Who ever said kids don't read enough these days?

[G01]

People need to encourage their kids to read more. This is ridiculous. Whether you're a fan or not, by the time you're a teenager you should have at least heard of the Narnia books. Check my signature for the quote:

 

[DaveC426913]

Well, I can't see your sig, so...

 

[Cyrus]

I HATED reading as a kid. I would rather have done anything else -All the way up until high school.

 

[allanworks]

yea i hated reading to .the only thing i read was dads girly mags .i was spanked when i got caught. now i don't read any thing unless its on the computer .

 

[siddharth]

People need to encourage their kids to read more. This is ridiculous. Whether you're a fan or not, by the time you're a teenager you should have at least heard of the Narnia books.

Why? I don't think there's anything really special about the Narnia books. I didn't like the Narnia books when I read it. Loved the Dark Materials trilogy though.

 

[ice109]

i hadn't heard of any of c.s. lewis's trash by the time i was a teenager but i had read all of dostoevsky's books

 

[arunma]

Whether your a fan of C.S. Lewis or not, you have to admit that the quote that is now my signature has to be one of the biggest insults to 20th century literature that has ever been uttered. People need to encourage their kids to read more. This is ridiculous. Whether you're a fan or not, by the time you're a teenager you should have at least heard of the Narnia books.

Well, on the surface it does look pretty bad, but give the kid some credit. Maybe he's just not well-versed in Lewis and other authors of that genre. When I was a kid I read a lot, but almost every book I read was about physics, biology, or astronomy. In retrospect I wish I'd read C.S. Lewis (the upside is that I get to read all his books for the first time...when I get arund to it). But to be fair, I as a highly literate ten year old would have had no idea who C.S. Lewis is.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

i hadn't heard of any of c.s. lewis's trash by the time i was a teenager but i had read all of dostoevsky's books

Similar here. I didn't read all of Dostoevsky, but I did read 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', and 'The Brothers Karamazov' as a teenager and never heard of Narnia until I was in my 50s when the movie came out. I can't say if Lewis' writing is trash though as I have not read any of his books.

 

[ice109]

it's christian propaganda

 

[G01]

Well, on the surface it does look pretty bad, but give the kid some credit. Maybe he's just not well-versed in Lewis and other authors of that genre. When I was a kid I read a lot, but almost every book I read was about physics, biology, or astronomy. In retrospect I wish I'd read C.S. Lewis (the upside is that I get to read all his books for the first time...when I get arund to it). But to be fair, I as a highly literate ten year old would have had no idea who C.S. Lewis is.

O.K. This is a good point, but still. Who assumes that the book's are made from movies? Or that they are written together? Does that ever happen? As far as I see it, this kid should at least have the common sense to see that the book is usually made before the movie.

 

[G01]

Why? I don't think there's anything really special about the Narnia books. I didn't like the Narnia books when I read it. Loved the Dark Materials trilogy though.

I'm in the middle of the Dark Materials Trilogy myself. I'm really enjoying it. Can't believe I didn't read it before this. I don't think the movie did the first book justice though.

 

[G01]

Similar here. I didn't read all of Dostoevsky, but I did read 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', and 'The Brothers Karamazov' as a teenager and never heard of Narnia until I was in my 50s when the movie came out. I can't say if Lewis' writing is trash though as I have not read any of his books.

I think Lewis is a good writer, but his books are definitely Christian allegory. So, if that bothers you, you may not enjoy the books. When I did read the books, I didn't think the allegory would be something children could pick up on. I think I didn't see the allegory until I reread them as an adult.

 

[turbo]

I loved to read as a kid, and when I was 10, my parents bought a big old ramshackle place from a widower. A walk-in closet just big enough to hold a dresser and a bed became my bedroom, and that closet had a little alcove that wrapped over the stair-well, and it was full of books. Not just any books, but classics by Dickens, Twain, Verne, Hawthorn, Melville, etc. The books came from some kind of "classic" book club and were bound similarly. It took me years to get through them all.

 

[Moridin]

As in the books chalk full of Christian symbolism and apologetics? You might as well stuff Mere Christianity in their face.

Thank goodness for His Dark Materials, no propaganda there, except analogies and symbolism with the Magisterium, the rejection of religion by the characters and the killing of the The Authority's Regent, and the Authority himself.

 

[arunma]

O.K. This is a good point, but still. Who assumes that the book's are made from movies? Or that they are written together? Does that ever happen? As far as I see it, this kid should at least have the common sense to see that the book is usually made before the movie.

Well...again just to be fair, sometimes books do come out alongside movies. They did it with a few of the recent Star Trek movies. And often times, many movies will also have a novelization that comes out along with the film. For whatever reason I've had "The Cable Guy" in my bookshelf (haven't read it, don't plan to) for over ten years. Can't remember where/why I got it...

