Kids/Teens Book Club discussion
Individual Book Discussions
>
What Are You Reading Right Now?
I consider myself so lucky.... And to think that 2 years ago I didn't want to be anywhere near my school.My school is incredibly open-minded. Our principal is awesome. Any opportunity to make us aware that our race, our language, our customs or our religion are not the only ones out there (and that we need to respect and understand the differences), she takes it and uses it. I love her. She's the best principal I've had since elementary school.
Well, there are downsides.See, my district is really poor. Everyone hates my favorite teacher, which is annoying. You have to be careful because if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person you WILL get beat up. Fights block your way to class at least weekly, if not more often. And it's a smallish town, so if there's someone you hate or someone who hates you, there isn't much room to avoid them.
I've actually started writing stuff down, perhaps for a story later. So my mind kinda works that way too. I think I'm gonna include some stuff that has happened to people I know, but not people that live here necessarily.I live in a town of 30,000.... There are 1600 kids at my school. However, there are only about 100 kids within the honors program in each grade. And the honorsd kids all kinda stick together, so we're like a mini-school. And that's where you get the people who hate you or you hate them, but you can't get away from them cuz you're stuck in the same classes.
Also, every time you go to the grocery store, or Starbucks, or.... anywhere really, you run into someone you know. It's inevitable.
Haha my town is even smaller than that. Where I went to high school, I lived in a town of a little over 9,000. My graduating class was 149 kids. Small town schools are horrendous. At least, mine was. But, that was a loooong time ago and now, it doesn't matter. I only talk to one person I went to high school with and nothing that happened then really matters to me now.
I have the feeling that's how it'll be for me. I've already let go of some of the stupid freshman girl drama I had last year.
Good for you!!(on the letting it go thing) When they say "College is the best years of your life" it's true. At least it was for me. I had a great time in college and will keep the close friends I made in college in my life for a very long time. ^_^ But I suppose this isn't the same for everyone.
In my homeschool group, I'm the only sophomore. So the graduating class might just be me. Ah, the joys of homeschooling.
Jillian wrote: "I have yet to let go of my high school drama (even though I've been out of it for almost a year). XD It will come, though, the day when those years won't make me wince. I hope I'll be able to lau..."LOL I went to a Christian school! We had 60 in our graduating class - my brother's class this year is like 48 or something
Taylor wrote: "I have friends who are like that at my school.... They freak every time I mention anything HP-related.And what people don't realize is that JKR is Christian. By choice! She wouldn't've purposef..."
She may say she's a Christian, and she does write pro-Christian stuff in her books, but...I don't know, she has a problem with CS Lewis, and he was a Christian apologist. So it's like, if you're beating up on one of the greatest Christian writers of the century, that doesn't make you look very devout. So...I don't know. I appreciate her messages in DEATHLY HALLOWS, but she's nowhere near the level of Tolkien and Lewis.
I'm reading Wuthering Heigths... Adventures of Ulysses (schoolo assesment)....and I'm waiting for This lullaby to arrive so I can read it...
The reason I said that about JK Rowling was in response to a comment she made about CS Lewis's Narnia books being sexist or whatever http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8...
I think she made a very rash statement--I'm in a CS Lewis class right now, and there's absolutely no basis for the comment that she made. It goes beyond just an opinion if what you say (as a major writer) sounds accusatory. And I was displeased because CS Lewis isn't around to respond to her criticism.
I agree about DEATHLY HALLOWS, though. So many authors like to take pot-shots at religion, and so I'm very grateful that Rowling had something positive to say/write about Christian themes. :)
EDIT: Actually, having read that whole interview, my opinion of Rowling as a "Christian" (strictly in regards to religion alone) have gone significantly down. It just proves that just because somebody says they're Christian, doesn't always mean that they are. Look at what people do, and look at what they say, and more importantly, look at what the Bible says to do/say. That's the most important.
Christianity is such a broad religion that it's not surprising that she doesn't agree with a major Christian author. Any one Christian is bound to have thousands (at a bare minimum) of other Christians disagree with him. The only common factor among all Christians (and depending on one's definition of "Christian", even this isn't a constant) is that Jesus is the Son of God and is a Savior. Other than that, opinions can vary from one extreme to another, and anything in between.I agree that, as a writer, she should sound a bit more courteous to others' works, especially if they aren't around any more to defend their works.
I'm really curious to finish the series now, so I can give an opinion on this.
Well, in my opinion people should be able to have religious freedom and be able to consider themselves what they want. For example, I have a friend who is Jewish, but she, unlike the Jewish beliefs, believes Jesus is the savior. So does that mean she can't be Jewish because she feels that way? I don't think so. She's entitled to her opinions and can call herself whatever she wants.I didn't read the interview because honestly, I didn't care, but authors always bash each other. JK Rowling should be allowed to have her own opinions of other authors. Stephen King ripped Stephenie Meyer apart, basically saying she was the worst author he'd ever read, but that's his opinion. Some authors probably don't like his work. Just the way it is and its the way the world will always be.
