Who read The Sword of Shannara?

Because if you did, I need some desperate help.

In English class, we're supposed to write an editorial to convince teenagers that they should read this book, and to do that we need to relate the book somehow to teenagers today.

So what in the story relates to today's teenagers? I tried to figure this out for the whole class, but nothing came to mind. I feel this book seriously has nothing to do with teens, and I'm supposed to get a rough version done by tomorrow, so this could only mean one thing... I'm totally screwed.

Well, unless someone can help. Can anyone help?

Hmm... I read the series over the summer, and something that teens might be able to relate to is the feeling of not being in control even though you want to be, and making decisions for yourself. (This next part proves how bad my memory is) I can't remember the name of the Druid, but I remember him always trying to point all the "good guys" in the right direction, but mostly leaving the decision making up to them, and everyone was always saying how manipulative the Druid was and he shouldn't be trusted. Good luck, this sounds like a tough assignment. (So glad I am out of high school)

Wow... never thought about that. And that's a really good theme to use for this!

Thanks a bunch.

It's a coming-of-age story, at least in part. So that's certainly relevant.

Originally Posted by GDwarf

It's a coming-of-age story, at least in part. So that's certainly relevant.

What do you mean by "coming-of-age"? Like the book is for preteens or something of the sort?

Heh, no.

A key part of the book's plot is of the main characters growing up and, to a lesser extent, figuring out where they fit in the world.


It's pretty standard in fantasy books ever since Tolkein did it (sorta) with Frodo and (moreso) Sam.

your trying to convince teenagers to read it...i read it when i was six...if you can do a different book, try the 'forging of the sword' by Mark Robson - its the sam genre but better i think

Originally Posted by graceofbass

Hmm... I read the series over the summer, and something that teens might be able to relate to is the feeling of not being in control even though you want to be, and making decisions for yourself. (This next part proves how bad my memory is) I can't remember the name of the Druid, but I remember him always trying to point all the "good guys" in the right direction, but mostly leaving the decision making up to them, and everyone was always saying how manipulative the Druid was and he shouldn't be trusted. Good luck, this sounds like a tough assignment. (So glad I am out of high school)

Originally Posted by GDwarf

Heh, no.

A key part of the book's plot is of the main characters growing up and, to a lesser extent, figuring out where they fit in the world.


It's pretty standard in fantasy books ever since Tolkein did it (sorta) with Frodo and (moreso) Sam.

I know it's already late, but I got it done with both your ideas, and I feel I did great. I just need to get it back to see how well I did, but I think I did an excellent job.

Thanks for the help. (Is it fine if this gets closed now?)

My dad has it lying around somewhere, I've never read it. Maybe it's time I picked it up.