Young Adult Books: Not Just For Young Adults Any More

Thanks at least in part to the universal appeal of the Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games series, 55% of Young Adults books are now being purchased by adults, mostly by those ages 30-44. 78% of those book buyers say they are purchasing the books for themselves.

Last month, the Christian Science Monitor had an article about this trend.

One part of the appeal may be that young adult books are sometimes written in a less complicated fashion than adult books and may offer more of a literary escape than an adult contemporary novel, providing a relaxing experience for an adult reader tired from commuting, working all day, and taking care of kids.

Observers of the book world have been discussing this phenomenon for some time now. Angelina Benedetti, the Washington state librarian, wrote in a 2008 column for the Library Journal that it took her a while to catch on to the quality titles being released in the teen market but that now, when her friends come to her for reading suggestions, she points them to young adult titles.

So all you Taos Public LIbrary patrons who may be stumped for the next good book to read, consider checking out our Young Adult section!