[weazletoe]

I will not judge my friend, I will not judge my friend...., as long as it is not illegal porn I got your back!

We may need to have a talk, then. I'll text you later.

[duboman]

My daughter is in 5th grade, aged 10, turning 11 in a few months.  She is an advanced reader - probably on a 10th grade reading level.  She loves to read and has asked to read these books.  I noted the movie was rated pg-13 and I would not object to her watching it based on that, but I am curious from people who have read the books (or at least the first book), would it be age appropriate to let an 11 year old read them?  Other potential useful information, her reading comprehension skills are excellent, she is a little used to bad words so no concern there.  I would like to avoid any sex scenes in the book.  As for the violence.. and I am sure there is plenty based on the premise...  I am a bit unsure of how bad it actually is.  I would take any advice or thoughts given by people who have read them.

My son wanted to read these and he too is advanced in reading. After speaking with several people he read them when he was 9-10 and loved them, read all three in a span of 2 1/2 weeks! Then I read them and loved them. While there is violence it's not over the top and it is a book so it's up to the kid to visualize what they are reading, I'd say go for it!

[morticaixavier]

My daughter is in 5th grade, aged 10, turning 11 in a few months.  She is an advanced reader - probably on a 10th grade reading level.  She loves to read and has asked to read these books.  I noted the movie was rated pg-13 and I would not object to her watching it based on that, but I am curious from people who have read the books (or at least the first book), would it be age appropriate to let an 11 year old read them?  Other potential useful information, her reading comprehension skills are excellent, she is a little used to bad words so no concern there.  I would like to avoid any sex scenes in the book.  As for the violence.. and I am sure there is plenty based on the premise...  I am a bit unsure of how bad it actually is.  I would take any advice or thoughts given by people who have read them.

I am always a little astonished by this attitude. Perhaps you can explain your thought process to me. You are more willing to allow your 11 year old to read about violence than sex. why?

I am not trying to be judgemental in any way. I am just curious.

[loopy]

I am always a little astonished by this attitude. Perhaps you can explain your thought process to me. You are more willing to allow your 11 year old to read about violence than sex. why?

I do get where your coming from on this.  sex is a natural act that all mammals do, violence is a destructive act that shows complete lack of self control and in general is harmful to everyone involved. 

However, violence is part of our culture.  She has been exposed to violence on tv, it's not a new thing to her.  We have talked about violence and appropriate behavior and she understands that movie violence is just movie bulls***.  She has no exposure to sex or seeing it graphically.  She is 10, and it's not something I want her to be exposed to other than a biology or anatomy scientific approach. 

There is nothing wrong with sex, we have had discussions (mostly her moms job), and I have always been honest answering her questions but never particularly descriptive with her.  I want to avoid her reading graphic sex scenes because I don't want her getting the wrong ideas about sex in general. 

I shudder to think of her reading some books I have read that are not dirty, but have graphic highly descriptive descriptions of sex..  especially when they are in rather non-healthy relationships  .. even old Koontz and Palinuick are like that. 

My son wanted to read these and he too is advanced in reading. After speaking with several people he read them when he was 9-10 and loved them, read all three in a span of 2 1/2 weeks! Then I read them and loved them. While there is violence it's not over the top and it is a book so it's up to the kid to visualize what they are reading, I'd say go for it!

looks like I just need to read them myself and make a decision. 

Thanks!

[tschmidlin]

However, violence is part of our culture.  She has been exposed to violence on tv, it's not a new thing to her.  We have talked about violence and appropriate behavior and she understands that movie violence is just movie bulls***.

Take the same approach about sex and she'll be fine.

[weazletoe]

FWIW, the is no sex in the book. A few kisses exchanged, but nothing more.

[morticaixavier]

I am always a little astonished by this attitude. Perhaps you can explain your thought process to me. You are more willing to allow your 11 year old to read about violence than sex. why?

I do get where your coming from on this.  sex is a natural act that all mammals do, violence is a destructive act that shows complete lack of self control and in general is harmful to everyone involved. 

However, violence is part of our culture.  She has been exposed to violence on tv, it's not a new thing to her.  We have talked about violence and appropriate behavior and she understands that movie violence is just movie bulls***.  She has no exposure to sex or seeing it graphically.  She is 10, and it's not something I want her to be exposed to other than a biology or anatomy scientific approach. 

There is nothing wrong with sex, we have had discussions (mostly her moms job), and I have always been honest answering her questions but never particularly descriptive with her.  I want to avoid her reading graphic sex scenes because I don't want her getting the wrong ideas about sex in general. 

I shudder to think of her reading some books I have read that are not dirty, but have graphic highly descriptive descriptions of sex..  especially when they are in rather non-healthy relationships  .. even old Koontz and Palinuick are like that. 

Thanks for taking my question in the spirit is was intended. Your reasoning makes sense. I like toms point as well.

Weaze. I have not read the books nor even heard of them before now, on your recommendation I will see if they are available in audible format (this is almost the only way I can find time to read more than my zymurgy). Looks like there are three books on audible is that the whole series? I would hate to get hooked and not be able to get my whole fix.

[weazletoe]

Yeah, three. In order, Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mocking Jay. And DO NOT read the jackets, they are spoilers,!!!

[bluesman]

The ET trailer looks enticing! 

[gmac]

Started the first one yesterday.  Also, finished the first one yesterday.

Good book, easy read, fairly enthralling.  I can see why they are so popular. 
Personally, I'd be fine with my 12 year old reading them.  My 10 year old, probably not.  A lot of my friends parents seem to let them watch stuff I don't feel is appropriate so I guess it depends on your own ideals.

Gonna see the movie with friends but my kids aren't.  When a book is turned into a movie, we try to get them to read the books first before they see the movie so that they can use their own imagination first.

[weazletoe]

Started the first one yesterday.  Also, finished the first one yesterday.

Told ya t was good! 

[morticaixavier]

just finished listening to the second book. they are pretty good. violent as all get out though.

[weazletoe]

Yeah, they are pretty bloody. Wait till you get to the third, Mockingjay.

 I just stumbled on a new series, that is in some ways like Hunger Games. Not as good, but still a good read. The first book of the trilogy is Divergent. The second, Insurgent, is due out later this month.

[el_capitan]

I read this trilogy last year and enjoyed the heck out of it.  I teach middle school, so I read a lot of young adult books. 

Sounds like we're into the same genre.  I highly recommend you read the "Gone" series, by Michael Grant.  I think they're even better than Hunger Games, because in some ways they're more realistic.  I think there are four books now with more on the way, but these books totally suck you in.  Hard to put down! 

My main criticism of Hunger Games is that the third book, Mockingjay, was way too plot-driven.  The author knew what she wanted to happen, and then forced her characters to take those actions, regardless of whether or not it fit their character.  I felt almost like I didn't even know any of the characters anymore.  Like, what the heck is going on now?  They wouldn't do that! 

I took a look at the webpage for One Second After, and it looks like a cool story idea.  The website is full of typos though, which makes me kind of doubtful about the author... I'll probably check it out though. 

You've probably heard this before, but you should read Stephen King's Dark Tower series if you haven't yet.  Ron Howard is working on a movie trilogy/TV miniseries to cover that massive story.  I hope he does it justice!

[weazletoe]

I just downloaded Gone. Looking forward to it. Gonna start it tonight. Thanks for the tip.