So we've noticed a pattern in YA novels where the characters in contemporary YA are more likely to have sex while the characters in dystopian and paranormal typically have to wait until book three! Why is this?
We think it's great when YA books deal with the topic in a realistic way (there's fumbling, awkwardness, discussions about protection, etc). However, in dystopian and paranormal books, if there is sex, it's not between the main characters, but the sidekicks (like Lissa from Vampire Academy). Or if they have sex, it's fade to black. Sometimes if it's even described, it's so vague we're not entirely sure if they have had sex or not (like in All Our Yesterdays). And not to sound flippant, but in dystopian or paranormal novels, where the characters may die the next day, we're always like, "Just have sex already!" (This is especially the case with Clary and Jace, except if she's still 15, we retract that statement).
That's an interesting question and I don't really have an answer. To use Stephanie Meyers as an example, it seems like authors of paranormal and fantasy are often super religious (which is kind of weird when you think about it--both Meyers and the author of Ender's Game and that series, Orson Scott Card, are mormon), so that might have at least some to do with it. I'm not familiar with Clary's work, so I won't even pretend to know what goes on there.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I feel if characters in YA are going to have sex, it should be done in a tasteful and healthy way. I don't want or need a lot of detail in YA. Sex is natural and a lot of teens have it, but not everybody loses the big V in high school either, so I like it when virgins are also treated realistically and with respect.
Interesting post!
BTW: the movie I reviewed today, Black Rock, was from Netflix, but the DVD mail service. I have the streaming service, too, but I actually had the DVD. Just so you aren't searching for it going: I thought Natalie said it was on Netflix. It just came out last week.
That's interesting, the religious aspect. That would certainly explain some of the books. And I agree, if they are going to have sex, it should be done in a tasteful and healthy way.
DeleteAnd thanks for letting me know about the movie! ~Pam
Isn't Clary 16 now? I thought she turned 16 in the first book, but I could be mistaken.
ReplyDeleteWe couldn't remember how old Clary is now. I definitely need to re-read the first book before the movie comes out and then I need to re-read the whole series before the last books come out. I'm definitely a bit fuzzy on some of the details! ~Pam
DeleteI'm the same way! I seriously need/want to reread them all! -Emily
DeleteI also wanted to say that this is quite an interesting topic. I have realized what you said that in most books the characters don't have sex (if at all) until the last book in the series in dystopia and fantasy books. I can't judge contemporary books because I haven't read many of them.
DeleteGreat discussion! Sex in YA really doesn't bother me, but that may be because I'm almost 26 years old. But I imagine when my kids gets to be teenagers I will keep the books that go into detail away from them.
ReplyDeleteIt just struck us as odd how much more likely sex happens and is discussed in contemporary YA versus dystopian/paranormal. ~Pam
DeleteI'm fine either way. I mean, some high school-aged teens have sex and some don't, so I guess the fact that some YA books contain sex and others don't just reflects reality.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
That makes sense, but it definitely seems that the MCs are less likely to have sex in dystopian/paranormal books, which we thought was interesting. ~Pam
DeleteI don't know why there is a difference amongst the genres but I think across the board authors shouldn't make these characters such prudes if they are of a reasonable age to be having sex. I think authors mostly gloss over any romantic scenes that go beyond kissing because it's probably a fine line between what's appropriate in YA and what's not. I don't think anything should be racy or graphic but I don't think the topic/act itself needs to be avoided. I do wish more authors would take the risk. I've seen some books handle this really well - My Life Next Door being one of them. Huntley Fitzpatrick approaches this intimate seen in a mature and realistic way. Her books still sends a good message about intimacy and being careful. Sometimes it's more unnatural when authors go to great lengths to keep the characters from NOT being sexually active - and then we as readers just get frustrated. And I hate when I have to guess whether they just had sex or not. At least make it clear even if we get zero details!!
ReplyDeleteMy Life Next Door is the perfect example of sex being handled in a realistic and appropriate way. I do wonder about the YA label for books and how much that affects the sex scenes (or lack thereof). There are contemporary YA books that are a bit more graphic but are still considered YA. And I agree, sometimes the authors do seem to work pretty hard at keeping the characters from having sex. Lately I've been noticing it's the guys that are stopping the girls...now how realistic is that? :) I've also noticed that it seems like it's either kissing or sex, with almost nothing in between. That's very unrealistic. ~Pam
DeleteI really have no problem with sex in YA. Hiding it or fading to black aren't going to teach lessons about it, it's just going to make it seem like it's this perfect thing that happens in the heat of the moment. I think YA novels really need to address that it isn't going to be awesomesauce all the time.
ReplyDeleteThat's the truth. I remember seeing a movie recently and the teenage characters really hit it off (it's a very talky movie) and then they have sex (both are virgins). And it's not good for either one of them and they're pretty shocked about that. But then they decide that they still like each other and that they'll have to work on it. I thought this was a refreshing change and I think it would be great to read about similar things in YA fiction. ~Pam
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