It's that time when Gigi is going through my book shelves to see what books she can read. Of course she picked "Precious" (originally called "Push"), and that's a no no. I haven't even read "Precious." After the first few pages of Sapphire's novel, I had to put it down. I haven't seen the movie yet either. I can't bring myself to watch the horror.
I pulled out some books that I'm giving her permission to read, including "Mama Day" and "There Eyes Were Watching God."
Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember, and remember everything they don't want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly. -- Their Eyes Were Watching God
10 comments:
WOW….Mama Day!!! She’s ready for that….I think that the books I sent her for the holidays were a little too young for her if she reading Mama Day!!! That is one of my Favorite Books…OK I feel old now…
I am with you on Push…I tried very hard but I just couldn’t….I think I got to the second chapter and I had to let it go….
T
Hey T,
The books you sent her are PERFECT. Of course, Mama Day and There Eyes Were Watching God would be good CHALLENGES for her, which is what I want also. I know how my dad's library at home helped me become a really great reader -- I thought her exploration of my library would do the same. Besides, she has expressed an interest.
Regarding "Push" -- Yes, that's way too mature for Gigi and I can't even handle it! Don't get me wrong -- I think the novel is very creative and it's spoken to a lot of people, but it's not for me. Also, I have not seen the film "Precious" -- it's too raw and disturbing. Although I did catch glimpses of Mo'Nique's performance and I can see that she was giving it up and DESERVED that Oscar.
Alicia
That’s awesome….I believe I was around her age when I started looking at my Moms books as well…
that’s my girl!!!
Love you
TA
Love ya back!
alicia
But as an English teacher, you should read Push as an example of pedagogy (and as a teacher who may be dealing with traumatized women). I picked it up when O was in school and could not put it down until I was done. For me it was fascinating to observe the progress from illiteracy to literacy. The movie could not show this like the book can. Learning to read and write and is not exciting for a movie. It reminded me that "all children can learn" no matter their circumstances. Finding the appropriate pedagogy is often the key.
You could be right. But some of us have to get passed the emotional shock of the book before we can appreciate it on that level. I'll consider what you said and try it again at some point soon. I can see that Sapphire put in some serious creative writing and story telling. You get that just from the opening of the book.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Alicia
Of course, I read it before all the hype of the movie, which I think sensationalized the violence.
Yes, they tend to do that in movies. Lee Daniels, the director, is known for his violence and sexual depravity in film.
I'm 62 and Precious the movie was almost too heavy for me. Thank you for not letting my Grand-daughter read that YET. She "may" pick it up later when she is age appropriate.
MaDear
Yeah, she probably will want to read it a bit later. That will be fine...but I will warn her how painful it is before she starts reading it.
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