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The Song of Achilles,
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NaTaya Hastings
Appropriate? I'd say yes, it will be fine, as long as you are fine with themes and intense love (not so much sex, but true, heartfelt love and all the joys and pains that come with it). Also, you have to be aware that the main storyline is a male/male romance. If that is something you don't want your child exposed to, this is definitely not the book for you. I, personally, would have no problem letting my child read this book. (He is 13.)
However, setting aside for the moment whether or not this book is 'appropriate' for a 14 year old, I'm not sure that a 14 year old would enjoy or understand all the complexities of this book. As I have already said, I wouldn't mind my 13 year old child reading this book, but I don't think he would WANT to read it. Not because of the male/male romance either. He, like me, has no problem with LGBT literature, movies, etc., but I don't think he would understand everything going on in the book, and I think it would be "too slow" for him. It would not hold his interest. Now, a fourteen year old girl... it's possible she might enjoy it. I would have at 14, but I'm not sure many of my friends would have.
However, setting aside for the moment whether or not this book is 'appropriate' for a 14 year old, I'm not sure that a 14 year old would enjoy or understand all the complexities of this book. As I have already said, I wouldn't mind my 13 year old child reading this book, but I don't think he would WANT to read it. Not because of the male/male romance either. He, like me, has no problem with LGBT literature, movies, etc., but I don't think he would understand everything going on in the book, and I think it would be "too slow" for him. It would not hold his interest. Now, a fourteen year old girl... it's possible she might enjoy it. I would have at 14, but I'm not sure many of my friends would have.
Raven137
Personally, I would say so. But it also depends on the maturity and the comfort of reading about characters in possibly more mature ways such as war and in depth romance. But ultimately, you decide for yourself.
Alex
I read this book as a fourteen year old. I was fine.
Judy Lindow
I think there's too much violence. I would not recommend it to a 14 year old ... maybe 17-19 year old could put into historical and mythical context easier. Her writing is very descriptive! You really can smell the blood and hear the screams ... the history and the complexity of the central love story would also be complex for a younger person.
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