A love for something, strict parents, what should i do?

Question

I love the musical Wicked. I've seen it onstage, I know all the original actors, I listen to the songs 24/7. Since this whole masterpiece is based on the book by Gregory MacQuire, of course I'm dying to read it (did i mention I love to read too!) I had already known that the book wasnt totally appropriate..there are some...ahem, "love" scenes in it. Somehow my parents (who are pretty strict) found out that the book was inapropriate and now they wont even let me TALK about reading it! I'm almost 14 though, I never (well dont usually) make bad decisions, I love to read and I'm an honors student! I've already tried to change their minds, but the answer is no until I'm older. But I cant wait, WHAT SHOULD I DO!!!!!

Answer 1

i think you need to respect your parents wishes, however wierd or cracked up they might seem. When I was your age, my parents forbade me to watch "Philadelphia", because they thought it was inappropriate for my age (maybe they thought there was a gay love scene in it? theres not), but the point is...i didn't. I respected them... and you know what? i think it made me into the nice young woman that i am today (respecting all their wishes, that is...not just that particular movie - its the principle!).

Answer 2

Well you are 14 and under their roof and rules right now. You could go to Barnes and Noble or somewhere and read it each time you go without buying it - perhaps there is an online text of it somewhere.

It does seem funny that they give you free access to the computer which is much more harmful than any type of literature. Have you tried explaining to them that reading things like that would not affect you as far as what you do or choose in your life? That, to you, it is an art and you appreciate it?

If nothing works, you may have to wait the 4 years. If you have seen the musical - didn't that have the same things in it? Who took you to see that? Movles and books are normally much better than the plays or movies that are based on them so I understand your wanting to read it.

As far as I know there is no minimum age for buying books - so if you want to sneak it that is your choice to make. If you get caught though I am sure there will be consequences. They are just looking out for you - 14 is young to be reading any kind of sexually explicit reading so I understand their point too. Try to reason with them and explain that you are a level headed mature girl who enjoys l literature and that you are least interested in those parts but more so in the story of it. You did already see the play. Tell them that you are their child and know better than to do those things yet and it is just a book.. I swear I wish I listened to my parents more - so overall just try to respect them and know they love you and just want the best for you. Good luck! :o)

Answer 3

Listen to your parents. If they feel that the book is inappropriate for you right now - maybe when you're a little older they will feel differently. When you say your parents are "pretty strict", what I'm hearing is that they are very caring parents, who love you very much.

Having read the book, I tend to agree with your parents.

There is a time for everything. And you will have yours, more quickly then you know. You sound like a wonderful daughter, who someday will appreciate the efforts that your parent's take to lead you in the right direction.

Answer 4

Let me just start off by saying that Wicked is brilliant.

Now that I'm done with that...

There are three ways you could go:
-You could obey your parents and not read the book at all. Which would be awful.
-You could read the book only at school where your parents can't find out.
-Or, you could try to reason with your parents. If convincing them with an educational argument won't work, you could always exchange chores and such for reading the book.

It sounds like you're really passionate about reading this one book.
If all else fails, try to let go of the situation and find another good book. There are plenty out there.

Answer 5

Hang in there renthead, your parents are right in restricting explicit information from you. I had a couple of books my mom snatched. As a young girl my mom belonged to a book club and my grandparents were so happy she was reading until they caught on that she was reading very racy content. Then they confiscated her books and canceled the membership. This did not stop her love of reading as she got degrees in library science and education and retired after a great teaching career.

It is normal to want to read things and great to have parents who care about you enough to give you attention and guidance. The book will be there when they decide you are old enough to read it. Continue to be an honor student. You sound like you are very cultured and educated at a young age. You should be proud. Also, sounds like your parents are doing a great job!

Answer 6

First of all, I am NOT a strict parent and my 16 year old daughter is allowed to read books with "love" scenes in them. In fact, I asked her how graphic the scenes were and she said they were very mild. She loves the musical, as well. If I were you, I'd read it during school. I'm sure there is time when you can do some silent reading. :)

Answer 7

If it's a musical it can't be that "wicked". 14 is a bit under age. Your parents mean well. If it's just a book, I'm sure you can find creative ways of sneaking a peak at it somewhere.

Answer 8

you should listen to ur parents . but when i was ur age i read a book about Linda Lovelace ( a porn star ) learned things i never knew about and i turned out a good person. i did it late at night after mom & dad went to bed . i found a bigger book they would approve of and put that lil paper book inside it as i read just in case.

Answer 9

Well if you are really serious about wanting to read it then go ahead, do it at the library, what they don't know won't hurt them. By taking it away from you is making it more desirable so do what you feel.

Answer 10

well, you can borrow it from the library and read it at school. Or you can ask them to explain why you could go see it and that was fine but cannot read it. Or you can ask them WHEN you can read it. Have you had sex education at school yet?

I don't recall a LOT of sex scenes in it, but I could be wrong.