Well that was unnecessary :P

[LenaGardner]

I just had an interesting experience on FB. An acquaintance from high school asked,

Are you taking your child to watch 'The Hunger Games' and why or why not?

I responded,

Yes. He is about to turn 12. Last Spring, he and I read the books on our Kindles. We both adored them. I'm seeing the movie tonight, and I'm taking him to see it next weekend while he's on Spring Break. The book series has been a great bonding experience for us

and she responded

I also read the books and think they are more for those 18 & up. I won't be watching it myself until I read the reviews. Last thing I would want to be is another Capitol lemming!

Okay, let us dissect this insult.

1. It's totally cool that we have different opinions. That doesn't bother me one bit.
2. But what? Capitol lemmings?
a. Just because I want to see the movie doesn't make me a lemming.
b. Who do you think writes the movie reviews? The Capitol.

Okay I'm just kidding.

She and I were never friends, just acquaintances. We were in a play together and I dated her brother for awhile. I won't respond to her response, it's not worth it. But wth?

[Darcy Baldwin]

lol -whatever. sheesh. (at her, not you)

[LoriJ]

seriously, some people are odd ducks!

[YepBrook]

Um... if the movie is for 18 and up please explain why the books were written as YA books? And, if the books were written for YA, you have to assume the same age group that read the books will be going to see the movie. I'm sure they are keeping in line with the book as far as violence and lack of mature content. According to FACT, YA books are intended for ages 10-20. So, your son's age fits nicely in there. It's totally appropriate for him to read the books and see the movie. Gosh, I wonder if this FB friend of yours thought The Lorax was not appropriate for 5 year olds. LOL.

Gotta love Facebook sometimes, huh?

[WendyBird]

Sounds like she was fishing for an argument. lol @ the lemmings comment!

[Jenn Barrette]

She seems pretty passive aggressive...asking the question just to spout off her opinion on the books/movie age appropriateness. Good for you for being a bigger person and not responding!

[Nettio]

LOL, how odd. Isn't the movie rated PG-13 anyway?

[heathergw]

WOW... I was thinking the same thing as Jenn... like she was fishing to argue with someone

[MamaBee]

Originally Posted by Jenn Barrette

She seems pretty passive aggressive...asking the question just to spout off her opinion on the books/movie age appropriateness. Good for you for being a bigger person and not responding!

my thoughts exactly... whoa!

[cardinalskate]

What exactly does that even mean? Is it a book reference that I'm forgetting (I read the first book what seems like ages ago)?

[Amber Dixon]

Sounds like she really was just fishing for an arguement and bravo to you for not giving it to her! The books are geared towards young adult, they even have them in the library at my daughter's school. She is is 5th grade but is allowed to check out books from the middle school library. I have read the series and I would allow my daughter, who is about to be 11, read them too I think. The only thing in books that I try to censor for her is sexual content and serious violence, or if it was just something really scary like in Stephen King books or something. I won't be going to see the movie, we don't have a local theatre and nobody else I know cares to see it and i don't want to go that far alone. *cries*!! I'm DYING to see it!!

[kendallt]

I'm with Kate. What does that even mean?!

ETA: Sometimes I think certain people only use FB as a means to stir up controversy and start arguments. I usually block those people.

[breakingbrie]

I totally agree with Jenn.

[LenaGardner]

Kate and Kendall...who knows. I guess just using lemmings as a metaphor for someone who does something without thinking, based on the behavior of lemmings the animal, of course. Whenever I think of lemmings, I always think of that scene in Never Been Kissed where the girl said, "Like, OMG, there goes another lemming!"

Thanks, ladies. My metaphorical cheek stung for half a second and then I was like, "Oh no she din't." And I had to share with someone(s) who understood so I could keep my resolve to not respond.

[piercejayme]

omg! How rude! I think it's fine to have different opinions, but seriously? I wouldn't respond either.

[marlathrall]

Yeah, I don't really get it either.

I wouldn't respond either, because I totally think she's trying to start a fight but I'd want to say this- "Yep, afterwards I will be taking him to an Eminem concert where I buy him drugs and introduce him to a prostitute. You're welcome to tag along."

[Kjersti]

I'm thinking....DE-FRIEND her. Who needs people like that????
My daughter is the same age as your son and she's read the books!

[Sherri Tierney]

Good for you for not responding. I HATE when people ask questions and make it sound as though they are truly interested when it seems there REAL intention is to just stir up controversy. Ugh. I have some similar FB friends that thoroughly tick me off sometimes.

[SirScrapalot]

Good for you for not responding, b/c I would not be able to be as strong. Why did she even ask? Everyone is right...just so that she can start an argument.

[haydensmommy217]

Originally Posted by Kjersti

I'm thinking....DE-FRIEND her. Who needs people like that????
My daughter is the same age as your son and she's read the books!

This and good for you on not responding to her. Sure sounds like she just wanted to start something.

[LJSDesigns]

Bravo to you Lena for not falling for her pettiness. I've not read the books, but the more I hear, the more I think I need to. Do you all recommend them?

[LenaGardner]

The books are fantastic

[kelley]

LOL she is just being a crazy! SOunds to me she just wanted a platform to voice her opinion and maybe sound a bit superior. :P I would take my 10-year-old to the movie if she had read the books.

[LJSDesigns]

Originally Posted by LenaGardner

The books are fantastic

Thanks. Since my sister and son both work for Better World Books, I will put in a request to have one of them pick it/them up for me.

[sprauncey1]

Lena, you know you are doing what is right, she's just trying to pick a fight or seem superior!!!

As to the "books were for YA and so automatically movies are YA" while this SHOULD be true it may not always be. I think that I would not take my YA child to an opening if I was concerned about their own personal ability to "absorb" some of the more violent/dramatic/lovey-dovey scenes. This is totally YA child dependent and up to the parent. Things can be "translated" onto the screen differently and maybe in order to "up" the drama or due to the director's vision. With these movies and such I think that it would be alright. But I would never make the assumption. KWIM?

Plus I just cannot make those crazy movie opening hours anyway!!

And I LOVED the books myself. Read them in like a week and that was with self-control! Talking to a friend who started to, she just couldn't read them because of the "darkness" of the situation and where she was right now. But for the general reading public, I recommend for a highly suspenseful, easy read!

[sprauncey1]

And Capitol lemmings....
I got her reference and yes it was an insult. Saying you were just going to be entertained by gore because of your lavash lifestyle and lack of a grasp on reality.

Obviously she is not your friend and does not know you at all!!!!

[SuzyB]

Definitely good for you for not rising to the bait! Sounds like she was spoiling for an arguement with someone, anyone!

Incidentally I took my DS to see it last night, we couldnt wait til weekend. I read the book yesterday in preparation but he's not read it yet (although has on his kindle now). He's 12 next month, in the UK its rated 12A so he could see it with an adult. He was fine with it, jumped a little at some bits as he's sensitive to loud noises but on the whole, he enjoyed it.