MG Monday: Restricting Reading

I don't want anyone to think I am jumping on the band wagon here. I just wanted to post my response to Lauren from I was a Teenage Book Geek as it would have taken up way too much space in the comment box.

Lauren did a most amazing post on Saturday regarding parents restricting their children's reading, read it here.

Firstly, let me state I do not agree with restricting reading in anyway. You have to consider that parents will know their children far better than anyone else and in that respect should have some input into what/what not their children should read. With that in mind:

Meet my children here.

My 10 year old is a voracious reader. She adores Twilight (yes, I have let her watch the movie) but I will not let here read the books (YET). I have explained to her that I do not think she is ready for the emotional intensity emanating from within the pages of Twilight. That in order for her to fully appreciate the books I would like her to wait a little bit. The suggested age I gave her was when she starts secondary school (making her approximately 12). As I explained this was for her benefit, she was quite happy to agree.

With Twilight in mind, I was quite shocked that in my library the series is restricted in age groups allowed to borrow it. The age group concerned includes the one I told my daughter would be the correct age to appreciate it. I enquired as to why there had been restrictions placed on the borrowing of Twilight. *I bet you are wondering too*. Apparently, there were complaints by a parent a few years ago regarding the content (what content) stating it was unsuitable for their child??? They even complained to the press!!! I would have asked them if they had read the book themselves in order to make that call. I agree that some children/young adults vary greatly in their emotionally maturity but to make a school restrict it for all of that age groups seem a bit of an over-reaction. Now, I have to tell any Year 7 & 8 that wants to borrow it, that they will need a note from their parent/guardian before I can let them have it. I do state that I do not understand it but I have to follow the regulations exactly the same as they do. To be honest it makes me feel really stupid having to enforce this restriction.

Another example of restricting reading with my own children involves my gorgeous middle girl (here). She is 8. The 10 year old loves scary stories especially Goosebumps she absolutely raves about them. So she persuaded her sister to read them. Believe we when I say they are like chalk and cheese, lol. Needless to say, she had nightmares after reading one book. Therefore, I have asked her not to read anymore of them in order to prevent nightmares. She completely agreed. I think this is fair. Do you agree????

One final thing regarding the 10 year old. We picked Timeriders up in the local library, when she got home and started reading it, she came back downstairs shortly after. She said "I don't think you want me to read t his Mum' 'Why?' 'Because it has some bad words in it' 'OK, you can read it if you want to but I don't want to hear you say those words.' 'No, I am not happy to read them at the moment, maybe when I am a bit older'.

I remember way back when I was a teenager I read some really trashy stuff, you know the type of thing Lace, millions of Jackie Collins. Compulsory reading at the time, lol. So who am I to restrict what my children read.

My advice; if you are concerned about the things your children read - read them yourself and discuss the points as to why you think it is unsuitable reading. You cant just restrict their reading without giving valid reasons, believe me this will just encourage them to read the banned stuff even more; encouraging them to keep secrets and behave furtively. I would rather have an open and honest relationship with my children, in the hope that they could discuss anything with me. Even come to me for book suggestions.

I hope I have made my position on restricting reading coherent. In a nutshell: if you have valid reasons for restricting a particular book and can explain to your child the reasons behind it - then fair enough. However, if you are just restricting the reading because of other peoples opinions and do not have the insight to be able to explain the ban succinctly - then think again.

In My Mailbox #21

Again this weeks IMM shows the generosity of the whole book community. Hugs all around. You guys rock my world. All links lead to Amazon so you too can enjoy the books ;)

Hosted by the wonderful Story Siren.

From Amazon - I love pre-orders especially when you get them early ;)

Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

From the most lovely Lynsey Newton at UK Book Tours

Awakened by Ednah Walters

 

From the lovely Lyndsey from Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. Thank you for sharing with me Lyns.

Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey
(The Drake Chronicles - gosh I love this series)

From Jenny at Wondrous Reads. Big hugs. Look at the gorgeous swag, beautiful isn't it : D

Frightfully Friendly Ghosties: Ghost Holler-day by Daren King (obviously for the girlies *hmm maybe not*)

Fallout by Ellen Hopkins

(Crank blew me away - really it should be required reading at secondary school)

See this lovely pile of books. They are all from the gorgeous Luisa Plaja for the library. Can you believe it - awesome or what???? I am starting to get to know the readers and believe me I am so excited to see their faces when I take these in. Luisa here is my daily 'I love you' - hugs and kisses.

