Random Thoughts of Members (anything goes...well with in forum rules)

[Jedi_Phoenix]

He's into Harry Potter, but he's already read all those multiple times.  And that was back in third grade, which should have tipped me off, LOL.

I actually had thought about Tolkien, but you can't beat the classics, either.  I should pick up the Narnia books for him.

[Taegin Roan]

He's into Harry Potter, but he's already read all those multiple times.  And that was back in third grade, which should have tipped me off, LOL.

I actually had thought about Tolkien, but you can't beat the classics, either.  I should pick up the Narnia books for him.

Narnia is another great choice. I am currently reading a little known, self-published book called Dawn of Wonder but Jonathan Renshaw, and it (so far, only about 1/4 of the way through) has been top notch, highest quality fantasy. It is about the same level as Narnia, so not terribly difficult, but the story and themes are just as good as Tolkien and Lewis. Plus the MC is "almost thirteen" when we meet him, so not much older than your son. Maybe worth checking out.

[Cyclops942]

I agree completely with Tolkien.  I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when I was in 3rd or 4th grade.  I also agree with Dune (all of them by Frank, maybe not the ones published after his death), and, as mentioned, the classics including Dickens (I really liked Oliver Twist and Great Expectations), Twain (definitely including Huckleberry Finn, preferably the original text including the inappropriate but time-accurate wording... just be VERY clear with him that it’s not appropriate to use that same language now), Edgar Rice Burroughs, Edgar Allan Poe.  Definitely agree with the whole Harry Potter series; that’s not just for kids.  I re-read that every year, starting on September 1.  The Narnia Chronicles are a must, simply to expose him to more classic British writing from the early 20th century.  Hemingway was never my cup of tea, but no denying it’s “Classic” American lit.  The Red Badge of Courage is another good one, as is Johnny Tremain, anything by Jack London, and literally ANYTHING by Asimov.  Heinlein is good, but may not be age-appropriate; you’ll have to judge that.

[Taegin Roan]

I agree completely with Tolkien.  I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when I was in 3rd or 4th grade.  I also agree with Dune (all of them by Frank, maybe not the ones published after his death), and, as mentioned, the classics including Dickens (I really liked Oliver Twist and Great Expectations), Twain (definitely including Huckleberry Finn, preferably the original text including the inappropriate but time-accurate wording... just be VERY clear with him that it’s not appropriate to use that same language now), Edgar Rice Burroughs, Edgar Allan Poe.  Definitely agree with the whole Harry Potter series; that’s not just for kids.  I re-read that every year, starting on September 1.  The Narnia Chronicles are a must, simply to expose him to more classic British writing from the early 20th century.  Hemingway was never my cup of tea, but no denying it’s “Classic” American lit.  The Red Badge of Courage is another good one, as is Johnny Tremain, anything by Jack London, and literally ANYTHING by Asimov.  Heinlein is good, but may not be age-appropriate; you’ll have to judge that.

Some more great suggestions here. The Red Badge of Courage is one of my favorite books. As is the Scarlet Pimpernel. Also can't go wrong with the Redwall series (though aimed at younger audiences), anything by Louis L'Amour, and maybe even G.A. Henty (though his books are definitely on the harder end of the spectrum).


I gotta say, I love seeing everyone jump in with their author recommendations. As someone who is an avid (albeit slow) reader, it just makes me extremely happy.

[Darth Tepes]

These two would most likely be for when he's older (you're the judge of course) But the Dark Elf books (D&D Related) are good and The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.  The Dresden Files for me are 3rd in my book list....and they're still ongoing.  They are about a Wizard PI in Chicago who takes on the cases that are supernatural in nature.  He gets tangled up with Fae, Archangels, Vampires (there are 3 different types in this series)Fallen Angels etc.  I can't stress enough their quality but like I said...maybe for when he's a bit older.

[Darth Logos]

In other news, we started watching The Boys this weekend. HFS! I was love at first episode. It is so delightfully messed up. I can easily see this world existing.

[Darth Tepes]

In other news, we started watching The Boys this weekend. HFS! I was love at first episode. It is so delightfully messed up. I can easily see this world existing.

Yea Tales of Ba Sing Se is a tough one to watch because of that part.



I must be the only one that dislikes The Boys.  I thought the comic was pretty sub par and the massive changes they made to the show just made it worse imo.

[PsychoSith]

Yea Tales of Ba Sing Se is a tough one to watch because of that part.



I must be the only one that dislikes The Boys.  I thought the comic was pretty sub par and the massive changes they made to the show just made it worse imo.

Havent seen it yet myself. Im just starting out Umbrella Academy. Very morbidly funny show.

[Darth Logos]

Yea Tales of Ba Sing Se is a tough one to watch because of that part.

Honestly, that sequence should have been but at the end, despite them needing the cliffhanger of Momo finding Appa's hair. But the whole ritual of Iroh remembering his son.....if you didn't get misty on this one, you have no soul.

I must be the only one that dislikes The Boys.  I thought the comic was pretty sub par and the massive changes they made to the show just made it worse imo.

Fortunately I know nothing of comics. It has been a saving grace when watching comic-movies and TV.

Havent seen it yet myself. Im just starting out Umbrella Academy. Very morbidly funny show.

The two groups of heroes are essentially polar opposites. In UA, the heroes are messed up but overall have good intentions. In the Boys, the heroes are all polished up and glorified.....but they're all world-class assholes deluxe.

[TheDutchman]

In other news, we started watching The Boys this weekend. HFS! I was love at first episode. It is so delightfully messed up. I can easily see this world existing.

I must be the only one that dislikes The Boys.  I thought the comic was pretty sub par and the massive changes they made to the show just made it worse imo.

The fact that I haven't read the comic is one of the reasons that I've enjoyed the show so much; I have nothing against Garth Ennis--I actually really like some of his earlier work--but I just don't have as much interest in comics as I used to (I was an avid collector back in the late 80s-late 90s but then adulting got in the way).

[Darth Logos]

The fact that I haven't read the comic is one of the reasons that I've enjoyed the show so much; I have nothing against Garth Ennis--I actually really like some of his earlier work--but I just don't have as much interest in comics as I used to (I was an avid collector back in the late 80s-late 90s but then adulting got in the way).

Stupid adulting.

[Cyclops942]

I must be the only one that dislikes The Boys.  I thought the comic was pretty sub par and the massive changes they made to the show just made it worse imo.

Nope.  I got a little bit into the first episode, and decided that what I had already seen plus what a co-worker had told me was to come a little later in the episode meant that I would not start liking it any better, so I noped right on out of there, and never went back.

[Darth Tepes]

Let me clarify my comment.  This isn't a situation where they altered something from the comics and made the story bad or senseless.... they took a bad story and made it worse.  Again, IMO of course.

[Darth Logos]

Don't get me wrong, some points are annoyingly predictable. Like the S1 finale. I know they tried to paint the picture of "there's no #$%&ing way this person survived.......and the person survived." Surprise. My only interest in that arc now is how TF are they going to explain that away?

[Darth Tepes]

Don't get me wrong, some points are annoyingly predictable. Like the S1 finale. I know they tried to paint the picture of "there's no #$%&ing way this person survived.......and the person survived." Surprise. My only interest in that arc now is how TF are they going to explain that away?

My issue is its nihilistic world view...had it with the comic as well.  There are also some things they altered I really can't get into per rules but its another issue I had with it.