Dear Teen Readers, They Are Gaslighting You
published:
March 28, 2024
Growing up is a journey. From childhood to adulthood, the faint idea that it’s time to give up young adult fiction floats around like a mist, not being a spoken rule, like “don’t drink and drive”, but somehow being frowned upon. And yet, buried deep within the pages of books like Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia are treasures that transcend age boundaries.
Growing up is a complex process. It’s easy to forget that life should be taken easy, and that its gift is being able to wonder at every marvel life puts in our way. YA books are soaked into this kind of wisdom, as they teach young readers how to challenge life, and they reming adult readers what life is all about. This article shall be a sign to all the readers that YA book, the ones filled with love, magic, and adventure, should not be left on a shelf and forgotten because the society believes they should. It’s time to embrace once again the enchanting worlds and the profound lessons found within the pages of YA books.
The Chronicles of Narnia leather-bound rare book by Barnes and Noble New York published by Tim Alex on Unsplash
Time passes, but these themes are timeless
As stated, age is not a boundary when talking about YA books. The tales and timeless, and they resonate deeply with readers of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest (99 years old, as LEGO likes to put it). The themes range from family, to friends, to love, courage and the battle between good and evil. There are important choices to be made, conflicts to solve, and friendships to tie. YA fiction offers a rich tapestry of universal themes that speak directly to the human existence.
Navigating the complexities of grown-up life is difficult without any sort of compass. However, you don’t need a golden one to ace life. You just need to not lose sight of what’s important, and that’s life itself. The themes that are evoked in young adult fiction are meant to form young people into great adults, but not just that. They are also meant to show adults that life is not that though, despite having its own heavy moments.
The Harry Potter series stacked on a table photographed by Madalyn Cox on Unsplash
Escapism and Imagination
It comes to no surprise that YA books are a fantastic source of unique adventures, catering to readers of all ages who seek solace in their fantastic world. While they are an avenue for escapism, they also provide valuable lessons as they tackle universal themes of friendship, self-discovery, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil.
Isn’t it nice to open a book and enter its pages? No more work, no stress, no mundane or boring. You begin reading, and a whole magical world unfolds around you. That’s the magic of YA literature. That’s the one thing that adult fiction does not offer. Whether it’s navigating the halls of a wizarding school like Hogwarts or embarking on a perilous quest through the enchanting forests of Narnia, YA books provide a gateway to boundless imagination and endless possibilities, reminding readers that the spirit of adventure knows no age limit.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy photographed by Isaac Chou on Unsplash
Emotional Resonance
As these stories often delve into complex themes such as friendship, loss, sacrifice, love, and even dealing with feeling left behind or betrayed, they resonate deeply with readers navigating the tumultuous journey of being alive. Through authentic character experiences and heartfelt narratives, YA fiction cultivates empathy and emotional intelligence, empowering readers to confront their own feelings and forge connections with others.
As adults, people tend to be more radical in their relationships: they might cut people out for the simplest things, or hold grudges at work despite not having the realest reasons for that. By engaging with stories that mirror their own struggles and problems, readers find solace, validation, and inspiration, ultimately shaping their perspectives and maybe leading them so get over small, insignificant conflicts, while also enriching their lives.
The Hunger Games series photographed by Elin Melaas on Unsplash
Nostalgia and Comfort
These two terms are woven into the very fabric of YA literature. Not only that they offer readers a sense of warmth and familiarity, but they also serve a journey back in time, towards simpler times. The pages from the beloved stories of one’s youth will transport the reader back to a time of wonder. Revisiting imaginary places you once knew will bring out the magic of childhood and growing up surrounded by beloved characters.
Reconnecting with themes and emotions that once resonated with you in your formative years can provide a nostalgic comfort that will help you take shelter from the complexities of adult life. Going back to YA books will always be a reminder that no matter how old you get, where you end up, or what life throws at you, there will always be comfort to be found in the pages of once cherished books.
-Otilia