Reading Away the Days: Are you ever too old to read YA?

September 23rd, 2014 Kimberly Guest Post 57 Comments

23rd Sep

Megan @ Reading Away the Days

Caffeinated is being taken over by other bloggers and today we have Megan from Reading Away the Days to share a discussion on reading YA books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and read what Megan thinks about the subject, then share your opinion. Reading Away the Days is a fantastic blog for the young adult fan, and Megan reviews a variety of genres. Be sure and check out her blog, you may just find your next YA read. Thanks for being here today Megan…

Guest Post

Are you ever too old to read YA?

I love YA books! But I am not a teenage, I don’t fall into the age range these books are supposed to be aimed at. I am a 25 year old woman who has a job, I have adult responsibilities, I have to think like an adult but when it comes to reading, 99% of the time I read YA books.

So is there problem with me reading YA? Because I read YA books does that make me immature as I have heard some people say, can I not cope with the depths an adult book brings. The simple answer I give is why should my age defy what I should read. There is no rule that once you hit 18 years old (when some say your now an adult) you have to stop reading the books you enjoy and start reading adult books even though I have that some people believe you do!

I have been reading YA books for many years and I am sure these are the types of books I will continue to read when I am in my 30’s, 40’s and beyond. YA books give me an escape, I love to be revel with the character in the first throes of love, to follow the characters on wild adventures we as adults are not permitted to do anymore. If it’s something I love why should I stop reading now I am an “adult”. YA gives me the freedom to escape from the responsibilities of being an adult and I hope this continues for many years. My name is Megan, and I love YA ๐Ÿ™‚

What are your thoughts on adults reading YA? Leave a comment below.

Thank you to Kimberly for having me on her blog today and I hope you will have a chance to visit my blog where it is all things YA ๐Ÿ™‚

About Megan & Reading Away the Days

Reading Away the DaysReading Away the Days is a fun blog to find your next young adult read. Megan shares reviews, giveaways, tour stops, author interviews and discussions surrounding her love of the genre. Megan hails from Ireland and is very passionate about reading. She loves engaging in conversation and interacting with other book lovers. Comments are one of her favorite things, so be sure and stop by Reading Away the Days and stalk her.

Website|Twitter|Facebook

Well you know Caffeinated reads YA, NA and Adult but what say you? Show Megan some love and tell her what you think….

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

57 Responses to “Reading Away the Days: Are you ever too old to read YA?”

  1. Lorna

    Some of my favorite books are YA, but not necessarily my go to reads. I am probably way older then most on here -I don’t think it matters how old you are if the story and writing is good!

  2. Laura Thomas

    I hope I’m never too old to read YA. I’m quite a bit past 40,not gonna tell ya how old I am, and when Twilight came out, my friend urged me to read it. I did. Loved it. Went and got the rest of the books. Loved them. And wondered what else I’d been missing. Now I’ve read a bunch and follow several series religiously. LOL I find it interesting that I can easily connect and empathize with the characters.

  3. Alexa

    I don’t think it matters what age you are you can enjoy any type of book at any point in life. I even own middle grade books and I’m 24 so I see no reason to keep middle grade or YA to only those readers that fit the age range for them. Plus there are some very mature YA reads out there.
    I say read what makes you happy!

  4. Trish

    I’m in my 40ths and I haven’t tired of YA yet. I do like to read lots of different genres though and don’t read exclusively from any of them. I know when I read (a good) YA book that I’ll get an energy that I don’t find in adult books and I love that element to them.

  5. Lupdilup

    I’m way older than you, and I will listen to any book or genre that grabs me whit in the first chapter. I personally don’t think I’m too old to do anything, except get drunk and pass out on my friends’ house and go to the beach on spring break…LOL ….lol
    I’ve love some YA books as much as I’ve love some dark erotica books.

  6. Ginny

    I love young adult books, middle grade books, heck…I even enjoy picture books and still watch cartoons and I’m quite a bit older (cough, cough) than Megan. I love to escape with a good story no matter what age it was meant for. Long live great stories and the freedom to read whatever the heck we want to.

  7. Jaime Lynn

    I am a 32 year old woman, and I read YA almost exclusively. I have for a long time, and I will for a long time to come. I am not ashamed, I am very smart, I am not the least bit immature, and I can handle any issue in an adult book. Thing is, I don’t care to. I am quite happy with my YA, so I see no reason to change my preference! Thanks for this post, and being willing to stick up for all of us “oldies”!

