Young Adult (YA) literature has become an incredibly popular genre in recent years, with millions of readers around the world enjoying the stories and themes presented within them.
However, as the popularity of YA literature continues to grow, so does the debate surrounding its content and the impact it has on young readers.
The YA genre has seen an increase in controversy in recent years, with some authors being criticized for their exploration of mature and delicate topics in their writing.
Colleen Hoover, Anna Todd, and Stephanie Meyer are just a few examples of authors whose works have faced backlash for their handling of sensitive issues such as mental illness, sexual abuse, and toxic relationships.
The question is, how do these books and their portrayals of sensitive topics affect young readers?
Colleen Hoover: A Controversial Figure in the World of “Romance” Literature
As a self-published author, Colleen Hoover rose to popularity and was eventually picked up by Atria Books. Despite becoming increasingly famous among the younger generation, her works have sparked controversy due to the normalization of toxic and abusive relationships in her novels.
During the recent pandemic and the rise of the social media platform TikTok, recommendations for Hoover's books have increased. In her most popular novel, "It Ends With Us," she pays homage to victims of domestic violence but fails to hold the aggressor accountable for their actions.
In another of her popular books, "Ugly Love," the male love interest burns down a house, accidentally injuring the main character in the process. He then stalks and becomes obsessed with her, fetishizing her burn scars.
Hoover portrays this behavior as a traumatic response, leading to a romantic relationship and a happy ending. This perpetuates the harmful and dangerous notion that abusive behavior can be normalized and excused in relationships.
https://twitter.com/DABIKTH/status/1583088965296750595?s=20&t=UqNdvbXoYj2kkBcGiLiR1g&embedable=true
It's important to be critical of what we read and the messages it conveys, especially when it comes to relationships and the normalization of toxic behavior.
As Kelly Marry, so astutely points out in her Daily Wildcat article, “OPINION: The problem with BookTok sensation Colleen Hoover”, after reading 6 of her books, Mary is wondering if Colleen Hoover’s toxic and sometimes abusive relationships depicted in her books should be celebrated and so popular among young readers.
https://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2022/12/o-problem-with-booktok-colleen-hoover?embedable=true
Anna Todd: Is Toxic the New Normal?
Anna Todd is an American author known for her popular young adult romance novels, particularly the After series. Born in 1989 in Ohio, Todd began writing fan fiction on the online platform Wattpad while working various jobs, eventually gaining a following of millions of readers.
After was first published on Wattpad in 2013 and quickly gained popularity, leading to a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster. The novel follows the tumultuous romance between Tessa Young and Hardin Scott and has been praised for its honest portrayal of toxic relationships and mental health struggles.
Since the success of After, Todd has continued to write and publish novels, with several more books in the After series as well as other standalone works.
She has been recognized for her impact on the literary world, winning the 2019 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance and being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2019.
However, the honest approach she took to her romance novel might be more damaging than she intended. By not holding the characters accountable for their behaviors and forgiving abuse, we open the door to normalizing situations that should not be normalized.
Stephanie Meyer: Vampires or Not, Relationships Should Not Be Controlling
Stephanie Meyer is an American author known for her young adult supernatural romance novels, most notably the Twilight Saga. Born in Connecticut in 1973, Meyer worked as a stay-at-home mother before turning to writing.
Meyer's Twilight Saga has been a commercial and cultural phenomenon, with the books being adapted into a highly successful film series.
The series follows the relationship between teenage protagonist Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen, exploring themes of love, danger, and the supernatural.
However, Meyer's portrayal of the relationship between Bella and Edward has come under fire for its problematic and toxic elements.
Critics have argued that the relationship is based on unhealthy dynamics, including Edward's controlling and possessive behavior, and Bella's willingness to sacrifice her own safety and well-being for the sake of her love for him.
In recent years, Meyer has responded to these criticisms, stating that she has come to recognize the problematic aspects of her portrayal of the relationship in the Twilight Saga.
In 2020, she released a new book in the series, Midnight Sun, which explores the events of the first Twilight book from Edward's perspective, and attempts to provide more insight into his character and motivations.
This attempt backfired, as most of her readers still feel like Edward was a creepy, controlling partner who should not be glamorized as a good boyfriend or husband.
Here are some tweets from readers:
YA Sprinkled With Awareness
On the one hand, it can be argued that exposing young readers to these issues in a controlled and safe environment, such as through literature, can be a valuable tool in educating and empowering them.
For example, novels such as John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park have been praised for their portrayal of mental illness and the challenges of young love.
However, on the other hand, it can also be argued that certain depictions of sensitive topics may glamorize and normalize negative behaviors, leading to potential harm to young readers. For example, all the authors and the books mentioned before.
Book publishers also play a significant role in the influence of YA literature. Some may argue that publishers are prioritizing marketability over the well-being of young readers and that they may be contributing to the glamorization of sensitive topics in order to increase book sales.
Marketing domestic violence books as romance books are one way that book publishers might be misleading and harming young readers.
Ultimately, it is important to strike a balance between providing young readers with a space to explore and learn about sensitive topics, while also ensuring their safety and well-being.
As readers, it is important to be critical and discerning about the messages presented in YA literature and to hold authors and publishers accountable for the content they put out.
In conclusion, the influence of YA literature on young readers cannot be ignored, and it is essential that we as a society continue to have open and honest discussions about the portrayal of sensitive topics in literature.
While there is no simple answer, it is clear that the responsibility falls on authors, publishers, and readers alike to work toward creating a safe and empowering environment for young readers.