Emma 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.

Emma A pet peeve of mine is when people say a kid's age but not what their general reading level is.

My answer to the question is that it would be perfectly…moreA pet peeve of mine is when people say a kid's age but not what their general reading level is.

My answer to the question is that it would be perfectly fine for a 15-year-old boy to read, but someone in high school won't get everything out of the book that it has to offer. McCarthy's symbolism, detail and imagery are extremely sophisticated.

My suggestion? The Shining. Stephen King HATED Kubrick's interpretation, and in my opinion neither is actually telling the same story, but both are masterpieces in their own right, so he'd have a lot to work with. If I had to do that project, that's what I'd choose!

Oooh, or Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now!(less)

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