I think Lewis is a good writer, but his books are definitely Christian allegory. So, if that bothers you, you may not enjoy the books. When I did read the books, I didn't think the allegory would be something children could pick up on. I think I didn't see the allegory until I reread them as an adult.

Same here. I remember one summer after first grade, I was in a summer school, and they showed us the cartoon version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I didn't pick up the Biblical allusions either. Granted, at the time I hadn't read the Bible (I don't think I even knew what it was), so this isn't surprising. But it was funny when a couple years ago I saw the film and immediately had an "oh yeah!" moment.

 

[arunma]

Thank goodness for His Dark Materials, no propaganda there, except analogies and symbolism with the Magisterium, the rejection of religion by the characters and the killing of the The Authority's Regent, and the Authority himself.

Well, I'm not sure about that. I'd say that this series of books is essentially atheist propaganda. Of course now we're getting into the issue of whether we should be using the term "propaganda" in the perjorative sense of the word. Is there really anything wrong with propagating one's worldview by means of allegory?

 

[Moridin]

Well, I'm not sure about that. I'd say that this series of books is essentially atheist propaganda. Of course now we're getting into the issue of whether we should be using the term "propaganda" in the perjorative sense of the word. Is there really anything wrong with propagating one's worldview by means of allegory?

Note that I was trying to be sarcastic. It is obvious that the series have some critique of religion embedded in them. I am all for propagating one's world view in one's writing.

 

[Evo]

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was one of my favorite books as a child. And you're right G01, it's just a story to a child, unless they are intentionally told there is some hidden meaning, they aren't going to think of it as anything more than a story.

 

[moose]

I never liked reading. Still don't. The only times I read actual books are when I am on an airplane and when it's for a class. I do enjoy it most of the time, but it's not something I would do in my free time.

 

[DaveC426913]

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was one of my favorite books as a child. And you're right G01, it's just a story to a child, unless they are intentionally told there is some hidden meaning, they aren't going to think of it as anything more than a story.

I loved the story but did not know it was an allegory until adulthood. Big deal. So is The Matrix.

 

[arunma]

I loved the story but did not know it was an allegory until adulthood. Big deal. So is The Matrix.

Yeah...except the Matrix had to have crappy sequels.

 

[Oerg]

Yeah...except the Matrix had to have crappy sequels.

Hollywood is all about commercialisation, they had to cash in on this gold mine.

 

[arildno]

"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was one of my favorite books as a child. And you're right G01, it's just a story to a child, unless they are intentionally told there is some hidden meaning, they aren't going to think of it as anything more than a story.

Lewis' stories stand by their own, irrespective the Christian allusions in it, apart from the final book. (Not Magician's Nephew, but "The Last stand" or something).

Pullman's trilogy becomes rather a rant in the 3rd volume, the first two are quite good.

 

[Oerg]

i lost interest in reading after i was forced to go through a literary text for literature.

 

[DaveC426913]

... i was forced to go through a literary text for literature.

What does this mean?

 

[G01]

What does this mean?

I'm not sure, but I think he was saying that he hated reading ever since he was forced to read in school.

 

[binzing]

First, I've always loved reading and by the second grade, was reading at a 12th grade level, so don't be labeling kids. Second, I once started a Narnia book, but ended up being bored with it, which is quite a rare relationship between me and a book (except for the Silmariliion, especially considering I trudged through "Prince and the Pauper" as a 3rd grader. Third, don't bash the Dark Materials books, there well-written and have a good storyline. They weren't even controversial until the movie came out.

 

[binzing]

We should start a "good books that you may not have read, thread". Until that time, another bunch of books that are really good, but may be controversial if made into a movie are those by Garth Nix. Can't remember the series name, but they're all good.

 

[Zantra]

It troubles me that so many people nowadays are "bored" with reading. I think kids today are spoiled by DVD's and the internet. I read voraciously as a child. It's fast becoming a lost art, in favor of digital media- it's shame, because it detracts from our imagination and ability to reason, interpret, and be creative. Yes CS Lewis is an allegory, and so is the Golden compass trilogy, LOTR, and every other classic fantasy series. That doesn't mean it doesn't provide entertainment. Politcal agendas are unimportant to a young child seeking adventures of the mind, and I as I recall, the magical places Lewis Tolkein and others took me as a child make any subtle agendas not worth mentioning. I'm sure some may disagree, but I think reading forces us to think instead of handing us our thoughts on a screen or a monitor.

Books are the doors of the mind. But enough about my soapbox...

 

[binzing]

Lewis Tolkien? Last time I checked it was John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, and last time I checked, people that have been dead 30+ years don't change their name to Lewis. LOL just givin you a hard time, but yeah I find it amazing how many of my peers can't or don't read, even kids in my gifted classes!

