09-18-2008, 11:16 PM | #16 | |
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The concern often is that many educators just "Teach" the book as opposed to letting the student read it or at least attempt to read it. This more often then not may and does get the student to associate reading with the Tedium of analysis as opposed to the pleasure of reading. The concern IMHO in this specific case is that, except for some phrases and a few foreign language quotes her writing are quiet easy to comprehend, and her plots tend to be quiet complex, with elements sprinkled throughout the book not coming together till the end. The fear is that trying to simplify that may end up reducing the beauty of the writing, and people who read it may never look beyond the simplified version. There is often a similar concern with abridged versions, which often over simplify the books. And while I have to admit that I had and did read Abridged versions when younger, when I did go and read the originals, I more often then not enjoyed them even more. Still you do bring up a good (contrary) point about the need for such books. |
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09-19-2008, 02:37 AM | #17 |
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There's undoubtedly a market for it - "Reader's Digest" have been publishing "Condensed Books" for goodness only knows how long - decades, certainly.
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09-19-2008, 07:45 AM | #18 |
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It's not like the abridged versions are replacing the original ones.
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09-19-2008, 07:57 AM | #19 |
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09-19-2008, 07:58 AM | #20 |
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My first thought:
I really would welcome an abridged Wheel of Time version |
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09-19-2008, 08:04 AM | #21 |
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Or an abridged version of Tolkiens "Return of the King" with the boring parts of Sam and Frodo wandering around in Mordor edited out. I have such a hard time getting through those parts everytime I reread the Ring books
Last edited by Slite; 09-19-2008 at 08:14 AM. Reason: Mordor! Not Moria! |
09-19-2008, 08:11 AM | #22 |
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09-19-2008, 08:15 AM | #23 |
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09-19-2008, 08:45 AM | #24 | |
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Fortunately, I have parents who allowed me to read what I wanted when I was a kid and that really helped me get into reading and enjoy reading. If what I had to go on what what was butchered in school, I might not be the avid reader I am today. |
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09-19-2008, 12:29 PM | #25 | |
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Dale |
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09-19-2008, 12:31 PM | #26 |
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Just like those nice people who do "Cliff's Notes" have saved generations of teenagers from the inconvenience of having to actually read all those boring classics .
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09-19-2008, 12:33 PM | #27 |
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Well, the thing is... does it make sense to give someone who is at a less advanced level of reading a hacked up version of a more complex book, or a well-written less complex book? I'd bet the latter would be more fun to read.
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09-19-2008, 01:46 PM | #28 |
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It depends on your reading issues. If it's simply a matter of not having enough instruction that's one matter and reading a challenging book may be fun and a learning experience. But when it's due to organic reasons, such as poor fluid reasoning (not being able to infer or see symbolism) or various dyslexia permutations then reading challenging books can be too much. That's where abridged versions come in handy. There's a whole category of reading materials called high-interest reading where topics that appeal to older teens and adults are written at a low difficulty level. Most of those that I've seen are original material not rewritten classics.
I'm also a huge fan of Classics Illustrated and graphic books such as "The Cartoon History of the Universe". Great Illustrated Classics is another good example of abridged versions of classic books. My daughter read the Great Illustrated Classics version of "The Wizard of Oz" several years before she could read the original. Even though she has no reading difficulties I was happy that she could read an abridged Wizard of Oz and enjoy it. |
09-19-2008, 07:55 PM | #29 |
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09-20-2008, 08:18 AM | #30 | |
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However, he kept editing it and editing it (he was still trapped, by the way). Finally, this great poem went from a great number of words to a few words, and then finally to only ONE WORD. Can you guess what this one word was? Reminder: This is a family-oriented site, with many young people here. |
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