“Hopepunk” and “Up-Lit” are the new wave of optimistic literature. The library’s Young Adult section is lightening up, as readers move from dystopian novels like The Hunger Gamers towards less grim visions of the future like A Song for a New Day, which details one musician’s quest to help humanity. According to YPulse's research, 71% of Gen Z and Millennials feel anxious about the future, and they're seeking out “glimmers of hope” in the “pure content” trend online, fueling happy-go-lucky memes like Bongo Cat. (WSJ)
