I have a confession to make, since we’re friends and all. Before I started this blog (since I became a semi-serious reader in high school, really) I read mostly “adult” fiction. When I volunteered at any of several libraries over the years, I never stepped for in the young adult section. Thinking back on it, I’m not totally sure why, but I’m guessing it had something to do with feeling like I was too good to read anything labeled “YA.” Even yesterday going to the local indie bookstore, I had a passing thought of lying about who I was shopping for! I think we all know that there’s a stigma surrounding being an adult reader of YA books. The fact that the university I go to perpetuates this stigma makes it worse – the YA section of the bookstore is buried far in the back and I haven’t even been able to find a YA section in any of the multiple libraries. But since I started Cornerfolds, I’ve found out a lot about myself.
I discovered that I love horror and hate contemporary fiction. I discovered that devouring a book in a day is both exhilarating and can leave you with a book hangover from hell (I also discovered what a book hangover is). Most importantly, I discovered that I don’t really care at all what the masses say about readers of YA because it’s what I love. I have missed out on so many amazing series over the years because I never even considered stopping in the young adult section at my local bookstore. But joining the blogging world and seeing that I’m among good company made me realize that it doesn’t matter what you read as long as you’re reading! Getting to know all of you has also inspired me to give a few second chances.
Back before I started reading mostly YA, I did pick up a few series. A few of note are Matched, The Selection, and The Infernal Devices. All three I tried and [thought I] hated. I actually only read a couple chapters of The Selection and immediately thought it was childish and not worth my time. But when I decided to give it another try a couple months ago, I was blown away and pretty disappointed in myself for not giving it a chance years ago. I very quickly blew through the entire series and loved every one of them! I did read Matched and Clockwork Angel all the way through, but I didn’t’ really give them a very fair chance, assuming I’d dislike them going in. While I’m not sure I’ll try Matched again, I do have a copy of Clockwork Angel on my bookshelf right now and plan to give it a second chance as soon as I get through some others that have priority.
What I’m trying to say is: thank you, blogging community, for giving me wings! I know now that I love young adult fiction and I know specifically which genres of YA are my favorite. I know that I also enjoy some “adult” fiction, though I find it more tedious. And I know that I belong in this crazy online world of WoW posts and book reviews. I hope to be here for years to come!
