Laurie Holt
Laurie Holt asked:

how is this book for young readers?

Brian Harris I think it depends on how you define "young" and the maturity of the kids in question. There is some sexuality, language, and a touch of violence, but I feel like a mature kid in the 12+ range will enjoy a lot of the thematic elements, particularly in the story of Sam's younger years. My 13-year-old son is currently reading it, and, despite is teenage angst and general hatred of everything, he has told me how much he likes the book multiple times.
Melissa Gay These days with children having unlimited internet access, it's hard to tell what's age appropriate. I blush at stories and songs kids follow today. The book is obviously written for an older audience as it references schoolyard life which would, in my opinion, never happen today.

I loved the characters Sam and his parents.

You ask is this book for young readers, I respond by saying its a good book for parents. The story offers boundless lessons in parenting.
Sunny Shore I found this book to be a good young adult book for high schoolers. I was a high school librarian.
Molly Rich There are quite a few sex scenes in this book, most are vague and adolescent, but the adult Sam and Mickie get descriptively steamy. I would not recommend this book for young readers.
Rosemaryknits What are you defining as "young?" A person who is old enough to find the story interesting (age 12 and up, I would guess) can totally handle the mild sex scenes. After all, nearly everyone grows up to have sex, and these scenes are pretty tame. When I was raising my kids, I felt like scenes like these were educational. Sex is a part of life, and should not be hidden from a kid until he is 17+, lol. (by that time, most folks have had sex themselves, it seems silly to prevent them from reading books with sex scenes, lol lol lol)

It is a lovely book with very uplifting scenes of a loving family, and hardworking and successful young people. I think it would be an excellent book for a highschooler.
Tara Wood This is not a book for young readers. There are some mild sex scenes and foul language.
Marla absolutely not. It's full of teen sex and emotional and physical abuse of children.
Janice Williams Good but would be even better for Senior citizens ,
Many can probably identify with Hell.
Bret Probably for a church youth group ages 13+. The language is very mild though sex and ejaculation is discussed but very briefly and not in a way that would arouse. The book is very much religious propaganda so would depend on the young reader.
Lisa There are a couple of sex scenes (that aren't particularly well written and are unnecessary to the plot). The majority of the book would be fine for teens, but I'd probably recommend ages 17+ because of those portions of the book.
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by Robert Dugoni (Goodreads Author)
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