Damn, i wanna read now and it's 4.30 am i need to get up at nine for a 10.30 doctors appointment, do you see why i wanted to stop watching at this video?
i went to visit a college rep in my library a few weeks ago. My friend is interested in this college, but I'm not because I don't want to go to a school so close to home (It's less then 20 mins. away from me) The rep. asked me about it and I told him my reasons: to close, to big, doesn't have my major, and he immediately dismissed me and proceeded to tell me I was wrong in front of the entire room (about 30 in total) Needless to say, I'm defiantly not going there because I was shown no respect.
I like that... "Darkness made me wallow in books". I've suffered from depression for a long time and whenever it's really bad, the only thing that makes me feel better are books. When I read them I don't feel the bad stuff anymore. No pain or anger or fear or frustration. They are my escape.
The reason I read YA books now, is because when I was young all YA books seemed to be about war, religion and refugees and/or everyday life. I hate to say it now but I didn't like books then. Any books.So glad I changed because I read most books now.
Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth. - Albus Dumbledore
^^ Harry Potter is so dark, now I'll go cut my wrists. PLEASE. I'm interested to know if any of the adults making generalizations about young adult books actually took the time to read beyond the back covers.
any time i get mad or frustrated or sad, my parents always are just like "psssht hush you teenager" and they brush everything i feel strongly about as a result of "being a teenager".
also, i always take my anger/frustration out in writing. i write dark scenes when im feeling dark, that way i dont start yelling at people im not really mad at or something. reading sometimes goes the same way.
Thank you for an amazing video. Luckily, I was blessed with parents who gave me complete freedom over the books I chose, and they, along with my extended family, encouraged me to read more mature books, even. When I was still in middle school, they gave me "adult" books as birthday presents. (I hate that label.) They knew that I would be able to handle mature topics and themes, and I think more parents should realize that teens are more grown up than they think.
Well said. One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me as a teenager in an otherwise conservative upbringing was that she did not police my reading or limit it in any way. In other words, while my freedoms were heavily curtailed, she left my mind alone. I grew up reading psychology books, bodice rippers, sci-fi, poetry, paranormal "documentaries" (1970s style), etc without any sense of boundaries.
I have given this same gift to my sons who are now teens and young adults.
I'm 16, and I recently decided I wanted to read Flowers in the Attic. I asked my mom, because I remembered that she said that she read them. She was very upset, and said I shouldn't read them because they are dark, and extremely disturbing. I was very angry at first. I calmly brought it up with her. She said that she wouldn't be happy if I read them, but that it was my choice to make, and she would respect my choice. I'm lucky that my mom respects my decisions, even if she doesn't agree.
That article really got under my skin. Especially since it was like listening to my mother. I remember when I was a kid, my mother used to urge me to read. When I turned thirteen, I finally started reading, and my mother wasn't happy about it. Turns out, what she wanted was for me to get my books from the Religious Book and Bible House. I'm eighteen and I still haven't read Harry Potter, because my mother thinks it'll make me a devil-worshiping witch.
I am a big reader, and my mom doesnt really mind what I read. Partly because some of those topics arent my 'cup of tea'. I am not a big fan of fantasy YA or anything of the super natural. I like reading YA, it's almost like yelling at the TV character choosing a decision you wouldnt have.
That was a well put, well-made video! It's true, I understand that parents want the best for their children and everything, but when it comes to books. If the child is reading fiction in the YA section, it's just that fiction from the YA section. Don't get me wrong I'm 27 and I read YA because I love it, it's my escape from everyday drama. I love reading about other characters, and their worlds. You can't help it if you like vampire books when reading, but that doesn't mean you are a vampire. :)
I don't really care what kids/teenagers are reading, I just turned 20, so long as they're reading and I don't think your books, Twilight or Harry Potter or anything is going to start a pandemic of things that teens are already doing.
Chances are if a teenager wants to do or try something chances are they'll do it regardless...it's parents/media that blames everything but...
That was one of my biggest probs too. And one of my probs with the same columnist's defence of the first article was a sentence something like this: "Apart from a few cases, most teens don't have lives this dark..." To me that implies that the few that do should be forgotten. As a teacher, it's something I see all too much. Adults get behind kids who excel, and forget the ones with problems. And problem kid is the one who needs you most.