Swapped by a Kiss by Luisa Plaja

Extreme Kissing by Luisa Plaja - review here

The Book of Bones by Natasha Narayan

Troubadour by Mary Hoffman

Dead Man's Cove by Lauren St John

Death in the Desert by Jim Eldridge

Fantastic - *jumps about with joy*

OK so my daughter didnt exactly come through my mailbox but I had to include her. Her class went on a school trip to St Fagans on Friday. They had a Victorian school re-enactment and had to dress up as Victorians. Doesn't she look cute : D

Saturday Spotlight : Blogger Interview: Jenny from Wondrous Reads

We all know the world famous, much quoted; wonder that is Jenny from Wondrous Reads. (See the pun)

Just for the record please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 23 from Stockport, near Manchester. I used to work as a bookseller at Borders. I love Buffy, Twilight, vampires, movies, TV, and music. And books, of course!

How does it feel to be quoted?

Pretty amazing! Every time it happens, I get really excited and ring my mum straight away. I never expect it, but it’s really cool that publishers do that.

I have to add the Jenny recently attended John Green's event in London - when it was Jenny's turn the man himself said 'Are you Jenny the famous blogger?' Wow - how awesome is that. Check out Jenny's post here.

You used to work for Borders, how do you feel about the book retail business in this country at the moment?

Obviously it could be better because, since Borders closed at Christmas, there are now only 2 big chains that sell books – Waterstone’s and WH Smith. WH Smith seems to be expanding their book sections, which is great, and Waterstone’s are the same as always. I miss Borders a lot - I think it’s the best job I’ll ever have.

Update: Jenny has a job for the Christmas season at WH Smith. Well done Jenny, I for one am hoping they realise what a terrific asset you will be to them and offer you a permanent position. GOOD LUCK.

I miss Borders too :(

How would you like to see the book retail industry develop in this country? I really think they should hire you as a buyer.

Ha! Thanks. I’ll send that comment to some people really high up in the retail business! I don’t personally think the UK will see much of a growth in book retail, as the Internet is taking over everything. If a new company set up, it’d probably end up in the same situation as Borders, and I wouldn’t like anyone to go through that. Maybe more independent bookshops are the way forward – they seem to work really well in the US.

I am hoping to interview some local indie book store owners so I will let you know their thoughts.

Have you always been interested in reading? What got you seriously started?

I’ve always read, ever since I could. I started with picture books picked by my mum (ones with lots of tiny talking animals), and then moved on to things like The Famous Five. I still love those books even now, Enid Blyton is amazing. From there I just carried on reading, all through secondary school and college. My mum and dad always encouraged reading, though it didn’t work with my younger sister – she’s only read about 3 books in 20 years! I can’t ever imagine not reading… how weird would that be?!

It always amazes me how different siblings are. I hear a lot about incentives for reluctant readers but I think it is an individual thing like sport, you either like it, are indifferent or hate it. Most importantly you need to try it before you make that decision.

How would you encourage others to read if you were in my position within a school library?

Recommend as much as you can, and start book clubs! I ran a teen book club at Borders, and it was really good – we talked about books and just generally promoted reading. I imagine school libraries are quite tricky, as not every student will want to be there. But with your knowledge, you can strike up conversations and get them talking about books they love.

Fab idea about the book club - Thanks Jenny.




How do you feel the blogging community is developing? I have noticed an influx of bloggers since I started in January.

From a UK perspective, there seems to be a new blogger every other week. It’s great! When I started blogging in January 2008, I think there were only about 4 or 5 of us from England – Sophie from So Many Books, So Little Time. Chicklish, and Liz from My Favourite Books are who stick in my mind most. Since then, there’s been a lot of new bloggers, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them all. Blogging is definitely getting more popular in the UK, and I think we’re getting more recognition for what we do.

Always a good thing. Plus the benefit to the authors and publishers with the extra publicity/promotion for the books.

How did you get started in the blogging world?

How did I get started? Good question – I’m trying to remember! I just randomly came home from work one day, and wanted all my reviews (that I was posting on Amazon) to be in one place. So I started Wondrous Reads. From there I just wrote lots of reviews, followed loads of US blogs and got to know other bloggers through commenting. Then I joined Twitter in July 2009 (I think), and got talking to more bloggers and authors that way. And the rest, they say, is history!

You are very organised – do you have any organisational tips?

I might seem organised, but I have a huge list of reviews to write – about 14, I think. That would be my tip, actually: make lists. I have lists everywhere – on my phone, on paper on my desk, in my head… lists of reviews I need to write, books published in a certain month, titles I want etc. I’m quite an organised person anyway; I don’t really know any other way to do things!

Brilliant idea - will make a list of the lists I need to write : D




For those that don't know Jenny, she is the worlds number one Buffy fan, her collection has even been featured in Sci-Fi magazine. So I set her the hard question....Buffy in no more than 5 words?

The...best...show...ever...made.

LOL

Twilight books or movie? I would go for both. Mainly because *hangs head in shame* I didn’t read the books until after I saw the movie.

While I do love the films (a lot – I live in the cinema when they’re out, and I go to 2 conventions a year). I prefer the books. I don’t think they’ve quite captured the feel of the books on the big screen, and it’s always usually the same – books are better than the films. I first read the books in September 2007, around 15 months before the movie came out, and so they’ll always come first. I know some people hate them, but I’m not ashamed to say I absolutely LOVE them!

Oh me too. The Twilight Saga is the reason I got back into reading after having the children. So really Stephanie Meyer changed my life : D


Another hard task for Jenny - Vampires in no more than 5 words?

The...most...fascinating...fictional...creatures.

Jenny - I love the way you write.

When did the vampire love begin and why?

Oh, this is an easy one – with Buffy! Well, actually, I suppose you could say it started when I read Goosebumps: Vampire Breath when I was about 10. Then in May 1998, when I’d just turned 11, my dad told me Buffy was on Sky TV. It was Season 2 Episode 7 – ‘Lie to Me’ – and I loved every minute. I quickly got completely obsessed, and it’s never gone away – I collect everything I can, and have seen every episode well over 100 times each. Don’t get me talking about Buffy, or I will be here forever!!

Around the same time, my dad gave me his 1970s copy of I Am Legend by Richard Matheson read Jenny's review here. At the time, it was the best book I’d ever read (it’s still in my top 3 now) and it really cemented my love for vampires. They’re fascinating!

Is there someone you really admire and why?

Well, aside from my parents, I’d have to say Markus Zusak. I admire him for writing a story like The Book Thief, and for showing people a true vision of WWII and the Holocaust. I also admire Joss Whedon cause, y’know, he’s a genius. Oh! And Sarah Michelle Gellar, ‘cause she’s a phenomenal actress.

That is wonderful that you admire your parents (you made me fill-up). I see a theme with Joss Whedon And Sarah Michelle Gellar, lol.

What would you ask yourself in an interview?

Argh, that’s a hard one. Erm… who would win in a fight between Angel and Edward Cullen? (For the record, my money’s on Angel - he’s a badass vampire, even when he’s got a soul. Edward may look pretty, but he’s no match for the Whedonverse Vamps!).

Ha, ha that is funny but dont forget that Edward would be able to read Angels mind : D


Do you have any tips or advice you would like to share?

If you’re a blogger, make sure you enjoy yourself. Try not to get stressed out with it, and just do what’s right for you. And if you’re not a blogger, here’s my advice to you: If you haven’t yet seen them, buy or rent the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel DVD box-sets. You won’t regret it, and you can thank me later. ;-)

Thanks for having me, Emma. Grr Argh!

Wow Jenny. Your answers to my random questions were just amazing. Thank you so much for letting me harass you. I giggled and almost cried while editing your interview.

If you havent yet visited Jenny's blog then you MUST do so NOW!!!!

Review: A Bad Boy can be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

Synopsis: From Amazon

Josie, Nicolette and Aviva are three very different girls who all meet the same bad boy with an irresistible knack for getting into their blood and under their skin. Each is sure that she can keep a cool head about him, but how much are they really in control? A critical and word-of-mouth success in the US, this is a compulsive read that opens up the questions about love and sex that every girl needs to know.



Review:
For anyone that isn't aware this is a verse novel. I really enjoy verse novels as the writing has to convey a myriad of meaning in a short space. Giving the narrative a multidimensional quality.

