I know that there really are no “age restrictions” when it comes to reading, but that it’s more of a social concept of what kinds of books you should read as you get older. With my twenty-sixth birthday coming up in just a few days, I’m considered to be an adult, though really I’m still learning my way.
Still, adults (who are actually adults) who are a few generations ahead of myself will probably look down on the fact that I like to read young-adult books. Well, technically speaking, I’m still a young adult when the average life-expectancy of women is around eighty years old. I guess I’m getting to the point where I won’t be a young adult though, now that I’m closer to thirty than twenty. (*cringe*) The only time I actually feel my age is when I’m around those who are eighteen to twenty years old now (with a few exceptions).
Now, back to books.
Do I feel weird reading young adult fiction at times? Sure, because as I’ve gotten older I realize just how young some of the characters are, but at the same time, it’s nice to escape into their world. I personally like to see how I could have related to them when I was 16-17 years old. At times I do and other times I don’t, of course that’s usually because it’s a YA Contemporary romance and due to the fact I didn’t really date in high school… yeah.
So when I seek out the Young Adult section in a bookstore or library, I feel weird for a few minutes. Then I either get lost in the books or remember that I know of people older than myself that love to read YA books, and I don’t feel as bad. I will say that in the past year or two I’ve been opening myself up to more adult fiction books, though I’m definitely more picky about the kinds of adult fiction that I’ll read.
When it comes down to it, I go with the saying that you have to read what you like to read – not what everyone else expects or wants you to read. Every reader is different and therefore has a different preference of genres. Plus, you can’t help but want to read books you loved as a child/teenager as you get older – it always brings back memories!
What are your favorite genres to read? Does it sometimes fall under YA fiction?
orangeowldiaries 
I also read and write YA. Hopefully you’ll consider reading mine. Find me here. LINK
I read a lot of YA books, and like them a lot. I finished 2 series pretty recently. One was the “Gone” series, by Michael Grant, and the other was the “Maze Runner” series, by James Dashner. I agree, we should just read what we are interested in. :)
I want to read both of those series, even though the ‘Gone’ series seems like an imitation of the ‘Left Behind’ series, minus the Biblical aspect.
Hmmm …I’ve never made that connection between the two series of Gone and Left Behind. Oh well, I enjoyed both, and keep seeing more YA books I want to read. :)
I didn’t really notice it either until my mom pointed it out to me when I was looking at the first of the Gone books. The main difference is that all the adults disappear in that one! I will definitely get to reading that series after I’m done with Left Behind :)
I read lots of YA and even MG books – but then, I also write them ;-) Though I have eclectic taste and enjoy reading from various genres (and centuries), I like the sense of safety that can be found in YA and MG – no matter how bad things get, no matter who dies, you know that it will be okay in the end. Happy A-to-Z-ing.
:) :)
I am in my 50’s and read the occasional YA book. I read what looks interesting, who cares about labels?
I read them as well, they are usually much more fun then regular books
Yes, they are :)
I’m just coming to terms with the fact I’m never going to outgrow YA . . . And I’m 31!
Good! I’m going to be the same way when I hit my 30s :D
lol 34 years old over here!!
I know how you feel. I also turned twenty-six this year (yes, we are closer to thirty than twenty) and I still love YA books. I recently wrote a post about how people look down at those books, as if they are less worthy of our time. They make me feel good, and that’s what matters to me. I agree with you, we should read what we like, and not what people think we should like. Don’t worry, this nearly thirty years old girl is supportive of you. :)
It it makes you feel any better I am 34 years old and STILL read YA books. They are my absolute fave and darn it I’m not giving them up!
I doubt I ever will. I’m just happy I won’t be alone! :D