If books show us the world, teen fiction can be like a hall of fun-house mirrors, constantly reflecting back hideously distorted portrayals of what life is. There are of course exceptions, but a careless young reader—or one who seeks out depravity—will find himself surrounded by images not of joy or beauty but of damage, brutality and losses of the most horrendous kinds.
As with many in the literary world -- authors, bloggers, publishers, etc. -- I completely disagree with this comment. In today's modern world, this darkness is no longer in hiding as it once was. It is important for struggling teens to know they are not alone in these struggles. It is important for those not struggling to know that there are some who are and to learn to empathize, not just sympathize, with their experiences. It is important for parents to know what their teens (or younger) may be facing. In short, this literature is more than just a story. It is this literature that may begin the healing, that may be the friend, and that may be the catalyst for recovery! Literature, both the dark and the light, can be life-changing. I say . . . BRING IT ON!!
I could write more about what happened on the blog this last week. I could write about my weakness of walking into a bookstore and leaving with more books than planned. I could write about what is to come this week. I am not. I am going to leave my Synopsis at that this week and I want you to share your opinions with me on this article.
Do you feel that teen lit is too dark? What is your opinion on the dark and daunting being so visible in literature these days? Do you really think this is the only time that literature has bore the secrets of teens or society?
For those interested, I highly encourage you take a trip to Twitter and read all the #YAsaves comments in response to this article.
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