Apparently, I've failed my children.

So my 13year-old daughter brings this book home (Twilight) and I notice right off it's gripping her. Awesome, I think to myself. She's read a few books here and there, but not like this. I mean she races through her homework and instead of the usual phone/internet/t.v. watching/hanging out with friends time, she plops on the couch and lets Twilight carry her away. She's even reading it in the car whenever we go somewhere.

Fantastic!

Here and there I ask her about it, watching her face light up as she discusses this character or that. I'm thrilled the reading bug has bitten.

When she finishes--in less than a week, which is amazing in comparison to her normal reads--I ask if I can read it. She forks it over, handling it like it's the holy grail, and tells me to take care of it--a cute trait that I am all to familiar with myself.

So after two days, I'm done. Now comes the hard part. After five-hundred pages, and a good twelve hours of my life passed by, I now worry that my daughter is special...mentally challenged.

I mean come on, we all seem to forgive J.K. Rowling for her lazy prose, because the brilliant, engaging story overshadows the plethora of adverbs, constant redundancies, and unnecessary dialogue tags. However, Twilight does not have a story/plot to allow for such a forgiving nature.

*Sigh* Yes, I'm glad my daughter has discovered the joy and stimulation reading brings. No, I'm not happy it comes in the form of shite. Twilight is bubble gum at bubble gum's worst: short-lived flavor to be chewed up and spat out. There are some brilliant Middle Grade and YA works of fiction out there, I'm sure, and this ain't one of 'em. And damnit, I'm now on a mission to find some for her.

Just as soon as we get back from having her I.Q. tested.

Lyx

Yeah, how quickly I forget, I, too, was once a seedling. It's still a hard swallow--the whole "Smartest, cutest, sweetest" child syndrome and all. You guys are right. Though I will most definitely be seeking out some solid, female YA for her to try.

Mmmnn, Pop Tarts. Forgot about those, too.

Lyx

Provrb1810meggy said:

Get her to read some E. Lockhart. Her books are girly YA, but they're also well written, intelligent, and thought-provoking.

I'm also reading WICKED LOVELY right now. I'm not finished with it, but it seems like the kind of thing that would appeal to TWILIGHT fans. I, personally, find it better written and more engrossing.

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Thanks for the recommends. I'll check them out. If you don't mind, could you define "Girly"? Seriously askin'. I'm looking for something where the mc is strong-willed, good-natured, and faces tough decisions, yet is still flawed/human.

Devil Ledbetter said:

Uh-oh. My 11-year-old daughter is crazy about Inkheart and Inkspell, and the Warrior Cat books. Now you've made me afraid to read them.

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Well, I think you're okay. I just scanned through the first ten pages or so on Amazon, and the writing is good. Great even.

Unfortunately, I think my DD has outgrown this type of story, though. Any recommendations? What, pray tell, was the awesome Devil Ledbetter reading in her early teens?

Thanks guys,

Lyx

Oh, Shhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaady? Calling Ms. Shady Lane to share what she may've been reading a few short years ago.

Lyx

Devil Ledbetter said:

I was heavily into Stephen King then. I was going to say, remember in the late seventies when he first got huge? but then I realized you would have been about two at the time.

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Thanks, Geezer. That's funny. I thought about Carrie but I think I'll give it a year or two on that one.

Now come over here and change me diapers and wash behind my ears. I promise, I'll help you with the Depends in about ten years.

Lyx

kellytijer said:

My daughter usually chooses the book form of whatever movie she just watched. She says she's reading, but I don't think so...

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Ah, that's when you pull the old switch-aroo and make her read the book before she can see the movie.

Lyx

Devil Ledbetter said:

I'd encourage you to let her choose her own reading material. Nothing turns kids off of reading faster than being told what they "should" read. Also, don't tell her you hated Twilight. Just be glad she's discovered the joy of reading.

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Most definitely. In fact, if anything, I plan to discuss it on her level: what were your favorite parts; who could you most relate to; seriously, are you special?

And no, I won't force any books on her. I think it's fantastic that we "shared" a read, and don't want to blow any semblance of a bond there. I will find something, though and drop enthusiastic hints that I "Loved" it, then see what happens from there.

Lyx

Joe270 said:

Just think, she'll be dating soon. Then we'll really see you go berserk.

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Blasphemer.

Lyx