I think as librarians we should be
on the same page with adults and often times encourage them to read YA and
graphic novels. The majority of graphic novels created are targeted towards
adults. I think the stigma is that only certain types of adults read graphic
novels and adult graphic novels are weird. There can be many different reasons
why an adult enjoys reading graphic novels and it shouldn’t matter. To me, I
think it’s the same as any sci-fi book out there but with graphic drawings. Its
just putting a visual to any sci-fi novel but it’s just significantly shorter
and released in volumes.
Graphic novels are not just for kids
because they are colorful, features illustrations and contains a drastically shorter word count compared to novels. We’ve all enjoyed The Simpsons
and Family Guy. These two shows are animated and are similar in format to most
children’s programming but the content isn’t for kids and was created to be
enjoyed by adults. I think in the case for graphic novels, it’s the content
that matters not the format as to whether or not who should read them.
As for YA, I think adults read YA more when
it’s a book that has a lot of buzz surrounding it, such as an adaption into a
featured film. But those who read YA leisurely should always feel welcomed to
read it. A lot of adults who still may read YA literature because they’ve
enjoyed it as teen themselves and may want to keep that aspect alive in their
adulthood.
I think lesser-known formats get
attention when there’s buzz surrounding it or being adapted into a film. It makes people who wouldn’t to read it
otherwise, read it. This is good in a way that it cuts down on the many
misconceptions and it becomes more socially acceptable. The more graphic novels
that are adapted into featured films, the more people are going to read them
and see for themselves that they actually aren’t that weird as they’ve thought
and its perfectly okay for adults to read them.
The same for YA literature, which seems to becoming a trend now with the
popular film releases of The Fault in our Stars, Divergent and The Hunger
Games.
I agree that recent big blockbusters have drawn more adults into the YA world. I think this is a great opportunity for us as librarians to keep the interest. For example doing a display about the Fault in Our Stars movie and book and putting related YA reads may entice adults to pick up another similar read. I always try to stay ahead of the movie release schedule as well so when people do start requesting a title en masse I'm prepared.
ReplyDeleteI also agree about a book/GN's social capital drastically increasing when it is made into a movie. I know we all groan sometimes about books turning into movies, and what does/doesn't make the cut - but this is a good way to "legitimize" (in the public's eye) something that may have previously been ignored or pushed aside as sub-part literature. I hope that as these adaptations continue, people will become more open and accepting of these different genres!
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