 

[JasonRox]

I've never heard of any of the books mentionned.

 

[Evo]

I think one of the problems is that not enough parents take the time anymore to read good books to their children. I'm not talking about a 5 minute Dr Seuss book, but reading something with a good story and characters. My mother read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to me when I was 4-5 years old. If as a parent you don't get your kids interested in more in depth books by reading them to them when they are little, many will not know how enjoyable they are and want to continue. If all you read to your children are fluffy litttle stories (although I love Dr Seuss type books) once the child is old enough to read on their own, these stories are too simple and they will be less likely to seek out more complex books.

I wholeheartedly agree with Zantra, there is no substitute for the creative thinking that reading develops in young children. Too many parents would rather pop in a DVD and let someone else do their children's imagining for them. This ties into the recent research that has shown that children that are brainfed with audio and visual CD's & DVD's (like Baby Einstein) have smaller vocabularies than children that are not subjected to them. The lack of human interaction at such a young age is probably the culprit. A baby can't interact with a CD.

 

[AmberCam]

It troubles me that so many people nowadays are "bored" with reading... I'm sure some may disagree, but I think reading forces us to think instead of handing us our thoughts on a screen or a monitor.

Books are the doors of the mind. But enough about my soapbox...

ooops duplicated - see post below

 

[AmberCam]

It troubles me that so many people nowadays are "bored" with reading... I'm sure some may disagree, but I think reading forces us to think instead of handing us our thoughts on a screen or a monitor.

Books are the doors of the mind. But enough about my soapbox...

I was never interested in reading as a child - the only books I read were the ones that were compulsory at school - but I rarely finished them either...consequently I failed English.

But when it comes to radical thinking I rate high and I attribute this largely to not having been influenced too much by other peoples ideas and imaginations.

I think if a child is not interested in reading (and no physical/physiological reason is found s.a. dyslexia, illiteracy) then there should be no pressure on that child to read - they will find there own means of enrichment.

But when it comes to research: books/the written word are indispensible.

 

[Huckleberry]

I was a voracious reader as a child. Mom would read to me and soon I was finding my own books to read myself. From high school through my time in the military I read a book, of my own accord, every month or two. I slowed down after leaving the military just because I was very busy with work and school. Then I got my computer and I rarely read anything. Ironically, the last book I read was The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis about half a year ago.

I have the feeling that libraries will be knocked down and turned into Walmarts and parking lots.

 

[Moonbear]

I'm in the middle of the Dark Materials Trilogy myself. I'm really enjoying it. Can't believe I didn't read it before this. I don't think the movie did the first book justice though.

I'm reading them now too. Never heard of them until the movie came out, but when I heard such controversy of people vehemently trying to get others to not see it, I figured I had to read the books and find out if they were as good as the controversy made me think they might be. I have purposely chosen not to see the movie so I won't ruin the books.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the books, and I think much of the controversy is that people just don't understand what they're really about. Other than having a small child or children on sort of an epic quest with talking animals, I don't see much similarity to Narnia at all...it's way better. Anyone who is comparing it to children's books is really not understanding the book at all. I don't think I'd hand those books to anyone younger than 14 or 15. Understanding the book requires some understanding of science, politics, religion, and even the language used is not at a child's reading level. I think it would ruin the story to read it before you can appreciate all the depth of meaning within it.

As for kids not having heard of the Narnia series, when I was a kid, I knew about The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but did not know there was an entire series of books. And when I read that book, I didn't even "get" it, so wouldn't have likely read the others if I knew about them anyway. I read the series as an adult, and they made a lot more sense, because I understood the Biblical references. At the age of 10 or so, I was probably working my way through the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series.

 

[jim mcnamara]

Reading is not a necessarily personal experience thing. Its more of a life skill.

For me, it's just as much about 'keeping up with the Joneses' in the sense of communicating. The folks I hang out with do know Ophelia from Lady of Shallot (See Evo's 1888 Waterhouse avatar). And those kinds of references convey long-sentence-meanings in one word. As does Evo's avatar. And JW did Ophelia also. Twice.

Posters here on PF seldom make reference to anything historical or literary -- the only scientific figure from history with frequent mentiobn is Darwin.

I don't play the reference card out of deference to the crowd - mostly 'cause I'd lose the under-20 types when I'm trying to answer a question.

It may very well be that I've been around for so long I got the chance to read stuff they may actually read when tidal hormones subside, so I should cut the young'uns a break.

 

[Moonbear]

Note that I was trying to be sarcastic. It is obvious that the series have some critique of religion embedded in them. I am all for propagating one's world view in one's writing.

