Ursula K. Le Guin on why fantasy, even children’s fantasy, is relevant to adults.
By way of about half my reading list, but I’m only just getting to linking to it here.
I think she underestimates the relevance of realistic young adult fiction to adult lives, but otherwise, there’s much that makes sense here.
Especially:
There should be a word – “maturismo”, like “machismo”? – for the anxious savagery of the intellectual who thinks his adulthood has been impugned.
Because sometimes adults are unwilling to interact with things they believe are intended for children with a discomfort that almost borders on fear. It’s a strange thing.
And:
Children don’t mind you talking over their heads – they’re used to it, and used to figuring it out. Anything is better than being talked down to.