  8. Christy

    I’ve been reading adult books since I was in elementary school; there wasn’t much of a selection of YA books in the late 80s and 90s. When my son was born, I read books with him all through the years, discovering YA books. He’s 17 now and tends to read more adult books, but I still like YA. I’ve become more picky about what books I read though, because it does annoy me when it’s too immature. But there are some GREAT ones out there.

  9. ShootingStarsMag

    I love YA books. I probably read YA books most of the time these days because of my blog, but I still really enjoy them. I read a variety of genres and age ranges, but YA seems to do really exciting things most of the time.

  10. Mary

    NEVER TOO OLD!! I’m much older than you (no, I won’t admit by how much exactly) and I still enjoy YA. It’s fabulous.

  11. Michaela

    People should be able to read whatever they enjoy without shame ๐Ÿ™‚ I just watched a video today by a YouTuber I recently started following (bookishpixie) and she talks about why she doesn’t have what people term “guilty pleasures” in reading. It’s really applicable to this! Here’s the link if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5aPHTiNrpA

  12. Jennifer

    I still give YA books to my grandmother in her 80s. You are never too old for a great story. I happily read books even younger than YA. ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. braine

    Age ain’t nuthin but a # right? I agree with you on some points but there are stories whose themes and conflict feels too juvenile to me and in that sense I fail to relate to the characters. Like that darn love triangle, I used to be ok with that not I cant stand it anymore.

  14. Stormi

    I’m on the downside of my 30’s and I like to read YA, but I admit that I read a certain type. I am more into the paranormal/fantasy types. I don’t really care for the plain romance because I feel to old for those and get my romance fix from adult books.

    I read childrens books and middle grade too..lol. ๐Ÿ™‚ I think you should be able to read what you want and if others don’t like they can go read what they like and leave me to my reading. ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. Greg

    I think with the ride range of YA out there now there’s no reason for an adult to feel bad about reading them. I mean, there’s older skewing stuff, younger, darker stuff, so many choices. AS a guy I’m looking for the suspenseful stuff, sci fi sometimes, that kind of thing- when I scan the fantasy/scifi section and the YA most of the interesting stuff seems to be in Ya these days- and I think authors know a lot of times that adults are reading them and write accordingly. And… for many of us reading is escapism, and with YA being so wide open i think there’s plenty of escapism there for adults too. It’s not like we’re all reading about little fourteen year olds running around… ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Kim

    I guess I still consider 25 to be pretty close to those teenage years. But that’s probably because I’m 33! I read YA and really enjoy it. I also read the occasional middle grade book as well. I do hate that some people judge me based on the YA books that cover my shelves, but oh well. I like what I like.

  17. kara-karina

    I think people should read because they love reading something and not because it’s age appropriate. So if anyone tells you you shouldn’t read YA because you are too old for it, I would kindly suggest that they mind their own business and stop concerning themselves with yours :))) Anyway, great topic!

  18. Candace

    I definitely agree. I have found maybe my biggest issue being that sometimes it seems like the trends get oversaturated, but maybe I shouldn’t complain about that because we really need as many as possible to have variety. Even with variety it can feel like the same ol’ thing. Still, I think I’ll ALWAYS read YA. Especially now when almost anything goes in YA. Also, what Heidi said. There are many books that really are just for everyone like the Robin LaFevers bookws and Laini Taylor books.

  19. Heidi

    A good book is a good book and it doesn’t matter if it is MG, YA, NA or Adult. I enjoy reading all kinds of books and I have no problems with my age and reading YA. In fact, I think there are many YA books out there that are labeled as YA but there are smart and mature and really should be read by everyone such as :Grave Mercy, Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers, The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy and the I Hunt Killers Trilogy to name a few.

  20. Quinn's Book Nook

    I definitely think anyone can read whatever books they want, regardless of what age the book is geared for. I am 31, and I read a ton of YA and I love it. There is so much to love about YA, and I feel like even though I am 31 I can relate to these characters so well.

    However, lately, I’ve realize that certain things in YA that maybe a character will be really upset over, I feel a little too old to completely empathize with. It’s not that as a teen I wouldn’t have reacted the same way. But as an adult, I want to shout “really, it’s not a big deal. It’s only a few months apart.” Which isn’t fair of course, and this only happens with a few books.

    But I will be reading YA for years and years I’m sure!

  21. Lark

    I’m just over 50 and I still read YA – and children’s books. That said, what I read in YA is mostly fantasy and science fiction, because some incredible writing is being published in that genre. The more contemporary YA – the high-school stories – didn’t interest me that much when I was in high school, let alone now — though I’ll make exceptions for really wonderful ones. (For instance, I plan to read The Fault In Our Stars.)

