New Adult is a label that is condescending to readers and…
““New Adult is a label that is condescending to readers and authors alike. It implies that the books act as training wheels between Young Adult and Adult. For the New Adult books that are particularly childish, the label implies that they are a step above Young Adult--which is insulting to the Young Adult books that are far superior. For the New Adult books that are particularly sophisticated, the label implies that they are not worthy of being considered "adult." It's a lose-lose situation for everyone. [...] Therefore, the new genre of New Adult is a large step backwards. It increases the system of categories and labels even further, and prevents readers from expanding their horizons and minds. The term is reductive and it is insulting to its own audience.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The "New Adult" label unnecessarily narrows perception, reinforcing hierarchies and limiting readers' openness to diverse narratives.
In simple terms: Label limits perception, creating hierarchy.
Key Takeaway
Avoid restrictive genre labels.
Themes
literature
genre
classification
readership
identity
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
Books:1
Categorisation:1
Categorization:1
Genres:1
New-adult:1
New-adult-fiction:1
Training wheels:0
Young adult:0
Step Backward:0
Adult Books:0
New Adult:1
Adult New:0
Adult Label:0
Label Condescending:0
When to use this quote
- publishing decisions
- library cataloging
- author branding
Key Concepts
genre theory
marketing
reader psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Should genres be fluid?
- How do labels affect author identity?
A Different Perspective
Labels can help discoverability for niche audiences.