Speaking as a teenager still, it really pisses me off. They, being the adults, wants us to be able to run and take care of the next generation. But we are babied so much, and we're treated like we don't know what we're doing. It's not quite fair if you think of the teenage years they got to live in, and the ones we have to now deal with.
As someone who suffers from depression, I agree with everything you said. No one knows what I need to read, especailly someone who has never gone through what I'm dealing with. And It's extremely frustrating when people think they do.
I agree 100%. Books convey a different message to every person that reads them because no one person is in the exact same time in their life when they read them. Personally, I would think adults would want us to learn about drug addiction, mental illness, and sex by reading about it, rather than going out and doing it. Just saying
I'm so glad my parents never tried to restrict what I've read. Which is good because I have read books such as the Sookie Stackhouse novels and Anita Blake and various dark/paranormal books that have elements that might not be appropriate for children. But I utterly agree that kids need to be able to read to them and turn to those books for comfort, I know I did and continue to do so at 19. It also makes me know that I won't restrict what my kids read because reading shouldn't be restricted.
I was rather lucky growing up at least in the reading area. My parents never questioned what I read or freaked when I explained a story I had just read. Instead my mum would borrow (still does) my books so we could have something to talk about in the event their was nothing else. However, even though my parents were great about my choice in books,movies,tv doesn't mean we agreed on everything else and I still had rules I had to abide by, as well as arguments to battle... win or lose.
I read a lot of book with magic and mystery. This doesn't mean I'm going to kill a cat and try to bring back the dead with those spells.
I think people dismiss teenagers to easily, we can read many different books without thinking "I must copy them." Many of the classics also deal with dark themes. Frankenstein, Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, etc., yet we are encouraged to read these. Stories that don't deal with issues YA readers can relate/know about aren't the ones we want to read.
*slow clap* Well put. I hope that with this resounding response to this rather asinine, alarmist topic, Ms Gurdon's article can slink off to a corner and let us continue reading and writing YA!
I want to add to your argument, but I'm still put out after that liveshow T_T IT WAS TORTURE. But, THANK YOU Jackson for running the liveshow - even if it was painful - and for this video. I totally agree with you on all points.
I need something from the books that I pick. And for a lot of my life that has been seeing books with characters that have gone through similar things and made it through. It also showed me that the fantasy YA books I picked were letting me escape and get something else I needed... something magical. Werewolf's included.
And you showed me that at 19, as an "adult" I can still pick YA literature. I can read what I want because it is what I need.
Jackson... I'm not sure exactly how to thank you for this video, but I know it struck something in me that I am not sure about yet. To the point where I started tearing up watching it. You are amazing and so good with words (obviously) and I am not sure how to thank you for that. Maybe because you just said what I wish some people could understand. Maybe because you helped me see that my depression and reading aren't separate but that doesn't mean they are not related. (cont)
I agree with needing books to understand things but I'm also pisses that I can't find alot of good books (preferably in the paranormal /fanstansy/romance genre) because they all have the same bland plot. All the vampires are potrayeed as misunderstood. I'm reading the crusades right now and I'm glad that the vampires are bad like really bad. It's a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely agree. And I love how since you felt sort of detached(in lack of a better word) from adults and/or other teen experiences, you now support teens and their curiosity in the world as an adult. <3 You continue to make my day. =D
My sister read/reads some fairly depressing books, but my mom's logic is hey, at least she's *reading*. With all the people who complain that kids don't read enough, I don't get all the complaints about YA books. As long as it's not trashy, who cares what they're reading?
I read a lot of books about teens with cancer and my mom would make fun of me for it, but she also encouraged me to read by buying me all those books.
I am a teen and I totally agree- everyone thinks and feels different: everyone needs different reading experiences. Sometimes I like to read dark books that are completely opposite of my life just because it shows that there is always something worse than what I'm going through, and if those characters can make it, so can I. I think every complex (or what WSJ might call "dark") book I read allows me to grow as a person.
hey, I'm kinda curious have you ever gone to a midnight premiere? ok, so i'm going to the midnight showing of hp 7, but i don't know what time to be there? what time do you think? this is really random, but to be honest i don't feel stupid asking you. :]
@bre9630 Get there as early as you want. For the last one, we left at about 9:30 I think, so we were in line at 9:45. They opened the theatre up at 11 or 11:30. It's SO MUCH FUN! People clap and laugh and applaud! It's amazing, and I'm sure this one is going to have me crying the whole way through.
