I do wish there was more of an emphasis on the books that aren't so well-known, the lesser-spotted books, the ones that blur the lines between the stereotypical YA novels and something more intangible, unique and challenging. The books that have many besotted readers, but would get a very different reaction to John Green's books if I described them to a stranger on the road.
Take, as just one example, If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch. When I reviewed it, I wrote that,
"I honestly can't say anything bad about this book. If You Find Me is one of the most underrated books I have ever read and I can't believe it hasn't won award after award after award. Because it deserves it. Tragic and heartbreaking, it is about two girls against the world, about neglect and about love. Sisterly love, unpredictable love, familial love; it encompasses love in many different shades, with many different meanings and roots – and it is a book you should not miss."
And I have never thought to take back what I said: this is the one book that I tell people to read before any of the books people may *think* I would suggest if they were basing their ideas on the media-induced stereotypes of what teenagers apparently read and love. On my bookshelf I have YA – both popular and less well-known – books, adult books and classics: in reality, everyone reads a range of books – and I think the media needs to start realising that.
