*shakes head*

[conuly]

I was at the bookstore the other day when I overheard this rather one-sided conversation. A mom and her son, probably about ten years old, standing in front of the award winners bookcase. It's really a bit of a monologue.

*picking up Shiloh*

Have you read this one yet? It's really pretty exciting! No? Well, how about this one, The Giver? It's sorta like The Hunger Games! And here's another one by the same author!

That last book was Number the Stars, and if you've ever read any of these books I think you can picture the expression on my face. Welcome to the death march through literature, kid! When none of these sparked an interest she dragged him over to the popular series section, with similar results. Asking him what he's interested in or offering a book that is a dear personal favorite of her own (which would require knowing what the book is about, I suppose) was not an option for some reason.

Here is a pro tip, from somebody who just loves to butt in: when suggesting books to kids who aren't interested, first ask if the like sad books that will make them cry. When they say no, don't offer them books that will make them cry.

Comments

[crystalpyramid]

I really did love Number the Stars as a kid. And Jane Yolen's Briar Rose, which was (only) a little bit less depressing. But... yeah.
Steps for getting your kid to read books:
1) Read books yourself.
2) Get your kid books they will like.

[conuly]

I liked Number the Stars as well. Happy ending! But I shudder at the very thought of advising somebody to read a book because it happens to be written by the same author as another book. The statement just screams "I have no idea what I'm talking about", doesn't it?

[crystalpyramid]

I think it makes sense if you really liked the first book. Which is not the case here at all, as far as we can tell.

[conuly]

Or if they're even remotely similar in plot or premise.

[mc776]

lol ouch.

Saddest part is, that lady probably hasn't any clue whatsoever about what's in any of those books at all - she probably herself was brought up without any sort of literary background, has no habit of reading anything that is not strictly functional, and just sort of bumbles along trying to connect her child to "literature" somehow thinking it'll be good for him. In all likelihood she has no dear personal favourite.

Will bet real money the kid will grow up to be an avid non-reader.

[conuly]

Might not. At least mom is trying. But the best thing you can to do get a kid to read is a. fill the house with books and b. read them. Also? Don't let them read more than 20 minutes a day without a fight. When the timer goes off, take the book away, even if they're in the middle of a good part. Especially then! Make them wash the windows before they get it back.