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Julia's Opinion: Teen Romance Novels



Just scroll through the #bookstagram community or the teen section of a book store. What do you find? Teen romance novels. Lots of them. The Fault in our Stars. Say What You Will. To All the Boys I've Loved Before. I can't tell you how many times I've seen these titles. But what about others? I mean, some people like this large number of romance. Others don't. What do I think?

I don't like the numerous teen romance novels that dominate bookstores and bookstagram. If you have seen the books I have reviewed on this blog, you'll get the idea that I am not a fan of these books. What about all of the other great books out there? What about Symptoms of Being Human? Or Audacity?

Yes, I understand: you like all of this mushy-gushy love stuff. Maybe it is like a happy place for you; an escape; a vacation. By all means, if you enjoy these books, then continue to read them. However, romanch books (and I don't want to break your heart) aren't always so great.

First of all, I feel like these books describe romances and events that would never really happen to teens. When would a teen have a successful romance with their childhood crush? When would a teen really have such a good relationship? How could a teen do all of the crazy things they do in these books? I just feel like it's a bit unrealistic, and might set ridiculous goals and expectations for teens and their relationships, school years, and accomplishments. (Although most books for teenagers do that anyway...)

Additionally, teen romance books might force the idea into our minds that romance is important; that love and being in a relationship is essential, and that we somehow need one to survive. You know, even books that aren't titled "romance novels" have romance in them. This, sadly, includes the books I enjoy. Audacity had the slightest bit of romance in it. So did Symptoms of Being Human, Openly Straight, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I have to admit that sometimes, when reading other books, I groan when I find romance. Did the author really need this element? Couldn't we do without it? (Yeah, yeah: it helps with sales and attracting audiences. Whatever.)

Why should romance be incorporated in all of these books? What if someone isn't interested in love? Not now, or not ever? Like I said earlier, romance and love are not "everything", and there certainly are other ways that we can be happy in life.

Furthermore, I am not fond of teen romance novels due to some of the ideas in them, and the whole romance element itself. You have to be a really good writer to get me to like a romance between characters in the book, because honestly, I don't really care if they get together or not.

[What do you think?]
Like teen romance novels? Then check out this great teen romance! (Never Always Sometimes)
"'NEVER date your best friend. ALWAYS be original. SOMETIMES rules are meant to be broken.'

The prologue of this book, (and I love prologues!), starts when Dave and Julia, the two main characters in the book, are about to start high school the next day. They make a Never List, so that they will not become high school clichés. In the first chapter, it is March senior year, and they decide to break every single rule they have put on the list. But, secretly Dave has always liked Julia more than a best friend. . ." Read more
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