Categories: uncategorized
Date: 09 January 2005 19:48:48
Contrary to the impression I gave in my last entry, Mr Miff does NOT suffer from PMS! MLC (mid-life crisis) maybe - then, don't we all?
And I forgot to tell you about my problem with the 'good book.' Well, not a problem, exactly. There's a church library committee due next week. As I skimmed through the minutes from last meeting (October), I was surprised to learn that apparently I had kindly agreed to read and review GP Taylor's 'Wormwood' with a view to it being added to the kiddies' section. Surely not?! Actually I've vague memories of telling the meeting about how much little Miff had enjoyed the book. Although that's hardly a recommendation, my lot not being shining examples of GLEs. So, no prizes for guessing what my bedtime reading's been this week. The trouble is, sci-fi/fantasy isn't really my thing, so progress has been painfully slow. So hardly feel qualified to judge the book's suitability either. Still, I must admit to find it quite compelling, if gruesome. Dark isn't the word!
Therein lies the problem, I think. It is very, very dark. Not in comparison to much of what kids read nowadays anyway. But if it took me a fair time to be able to identify the specifically Christian undertones - what chance would a child of the age that frequents our library have of doing so? I'd only hope that they'd have a sensible level-headed adult available to help them put some of the subject matter in context. (And provide reassurance after the inevitable nightmares!)
And do I really want to put my name to a review of a book when there's even a minsicule chance of it being drawn to the attention of what I've cynically nicknamed the 'anti Harry Potter brigade?' It wouldn't be the first time something I've recommended has been 'surgically removed.' Ah well, there are far worse things in the world to be concerned about at the moment, as we all know.
Although, after watching 'Jerry Springer- The Opera' last night I'm tempted to throw off my woolly liberal suit and turn into 'Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells'. I tried to be tolerant and broad minded, I really did. (Honest!). But all I can say is .....bleurgh!