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I'm a font of unpopular opinions today, so here's one that's been burning. I was queasy a decade ago when adult women started reading YA books, but I couldn't articulate why. I think a lot of what we're seeing today - the lack of concern about kids - springs from the same place.
I looked around on the bus one day and saw 40- 50- 60- year old women reading Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight. I knew people who were discussing these books at their book clubs. Why did I care? Because it seemed like stealing (which I know sounds crazy).
I felt like these books belonged to a younger generation -- their coming-of-age and retreat from the adult world. Sure, I know parents and teachers might read the books aloud and even enjoy them. So the line is thin. But it FELT to me like adults were taking them - for their own.
There's a line in @AlecMacGillis's Fulfillment about a Harry Potter-themed spot in Seattle that handed out 'wands' to adults and it triggered my old discomfort. When adults want to have the fantasy and the play and the 'coming-of-age' for themselves, where does that leave kids?
I don't know if there's any merit here. But I noticed that grownups were expecting their lives to be just as magical and fairytale-ish and full of possibilities as those of a 10-year-old. Those same people - & I know it's a dangerous generalization - want to save themselves...
Even at the expense of education, friendship, proms, laughter, sports, birthday parties and playtime for kids.
