Kids/Teens Book Club discussion
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What Are You Reading Right Now?
Tez: I still need to read The Truth About Forever- but I liked many of Sarah Dessen's other books, so i know that I'll like it a lot.I couldn't really get into Paper Town (or any of John Green's other books for that matter) but that's not to say you won't like it.
Huh? If you're asking who all here is a Christian, then I am, I have been all my life, and I always will be.
Too late. I love fantasy books- and have read about werewolves, Vampires, Wizards, Witches, Fairies, you name it. You are giving a personal opinion, and it isn't your place to tell me what books I should and shouldn't read. Most of the time fantasy books are some of the only ones that grab me in- and they have turned out to be my favorite stories.As for 'love books'? I am a self-declared hopeless romantic and those YA 'love books' (which are more appropriately named Romantic Comedies) are some of my favorites as well.
Next thing I know you are going to be telling me not to read mythology because I might change my beliefs and fall down and worship the Greek or Egyptian Gods/Goddesses.
Get A Grip and Hold Your Tongue- because if my CHRISTIAN parents and siblings felt there was a problem with the types of books I read, then I wouldn't pick those books up, but they don't, so I am free to explore the world of Literature- and why would anyone in their right mind think that picking up a book without Christian themes- having, say, atheist themes like The Golden Compass (which,. by the way, I have read and hate Phillip Pullman because he is pushing his own atheist beliefs on kids sometimes as young as elementary school age) will convert me to Atheism, them you are off your rocker.
((Mods, I am sorry if that came out harsh and as if I do not respect his opinion, but it needed to be said.))
No you're absolutely right Rae, and I've already warned Arwen.To Arwen (I really don't like having to say things twice, but since I'm going to be a teacher it'll be good practice): If you cannot be respectful in your comments, I will start deleting them.
I agree (about the importance of being respectful, not about Pullman, or the "pushing" of his beliefs. Many authors, like Pullman, write their books with a specific viewpoint, but as Rae said nobody's forced to agree with the author. As an atheist, I personally think it's important that that kids are exposed to such ideas, so they are more open minded. Also (not meaning to sound disrespectful myself), but I'm not sure how someone can hate someone he/she does not know purely on the basis of differeing beliefs.) Sorry about being off topic. I just finished No Country For Old Men, and I've started The Children of Hurin. I'm glad that I can read more now that school's out. :)
I don't want to speak for Rae, but I understand what she's saying, as a Christian. As for being open-minded, I can say that many parents do NOT want their kids "exposed to such ideas" and that's why we have wonderful private schools, like where I went to school :) Don't wanna get off-topic here, but in Christianity, open-mindedness is not the end-all, be-all goal. According to my faith, I don't have to embrace the world's views, I have to embrace God's. That's also why my parents stuck my brothers and me in private school. I do think it is important to be respectful of other people, including those who disagree with you, and so I don't really feel like I have to change people's minds. If I understood Rae correctly (and Rae, correct me if I'm wrong), what she hates is the explicit, mean-spirited atheist agenda of Pullman's. And she's right: his writing just reads like someone with an agenda. And I'm not saying that because I disagree with him: I've read several agnostic authors' works and liked them, but his tone really sounds like he has a chip on his shoulder. And it's disrespectful to Christians, who make up at least 1 in 6 people worldwide. Anyway, that probably doesn't make a lot of sense. I'm sorry. I agree with what you're saying, Pandy, about readers not having to subscribe to the same viewpoints as other authors. But when it comes to Pullman, I'm backing Rae. I don't like him either.
Pullman definitely has an agenda, though he tells a wonderful story too, in my opinion. He's one of my favorite authors because I love his writing. Obviously I see him differently from some religious people because I agree with him, but that isn't the only reason I like him as a writer. As for his agenda being "mean-spirited," I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm glad Pullman can write about his ideas strongly, thereby questioning widespread beliefs. (Nobody is forced to believe anything, as it's been said). I can see what you're saying, Amelia, about how being open minded is not what is considered important in your religion, but I can't pretend to understand it. As someone who believes it is important to be open minded, I just have a different view on this. Arwen, no on has said anything mean or hateful to you. Amelia and Rae have just told you to be respectful.
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But I am a Christian too.
I am a strong Christian. Have been all my life, and always will be.
My one of favorite book series, however: is HARRY POTTER.
And whilst TWILIGHT is not the greatest book ever written-it still has a spot in my top 10.
and Bram Stoker's DRACULA is magnificent too.
Do you know why i love all these books?
