The teen and young adult genre has branched out enormously over the past few years. It is now one of the more dominant forms of literature in terms of book sales, giving veteran categories like historical romance a run for their money. In fact, the New York Times bestseller list was so overrun with young adult books - such as the "Harry Potter" series - at one time that a separate children's bestseller list had to be created.
It goes without saying, then, that teen novels have grown up, so to speak, not just as a category of fiction but also in terms of establishing a fan base. In addition, many of these novels have a tendency to lean towards ominous themes. The book "Beautiful Creatures," with its gothic overtones, is a prime example of this.
Hence, as might be expected, the fearful topics that are the focus of novels like this has resulted in the development of a new brand of literature - namely, young adult and teen horror. In these novels, we see teens rising to the occasion despite having to deal with exigent circumstances, which might entail unprecedented danger to both life and limb.
The desire to unabashedly take on these taboo motifs - like death - that were typically sidestepped in fiction for young adults has had an unusual side-effest - basically, mature readers have embraced the genre. This is not, of course, an indication that literature without horror as an ingredient will not be as popular. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these components gives the writing itself a certain maturity.
In short, teen and young adult books have grown in terms of the scope of material that they now include. Therefore, topics such as horror are now included and accepted as typical teen fare in regards to reading material. It's a further sign of how society is growing and maturing at a faster rate than what was normal in the past.
It goes without saying, then, that teen novels have grown up, so to speak, not just as a category of fiction but also in terms of establishing a fan base. In addition, many of these novels have a tendency to lean towards ominous themes. The book "Beautiful Creatures," with its gothic overtones, is a prime example of this.
Hence, as might be expected, the fearful topics that are the focus of novels like this has resulted in the development of a new brand of literature - namely, young adult and teen horror. In these novels, we see teens rising to the occasion despite having to deal with exigent circumstances, which might entail unprecedented danger to both life and limb.
The desire to unabashedly take on these taboo motifs - like death - that were typically sidestepped in fiction for young adults has had an unusual side-effest - basically, mature readers have embraced the genre. This is not, of course, an indication that literature without horror as an ingredient will not be as popular. Nevertheless, the inclusion of these components gives the writing itself a certain maturity.
In short, teen and young adult books have grown in terms of the scope of material that they now include. Therefore, topics such as horror are now included and accepted as typical teen fare in regards to reading material. It's a further sign of how society is growing and maturing at a faster rate than what was normal in the past.
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