@steelvenom2003 thanks, unfortunately I'm probably only gonna be there around 10:30 or 11-ish, cause i'm going with some non-potterheads, that don't wanna wait that long.. :[ BUT, i hope you have fun when you see it!
Yes! Exactly! I love this! YA Lit can be good or bad just like every other kind of lit can be good or bad! You know how 1984 is incredible and The Scarlet Letter is crap? Yeah... It's kinda the exact same thing...
showed this to my parents. ha.
TheBlueisacolor 1 week ago
Damn, i wanna read now and it's 4.30 am i need to get up at nine for a 10.30 doctors appointment, do you see why i wanted to stop watching at this video?
timmyman1997 1 month ago
thats IT im telling my mum to stop making me read books i dun wanna read... plus i'm just like the teenager u were jackson!
4everTeamStefan 2 months ago
this is what happens when unleash journalists in the fiction book section
whatever1399 3 months ago
i went to visit a college rep in my library a few weeks ago. My friend is interested in this college, but I'm not because I don't want to go to a school so close to home (It's less then 20 mins. away from me) The rep. asked me about it and I told him my reasons: to close, to big, doesn't have my major, and he immediately dismissed me and proceeded to tell me I was wrong in front of the entire room (about 30 in total) Needless to say, I'm defiantly not going there because I was shown no respect.
JessieLightyear 4 months ago
I love you. Consider yourself SUBSCRIBED.
singergirl1513 6 months ago
You are my saviour!
Obsessedwithyabooks 6 months ago
This is still my favorite video. <3
madasrabbits06 7 months ago
THANK YOU. now can you please come talk to my mom?
underllamas 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
LIKE LIKE FAVORITE LIKE. I am a teenager, you got me spot on.
UnnaturallyChirpy 7 months ago
For me, "dark books" are more interesting, and I think the endings are usually more creative....
fmadeline13 7 months ago 3
You cant pick books FOR us teens... i like picking my own.
chocolatesealion 7 months ago
That radio show irritated
tootsiebutt1 7 months ago
I totally agree. Every person is different and they should be able to choose what interests them or even helps them.
emmaroseful 7 months ago
A. FREAKIN. MEN :D
beckyluuwho 7 months ago 3
I like that... "Darkness made me wallow in books". I've suffered from depression for a long time and whenever it's really bad, the only thing that makes me feel better are books. When I read them I don't feel the bad stuff anymore. No pain or anger or fear or frustration. They are my escape.
wildirishrose33 7 months ago
"Books didn't make me wallow in darkness, darkness made me wallow in books." this pretty much sums me up.
rosieg925 7 months ago 20
amen
shazaleaf 7 months ago
The darkness in the world drove me to books too. Couldn't have survived high school without them.
BrennaABraaten 7 months ago
AMEN.
barbie88888888 7 months ago
Thank you, and Amen. I'm going to show this to my parents and quote you every time they question MY reading choices.
EdelGarstad 7 months ago
<3
lolololliepop1 7 months ago
The reason I read YA books now, is because when I was young all YA books seemed to be about war, religion and refugees and/or everyday life. I hate to say it now but I didn't like books then. Any books.So glad I changed because I read most books now.
pinkcat1305 7 months ago
"Darkness made me wallow in books." Oh, Justin, this is perfect!
ToryMae 7 months ago
heeeeeey now i gotta go forward this to my mom -_-
you're so awesome, jackson!
ROCKoutPLZZZ 7 months ago
Very passionate. Good job.
Cheratomo 7 months ago
Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth. - Albus Dumbledore
^^ Harry Potter is so dark, now I'll go cut my wrists. PLEASE. I'm interested to know if any of the adults making generalizations about young adult books actually took the time to read beyond the back covers.