Because they are a great story. They are fiction.
JK rowling, Meyer and Stoker have not sad: "What im writing about is true, you must follow the devil or die"
They have never said that.
Their books do not have that as a message. (HP's message is bravery and courage and the like...)
Those book are fiction and made up. For entertainment.
Im a Christian.
And i love them.
Arwen wrote: "I ment I was typing a little to fast to where I didn't know what I ment by "I'll have my sis put a BP on you". I put "Or you'll have my sis BP on you". That's what I ment in all."That makes even less sense.
Regan ♥ wrote: "Amelia (Imagination in Focus) wrote: "Currently reading The Iron King"Do you like it so far? Personally, I love it."
It's pretty good ;]
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I dont think im going to either... Even though I thought Wicked Lovely was...okay, im sick of fariy's already.
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I'll see. Ive got so much to read, but maybe i'll give it a shot...
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BP is Arwen's sister, Bookprincess. And Arwen, hun, we're not trying to be mean. But the way you expressed your opinions was...defensive. I'm a Christian, as well, have been for nearly all my life (about 13 years). Can we please agree to disagree on this? You might feel like you shouldn't read Twilight (ick! I wouldn't recommend that for any nine year old, Christian or not) or Harry Potter, but not everyone does.About a year ago, I read the Twilight series, after discussing it with my mom (who is also a Christian) for a while. What I've found is that even in the worst books, there is truth. I mean it. Edward Cullen, the vampire from Twilight is adored why? Because he loves Bella so much. As girls, I think we crave that love. And it rarely comes from a boyfriend, as much as we wish it would. Now, as a Christian, I believe that "unconditional, irrevocable love" comes only from God. With that in mind, this is on my to-read list Escaping the Vampire: Desperate for the Immortal Hero.
And that is all I shall say on this topic. You can certainly message me if you would like to continue it, though I hope you understand that I don't agree with everything you have said.
As to the original point...currently reading...still reading Return of the King. Well, finished it. But surprisingly, I haven't started anything new. Finished rereading The Good Girl Revolution: Young Rebels with Self-Esteem and High Standards as well.
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Ive been meaning to read LORD OF THE RINGS since I was like, 7.
Im currently reading The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Im really loving it, but its taking a while to finish...
Booklover23 wrote: "thanks for explaining :) Ive been meaning to read LORD OF THE RINGS since I was like, 7.
Im currently reading The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Im re..."
I wouldn't read LOTR at age seven. It's violent! Seriously. :)
But The Hobbit is excellent, and I would recommend reading it, if you haven't, before you read LOTR.
Mod
But obviously, i never got past page 3.
So you would recommend THE HOBBIT first?
I can do that. ive got that at home too.
Yup, definitely read The Hobbit first. It's like the backstory, and is much more kid-friendly. My teacher read it aloud to my fourth grade class. :)
Booklover23 wrote: "Dosent really look like my type of book."Go with your instinct, Jess!
It IS better than Wicked Lovely, but I have to disagree with Regan drastically: it is VERY creepy. It's also really gory and bloody, and I got sick of all the maiming and losing of limbs. It's kind of over-the-top :S And the faeries are EXACTLY the same as WL: Ash isn't (so far) portrayed as horribly as Keenan, but it's the same idea.
Unfortunately, if you've read one faerie story in YA, it seems you've read them all. I need to get my faerie stories published FAST so that there will at least be some VARIETY.
Amelia (Imagination in Focus) wrote: "Unfortunately, if you've read one faerie story in YA, it seems you've read them all."
YES.
Hahaha, watch me write a new take on faeries and then have it be rejected by agents because it's not "edgy" enough :P wow, reading all those faerie books has left me feeling pretty pessimistic
Currenly reading: Postcards From No Man's Land by Aidan ChambersBefore That I Read: Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang
Next I'll Read: Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Nope. Looks kinda like Wicked (F)ugly. :)Let me know if it's good...
It's just that I didnt like IRON KING as much as I thought I would, so I really want to try again with something. I'm surprised you liked FUGLY---I thought you didn't... hmmm maybe I forget :P
I am currently reading Deception Point by Dan Brown, The Dark Elf Trilogy Collector's Edition by R.A. Salvatore, The Host by Stephenie Meyer, and Rebel Angels by Libba Bray.
Has anybody read The Trumpeter of Krakow? It is really good historical fiction. I havn't read LOTR yet.