To my main point, she shouldn't have said that about Susan and CS Lewis, period. We touched on her comment in class last week, and she just really missed the symbolism on that. Maybe she should just stick to talking about Harry Potter - the stories she created. Without spawning a debate, though, the important thing to remember is what the Bible says. People often times get too aborbed in "well, I think, I think, I think" and they don't look to scripture. Frankly, some of Rowling's comments in that interview do not adhere to what the Bible says. Her views on sexuality, in general. It doesn't matter what denomination you are, we all agree on what the Bible says...and so instead of pointing a finger at her, I'm trying to instead remind fellow Christians to consider what people say and weigh that against what the Bible says. That's also a good way to rise above unnecessary debates about disagreements, too. Most of the time, it's not about interpreting the Bible, it's just about opening it up and reading it.
Yeah, but not every person of faith fully believes in the Bible and that its the final word. Personally, I don't think anyone should let a book written thousands of years ago rule their lives. If that's what you're into, that's cool. Point is, just because JK Rowling, or others who consider themselves Christians in general, doesn't necessarily have the same views as the Bible doesn't make them any less Christian.
Not all Christians support a literal interpretation of the Bible, or the belief that the Bible is applicable to modern life. Whether this is right or not is a debate that isn't going to be solved any time soon (although that doesn't mean there's no point in trying). The message a person gets from a story can be very independent from what the author ever intended.
Rachel (aka. Kaiserin Sisi) wrote: "Not all Christians support a literal interpretation of the Bible, or the belief that the Bible is applicable to modern life. Whether this is right or not is a debate that isn't going to be solved ..."Ummm...wow. We're just going to have to agree to disagree. This will be the last thing I say on this matter, but it is beyond my comprehension to call oneself a Christian and at the same time believe that the Bible is not applicable to modern life. How can you be a Christian if you don't believe that the Bible is relevant in modern life? What is the Bible then - just a cute little book full of cute little stories? If you don't believe in Christianity, that's fine, but if you do, you're kind of expected to go along with what the Bible says. Yeah, there are lots of different interpretations, but that first implies that people actually take the time to *read* the Bible. That's the good place to start!
***
Now, about Rowling's interpretation of Susan: it's one thing to have an opinion and disagree with an author (like the Stephen King/Stephenie Meyer thing) but it's another thing entirely to assign a meaning to a character or plot point that isn't there. What she said about Susan isn't true, and that's obvious for anyone who's studied the Narnia books in-depth. So really, she just looks like an angry author spouting off random stuff. She could've just kept it at "I don't like CS Lewis because of what the books say about Susan" but she didn't - she assigned a behavior to Susan (and to Lewis, where he's not able to offer rebuttal) that isn't accurate.
The main point of Christianity is believing in Christ, though, not necessarily the Bible. The two usually go hand in hand, but there are some Christians who don't believe that the Bible is the final word/infallible/applicable to modern life/literal. (I'm not implying that these are all the same thing, just that they are some reasons why some people who are Christians don't go along with the Bible.)*bumps Chronicles of Narnia up list so she can get in on the Susan debate*
As for what I'm reading: I'm really enjoying The Great Gatsby. I'll be finishing it tomorrow on my free period.
Once again, well said Rachel!You like The Great Gatsby! haha, well most people do...it was like getting my teeth pulled when I had to read it. But then again, it is classic lit and I find classic lit boring. But I'm glad YOU'RE enjoying it! :-p
I'm curious to see what everyone else in my class thought of it. My class really surprised me last year with Pride and Prejudice. They all hated it, except for about two of us! Anyways, I find The Great Gatsby a lot more interesting than Huck Finn, at least at the moment.
Haha, true that! (about it being more interesting than Huck Finn)
Yeah, Huck wasn't bad. It just didn't interest me that much. And the dialect gave me a headache. It felt like I was reading a book written in chatspeak.Soo, has anyone read "Their Eyes Were Watching God"? That's going to be our next (and probably last) book.
Yeah, Jillian, that was exactly the point I was making with what you said about my friend who is Jewish. Basically what I was saying is people have the right to affiliate with any religion and still have some different beliefs. At least, in my opinion
Hm. Interesting thoughts, Jillian. I think that the Lord intended, actually encourages us to ask questions and try to figure things out of the Bible. He doesn't want us just to accept things, He wants us to look at things critically and weigh them.
We're also to have faith like a child.