NarglexD 7 months ago 10
@NarglexD preach!
sstephenson94 7 months ago
u need to make this into a commercial or something!!! make other adults AWARE!!!!
mandilynnVLOGS 7 months ago 2
Jackson....you. are. awesome. Just sayin.
DuckLuv22 7 months ago
Wise Jackson is Wise.
any time i get mad or frustrated or sad, my parents always are just like "psssht hush you teenager" and they brush everything i feel strongly about as a result of "being a teenager".
also, i always take my anger/frustration out in writing. i write dark scenes when im feeling dark, that way i dont start yelling at people im not really mad at or something. reading sometimes goes the same way.
TwizzlerOwl 7 months ago
Thank you for an amazing video. Luckily, I was blessed with parents who gave me complete freedom over the books I chose, and they, along with my extended family, encouraged me to read more mature books, even. When I was still in middle school, they gave me "adult" books as birthday presents. (I hate that label.) They knew that I would be able to handle mature topics and themes, and I think more parents should realize that teens are more grown up than they think.
nevermore1129 7 months ago
Ah I don't like seeing YA being bashed! This was amazing! Everyone needs to watch this!
Though my needs are met very often with teddy grahams...
AlicetheShort 7 months ago 2
"Books didn't make me wallow in darkness; darkness made me wallow in books."
Amen, Sister. Well said. With your permission I'm going to post that quote in the YA section of my library.
1Jeneva 7 months ago
Well said. One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me as a teenager in an otherwise conservative upbringing was that she did not police my reading or limit it in any way. In other words, while my freedoms were heavily curtailed, she left my mind alone. I grew up reading psychology books, bodice rippers, sci-fi, poetry, paranormal "documentaries" (1970s style), etc without any sense of boundaries.
I have given this same gift to my sons who are now teens and young adults.
earthshoes 7 months ago
thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm showing this to my dad.
0811Erica 7 months ago
"Darkness made me wallow in books and books made me realize there was a light at the end of the tunnel."
YES!
BroadwayBabe3 7 months ago
I'm 16, and I recently decided I wanted to read Flowers in the Attic. I asked my mom, because I remembered that she said that she read them. She was very upset, and said I shouldn't read them because they are dark, and extremely disturbing. I was very angry at first. I calmly brought it up with her. She said that she wouldn't be happy if I read them, but that it was my choice to make, and she would respect my choice. I'm lucky that my mom respects my decisions, even if she doesn't agree.
EmilyTM1 7 months ago
That article really got under my skin. Especially since it was like listening to my mother. I remember when I was a kid, my mother used to urge me to read. When I turned thirteen, I finally started reading, and my mother wasn't happy about it. Turns out, what she wanted was for me to get my books from the Religious Book and Bible House. I'm eighteen and I still haven't read Harry Potter, because my mother thinks it'll make me a devil-worshiping witch.
Luckily, I'm moving out in two months.
TheCoryKid 7 months ago
bravo!
TheFlapper 7 months ago
I am a big reader, and my mom doesnt really mind what I read. Partly because some of those topics arent my 'cup of tea'. I am not a big fan of fantasy YA or anything of the super natural. I like reading YA, it's almost like yelling at the TV character choosing a decision you wouldnt have.
gabbiechang 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Jackson, you are just awesome...
YaBookReviewer 7 months ago
Just....
exactly.
SlightlyBookishBlog 7 months ago
That was extremely well said. I applaud you.
barbrafl 7 months ago
That was a well put, well-made video! It's true, I understand that parents want the best for their children and everything, but when it comes to books. If the child is reading fiction in the YA section, it's just that fiction from the YA section. Don't get me wrong I'm 27 and I read YA because I love it, it's my escape from everyday drama. I love reading about other characters, and their worlds. You can't help it if you like vampire books when reading, but that doesn't mean you are a vampire. :)
TheAMWriter 7 months ago
I don't really care what kids/teenagers are reading, I just turned 20, so long as they're reading and I don't think your books, Twilight or Harry Potter or anything is going to start a pandemic of things that teens are already doing.
Chances are if a teenager wants to do or try something chances are they'll do it regardless...it's parents/media that blames everything but...
