My ds (8th) had not read Robin Hood before so we thought it would be a good choice for him; it has, to a degree. He says that he likes it, but that since each “adventure” seems to be independent from the first, he isn’t experiencing a story but several short stories. He did say that the introduction was a good explanation as to “how” Robin became an outlaw but it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Based on my Kindle, he’s at 70%, would you have your student continue or move on to another book??
I think he’s ready to move on, not because he’s not enjoying the “short stories” but because he seems to have gained an appreciation/understanding of Robin’s motives and we have had great discussions. Plus, there are so many other books I’d like him to enjoy if this one has been given enough time. But, if the end is worth reading I will encourage him to do so.
BTW, if you may be wondering why I have had him read this book it’s because he is challenging to find books for. He is very mature for his age and each time I find a good book for him he seems to “out grow” it about 1/2 way through. He is not into fictional creature type books (Narnia, although we have listened to the whole series, The Hobbit, Redwall, etc.). I think he likes adventure/battles with a good story with strong characters. He’s enjoying The Cat of Bubastes for a variety of reasons…trying to understand the “why’s” of religions/choices/consequences appeal to him, I think!! He’s a hard nut to crack!
This is Howard Pyle’s Robin Hood? (There are many totally different versions of Robin Hood)
Yes, each adventure of Robin Hood is almost like a little Short Story. The story does come to a conclusion eventually (with some development towards that.)
From what you have said, it sounds like he should finish it…. as it sounds like he is developing the habit of getting bored of a book partway through and quitting it? Some perseverence might be worth while.
Umm…wondering how one outgrows a book half way through? Is it taking him a very long time to finish a book, was it chosen at a level lower than his capabilities? Or is he maybe developing a habit of not finishing :)?
I vote that he should finish it. Maybe give him a completion date so that he is motivated to move on.
Is he doing some work in logic/philosophy or apolegetics? Sounds like he has a great start on his high school thinking skills!
Wow!! Thank you for such thoughtful responses/ideas, I really appreciate it.
I will definitely have him finish it and he will without complaining. Actually he didn’t ask to not finish but I was just curious based on our conversation this morning regarding the book if I should make him finish it. He didn’t have any intentions and actually read the next “story” today (and, yes, it is Howard Pyle’s version).
In his defense, he is just like his parents. We are incredibly consistent people (to a fault at times) but I would say that we tend to become bored with certain hobbies once the mystery has been revealed. My dh loves to know how things work (my ds, too) but once they get it figured out, then their interest/curiosity has been satisfied, I suppose (not at work, it seems to ignite more curiosity). I think my ds outgrew figuring Robin out, but I will still have him finish. He doesn’t do this w/ every book or every single thing (he is very routine-ish and consistent in his personal life like his morning routine/chores/his favorite sport), but does lean in that direction.
I think that some of the problems lies in the fact that he isn’t a fast/strong reader so it does take him longer than the average student and that by the time he’s 1/2-3/4 way through he has grown out of the book choice…does that make sense?? I plan to use more audio books next year to help with that.
ETA: Just thought of something. I don’t think my ds reads for pleasure…he reads to figure something out about the character, for information, discussions, etc. After he has analyzed the whole thing (and I guess “gets” the idea) then he is not reading for his original purpose but to finish what he has started. I don’t think I’m describing that very well. By then, the character doesn’t have anymore for him to learn about…he’ll even tell me how the end will be. I think he’s analyzing while he’s reading but isn’t reading for the pleasure of the story or the words on the page (like me and my other ds). Hmmm….something to think about, I guess.
Thank you all for thinking through this very simple thought that appears to have more layers than I would have suspected. You are such a blessing to me!