How to get adults to read YA books?

[Ji Mei]

I get my mom to listen to YA books on cd, especially when she runs out of books to listen to! ;)

[Heidi]

YA and mystery books are my favorites to listen to on audio. Both genres keep me interested more than general fiction books.

[Yvaine08]

Just another adult here and for the past 2 years have been reading YA books. Like some of you, The Twilight Saga was my first love in YA books and is my great influence to continue reading YA books. I didn't even realize it was a YA book. Am embarassed to say this but I judged the book by its cover. Not knowing anything about it and I bought all 4 books. I was not disappointed.

I also agree you get another famous author to endorse it. One of my fave series... The Hunger Games, endorsed by Stephenie Meyer in his official website. Again, it was love at first sight just seeing the cover. Not too young and has an elegant edge on it.

Another one of my favorites The Mortal Instruments, again, Stephenie Meyers' review at the front cover was what first made me pick up the books. The color pallets used in the book covers also attracts me.

Don't forget the romance and great fight scenes to prevent adults from getting bored.

YA fantasy keeps my interest at the moment.

And of course discuss it here in GR. :D And yes Marie V. you're Study series will be on my TBR list because of the discussions and good reviews I see here in GR.

I guess when you really love to read, adult or not, one way or the other, you would find yourselves reading books in whatever genre.

[Emily]

Its like spagetti, throw a bunch of YA books at a person and see which one sticks :)

[Emi]

I love your librarian. xD That response is great.

[Mariel]

I think finding the right hook is the key. I've had a hard time in the past to get future die-hard fans of Harry Potter and Buffy to give them a chance. Describe elements of the story that are appealing and that'll get their attention. Hyperbole starts to sound the same and book jackets so rarely do a book justice. Of course, it does help to know the person's tastes first. It's frustrating when you KNOW they'd like it. (I have to fight my twin over practically everything and I'm always right about what she'll like.)

I've had people glare at me for venturing into the ya section in bookstores. But then people do that to me over mangas and fantasy (a book clerk made a rude comment to me for getting a fantasy book just the other day). You just can't let them beat you with their snobbery.

[Heidi]

Maria I just wanted to let you know we've started a "featured author" thread for each month and you are our featured author for August :)