Actually, while there's some critique, it's not what the press would have you think that it's "atheist propaganda" either. In fact, the story revolves strongly around faith and beliefs and the existence of souls and higher powers, but what it is rejecting is the abuse of religious authority to promote political agendas.

 

[jim mcnamara]

Moonbear - that's how I read it, too.

I think a lot of Science background-types have a single negative gut reaction to religion because of Fundmentalists and their attempts at diddling with Science. Anything that appears anti-religion in a story for them comes to the foreground. And equals good.

 

[binzing]

I'm reading them now too. Never heard of them until the movie came out, but when I heard such controversy of people vehemently trying to get others to not see it, I figured I had to read the books and find out if they were as good as the controversy made me think they might be. I have purposely chosen not to see the movie so I won't ruin the books.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the books, and I think much of the controversy is that people just don't understand what they're really about. Other than having a small child or children on sort of an epic quest with talking animals, I don't see much similarity to Narnia at all...it's way better. Anyone who is comparing it to children's books is really not understanding the book at all. I don't think I'd hand those books to anyone younger than 14 or 15. Understanding the book requires some understanding of science, politics, religion, and even the language used is not at a child's reading level. I think it would ruin the story to read it before you can appreciate all the depth of meaning within it.

As for kids not having heard of the Narnia series, when I was a kid, I knew about The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but did not know there was an entire series of books. And when I read that book, I didn't even "get" it, so wouldn't have likely read the others if I knew about them anyway. I read the series as an adult, and they made a lot more sense, because I understood the Biblical references. At the age of 10 or so, I was probably working my way through the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series.

Yeah, they are really good aren't they? And there's even history put into them. When it starts talking about the Tartars, its talking about Russians. I found on an old map of the world that Russia was once Tartaria. Anyways, they are very well-written and don't push atheism or slam Christianity IMO.

 

[GeorginaS]

Other than having a small child or children on sort of an epic quest with talking animals, I don't see much similarity to Narnia at all...it's way better. Anyone who is comparing it to children's books is really not understanding the book at all. I don't think I'd hand those books to anyone younger than 14 or 15.

His Dark Materials were written as Young Adult novels, Moonbear, and not children's books. So introducing them to 14 or 15 year-olds to read idea is spot-on.

I didn't know that about the books when I first read The Golden Compass, and I think that was a big factor in turning me off from reading the rest of the series. I'd heard about the series on a literature site long before the movie came out and was disappointed by the simplicity of the language. I was expecting far more from the writing, (because of the site I'd heard about them from) although, I suppose, if I went back and approached the books again as YA fiction, maybe they'd annoy me less. I'm not much of a fantasy genre reader in the first place, so The Golden Compass didn't catch my imagination.

Oddly, for all of the C.S. Lewis I've read, I've never read the Narnia series. They weren't at my disposal or brought to my attention as a kid, and it was only recently I stumbled onto the knowledge that this Lewis fellow -- whose work I'd read so much of -- wrote The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I suppose, just for the sake of cultural references, I should likely read the books. I was more a Nancy Drew/Bobbsey Twins fan as a kid too.

And I've always, always had a passion for reading, even if it was cereal boxes or shampooing instructions on the side of bottles.

 

[Moonbear]

His Dark Materials were written as Young Adult novels, Moonbear, and not children's books. So introducing them to 14 or 15 year-olds to read idea is spot-on.

Ah, that explains it. I had heard people ranting about the movie, talking about the books as if they were children's books.

I didn't know that about the books when I first read The Golden Compass, and I think that was a big factor in turning me off from reading the rest of the series. I'd heard about the series on a literature site long before the movie came out and was disappointed by the simplicity of the language. I was expecting far more from the writing, (because of the site I'd heard about them from) although, I suppose, if I went back and approached the books again as YA fiction, maybe they'd annoy me less. I'm not much of a fantasy genre reader in the first place, so The Golden Compass didn't catch my imagination.

Yeah, I can see that happening. And, I think they're more fun for me to read because I had so much lower expectations than what they are. I had heard so many people referring to them in the same category as Harry Potter and Narnia that I was expecting very simple books. Mostly, I got the books because I really wanted to see if these "anti-religion" themes that had people screaming and protesting were really there...as suspected, the people ranting about the books have likely never read them, or entirely missed the point. It makes it a little more fun for me to read that we had discussed the Multiple Universe Hypothesis around here not long ago, and that forms much of the foundation of the theme to the book. I also get a giggle that in the world that the main character comes from, they call physics "Experimental Theology," and their instrumentation is called "Philosophical Instruments." Zz would have a conniption fit! But that's kind of the point, that in our world (introduced in the second book), those things are separate from science, while in this alternate world, science never separated from religion and philosophy.

And I've always, always had a passion for reading, even if it was cereal boxes or shampooing instructions on the side of bottles.

Me too.