ShatterdKhaos 7 months ago
Comment removed
ShatterdKhaos 7 months ago
I hate when my parents groan, "Another vampire book!" as we leave the bookstore. They are seriously going to be watchign this video later!
IntangibleTuesday 7 months ago
That was one of my biggest probs too. And one of my probs with the same columnist's defence of the first article was a sentence something like this: "Apart from a few cases, most teens don't have lives this dark..." To me that implies that the few that do should be forgotten. As a teacher, it's something I see all too much. Adults get behind kids who excel, and forget the ones with problems. And problem kid is the one who needs you most.
Sterifique 7 months ago
Speaking as a teenager still, it really pisses me off. They, being the adults, wants us to be able to run and take care of the next generation. But we are babied so much, and we're treated like we don't know what we're doing. It's not quite fair if you think of the teenage years they got to live in, and the ones we have to now deal with.
Alewksi 7 months ago
How much truth can you get in one video?! You speak so much sense, Jackson!!!
poppycorn146 7 months ago
I agree.
If that happened to me with the doctor I would mostly like be like, Yeah I wrote as you wish, no wolfs no vampires hehe.
ItsGemmaG13 7 months ago 2
This is so true and awesome.
MissWolvesandRoses 7 months ago
Comment removed
MissWolvesandRoses 7 months ago
you are badass.
terrorgirl418 7 months ago
Thank you, Jackson. Thank you :)
sgirly18 7 months ago
Omg this video rocked. LOL! I loved the reenactment. LOL! Poor lady. Jackson you are too awesome. :-)
TheFerret78 7 months ago
i'm not sure the reason matters; i'm a strong supporter of wallowing
SharkeyeJones 7 months ago
I love the little accent you gave the receptionist.
And Maureen is my hero for all her defensive moves.
LiamAtRandom 7 months ago
YOU WOULD BE A KICKASS MUM!!!!! just saying =)
rwjvialator 7 months ago
You're SO right!
dalleyy101 7 months ago
As someone who suffers from depression, I agree with everything you said. No one knows what I need to read, especailly someone who has never gone through what I'm dealing with. And It's extremely frustrating when people think they do.
VlogsByAllison 7 months ago
I agree 100%. Books convey a different message to every person that reads them because no one person is in the exact same time in their life when they read them. Personally, I would think adults would want us to learn about drug addiction, mental illness, and sex by reading about it, rather than going out and doing it. Just saying
abc123band 7 months ago
I'm so glad my parents never tried to restrict what I've read. Which is good because I have read books such as the Sookie Stackhouse novels and Anita Blake and various dark/paranormal books that have elements that might not be appropriate for children. But I utterly agree that kids need to be able to read to them and turn to those books for comfort, I know I did and continue to do so at 19. It also makes me know that I won't restrict what my kids read because reading shouldn't be restricted.
peteisgod66 7 months ago
Comment removed
KayleeCommons 7 months ago
I was rather lucky growing up at least in the reading area. My parents never questioned what I read or freaked when I explained a story I had just read. Instead my mum would borrow (still does) my books so we could have something to talk about in the event their was nothing else. However, even though my parents were great about my choice in books,movies,tv doesn't mean we agreed on everything else and I still had rules I had to abide by, as well as arguments to battle... win or lose.
GidgetRae91 7 months ago
I read a lot of book with magic and mystery. This doesn't mean I'm going to kill a cat and try to bring back the dead with those spells.
I think people dismiss teenagers to easily, we can read many different books without thinking "I must copy them." Many of the classics also deal with dark themes. Frankenstein, Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, etc., yet we are encouraged to read these. Stories that don't deal with issues YA readers can relate/know about aren't the ones we want to read.
JessieLightyear 7 months ago
*slow clap* Well put. I hope that with this resounding response to this rather asinine, alarmist topic, Ms Gurdon's article can slink off to a corner and let us continue reading and writing YA!
shessomickey 7 months ago
Jackson, I feel the need to hug you. I'm gonna text-hug you... get ready for it...
-texthug-
This is a fabulous video. I wish all adults were as understanding as this!
AThursdaysChild 7 months ago 2
Amen.
Juuliie95 7 months ago 2
Wow! I'm left speechless. You were
Brilliant.