    I’m firmly of the mind that a good book is a good book no matter what age it is written for. Equally, a book for any age can be bad, or totally fail to interest me. I also point out, whenever someone is dismissive of YA, that a lot of what is published as YA fantasy now used to be published for adults. Similarly, if some classics were to be published now, they too would probably be marketed as YA, because publishers know that’s a hot market right now. I don’t hear any of those critics who look down their noses at YA making the same kind of dismissive remarks about, say, The Lord of the Flies.

  22. Liz

    Hey Megan ๐Ÿ™‚

    I totally agree with you. Heck, I’m nearing on 40 and I still read YA. Although it’s not my go-to genre, I still find many of the stories compelling and entertaining.

    Great post!

  23. Sandy

    I think the issue is not necessarily the maturity of the reader but the maturity of the storyline. I am a ‘mature’ book reviewer with my own website and I am discovering that the more YA storylines I read the more disenchanted I am becoming.

    I read a recent YA series and the final book in the series will be released in October. The writing has been getting progressively worse; the characters regressing in maturing rather than progressing; the conversations between the characters is childish, immature and insulting-even the adults in the storylines are caricatures with exaggerated anger, personalities and over the top performances. The writing style is directed at teens but the author(s) should realize that many adults read the books as well.

    Perhaps, there comes a time when ‘mature’ readers have to back away when the storyline content is no longer enjoyable; when the presentation is disappointing; when it feels like the author has lowered his or her standards for the sake of the bottom line.

    The series had potential but the further along, the more disheartened I became because of the immaturity of the characters, the scenarios and ultimately, in my opinion, the author.

    • Terri M.

      Sandy, I think that’s the most difficult thing about reading a YA series. Many times the remaining books in the series don’t live up to their potential. It seems like the subsequent books in the series suffer because the characters don’t grow and mature…sometimes they regress. I read plenty of adult series that actually get stronger as the series goes on. The characters grow and change and the writing improves as the author gets comfortable writing and discovering new things about the world they have created. I think YA series authors are getting stuck in a rut trying to create the next big thing. They are forgetting that creating a classic, real character who lives in a dynamic world is far superior to being like X series or novel.

      Terri M.
      Second Run Reviews

  24. Carrie

    NEVER!! I’m 39 (… and holding for like ever now… ) and I still read YA. In my personal opinion I think it makes me FEEL younger. Just like all the sexy books I read makes me feel more loved and hotter and all those youthy books I read makes me feel adventurous. I dunno I think no matter what you read, if you like it and are enjoying it who the heck cares what you’re reading. Books are an escape from reality (for me) and I dive into all different places and/or realms. As long as it does its job and makes me forget reality for the time being, I’m in!

    It’s funny when I was a tiny kid I read things like Charlotte’s Web and Black Beauty, then as I got older I was reading Sidney Sheldon and Stephen King (and a LOT of Danielle Steel). Then when I hit my teens I was reading James Patterson and V. C. Andrews. Now… I’m reading all sorts of Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary both in Adult, Young Adult and New Adult.

    It’s all relative!

  25. Rita

    Hi Megan! Glad to see you here. I don’t read much YA but that is my choice, and to be able to read YA is your choice also. A book can be judged on many particulars, but not on the genre being compatible for the reader.

    There are good YA books and good adult books, just as there are poor ones. Stick to your guns and to your comfort zone! Anyone who tells you that you should read a certain type of book is not a true reader and just doesn’t get it! Thanks!

  26. Michelle

    I read more YA now than I did when I was actually the target age range, so I’m definitely going with no. The fantastic thing about reading is that you don’t have to be the ‘suggested’ age to enjoy it. A well written book can invoke feelings in anyone so long as they remember their experiences and can relate to some extent. I read everything including Children’s book and Middle Grade, all the way up to erotica.

  27. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I must admit that I don’t find YA books very appealing, although some of the ones coming out do look more interesting to me. Last month, I actually read FOUR YA books. They were books like The Fault in Our Stars and Falling in Place, so, as you can see, I like books that tap into emotions and issues.

    No mean girl books for me…I’m so over all that…LOL. But I know that others relate to and enjoy these books, so people should read whatever intrigues them. No matter their age!

  28. Karen H

    I am a 61 year old who loves YA books. Granted, I live in Neverland. Having raised two children who now have children of their own I have the time to read whatever I want now. I find a lot of the best books today fall into the “YA” category. I don’t think it has any age limit and I go where the good authors go.

