Comments on: The Trouble with YA Literature Today

By: William Everett

William Everett — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 10:45:21 +0000

Nikki, Well said, but my kids never cared for Twilight and the Harry Potter books were boring to them. Something about them being a load of crap. Everyone has their tastes and these types of books did not cut the mustard here. My son’s favorite books during the Harry Potter craze? Two years before the Mast, the old man and the sea and Fahrenheit 451. In fact, I am rereading the 451 novel — it has been 30 years. My daughter favorite books? Anything about or by Jim Morrison, On the Road, and The Road by McCarthy. There are still a lot of folks reading books with pages in them also. Nothing like turning a page and hearing the paper sound.. All is not lost. I wonder where the Potter books and Twilight will be 20 years from now? I know they are not like Two years before the mast — a favorite of mine I led my son to.
William

By: Nicole K

Nicole K — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 15:06:15 +0000

Hello,
I share your concerns about YA Lit. I find that the formulaic and comfortable brain candy is what students are reaching for because it does not challenge them. When we put those “quiet” books in their hands, they are bored or frustrated by them. What is the answer?
Nicole

By: Wendy House

Wendy House — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 15:06:20 +0000

Nikki, I agree that our current selections of literature are lacking in originality and creativity. This is also seen in the remakes and sequels of the movies. There are a lot of recycled themes from a profit-minded industry. As consumers we need to take a step back and think about what we’re ingesting. We need time to discover the value of quality literature and what it can be. If we do, I think we’ll be able to seek out the true treasures amongst the reproductions.

By: Jayne Higham

Jayne Higham — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:32:37 +0000

Maybe it is just that originality is dying a slow death. I hear too many influencers and educators telling the younger generation that there are no more ‘original thoughts’, perhaps they are starting to believe it. I doubt this is true, when original replaces sassy and sexy as the latest media fashion we will no doubt see lots of great new work.

By: Allan Wolf

Allan Wolf — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:16:47 +0000

Huzzah, Nikki. In the end a writer’s secret weapon is her imagination. Imagination kept in a cage produces repetition. Imagination allowed to roam free-range produces innovation and originality. The metaphor of the laying hen is worth expanding on. Writers should ask themselves: Am I a factory chicken or a free-range chicken? And what sort of eggs am I laying as a result?

By: Sheila

Sheila — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:57:33 +0000

Stumbled upon this post today–I rarely get a chance to visit blogs. Loved the advice of your mentor, James Baldwin, a writer I’ve long admired. I say the same to my own writing students–protect your gifts. I am so happy you held to yours.

By: Janice M. Del Negro

Janice M. Del Negro — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:23:33 +0000

Oh, well said! I am reviewing yet another paranormal romance novel with yet another unbearably beautiful boy as (emotionally unavailable)love interest. All I can say is, really? This is the best you can offer? I will be sending my YA Lit students to your blog, ma’am. They already read your books.

By: Shelley Stoehr

Shelley Stoehr — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:46:40 +0000

So right!