Last year I asked for your input on questions of the week and I received some great feedback from you. One question was from the lovely Katherine Reay, author of Dear Mr Knightley, which has garned some wonderful reviews. I loved it so much I have selected it for my book club later in the year.
But here’s Katherine’s comment:
Anyone want to weigh in on ages for a “coming of age” story? I say you can stretch that moment to early 30s? Too old? And what is too young to be interesting to adults without dipping into true YA? Just wondering….
What are your thoughts on “coming of age” stories?
February 11, 2014 at 2:31 am
Great question! I think coming of age can definitely span into 30s, but it depends on the maturity of the main character, and also what they are coming of age FROM. For example, if we have a heroine who has been sheltered her whole life (perhaps Amish) then her coming of age into a different culture (English perhaps) could happen at a later age.
An example of a young coming of age heroine would be Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. Definitely an adult book, not YA, yet Scout is what? Eleven?
Jennifer Erin Valent’s novels are a good example of a coming of age story that features a young heroine (teens to begin) but would still be classified as adult rather than YA, though teens would certainly enjoy them too.
February 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm
C. J. Darlington » Appreciate your expert insights, CJ!
February 11, 2014 at 5:18 am
Great questions.
I agree with CJ. It depends on what the main character has been through.
I can read a main character of any age if she’s relatable and not whiny. I think I’ve lost my ability to tolerate angst.
🙂
February 12, 2014 at 2:21 pm
Juju at Tales of Whimsy… » Lol! I so agree, Juju ~ whiny characters are the worst.
February 11, 2014 at 1:15 pm
I think “coming of age” ends when a person finishes school, including college, which is usually around 22 or 23. I know adults attend, too, but an adult attending college qualifies as a different experience than “coming of age.” As people experience different things on their paths to adulthood, I do think it depends more on the age than the experiences or maturity levels. And while I disagreed with many on this, I do agree that a story of this type can be interesting to any age group. It totally depends on the story and the author’s approach to it.
February 12, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Aaron McCarver » Thanks Aaron – I always enjoy reading your thoughts and ideas.
February 11, 2014 at 2:17 pm
These are such wonderful comments and insights. When I wrote the question, I really did want answers — thank you all for giving me, and the question, your time!
February 12, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Katherine Reay » It is a great question, Katherine 🙂
February 11, 2014 at 6:45 pm
I guess this really depends on the era. for Historical I would say 16 – 18 would be normal. But now days you are looking at 21ish and in the 30’s is not to old.
In fact I actually think it can be older. It depends what you mean by coming of age.
for some it happens way later especially if they have suffered from bullying and are dealing with personal demons. For some older people they in there 40’s when they feel they have a coming of age. I know for me I am single almost 50 and its only the past year and a half I have been able to deal with demons from bullying and constantly being called fat when I wasn’t. I deal with issues all the time but now I can cope with the demons and not listen to those negative thoughts. For me its like a coming of age. I know people dont like to read books with older heroines but I would love to see a few in there 40’s who are single never married.
February 12, 2014 at 2:18 pm
ausjenny » Appreciate your thoughts, Jenny – thanks for sharing xo
February 12, 2014 at 2:02 am
I know a few adults in their fifties who have “come of age”, so I may be biased here. But I do think it could easily be stretched to the thirties. Great question.
February 12, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Patricia Bradley » 😉 I know what you mean, Pat!
February 12, 2014 at 2:03 am
Oops. That was supposed to be have not “come of age.” lol