There are three sections of the story, each written in first person narrative but from the perspective of three different girls. The female protagonists are all completely different, from their backgrounds socially and economically to their outlooks on life, family, friendships, etc. In some ways you can see why they have made specific choices due to these factors; and why ultimately they all have different attitudes to sex. The three separate stories are wrapped together with the common thread of the 'bad boy'.

Judy Blume's Forever is incorporated into the narrative as a guide for those embarking on a physical relationship, adding depth to the storyline. I have not read this book but will certainly be hunting it out now.

The storyline shows how easy it is for teenage girls to be manipulated into a physical relationship. Showing how despicable some boys can be in their pursuit of conquests. I really came to despise the boy portrayed in this story. He prayed on the girls like a spider with a fly; charismatic and charming with a scary believability until he gets what he wants. A Jekyll and Hyde scenario if you will, with sex as the catalyst. Showing that a physical relationship is not something to be rushed into. You need to make sure you are mentally mature as well as physically in order to deal with the roller-coaster of emotions involved.

The book itself is visually powerful with the first and last pages showing the hand written notes added to the copy of Forever. Adding impact to the morale of the story. Which is RESPECT YOURSELF. Don't be coerced into doing something you aren't ready for. There are physical and mental repercussions from these decisions that need to be considered before jumping into something you might later regret.

A recommended read for the mid teen age group. A quick read, it really does make you think twice about rushing into things when you are not able to deal with the consequences.

Thursday Tunes: Book Theme Songs #2

Although I did a Fallen Angel Play-list last week. This song just jumped out at me as a theme song for Crescendo.

Synopsis:

Nora should know better than to think her life can return to normal after falling in love with a fallen angel. And Nora's life isn't normal - her dad was murdered, and the facts about his death just don't add up. Now Nora's own life is in imminent danger. Are she and Patch strong enough for the battle ahead?

Not only should you listen to the lyrics but this was made by The Patch Productions - see why I had to use this video.

Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Synopsis: From Amazon

Nora should know better than to think her life can return to normal after falling in love with a fallen angel. And Nora's life isn't normal - her dad was murdered, and the facts about his death just don't add up. Now Nora's own life is in imminent danger. Are she and Patch strong enough for the battle ahead?




Review:
I actually enjoyed this book more than Hush, Hush although I liked the first book I wasn't overly animated by the characters. In Crescendo however, the insight into the characters personalities and interactions took the plot to another level. All the characters had strong personalities and were well rounded.

As I have come to expect from Hush, Hush there is a great deal of innuendo and double entendre used. I did giggle to myself at this and can complete relate it to the age group portrayed in the story.

Becca Fitzpatrick's writing is richly descriptive and dramatic making the imagery easy to conjure within the imagination. The tension woven into the narrative was nail biting from the beginning.

Tantalising plot teasers, along with a few red herrings, are placed throughout, really keeping the reader guessing as to which direction the storyline will take.

I really liked how Nora was portrayed as a 'normal' 16 year old girl coping with her first 'proper' relationship. The see-saw of emotions, along with the emotional immaturity most 16 year old have (although I am sure they will disagree). Sometimes Nora's reactions to situations were extreme; emphasizing her emotional immaturity. The reader is able to empathize to a certain degree, most importantly the reader is left with the thought that Nora's reactions are in a way her own way, attempts to try to make situations better, although this is not necessarily what occurs.

Different aspects of the plot are shown in varying ways, the use of flashbacks and recaps providing a deeper understanding. Giving focus to aspects that may have otherwise been overlooked. One of these aspect that stood out for me; was the way in which different religions were portrayed to show how their belief systems parallel.

There are some shocking twists; one of which explained why there are some people you instinctively take a dislike to - this I found very interesting.

Crescendo really is the right title for this book; I could almost hear the cymbals crashing together as the full extent of the plot was revealed. There was a jaw-dropping cliffhanger of an ending. Although I had issues with the genealogy and blood lines depicted within the plot; I was able to ignore them due to Patch's of the charts sizzle factor *swoon*.

On the whole a great sequel that hooks the reader to the series.

Trailer Tuesday: Fallen Angel Love Continued

My love of all things angels continues. Jenny from Wondrous Reads is the Vampire Girls, Carla from The Crooked Shelf is the Wolf Girl maybe I can be Emma from Asamum Booktopia the Angel Girl *grins*

I have read Crescendo and am chomping to get my hands on Halo. Someone really needs to feed my angel love : D