Langston answers “Would you say this book is appropriate for...”

Paula Nevins asked this question about The Road:

Would you say this book is appropriate for a 15 year old boy? He needs something for an English essay that he can read independently and compare to its movie version. Thoughts or recommendations on something better would be appreciated.

Langston Yes, it's perfectly fine for a 15 year old. There are a few scenes of graphic violence, but as with other McCarthy books there's literally no other ma…moreYes, it's perfectly fine for a 15 year old. There are a few scenes of graphic violence, but as with other McCarthy books there's literally no other mature content. The scenes of violence are very disturbing, and include the following: cellar full of naked people (not too detailed) that are being saved to be eaten later, infant that is eaten (extremely disturbing), man shot in the head with a pistol at close range, man hit with an arrow, guy shot with a flare gun, decapitated heads found lying around randomly, people that have melted into the road are graphically described, man teaches his son how to commit suicide if the need shall ever arise, etc. This is irrelevant because your son is now 21.(less)

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