Editor’s Note – We also published four Young Adult reviews today – look immediately below this article.
Everyone knows the AudioGals love romance audiobooks. Duh, right?! As part of that love, we want to make sure you, our readers, are aware of all the options for your romance listening pleasure. I am personally a lover all things Young Adult, not only because I’m a Young Adult librarian but also because I understand the importance of those young adult years in developing future selves.
For those who don’t know, Young Adult (YA) is fiction and literature aimed at youth ages 12-18. YALSA – the Young Adult branch of the American Library Association and one of my “go to” sites – uses this range and I think it fits with the parameters of our discussion here. The characters in these stories are traditionally around that age, although there are stories with younger and older protagonists.
Why are we bringing up books about younger readers? Because, despite the intended teenage audience, most YA literature is purchased and enjoyed by people aged 30-44 (according to a study done by Bowker in 2012).
So, what is the appeal of YA romances?
What I like about YA can be summed up in one word: hope. There is something about the young adult experience in fiction that reminds me there is always a better and brighter tomorrow. It’s (to borrow a Star Wars title) a new hope. “It’s a journey through some of the most extreme and difficult circumstances that ultimately leads to a different place where hopefully the characters have learned something.” This works!
What do our AudioGals reviewers have to say about New Adult?
Shannon writes, “The genre has changed a lot over the past ten years or so. When I was a teenager, I dealt with things like Sweet Valley High, entertaining, but lacking substance. Now though, authors who write YA seem to make more of an attempt to write about real life issues. Ellen Hopkins is a prime example of this. Characters deal with things such as eating disorders, sexual identity, drug use, domestic violence, sexual assault, and the list goes on. The books aren’t shallow, and it’s really great to see the characters grow and learn from their life experiences, even when those experiences are pretty horrible.”
BJ adds, “What I look for in YA is no different than what I look for in adult romance books – namely a good and complex plot and a heart-touching, epic romance. If the author can make me empathize with the characters, feeling their emotion and other plights, then I’m hooked. Moreover, these books nearly always end with an underdog triumphing in the end – one of my favorite and most satisfying types of reads.”
Victoria, agrees with BJ about the content, “Their plots are every bit as complex and their characters are developed as deeply as ‘normal adult’ literature, even more so without the distraction of sex.”
How do YA romances differ from adult romances?
Unlike adult romance, which usually has the lead character struggling to find the right partner and fit them into an already established life, YA titles seem to focus on developing the character’s inner being, discovering who they truly are or want to be in this world. As you know, I tend to stay away from those dark and gritty adult romance titles where they tend to push the characters to the very edge for no other reason than to give or receive pleasure. While I don’t feel this is a bad thing, I prefer to see characters experience things that force them to grow and become responsible adults first and foremost with romance playing a secondary role. And despite my actual age, my brain still thinks it’s in its early twenties. Reading about these young men and women, and the range of real life problems they face makes me feel better about myself and my circumstances.
How do you get started?
Let’s say we’ve pricked your interest and you’re wondering where to start. My personal advice is to start where you’re already familiar – with your favorite author. Some of today’s popular authors have transitioned into the YA market, bringing their characteristic talents to a younger (and eventually older!) group of readers. Romance authors such as Kresley Cole, Jennifer Estep, Katie MacAlister, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jennifer Armentrout, Gena Showalter, Maria Snyder, Jody Hedlund, and Sherry Thomas are successfully making a name for themselves in this market. AudioGals reviewer Caz says “I don’t read or listen to YA as a rule BUT I made an exception for Sherry Thomas.” while Victoria added, “Another author who I really enjoy is Kelley Armstrong – she writes paranormal that crosses genres.”
Perhaps your favorite author hasn’t entered the YA world yet – what then?
Just like when you’re searching for new titles to listen to, search for trusted narrators! Narrator Moira Quirk is a personal favorite of mine. Since discovering her performance of the Gail Carriger’s Finishing School series, I can’t imagine merely reading them. She is AMAZING; I can’t recommend Quirk enough! Shannon enjoys Amy Rubinate, Candace Thaxton, Kirby Heyborne, and Rebekkah Ross. Victoria recommends Jennifer Ikeda as well.
If neither of these options are possibilities, here are some suggestions to get you started! Some of my favorite authors are Gail Carriger, JK Rowling (there has been some debate whether Harry Potter is YA or juvenile fiction but I’m including her anyway), Marissa Meyer, and Andrea Cremer. These are all authors who create three-dimensional characters in unconventional settings that make me laugh and think.
Shannon adds, “I’ve also become fond of some of the dystopian and paranormal series that fall into the YA category. Kiera Cass’ Selection series, Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy, and Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series are among my favorites.”
And from BJ, “I primarily read YA paranormal and dystopian books. Some of my favorites in this genre include: Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Kiera Cass’ Selection series and L.J. Smith’s Vampire Diaries series.” And sometimes, she just picks up a book that looks interesting and goes from there, “Really what has tended to happen in the past is that I listen to the first book in the series and if I enjoy it, I usually become hooked and can’t stop until I have listened to the entire series.”
Victoria recommends, “One of my favorites is L.A. Meyer’s Bloody Jack series narrated by Katherine Kellgren. I often get teenagers or young adults hooked on audiobooks using this series.”
Why should you try a YA title?
I read YA books because the cast of characters is more diverse and open to exploring taboo themes and issues than most of the adult romances today. It is always a joy to see my ethnicities on the cover of books or to see the challenges I faced as a teen dealt with by others. I know this is fiction, but it makes me feel good to see people I “know” handle (or not) the problems that caused me fits back in the day. These books make my inner immature self feel good! :)
From Shannon, “In my opinion, the genre has a lot to offer in terms of romance. It may not be super steamy, but the content is often really great.”
And BJ, “Although these books tend to be less passionate in the steamy department, I often find that their action and suspense plots are more complex and provide a good change of pace to my more typical mainstream romance listens. They also usually contain an element of the forbidden, which in my opinion heightens the romance. While YA comprises a small percentage of my listens these days, I often find that they are some of the most highly emotional and memorable listens.”
The YA world seems to offer romance listeners the same – if not more in some instances – quality of characterization and plot lines as adult titles. Despite the idea that they are books for kids, they often deal with some very adult themes. And, as romance listeners, we understand that love knows no age. We hope you will be adventurous and show a YA title some love! And if you already enjoy this genre, let us know some of your favorites in the comments section.
A big thanks to BJ, Shannon, Caz, and Victoria for sharing their thoughts on Young Adult romance as well.
Diana
I would add Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy to be recommended. I read the books to my boys and we listened to the fantastic audio production as a family during holiday road trips. My eldest was choosing the few books he could lug across the country, when leaving for college and The Subtle Knife was the first book he grabbed. Some may have problems with the anti-church stance, but I think The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass are some of the most imaginative and insightful stories I’ve ever read. Like Potter they are classified as juvenile, but I think twelve is a good age to start Pullman’s masterpiece.
The audiobook is read by the author who is the perfect narrator, he reads with a full cast that doesn’t change for all three books. Super listening experience!
Thanks for the rec Mel! I’ll be sure to add it to my list. :D
I see the cover of FANGIRL up there and have to put in a definitive thumbs-up for it, both as a YA novel covering the end of high school and early college years, and as a romance. I found it entirely authentic, funny, heartrending, and heartwarming. Rowell has a wonderful voice, and Rebecca Lowman does a wonderful job with the narration.