Tolkien Reading Day, Judy Blume Is *Not* Too Tame, and Lucky Seven
es it's that time of year again: Tolkien Reading Day. I'm in the middle of rereading the second book of the History of Middle Earth, the Book of Lost Tales, Part Two. I love, especially, all the connections to Old English, which reminds me that these tales are part of the history of the British Isles. Well they are.Our local paper featured an article the other day called "Does Judy Blume matter anymore? Today's kids find her stories too tame."
While I understand that kids these days are exposed to life's so-called realities a lot earlier than they used to be, I object to the idea that "life is infinitely more complicated for girls today." It is not. Sure we have more activities, less chores, more distractions - especially online - but I hope that for girls under the age of 12, there are still friendships to be made, lessons to be learned, and new discoveries to be made every day. Given all that, any guideposts along the road, any nuggets of wisdom from books about characters who are struggling, have a value that can't be dismissed.
Candy Lynn tagged me in the Lucky 7!
"1. Go to page 77 of your current MS
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written. No cheating
4. Tag 7 authors
5. Let them know"
It's not easy finding page 77 on Scrivener. But once I've exported Rome, Rhymes and Risk into Word, I get:
Her hesitance must have shown in her face, for Cem insisted that she not risk further hurt.
"I am rather shaken," she admitted. "And my wrist aches, but I do not need my wrist to walk. I do not wish to [hinder] anyone else."
"Of course not," he agreed. "The others may go on, and I'll have the guide return and lead us at a more leisurely pace. Until then, I am willing to remain behind, so that you need not wait alone."
Now isn't that funny. This is the continuation of the same scene I used in part two of my Rule of Three blogfest story.
So what happens when Ayten and Cem are left alone on the side of the mountain? We shall see... This is about where I stopped editing two weeks ago and started completing the kilt hose. More on that soon.
I'll tag anyone who feels like sharing a snip - I hope you all do!
Comments
Btw, great article on Judy Blume's books. I read them when I was growing up and loved them. But, I've found that what I read as a 12-13 year old, the girls are reading the same books (including Blume) at the age of nine or so. At least when I worked in the library those were who checked out her books.
Intersting snippet from your WIP.
I love Scrivener, Candy! I guess you're right about Blume - girls who read her seem to get younger and younger...
Thanks Romance and Cherie!
As for Judy Blume books, I think parents should encourage their kids (esp girls) to read her stories. Facing your class with hidden insecurities threatening to 'out' you is a timeless issue. And being teased - or teasing - again, timeless. Although on the other hand...I remember reading 'Blubber'(please tell me this was a Judy Blume book...otherwise this will be embarassing...lol) because there was a curse word in the book! That was risque when I was young. No one cursed. You'd be eating soap if caught. Really. Now...I hear the f-bomb dropped almost daily as middle school students walk down my street.
Do you think that with smart phones, ipods, ipads, and laptops that youth are 'too connected' to want to 'unplug' - to take a step back and consider themselves and the world around them through the mirror of a story? I wonder.
I have a hard time getting my 15 year old to read. When he finds a novel he enjoys, he blows through it; however, it's hard to hit that magic formula that sucks him in.
Geez...I wrote a tome...sorry :}
And what a coincidence about the REN3 story. :)
"take a step back and consider themselves and the world around them through the mirror of a story?" - I hope so!! I love how reading lets me do that.
Coming by now, Susan!
I liked that coincidence, Eagle :-)
And can you tell us what the bracket around [hinder] is for?
Thank you so much Terry Lynn!