posted
First, please forgive the obnoxious ramblings of an over proud father.
I grew up in the middle of Alaska and so, had plenty of spare time in the winter when I couldn’t go out and play. I began to read, a lot. Devouring such great formulaic works as the Hardy Boys. And when I read them all, Nancy Drew, The Box Car Children and Encyclopedia Brown. Some how, though I’m not quite sure how, around my 9th or 10th birthday I found myself with a copy of Frank Herbert's Dune.
Dune, to a 4th grader, seemed amazingly cool. A planet far away filled with spice and worms. I had no grasp of the political and religious overtones but still it proved to be my gateway to the world of Sci-Fi. I re-read it every few years or so and find that as I grow in maturity I see a little more depth in the book. I understand just a little more of the complexities that Frank Herbert sinuously wove in to the chapters.
So what does this have to do with Orson Scott Card?
The school where my son (who just turned 9) attends challenges them to read books every week or so based on their age and reading level. Up to this point he has chosen books on par with where he should be. His favorite has been the Captain Underpants comic series.
About a little under month ago my ex-wife asks me about a new book he has chosen to read. She knew it was a favorite of mine and wondered if it would be ok for him to read, fearing that he may have picked something too violent and/or to difficult. His teacher felt that while it was on the top range of what he was able to read it would be a good challenge and went so far as to allow him extra time to read it. Most importantly he found and chose the book alone, without any adult influence, save for it being on the list of books he was allowed to use for the reading program.
I asked him why he picked it and he said; "It just seemed cool, with kids like me in space".
And so for the past 3 weeks he has been reading Ender’s Game, one of my favorite books. The only stumbling block so far was with the Desks. They didn’t make sense to him until I equated them with computers. I’m hoping that Ender’s Game will be his Dune. That every few years he will re-read it and see more and understand more than the last time.
For now, it’s just Ender and the Battle School...
Posts: 80 | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Not so much a Landmark thread as an Introduction thread, but, pleased to meet you. Welcome aboard!
I recall when my (now 14 year-old) son was into the Captain Underpants books. I'm glad that such silliness is behind us. I was getting a little tired of all the potty jokes.
So, how's the weather up there in Alaska. In New Jersey today, it is freakishly warm -- like 72 degrees.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
It can be a landmark if something important has happened in his life. And it has, his kid is reading a good book.
Posts: 5362 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
I hope OSC reads this one. I would be very proud to hear of such an incident involving something I created. Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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posted
Actually I live in Florida now, Jacksonville to be exact. My son lives in Tallahassee with his mom and younger sister.
His sister has been choosing easier books to get the good grade and we've been telling her we would rather she chose a hard book and get a lesser grade, than an easy one and a higher grade. Maybe, those conversations got him thinking.
Personally, it's really awesome to hear his perpsective on the book. The eyes of innocence really do see the world differently. And I could tell he related to the "Launchies", he mentions them often...
Posts: 80 | Registered: Nov 2005
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He finished the book and took his test. He correctly answered 9 out of 10 and gain 15 points putting him in the drawing for a book. He said if he wins he is going to get Ender's Game. I told him that if he didn't win I'd but it for him.
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