Boredallthetime777 7 months ago
I want to add to your argument, but I'm still put out after that liveshow T_T IT WAS TORTURE. But, THANK YOU Jackson for running the liveshow - even if it was painful - and for this video. I totally agree with you on all points.
xSandyPantsu 7 months ago
You know, I really wish I could thumbs up this video a gazillion bagillion times. Extremely wise words, you are truly amazing! :)
ReadingRhinoPress 7 months ago
I need something from the books that I pick. And for a lot of my life that has been seeing books with characters that have gone through similar things and made it through. It also showed me that the fantasy YA books I picked were letting me escape and get something else I needed... something magical. Werewolf's included.
And you showed me that at 19, as an "adult" I can still pick YA literature. I can read what I want because it is what I need.
Thank you. A lot.
desertislanddream 7 months ago
Jackson... I'm not sure exactly how to thank you for this video, but I know it struck something in me that I am not sure about yet. To the point where I started tearing up watching it. You are amazing and so good with words (obviously) and I am not sure how to thank you for that. Maybe because you just said what I wish some people could understand. Maybe because you helped me see that my depression and reading aren't separate but that doesn't mean they are not related. (cont)
desertislanddream 7 months ago
THANK YOU!
LittleBitchBlue 7 months ago
I agree with needing books to understand things but I'm also pisses that I can't find alot of good books (preferably in the paranormal /fanstansy/romance genre) because they all have the same bland plot. All the vampires are potrayeed as misunderstood. I'm reading the crusades right now and I'm glad that the vampires are bad like really bad. It's a breath of fresh air.
localuna67 7 months ago
I absolutely agree. And I love how since you felt sort of detached(in lack of a better word) from adults and/or other teen experiences, you now support teens and their curiosity in the world as an adult. <3 You continue to make my day. =D
dramallama321 7 months ago
My sister read/reads some fairly depressing books, but my mom's logic is hey, at least she's *reading*. With all the people who complain that kids don't read enough, I don't get all the complaints about YA books. As long as it's not trashy, who cares what they're reading?
broadwayfreak678 7 months ago
I read a lot of books about teens with cancer and my mom would make fun of me for it, but she also encouraged me to read by buying me all those books.
elle13celley 7 months ago
I am a teen and I totally agree- everyone thinks and feels different: everyone needs different reading experiences. Sometimes I like to read dark books that are completely opposite of my life just because it shows that there is always something worse than what I'm going through, and if those characters can make it, so can I. I think every complex (or what WSJ might call "dark") book I read allows me to grow as a person.
11Kendall11 7 months ago
I really liked the way you put this. I think you really explained why we teenagers really want/need books like that.
rbmmylife 7 months ago
Thumbs up if you were on Jackson's livestream today being forced to argue for the Article's side :)
It was VERY difficult! XD
KeiskoCrossAKAkC 7 months ago
hey, I'm kinda curious have you ever gone to a midnight premiere? ok, so i'm going to the midnight showing of hp 7, but i don't know what time to be there? what time do you think? this is really random, but to be honest i don't feel stupid asking you. :]
Brilliant video, by the way! :)
bre9630 7 months ago
@bre9630 Get there as early as you want. For the last one, we left at about 9:30 I think, so we were in line at 9:45. They opened the theatre up at 11 or 11:30. It's SO MUCH FUN! People clap and laugh and applaud! It's amazing, and I'm sure this one is going to have me crying the whole way through.
steelvenom2003 7 months ago
@steelvenom2003 thanks, unfortunately I'm probably only gonna be there around 10:30 or 11-ish, cause i'm going with some non-potterheads, that don't wanna wait that long.. :[ BUT, i hope you have fun when you see it!
bre9630 7 months ago
I LOVE dark fiction, and I am a really happy person. Bright green walls, unicorn wallet... the works.
doubleAAbattery7 7 months ago
Yes! Exactly! I love this! YA Lit can be good or bad just like every other kind of lit can be good or bad! You know how 1984 is incredible and The Scarlet Letter is crap? Yeah... It's kinda the exact same thing...
steelvenom2003 7 months ago
I am so (un)cool.
RobTheChick 7 months ago
FIRST.
RobTheChick 7 months ago