I read it, Lindsey, a long time ago. I remember really liking it! I'm STILL on Wondrous Strange. It's taking me longer to read it because I only like to read at nights, nowadays :P
But you guys, so far this book is RIDICULOUSLY good :DD
And some of you know how I feel about faerie fiction, so that's really saying something!
Oh yeah, forgot, I just finished PJO #1 as well. It was really good! I liked how it was original and unpredictable and the characters had really good personalities, especially Annabeth. :D
Yeah definitely~. :p
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Currently i am almost halfway though its sequel, The Ask and the Answer
They are really, really, fantastically good!
So far, this series has earnt a spot in my top 5.
Thursday night (late night shopping) i am going to buy Monsters of Men the final book.
READ THEM!!!
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss.An amazing book for punctuation sticklers.
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I almost ditched it.
No joke.
i was on page 35, struggling to get through.
I would have ditched it if i hadnt already spent so long on it.
Then, on page 90...this just picked up, became epic...and i love the series!
My dad just brought Monsters of Men the third book like, five minutes ago.
Cant wait to read it :)
Amber wrote: "I'm reading the the latest Clique Book and Maximum Ride #1."*shudders* What do you think of "These Boots", Amber? I didn't like it much myself, but I *am* going to try the next book (Which comes out sometime next month) and see whether continueing the series is hopeless after TBMFS.
Amelia (Imagination in Focus) wrote: "Booklover23 wrote: "Dosent really look like my type of book."
Go with your instinct, Jess!
It IS better than Wicked Lovely, but I have to disagree with Regan drastically: it is VERY creepy. It's ..."
I just got Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange from the library. What should I expect?
(and Amelia, you were spot on in post 765)
Annabeth is completely amazing.I need to get Wondrous Strange to read.....It seems to be popular and I want to know what everyone's going on about.
I didn't like Pullman either. I read I think the first two books in his Dark Materials series and I just just decided they weren't right for me. I always try to find a message or double meaning in books that I read, and I just didn't like the message he was putting off, so thats why I didn't like him. Plus they swore off and on, I didn't like that either.
See, maybe I'm just completely bonkers, but if I know an author is going to present something in their work that I don't like/don't agree with, I don't read it. It's like, I can't do anything about authors like Pullman, so I choose not to subject myself to what they're saying. I still had to hear about his books in one of my college classes, though, so I know what's in them.
But I don't get it. Most of the only reason I read WICKED LOVELY too was because I didn't know what was in it.
So I'll say this one more time, and then I probably won't say it anymore: If you want to read a faerie book that is fun, exciting but not immoral or full of bad/objectionable content, read WONDROUS STRANGE and ditch WICKED LOVELY. WICKED LOVELY is full of inappropriate and highly thematic content, which I've been over and over and over. If you don't like that sort of thing, or object to high amounts of sexual content and pervasive language, don't read the book. Just don't read it. If it doesn't bother you, well then do whatever, I guess.
Sorry if I sound curt :S I just feel like I'm saying the same thing over and over
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Amelia detested it.
I thought it was Ok.
Read the first....5/6 chapters.
If you dont mind it, keep going. If you hate those chapters, stop.
Personally, im glad i read it.
But INK EXCHANGE was awful.
But ever one has different opinions. I know Jillian adores those books,,,
im reading the last percy jackson book. this series is cool. better than old twilight and harry potter series
Amelia (Imagination in Focus) wrote: "See, maybe I'm just completely bonkers, but if I know an author is going to present something in their work that I don't like/don't agree with, I don't read it. It's like, I can't do anything about..."Yeah I am that way too, I didn't know going into The Golden Compass that he was athiest. Eespecially since it says 'best series since Narnia!' inside the cover of the book, which is bogas since I now know he hated the Narnia series! Anyway once into about the second or third book I started feeling what the opinion of God was in the books and I backed out and didn't read the rest of the series. Even though I actually liked the fiction part, I thought it was really good, I just didn't like the message being sent out.
I really appreciate the the warning for Wicked Lovely, I havn't heard that before and I am really careful about the books I read (basically can't read anything my mom hasn't) so even though I wouldn't have read anytime soon I am glad for the future heads up! So is Woundrous Strange really clean?
Kids/Teens Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder on the Orient Express (other topics)The Two Towers (other topics)
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Piranesi (other topics)
Red Queen (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Victoria Aveyard (other topics)Veronica Roth (other topics)
Julie Kagawa (other topics)
Laurie Halse Anderson (other topics)
Rachel Caine (other topics)
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Before That I Read: With Nothing But Our Courage by Karleen Bradford
Next I'll Read: either Paper Towns by John Green or Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers.