Kevin's Watch

I haven't spoken much to her about it, but I really want to share this literature with my daughter.
My precious little girl is brilliant and wonderful in every way, but the one thing that her mother is concerned with more than anything else is that Lulu really doesn't seem to care about the world and making it a better place.
Her mother is a pretty hardcore social activist, and we disagree on many things, but this I feel is important.
For me, there is no better way to inspire a child to want to save the world than introducing her to this series.
I know what my girl is going through. Like her, I was cynical and selfish as a kid, and reading TC was formative in altering my character.
I could relate to Covenant's cynicism, his acerbic outlook, his selfishness, weakness, self-doubt and everything.
Watching him go from leper/rapist to hero was powerful. Seeing him grow into a passionate person who cared about the land and loved his friends was incredibly moving and transforming for me.
I want my daughter to share this gift with me.
Your thoughts?

Jake:How much for the little girl? How much for the women?
Father: What?
Jake: Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters... sell them to me. Sell me your children.

cutting edge. miss belushi

How old is your daughter? What are her interests? Is she a keen reader? Of fantasy?

There are many things that could entice a young person into reading the Chronicles. There are many things that could put them off. It was my own father who introduced me into the world of Covenant, and while I am incredibly grateful to him now, at fourteen my first impressions were'nt great. At the time I loved David Eddings, the fast pace and the humour mainly. After the first couple of hundred pages of Covenant, I gave up because I was sick of this whining rapist being a dick to people. At dad's urging, I picked it up again a year later, and was more patient with LFB, while TIW really got me hooked. Now it is my favourite series in the world.

On the cynical note, I remember being at a certain age- not so long ago- when it seemed to me that the world was so fucked up that there was no point even attempting to make it better. The bit in TC that really inspired me on this level was the bit with the little girl and the rattlesnake. The small world is just as important as the big world, and if we make a difference in some small way, we have contributed to the bigger picture.

I wouldn't sell it to her that way, though, as a novel to teach her about morality and redemption. I'd sell it as a kick-ass fantasy with some epic battles and hardcore warrior monks who beat the shit out of everyone who gets in their way. That's how the fourteen year old boy I was would have appreciated it, and I think age is a bigger gap than gender in this case.

Cambo wrote:How old is your daughter? What are her interests? Is she a keen reader? Of fantasy?

There are many things that could entice a young person into reading the Chronicles. There are many things that could put them off. It was my own father who introduced me into the world of Covenant, and while I am incredibly grateful to him now, at fourteen my first impressions were'nt great. At the time I loved David Eddings, the fast pace and the humour mainly. After the first couple of hundred pages of Covenant, I gave up because I was sick of this whining rapist being a dick to people. At dad's urging, I picked it up again a year later, and was more patient with LFB, while TIW really got me hooked. Now it is my favourite series in the world.

On the cynical note, I remember being at a certain age- not so long ago- when it seemed to me that the world was so fucked up that there was no point even attempting to make it better. The bit in TC that really inspired me on this level was the bit with the little girl and the rattlesnake. The small world is just as important as the big world, and if we make a difference in some small way, we have contributed to the bigger picture.

I wouldn't sell it to her that way, though, as a novel to teach her about morality and redemption. I'd sell it as a kick-ass fantasy with some epic battles and hardcore warrior monks who beat the shit out of everyone who gets in their way. That's how the fourteen year old boy I was would have appreciated it, and I think age is a bigger gap than gender in this case.

The person who introduced the Chronicles to me did so as a good series, not as something that could teach me. I can understand your concern for your daughter, and the series may help... it also may not, she is a different person after all I say this because I can think of other things that can be appropriate but also futile in their attempts (Songs of Innocence and Experience spring to mind... by William Blake... so, yeah... perfect in addressing her concern, but maybe too Blake-ish )

Also, I think it would be helpful to find out if there even is a problem. Just because she doesn't like to get involved in social activism doesn't mean she doesn't care about the world, it could just mean that she thinks social activism doesn't accomplish anything. You may want to see what she finds important and encourage her in those aspects (for example, if she likes dogs, having her volunteer at a shelter would do a world of good than trying to get her to care about raising funds for Africa).

*note, I just chose examples to illustrate my point. Good luck!

If she's a teenager, tell her it's nonsense and if you ever catch her reading it, you'll disown her forever!

I introduced Beorn to the chrons when he was ten; The Gap Cycle when he was fourteen. He has done a reread of the chrons this past year at seventeen, in preparation for AATE. I think he also did a reread when Runes first came out, but I don't recall then if he did.

I agree the age of your daughter will make much more of a difference than gender. I first read the chrons at 18 and Beorn's reaction to them at ten and at seventeen was quite different. At ten he was swept up in the story, and in the beauty of The Land. But much soared over his head. He knew Covenant hurt Lena, and he understood some of the repercussions of that in the later books. But even with discussing the books with Hyperception and me at that time, he did not fully comprehend exactly what Covenant did to hurt her. At seventeen, the impact on him was much stronger.

When he read TGC at fourteen, that totally blew him away. Both in story scope and the portrayal of "humanity," or lack thereof. Some very good and deep discussions took place between Hyperception and him (I still have not read TGC) while he read the cycle. All at his own instigation.

I agree with Cambo and Orlion. Present the chrons to her as a great series, nothing more. Perhaps only lay out the first three, or even just LFB, so she isn't overwhelmed by how many books there are to read before starting. Or even start listening to the audiobook of LFB in her presence, and if she expresses interest, hand her the novel. Then go from there, if she enjoys it.

...and Stone. You recall the teen years all too well, my friend.

Stonemaybe wrote:If she's a teenager, tell her it's nonsense and if you ever catch her reading it, you'll disown her forever!

Reverse psychology may work on the young, infirm, or elderly. But you still have to be careful they don't turn around and use double-reverse psychology!

I seriously hope that your daughter does show an interest, as I am getting the impression that it would mean a lot for you to be able to share it with her, as well as help her find the importance of defending what one loves and sacrifice.

But as to the how I can't offer you any advice. I know nothing about your daughter - her age or her interests, whether she reads at all.
I have, however, read some of your posts regarding how emotional some chapters make you - and indeed the rest of us. So I can just imagine that if she were to witness you weeping during one of the more powerful stages, I would imagine that would engage her curiosity.. That could well lead to a discussion about the series, and who knows what from there?
Also, I read the Illearth War first, which I now think may be a good place for some readers to start, especially those who might be sensitive about the whole rape thing. Though then you have the almost incestuous relationship with Elena..