Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.
And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!
What do you think about darker books on the YA market?
Most of you know that I'm a huge fan of issue books. I think there's a brilliant, understated skill to darker novels that have the ability to bare the very essence of brute human nature. I, personally, think these books are incredibly important for the younger generations because it encourages dialogue and discussions. It brings otherwise forbidden issues out into the open and creates a discourse.
However, there are definitely those people that feel that darker issue books have no place on the YA market. Some people believe these books should be catered towards a mature audience, as younger readers might be damaged or scarred by reading these books. I don't discount that darker issue books are challenging to read. In fact, I believe the should be hard to read. If they weren't the subject matter wouldn't have such a hard-hitting impact upon reading audiences.
Some of my favourite books are those that are the most painful to read. They make me think. They challenge me to explore some of the most painful and degrading human emotions and conditions. Most of all though, they make me feel. I also believe that if these books are done well, they are vital to the YA market because they challenge readers to step outside their comfort zones, empathize for others and, in some cases, come to terms with issues of their own. The most successful darker YA books on the market today for me include, but certainly aren't limited to:
What do you think about darker books in the YA market? Do you think they're important? Do you have a list of darker issue books that have done more for you than others? I think these books are important, but I'd love to hear what others thinks, as well!