So when I can't understand, can't in my finite mortal mind comprehend how my spirit is eternal and after I die it will just go on and on and on without end. And when I seriously can't wrap this brain around the fact that God is three separate beings (Father, Son, Spirit) and yet ONE. That's when I just have to say, "Alright, Lord. I believe you." xD
Because, Christianity is a relationship, not a religion, and..what's a relationship without trust anyway?
When we were in Israel, we stayed with a family that identified themselves as Messianic Jews - they observed the traditional Jewish customs, but they believed in Christ. Ahh, that was a fun trip. I've never heard the phrase "Catholic Christian" and "Mormon Christian". It sounds kind of redundant, though. Catholic/Mormon/etc are branches.
what are we, as the Christian followers who hear the contradictory messages and interpretations, meant to believe?
I think, unfortunately, that is why we have so many denominations. The best advice I can give (whatever it's worth) is to read the Bible. Don't just believe what someone tells you - heck, don't just believe what I've told you - read the Bible yourself. However, there are verses that warn against some interpretations of the Bible-as in, be on the lookout for people who say "the Bible says this _____" when it really doesn't. John 14:6 is one of the most unpopular verses in the Bible because, quite frankly, it says something that not a lot of people like to hear. My point to you is that while everybody loves different opinions, that doesn't mean they're all "right".
I liked what you said about "just take the word of man with a grain of salt." You are so smart! :)
I'm not sure about Mormonism and Christianity being the same thing. Joseph Smith had a lot of false doctrine going on. Personally I think he was a false prophet.We had a formerly Mormon pastor (converted to Christianity) come to our church and give a really incredible sermon on all the differences between Mormonism and Christianity.
I do have a friend who's Mormon, btw. I disagree with her, but I'm still her friend.
EDIT: And I agree with Amelia that the Bible is applicable to modern life. It's timeless. And I'm unable to see how a person could believe in the true God, but not believe in the Bible. O.o
But who decides whose opinions are right or wrong? I don't think that's a very fair statement to make. No one can decide that this persons opinions are right and this persons is wrong. That's why they're opinions and not facts
Careful, though. Saying that there are multiple rights and wrongs starts getting into the territory of Moral Relativism. Now, if we're talking about books and just whether you like a book or not, or your favorite color, or stuff like that, yeah sure have opinions. But once you cross from opinions into beliefs, then yeah you do cross over into the world of right and wrong. Or at least, that's what Christians believe (read MERE CHRISTIANITY by CS Lewis--he does a much better job defending universal morality).
I still don't agree with that. There are multiple religions who all believe in different things. It is not fair for us to say one religion is right and the other is wrong. None of us knows the absolute truth or even if there is one
(Just to avoid confusion, I'm not one of the ones who believe that the Bible isn't applicable. We did a survey in religion class at the beginning of the year, and several of the girls in my class held that belief.) My personal belief on the Bible is that it has many different points and meanings. I'm sorry to say that I haven't read all of the Bible yet, but I'm working on it. From what I have read, there are some parts that I'll read at one time, and I'll get one impression, then I read them another day and get very different impression. We're never going to have all of the answers, but trying to find them is part of the journey.And Amelia: Thank you so much for bringing up that whole thing about Catholicism and Mormonism being branches of Christianity. It's my pet peeve people say that Catholicism isn't part of Christianity (I'm not saying that that's what Jillian was trying to say). Catholics are Christians.
"Christianity is a relationship"
Well said, Hope! To me, believing in God is a relationship that is constantly changing (usually growing, though even setbacks generally turn around and become advancements in the end). It's not a perfect relationship, and I doubt it will ever be perfect, but that doesn't mean not to try to get it as close to perfect as possible.
And I'm a junior in high school. We aren't reading too many books this year, actually. Just three for summer reading and three during the school year. Pride and Prejudice was last year.
Wow!!! 100 books!! I don't even think I read that many in a year now, and I have all the time in the world!
~*Lady Ryoko*~ (Teresa) wrote: "I still don't agree with that. There are multiple religions who all believe in different things. It is not fair for us to say one religion is right and the other is wrong. None of us knows the abso..."That's okay :) I'm trying to back down and not sound so pushy, ha! But as a Christian, I think I kind of have to feel a certain way about it--it's been like hammered into me, haha. Yeah there are a lot of different ideas out there, and I respect that. Everybody has the freedom to believe what they choose, or not believe anything. That's what's so great about our country.
From my point of view, though, speaking honestly, the Christian faith is right. That's what the Bible says, and that's what other Christians need to realize (John 14:6). You don't have to be a Christian, though. That's your right. You can think that I'm totally full of crap, and that's okay. I don't mind :D
I hope that makes sense :)
100 books? Yikes! I wish we could choose our own books to study.
No you aren't being pushy. I would call this a discussion. And I definitely respect your beliefs. For me, personally, I just don't think there is a right and wrong answer.
