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[CCBC-Net] Cormier and hope
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From: Russell Nelson <runelson>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 22:58:59 -0500
Cormier and hopeAmy,
One of my all-time favorite "writer" quotes is by L.M. Montgomery -- when once asked why she didn't write gritty "realistic" books, she replied, "a pine forest is just as real as a pig sty." I must admit, I wholeheartedly agree...I get a little weary of the idea that the only story that is truly real is one that is truly GRIM.
As to Mr. Cormier's books, I haven't read any yet, though I just started I AM THE CHEESE today, and must say I am enjoying it -- wonderful sense of pacing and tension and mystery. Now this discussion has made me want to read THE CHOCOLATE WAR too.
Russell
----- Original Message -----
From: Amy Krahn
To: Subscribers of ccbc-net
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 9:16 PM
Subject: [CCBC-Net] Cormier and hope
you'd grim-ness, is a teens -- helps us discussion is talk to be done,
But the problem is that some children don't have someone to talk to, and that way too often these types of books are given to children in a school setting - with little discussion, poor presentation, and no guidance. No one is talking about banning books. But I do agree that these books could be dangerous. And I am disturbed by the increasing number of "reality fiction" books for children and young adults that focus on dark themes, dysfunctional situations and abuse. Yes, some children will find hope somewhere in the murky depths of dysfunction. I worry, however, that an increasing number will only feel hopelessness. Your teen years used to be a time when you were idealistic, immortal, and out to save the world. But unless you grow up seeing and believing that the world is essentially a good place, that idealism (the hope for all of our futures!) is harder to come by. I think Cormier's work is very brave and, set in balance with lighter works, has much to offer. However, I see more and more "darkness" in YA fiction and I don't want that to become our children's reality.
Amy Krahn
Received on Wed 22 Aug 2001 10:58:59 PM CDT
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 22:58:59 -0500
Cormier and hopeAmy,
One of my all-time favorite "writer" quotes is by L.M. Montgomery -- when once asked why she didn't write gritty "realistic" books, she replied, "a pine forest is just as real as a pig sty." I must admit, I wholeheartedly agree...I get a little weary of the idea that the only story that is truly real is one that is truly GRIM.
As to Mr. Cormier's books, I haven't read any yet, though I just started I AM THE CHEESE today, and must say I am enjoying it -- wonderful sense of pacing and tension and mystery. Now this discussion has made me want to read THE CHOCOLATE WAR too.
Russell
----- Original Message -----
From: Amy Krahn
To: Subscribers of ccbc-net
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 9:16 PM
Subject: [CCBC-Net] Cormier and hope
you'd grim-ness, is a teens -- helps us discussion is talk to be done,
But the problem is that some children don't have someone to talk to, and that way too often these types of books are given to children in a school setting - with little discussion, poor presentation, and no guidance. No one is talking about banning books. But I do agree that these books could be dangerous. And I am disturbed by the increasing number of "reality fiction" books for children and young adults that focus on dark themes, dysfunctional situations and abuse. Yes, some children will find hope somewhere in the murky depths of dysfunction. I worry, however, that an increasing number will only feel hopelessness. Your teen years used to be a time when you were idealistic, immortal, and out to save the world. But unless you grow up seeing and believing that the world is essentially a good place, that idealism (the hope for all of our futures!) is harder to come by. I think Cormier's work is very brave and, set in balance with lighter works, has much to offer. However, I see more and more "darkness" in YA fiction and I don't want that to become our children's reality.
Amy Krahn
Received on Wed 22 Aug 2001 10:58:59 PM CDT
