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Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood,
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Rawles
I agree with Ilyse, that it depends on your definition of appropriate. Do I want my teenager talking like Trevor? No. But has she heard the F word before? Yep. And in some cases in this book, the word (which I hate as a violent word against women) actually does sort of fit. He says it a lot, but not without reason. And the subject matter is WAY more important as long as you maybe preface the reading by saying, that is not an appropriate word to say. Also, I suggest listening to it on Audible - Trevor narrates his own story which can only increase its power. Good luck!
Ilyse
I think there are about two "curse words" in the whole book, nothing any teen has not heard before. Further, his description of the angst of being a young man wanting to ask girls out on dates, what he went through trying to borrow a car, choose the right clothes, figure out what to say to her ... I think it would provide to any teen identification and hope (because of who Noah grew up to be, a well adjusted and successful person).
Marilee
There's occasional crude language in it's appropriate context for the story Trevor is telling, certainly nothing teens haven't heard before nor is it used gratuitously or to shock. Most of the book's language is OK, even up lifting in it's ultimate message, which is about the importance of love, understanding, of dealing with life's adversities, the importance of family and persevering. There is, however, some domestic violence in his story, presented in frank language, so prehaps it's not suitable for more sensitive and younger teens. I think this is a book suitable for older teens. I recommend the recorded version, since Noah is such an expressive narrator.
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