  29. Amber Elise

    I’m also a 25 year old who loves YA, I see nothing wrong with it! Like you said Megan, it’s an escape…which is the the sole reason for literature (well usually).

    Great discussion!

    Amber Elise @Du Livre

  30. Lily

    The whole idea of there being an imaginary age limit on the types of books you can enjoy is incredibly silly. Someone once told me the reason people tend to fall book on books or movies or anything with teen characters is because it’s the first time someone really comes of age and for our entire lives all we are doing is coming of age. There is never a set age we must come to to stop. Whenever I hear someone bash on someone else reading YA because their too old or their reading tastes are too silly I always think of that sentence and am reminded on the truth in it.

  31. Rosa

    I’m in my thirties and I must confess I still read YA from time to time. I guess you’re never too old for a good book ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. kindlemom1

    I don’t think you are ever too old to read period. Doesn’t matter the genre or sub-genre. However, not all young books are for everyone and not all of them will be to everyone’s liking so I really think it depends on the reader and their tastes.

  33. Debbie Haupt

    Hi Megan, those are great thoughts about why reading YA works for you. I personally think that a reader’s choice is personal and NO ONE should decide for them why they should or should not read a certain genre, rating, e-book or print etc…
    I have a very few YAs that I like mostly paranormal like Deborah Cooke’s The Dragon Diaries series, J Barton MItchell’s The Conquered Earth trilogy and Aimee Carter’s The Goddess Test series. But mainly the reason I don’t enjoy YA especially YA relationship or romance is that I feel like a voyeur on people my Granddaughter’s age. I like my heroes and heroines to at least have a few miles on their engines.
    Great Post and glad to e-meet you ๐Ÿ™‚

  34. Nick

    I’m 100% with you, Megan. People shouldn’t be judged for reading YA no matter how old they are. I started reading YA when I was a teenager and I’m now an adult, and I still love it. People give me weird looks when I tell them I love reading YA, but honestly, if they don’t want to try YA out, then it’s their loss.
    Great post!

  35. Valeria

    I have to agree! Even though I try to mix it up a bit, I tend to read more YA, and I as well do not qualify for the age range these books are directed to. I just love all the possibilities they explore, which in an adult book is very difficult to find. I think no one should judge you on what you read in your free time because we do it for fun! So yeah! I believe in reading strikes our fancy, and YA books rock!

  36. Brandi Breathes Books

    I am almost 30 and I still read it and love it. Though when it comes to the screen and I am thinking they are hot that is when I feel a little weird about it. My mom is 55 and reads, my aunt 77 and my grandma read ya until she was 86.

  37. Mel

    To me, there is no such thing as being ‘too old’ for something. I still love Disney even when they are originally meant for children, but who cares? As long as you enjoy the things you do/read/watch/whatever, it’s fine.

  38. Allie

    Well, I’m only 23, but I’m an adult lol and I still read YA. So when does someone become an adult who’s too old for YA? It just seems like kind of a silly idea. Like, oh you’ve been alive for a set amount of years, so now you can’t enjoy stories about people younger than you.

    I think, if you like something then you like it. Age is irrelevant

  39. Bieke

    I’ve never had a problem reading YA. Everyone can read it. I do feel too old for some of them though. Most of the time because it’s about things I can’t really relate to (anymore). If it’s about partying and drinking and stuff, I can’t relate because I’ve never been like that. If the main character is too childish, I feel too old ๐Ÿ˜›

  40. Inge

    With some books, I think that I’m getting too old for YA. When there’s too much high school drama and I get annoyed when things get out of hand because two characters don’t talk to each other. Then I think, “Stop being so immature”. But these characters are usually 16, so what the hell am I complaining about?

    It’s still one of my favourite genres though, so I’ll probably keep reading YA. There are definitely some gems in there. I’ve found many, and I’ll keep on looking.

    • Megan McDade

      I agree I have started to get to that stage of being why are they acting like this and forgetting their teenagers. Thanks for commenting ๐Ÿ™‚

  41. Melliane

    I think we can read everything we want whatever the age. I like a good YA from time to time even if it’s true that I’m easily tired of them if I read too much.

    • Megan McDade

      Even though I love YA I sometimes get a little tried of them too and just read an adult book then go back to them ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for commenting!

  42. Emma

    I have to admit to being more than a bit older than Megan and I read and enjoy YA books. I don’t think there is an age limit on reading any book you enjoy.