Also, just for fun, here is an ecard for Joel Stein, the author who argued that adults shouldn't read young adult books like The Hunger Games. If you have read The Hunger Games, you will get the reference; if you haven't, then you should--just not while sitting next to Joel Stein on an airplane :)
Do NOT agree with Stein at all. Maybe if he read more 'tween' literature he'd have an imagination. Young Adult Fiction to me captures more of the imagination and let's you go places you might think you are too old for. There is nothing wrong with stepping away from boring adulthood and engaging in a little bit of "magic".
ReplyDeleteYes, Joel Stein is welcome to some berries. ;)
Kathy L.
I also do not agree with Stein. I think depends on the people the goal of reading is different. some people read books just for fun or some people want to build commen sence ... etc. so my oppinion is it doesnt matter adult read young adult books. in addition, i think if adult read popular young adult books then, they could communicate with young adults easily. they also can know new trands.
ReplyDeleteyoon k.
I completely disagree with Stein. unless one is reading for academic reasons, people read what attracts their own personal characteristics and interests. If people were pressured to read within their own age grouping, I believe that reading would be on an even farther decline.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Sharon G. Flake's comments were interesting. She argued that what we need is more books about African-American and other kids of color. I don't necessarily agree or disagree with her comments on that subject but I do agree with her idea that we should have more main characters of novels that aren't perfect but have struggles and challenges that i personally can relate to. What inspires me is someone like me rising up and making a difference.
ReplyDeleteJordan B.
I completely disagree with Joel Stein's idea that adults should not read children's books. I think what people learn from books can vary widely, so who is he to say that just because a children's book "doesn't have the depth of language and character as literature written for adults," means you cannot learn anything from it. I am a big believer in doing what makes you happy, and if a children's book is what does it then great!
ReplyDelete-Vicky Hamilton
I too disagree with Stein. I think reading any book you want at whatever age you want is completely up to you. I agree with Kathy that young adult fiction caters to the imagination, and sometimes even lets you create an alternate reality in your head to let you get away from the world for a little while. Reading children's books or young adult fiction does not say anything about your character or educational experience; it is simply a personal preference on what you like to read.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to agree with what everyone has said about Stein as well. He seems like a very narrow minded man that is very proud to enjoy boring "adult" fiction. I know not all of the old stories are boring, but I would rather read young adult fiction any day, than read an adult book written 3000 years ago. I believe to really appreciate literature you need to read a little bit of all of it. He apparently has no interest in the forbidden young adult fiction, and will have to continue trying to hide his porn while flying.
ReplyDeleteTyler H.
I disagree with Stein. Each subject has difference meaning. When you like a subject and read it, it doesn't matter it for young or adult. Each topic will give you an experience for your life. It doesn't funny when you are adult and you read young book and you are young and you read adult book. Each character create a life.
ReplyDelete--Uyen B.
Pleasure reading should be, well, pleasurable. I don't think it matters terribly from what source or genre. Like many things, variety is the spice of life. I think as long as you're attempting to spread out your efforts, you'll benefit from the attempt.
ReplyDelete-Kevin K.
I do not agree with what Joel Stein had to say in his article ! If people find a certain book interesting and would like to read it then it should not matter at all. We read for fun and for the enjoyment of it.
ReplyDelete-Justina M.
people should be able to read whatever book they find interesting regardless of genre.
ReplyDeleteB. James
I don't agree with Joel Stein in what he says about adults should only read adult books. I feel that if a book interest you and gets you to read than who cares if it is a young adult book the important thing is that you are reading, opening your mind to all the possibilities of books, in the end isn't that more important then what the boo is classified as?
ReplyDeleteKeith E.
Reading stimulates the mind which stimulates the body. I'm not one to judge. Especially when it comes to something someone else is reading.
ReplyDeleteDustin R.
When i was young I read a lot of adult fiction. As a adolescent it gave me something to do and it helped me become a more effective reader. Lately I have found that there are so many nonfiction books with important knowledge that anyone could apply to their own lives and improve themselves. If someone is willing to take time out of their finite life to read it should be for constructive purposes. Reading fiction is fulfilling but the feeling of learning something and applying to be more successful at your goals is more important to me then momentary enjoyment of fiction.
ReplyDeleteFiction is good to open your mind and enjoy fantasies instead being so serious all the time. There are certain times and places for fiction and non-fiction. Use them both.
ReplyDelete