One Older Reader of Young Adult Fiction

I have discussed various aspects of Young Adult (YA) fiction in a number of posts, which readers can find by clicking on the tag “young adult fiction” at the bottom of this submission.  The YA field is interesting in part because it has in recent years been one of the best, if not the best, performing genre for the publishing industry.

Few if any topics are off-limits for emerging adults and the manner in which such books are written appear to make them highly attractive to adults of all ages.

According to Wikipedia, YA fiction is aimed at the 12-18 age group, but about half of those who read  such books are older. One older reader is Samantha Irby, identified in a recent New York Times Book Review interview as a comedian and blogger.

Asked what she liked to read, Ms Irby said thrillers come first. But she also loves “a gripping family drama” and, she said, “I read lots and lots of YA.”

Back to Wikipedia: The subject matter of YA fiction typically correlates with the age and experience of the protagonist and subsequent supporting characters. These are generally young people facing real world problems as the story progresses. Common themes include: friendship, first love, relationships, and identity.

Within the last category, which is to say identity, gender issues have become increasingly common fare.

Ms Irby’s blog is bitches gotta eat and she is the author of three books.