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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Why don’t HS kids today read the classics?[/quote]
LOL, we all know why.[/quote]

Because the classics were written in a different time about a different society and they may not feel like the problems they're facing right now aren't addressed in those books. This relates to the "why do you read" thread but HS students don't just read because they're told to. Maybe that's one reason, but just like with anything else you want to enjoy what you're doing and if you do enjoy it you're more likely to keep doing similar things.

Telling a child who hates Treasure Island or Dickens or Tolstoy or whoever else that they must read X number of those books to finish a class only makes them hate the class more, especially if there are newer stories like say Harry Potter or Percy Jackson that they enjoy more and may be easier reads. [/quote]

There is a vast difference in writing skill between Tolkien and Rowling. Both are in the high fantasy genre, but Tolkien has a mastery in his writing that Rowling simply does not. In fact, you may have noticed Tolkien's influence on Rowling's works. She used names and versions of names and similar characters he used 40 years earlier (ex. Bagshot, Gandalf vs. Dumbledore). A more paranoid person might sniff plagiarism, even. Why not read the origional or, at least, don't put Rowling up there with Tolkien.

You didn't compare J.K. Rowling to Tolstoy, did you?[/quote]

I did, but I was thinking of Tolkien. I did not like the Hobbit but did like Rowling and Riordan, as they were some of the first full books I read as an adult and they actually got me to enjoy reading. The other authors there didn't and it was a painful read. I never tried to read Tolstoy because it never seemed interesting to me and luckily I was never required to read them (or if I was I just guessed the answers). [/quote][/quote]

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