~*Lady Ryoko*~ (Teresa) wrote: "No you aren't being pushy. I would call this a discussion. And I definitely respect your beliefs. For me, personally, I just don't think there is a right and wrong answer."And I respect you!
And Christopher Moore is still the King of Humor :DD
Somebody mentioned Their Eyes Were Watching God...that's my spring break assignment :(
It's hard to read--the dialects are really confusing!
I had to read it out loud in the airport yesterday, and people were giving me looks, like "ohh that poor girl who has to read out loud..." hahaha
Christopher Moore's new book comes out on the 23rd!! EEEP!
More dialect, noooooooooo! Oh well, how is the story itself? We Catholics are definitely Christians. We believe, or at least, most of us do, that the Bible is true (although not always the literal truth) and that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind.
I'm not Mormon, so I can't really speak for them.
my uncle & aunt are Catholic <3 :) My aunt, though, grew up COC, so I think that influences how she relates to certain things, though. And last year in class, my textbook says that there are 1 billion Catholics worldwide--so obviously, I bet there's a lot of diversity there, I guess similar to different types of Baptists (I'm SBC, the largest group). When we were in England, we went to a Catholic church in Portsmouth that did its service in Latin only--which sounded really cool, but kind of confusing at the same time, because I only understood fragments of it. I think that's called 'Tridentine'?
There were 2 girls in my school who were Mormon (2 in a class of 60), and I loved it when they'd talk about their religion--their churches are really pretty! There's one in San Diego, where I'm from, that is just gorgeous.
About the dialect--I don't know, I have a hard time with it. Like in Harry Potter where Fleur's all "eez deez" and whatever, haha I struggled with that! And like this book that I have to read has like "Ah" instead of "I" and I don't know, it's just confusing!
OMG I have trouble reading accents too!! (like with Fleur). I sometimes have to read it out loud and try my best to do the accent to understand it because I'll try to read it in my head with the accent but it just doesn't work. But sometimes its entertaining :-p
Amber, that message was for Amelia! haha, I'm not sure what you're talking about, but no worries!Geez, even 50 books is still a lot! Your school must have had high reading expectations, which isn't bad, but I think 50-100 books is a lot for 5th graders (and I'm a licensed educator, K-8 :-) )
~*Lady Ryoko*~ (Teresa) wrote: "Amber, that message was for Amelia! haha, I'm not sure what you're talking about, but no worries!Geez, even 50 books is still a lot! Your school must have had high reading expectations, which isn..."
ohhh do you teach elementary or ms?
teachers are fascinating!
I want to teach MS or HS...can't decide which :P
Haha, actually I teach pre-school!! After I went through all the schooling (5 years) and the semester of student teaching, I realized I really didn't want to teach. I mean, I love teaching and being with kids, but I hated doing all the extra work. I'd go home and be working til I went to bed. I don't want a job like that. So, right now I'm a substitute teacher in an Early Childhood Education program that serves kids from 16 months to 6 years. I love it! I've been there for nearly a year. I'm waiting for a full time position to open up! The teachers don't have to do a lot of at home work, so its a perfect place for me.
Which is fine, because during my 5th and final studying year of college, my college started an Early Childhood Education major... and I was mad because I would have majored in that instead of Elementary Ed. Oh well, I'm working in an ECE program now so its all good
~*Lady Ryoko*~ (Teresa) wrote: "OMG I have trouble reading accents too!! (like with Fleur). I sometimes have to read it out loud and try my best to do the accent to understand it because I'll try to read it in my head with the accent but it just doesn't work. But sometimes its entertaining :-p"
You know who likes to write with accents? Brian Jacques. He wrote all the Redwall books, which I read a few years ago. I had to read out loud to figure out what they were saying at times.
Jordan wrote: "~*Lady Ryoko*~ (Teresa) wrote: "OMG I have trouble reading accents too!! (like with Fleur). I sometimes have to read it out loud and try my best to do the accent to understand it because I'll try t..."oh em gee. I totally forgot that! I loved those books as a kid and had no trouble with them---maybe I got stupider as I got older? I'll have to read those again one of these days! I had a major mouse crush on Matthias & Martin :)
Geez, anyone knows that talented and gifted kids don't need MORE work, they just need work that's at their level. Sorry you had to deal with that Amber. As an educator (and fellow human being and once upon a time student ;) ) that makes me cringe.
I loved Matthias and Martin...And I went through GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) in elementary school. The work was at our level, but we also had MORE of it. Whose brilliant idea was that?
Kids/Teens Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder on the Orient Express (other topics)The Two Towers (other topics)
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (other topics)
Piranesi (other topics)
Red Queen (other topics)
More...
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)
More...
My English teacher last year made (and still does make) Harry Potter references occasionally.... This year my English teacher makes cool literary references a lot, but only a few of us get them. AND she loves Harry Potter.