Sweet Romance Reads: Young People by Christine Bush

Monday, September 9, 2019

Young People by Christine Bush

I hear it all the time…negative comments about the younger generations.

“These kids today don’t know the meaning of work.”
“These kids today are entitled.”
“These kids today have terrible values.”
“These kids today are…. Fill in the blanks.”

I disagree. Totally. Absolutely. Emphatically.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach MANY young adults in my college classes. I hear their strengths and their struggles. I see their hope for the future, and sometimes (sadly) their disillusionment.

The world they have experienced so far is different than ours. They were babies when 911 occurred. Our country has been at war their entire lives. Almost half of all marriages end in divorce today. Church attendance is now estimated at 31 percent, down from 75 per cent in the 1950’s. Lots of changes.

But also, the world has made major medical progress. Technology has boomed. Travel has grown exponentially.

It is true that our youth perceive things differently than prior generations. How do I see them?

They are brave.

Open minded and accepting.

Active learners with avid curiosity.

Kind, compassionate and committed.

Aware and alarmed about the state of our planet.

They care.

The youth today are listening to each other, attempting to grasp the differences they see. This includes economics, class, race, gender. Most are non-judgmental and supportive of each other.

They embrace education with a great willingness to learn. They seek relevancy, communication, and information to help them use their intelligence and skills in the world.

My students are far from entitled. They work hard, and appreciate much. Most work at least part time while being a student. Some work full time and some also care for siblings, grandparents, or other family members.

Many are involved in community service, whether at school, in projects to help the needy, or through church, fund raising groups for ecological causes or medical research. They are awesome and inspiring.

Yes, they are on their phones too much. Yes, they dress and march to their own drum. Good for them.

I am actually hopeful and relieved that they question the status of their world, of the family, of society. I am grateful that they tackle new things (like technology) with ease and confidence. I am confident that they will lead us all to change. And I think we need it.

I love to talk to my students about books. Many are avid readers (often ebooks) or audio book listeners. And many love romance, especially if the characters are real and questioning and dealing with real life issues that they can relate to. Some like books much spicier than I write, to tell the truth.

Sometimes they are cynical about the idea of “happily ever after” because of the things they have seen in their lives. But they admit that they yearn for it, hope for it, and love to think about the possibilities.

But they read. And they think. Our next generation of readers is alive and well. It's exciting to embrace them!

I think we all benefit when we take the time to listen to them, to learn about what’s important to them, as we embrace the future together.

How about the young people in your life? What strengths do you see? I’d love to hear!

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense. She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 13 grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

Christine's brand new sweet romance novella is here! Check out “Hannah’s Heart”, available in print and ebook. It’s the heartwarming story of Hannah and Grady, and a happily ever after!

https://www.amazon.com/Hannahs-Heart-Christine-Bush-ebook/dp/B07RFDY79R/