NaTaya Hastings answers “Is this book appropriate for a 14 year old?”

Sadiekane asked this question about The Song of Achilles:

Is this book appropriate for a 14 year old?

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…moreAppropriate? 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. (less)

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The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller (Goodreads Author)

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