What passes for discussions of literary theory in my house
As the mother of teenagers, I have observed that you can never know what to expect with these guys.
For example, when you ask your kid to fold the laundry, which teenager personality will answer? Will it be…
- Pleasant and Agreeable Teen: “Sure, Mom, I’ll do it right now!” (A very nice teenager.) Or
- Simmering Resentment Teen: “Oh, yeah, make me do it, when you never ask HIM!” (This teenager is not so pleasant.) Or
- Needs An Exorcism Teen: “YOU ACT LIKE YOU HATE ME!” (You may need a crucifix when dealing with this one.)
You just never know. So I jump at every chance to keep the lines of communication open with my boys.
Bonnie: So! How’s that book?
Tiger: (Nose in book.)
Eh.
Bonnie: It looks good!
Tiger: (Heavy sigh and slow, deliberate look that says, “You feed me, ergo I must listen to you. Hopefully this torture will end soon, and I may once again read in peace.”)
Bonnie: Oh.
(30 minutes later)
Tiger: (puts his book down)
You can tell these were by different authors.
Bonnie: Yowza! Why?
Tiger: Because, this guy, he got his sword in, whatchamacalit, in battle. In the first book. But this book — this book says he got it from his dad. I hate that.
Bonnie: That he got it from his dad?
Tiger: No! That he didn’t get it in battle!
Bonnie: So the series is inconsistent!
Tiger: I guess. It’s the different authors.
(He turns back to the book)
Bonnie: So! Which is your favorite author in this series? You know, I really cherish these little talks when we can have them!
Tiger: (Heavy sigh and slow, deliberate look that says, “If this torment continues, you may have to put me on some kind of medication.”)
Bonnie: Oh.
