tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post8319882286304882946..comments2023-05-24T08:06:43.882-04:00Comments on Romance Writer's Revenge: Tuesday Reviews: Teens Need Reads TooTerri Osburnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-54512661164698803502012-06-05T18:54:02.721-04:002012-06-05T18:54:02.721-04:00I wrote a blog for another blog...yeah, I do that ...I wrote a blog for another blog...yeah, I do that sometimes...and addressed how female authors seem to lead the way through the genres and what challenges a reader...<br /><br />In my lifetime, I've watched ladies take over scifi and move onto fantasy, then to urban fantasy, to paranormal, then to YA... All the while taking over mysteries completely, and making a dent in romantic suspense or just straught suspense.<br /><br />With me and YA, I don't know if it's subject matter or maybe just characters...could be I just prefer adult characters...Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-58938926823640374622012-06-05T17:46:52.766-04:002012-06-05T17:46:52.766-04:00*Returns to jot down title suggestions.*
Differen...*Returns to jot down title suggestions.*<br /><br />Different strokes for different folks. I will say this: I don't find the writing and themes in "good" YA novels any less mature than those in so-called adult books. As Hellion notes above, there does seem to be a freedom in YA to merge genres and tackle complicated issues that is lacking in adult genres; a lack of adherence to convention. Yeah, some YA is quite twee. (Although my fave manga, Dramacon, is totally twee and wonderful.) But some of it is rather deep, and manages to be profound without the excessive exposition and blah-blah-blah of adult books.<br /><br />Or maybe I never really grew up and out of my teenage angst. :)P. Kirbyhttp://www.patriciakirby.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-89692183429362417552012-06-05T17:09:40.458-04:002012-06-05T17:09:40.458-04:00Perhaps, in the greater scheme of things, I'm ...Perhaps, in the greater scheme of things, I'm just not reading them because it's just an entire 'nother genre I'll have to ignore in order to have time to write... Or it will cut into my TV habit. Or the other reading stuff I want to read and never take the time to read...<br /><br />The few I've picked up...geez, I don't know what it is that just doesn't gel with me... Too immediately introspective? Too self-centered driven?<br /><br />I just don't know!Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-79110693801396002372012-06-05T16:56:43.325-04:002012-06-05T16:56:43.325-04:00I need to add to Irish--Hurrah! But that means you...I need to add to Irish--Hurrah! But that means you can't read Everneath (not an immediate HEA) and the Kill Me Softly has a HEA, but there was a couple things that didn't tie up right away, so i'm left to wonder. It's good, but I'm not sure it'd have the neat ending you want.Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-25676967602849910822012-06-05T16:55:45.048-04:002012-06-05T16:55:45.048-04:00I also think YA novels keep you in touch with adol...I also think YA novels keep you in touch with adolescent themes and how teens are handling them--or what they're thinking. It doesn't replace TALKING with your teen by any means, but I think reading books can make you more empathetic with other "cultures" even teenage culture and make you better equipped for talking with your teen. Also, if you like the book, you can give it to your teen or vise versa. It's a way to connect. My mom and I connected through romance novels when I was a teen, I'm sure she wished we had read non-sex-heavy teen books to connect. I think she would have read them so we could talk about the issues and themes. I know she would have loved many of the ones I loved. (Though she might have banned HP for fundamentalist purposes. *LOL*)Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-31121236472019163622012-06-05T16:49:26.079-04:002012-06-05T16:49:26.079-04:00I just did something in my previous post I ranted ...I just did something in my previous post I ranted at someone recently for doing. I'm making a judgement without reading the book first. Since I've never read a YA, that is a BIG No-No, IMHO! The only hard and fast rule I have is a HEA, so if you tell me there's one than I'll go ahead and try a YA.<br /><br />I'm going to try some of the ones you've mentioned here, Hellie. <i>Epic Fail</i> sounds good along with the one Janga mentioned. <br /><br />I'll get back to you on whether you've got a convert here! LOLirisheyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730974733998991144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-56988808210613355892012-06-05T16:35:36.321-04:002012-06-05T16:35:36.321-04:00Lisa, I'm so with you on Delirium and Pandemon...Lisa, I'm so with you on Delirium and Pandemonium! It appealed to my romantic self too about cutting yourself off from love and emotions for the common "good". And beautifully written too. That one and the Matched series--they're both with love themes like that.Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-18357564437795709982012-06-05T16:34:23.615-04:002012-06-05T16:34:23.615-04:00Uh-huh, Terri, whatever you want to tell yourself ...Uh-huh, Terri, whatever you want to tell yourself to feel better. *LOL* They're about the same difference; and Harry Potter was dealing with life and death and evil and goodness. And a lot of YA novels are the same. A lot of them are dealing with fitting in and culture shock--that's not something we necessarily escape when we get older. If so, then what's the big deal about turning 30 or 40? <br /><br />I'm just saying you're missing out.Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-78484004392419225992012-06-05T16:30:46.904-04:002012-06-05T16:30:46.904-04:00I happen to be in the midst of a YA reading frenzy...I happen to be in the midst of a YA reading frenzy. My favorite dystopian series after The Hunger Games, is Lauren Oliver's Delirium and Pandemonium. The series premise is before all the teens in the country have the chance to fall in love, they have to undergo an operation to remove all their emotions. It's so good, because being the romantic I am, love prevails. I'm also with Ely on anything by Tammara Webber. I definately recommend Slammed and Point of Retreat by Collen Hoover.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03801043525062036331noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-91735158680283907892012-06-05T16:14:41.009-04:002012-06-05T16:14:41.009-04:00To me there's a difference between imperfect c...To me there's a difference between imperfect characters and immature. All characters are imperfect. If they're interesting anyway. But I don't mean immature as an insult. The trouble a 16 year old stumbles into is usually different than a 36 year old stumbles into. (Though I realize, not always. LOL!)Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-30417824996717810772012-06-05T16:11:07.432-04:002012-06-05T16:11:07.432-04:00But we're not writing about well-adjusted matu...But we're not writing about well-adjusted mature characters either. *LOL* That's the point of a character arc! <br /><br />Believe me a lot of the teens in these books are more mature than their parents. (It's usually the sign of a YA novel is that unrealism. *LOL* I prefer the books that have normal parents and the kid is just mature with crazy situations.)Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-16850612189273799882012-06-05T16:07:59.155-04:002012-06-05T16:07:59.155-04:00I have noticed the YAs have more freedom. Hardly a...I have noticed the YAs have more freedom. Hardly anything is off limits. But then that's the age range of the characters. They're pushing boundaries and making mistakes. Well-adjusted, mature characters wouldn't exactly fit.<br /><br />I found the trailer for The Perks of Being a Wallflower and can't wait to see the movie. Did you read the book, Janga? I want to find it for Kiddo.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-76644878709049143672012-06-05T15:53:40.230-04:002012-06-05T15:53:40.230-04:00And I love the idea of your kiddo as guest blogger...And I love the idea of your kiddo as guest blogger, Ter!Jangahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15128188159653860806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-8530316803538536412012-06-05T15:52:28.020-04:002012-06-05T15:52:28.020-04:00The Tammara Morgan book I mentioned earlier has se...The Tammara Morgan book I mentioned earlier has sex and a happy ending, but it also has some issues that I'd be shocked to find in a romance novel. I don't think YA authors feel they have to adhere to conventions as closely, and their freedom results in some exciting books.Jangahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15128188159653860806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-47311917320064311972012-06-05T15:31:11.670-04:002012-06-05T15:31:11.670-04:00She liked them both, Hellie. Read Fallen first. Th...She liked them both, Hellie. Read Fallen first. There are others but she reads so fast I can't keep up. She's now started on the HP books. Done with book 1 in maybe a week. Haven't gotten our hands on book 2 yet. I need to get her that set to take for summer. I think she's going to have lots of time to read. <br /><br />I'll see if she wants to write something before she leaves.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-87335012830792236882012-06-05T15:25:54.882-04:002012-06-05T15:25:54.882-04:00Terri, did the mini-Terri like the Hush Hush serie...Terri, did the mini-Terri like the Hush Hush series? I loved them, but I realize they might not compare to the Fallen series. It sorta depends on who you read first.<br /><br />I haven't been able to get into Clockwork Angel one yet. I'm pretty limited on my Steampunk fascination.<br /><br />I think have Dearly Departed on my list to read. *LOL* It'd be funny if kiddo did a guest blog. *LOL*Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-68368287110500860342012-06-05T15:24:03.943-04:002012-06-05T15:24:03.943-04:00Pat--my soul sister in YA novels--THANK YOU, THANK...Pat--my soul sister in YA novels--THANK YOU, THANK YOU! See, I'm hoping you are able to persuade them. Clearly they think I'll read anything. But see, someone who can back me up! *LOL*<br /><br />I will have to try out the ones you suggested. I don't think I've read them yet!Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-87894741061967133022012-06-05T15:22:47.303-04:002012-06-05T15:22:47.303-04:00Irish, I'm still making the argument about adu...Irish, I'm still making the argument about adult themes in YA. This is a new age of YA novels. It's not all Sweet Valley High anymore. However, I understand the less than happy ending--no one likes a Bridge to Terabithia if they can help it. <br /><br />The EPIC FAIL is a sweet one to start with--you'd enjoy if you enjoy Pride & Prejudice (or the movies like I do! *LOL*)Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-13160723948181589802012-06-05T14:27:07.848-04:002012-06-05T14:27:07.848-04:00I'm trying to remember the series that Kiddo l...I'm trying to remember the series that Kiddo loves. She loves CC Hunter (Christie Craig) Shadow Falls series. Read Hush Hush and Crescendo lately. The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr. Lauren Kate's Fallen series. <br /><br />She's also read a couple Steampunk she loved. I think they're darker than what you might think for Steampunk. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is the first in the Infernal Devices series. The same author also has the Mortal Instruments series, but kiddo hasn't gotten into those yet. <br /><br />She read The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross (Kathryn Smith) and loved Dearly Departed by Lia Habel. I should just have kiddo do a YA guest blog, huh? LOL! <br /><br />She ripped through all three Hunger Games books in about 10 days. Partly because she was borrowing them and she had to wait for each one from a friend.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-25513781375062222452012-06-05T14:13:06.285-04:002012-06-05T14:13:06.285-04:00Actually, the YA I read usually has a lot of adult...Actually, the YA I read usually has a lot of adult themes: drugs, sex, violence. Holly Black (e.g., Tithe) writes very edgy stuff. Typically, the sex isn't graphic, but it happens. Like Hellion, I like the push and pull of new love. Probably because as a married person, I feel a definite nostalgia for the sexual tension of new love. Sex I can have any time; but yummy sexual tension, not so much. :)<br /><br />Recently, I enjoyed Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick, and Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, the former being dystopic, the latter, paranormal (angels).<br /><br />One of my favorite YA trilogies is Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, which is full of way too many crunchy philosophical, religious and scientific underpinnings to be just YA.P. Kirbyhttp://www.patriciakirby.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-6484491897029168652012-06-05T13:50:31.254-04:002012-06-05T13:50:31.254-04:00Not sure why I don't read YA. Probably a comb...Not sure why I don't read YA. Probably a combination of Terri and Maureen's reasons. Piles of books on my TBR pile that I still haven't gotten to and I'm kind of used to the adult themes. Although I think the biggest reason is I'm always fearful of the non-HEA and that's definitely a no budge for me.<br /><br />I work in an Elementary School library (K-5) and a lot of the award winning books are just so darn depressing. I'll admit right here and now that I'm a bit of an ostrich. I know these books are supposed to be inspiring and teaching lessons and so on but I just can't handle that stuff anymore.irisheyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11730974733998991144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-13999151020130215292012-06-05T12:03:20.638-04:002012-06-05T12:03:20.638-04:00*LOL* YA does have adult themes--but I hear you ab...*LOL* YA does have adult themes--but I hear you about the sex. Still I sometimes get tired of it. Not IT itself, but I prefer the pull and push of first love or true love. <br /><br />Yes, I think YA has really taken off and pushed some new boundaries, but I think romance has done so too. (I bet fantasy has as well, expanding and allowing more outside of their "norms.") I think this is the great thing about stories and publishing--there's MUCH MORE to choose from, but it's also the downfall. So much to pick from, it's hard to stand out and really become someone.Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-7986101179190461922012-06-05T11:47:28.444-04:002012-06-05T11:47:28.444-04:00Nah, I want adult themes in my reading. And sex. Y...Nah, I want adult themes in my reading. And sex. YA is too angst driven for me. But I love that there is so much out there for teens to choose from. Didn't used to be that way.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01517092592545660754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-70598025895507877602012-06-05T10:16:04.353-04:002012-06-05T10:16:04.353-04:00Janga, I did try BEAUTY QUEENS--because I love Lib...Janga, I did try BEAUTY QUEENS--because I love Libba Bray and it was right up my alley with the satire and stuff, but within about three chapters, I remembered why I didn't like Lord of the Flies. *LOL* However, there have been several YA books where it took me two or three tries before I finished it (Hunger Games, etc), so I imagine I will revisit it and praise its glories later! :)<br /><br />And I'm with you, pretty sure I'll be at the nursing home reading these books. *LOL*Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-416913236621309814.post-22278674991914123602012-06-05T10:15:10.130-04:002012-06-05T10:15:10.130-04:00I meant too many books ALREADY IN MY HOUSE. LOL! S...I meant too many books ALREADY IN MY HOUSE. LOL! Should have been more specific.Terri Osburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17176989488447450585noreply@blogger.com