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what would be the age rating for this ? im 14 and im not sure if this is appropriate ?
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Dark Places,
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Judy Desetti
As a middle school librarian my vote is NOT appropriate for a 14 yr old. Give yourself about 2 or 3 more years and come back to it. Books don't go away, they will still be available in a few years when you have more life experiences and can understand the depth of emotions for the characters and events.
Taeyamarie
I'm 14 and I've read it. personally these are the books I like, but it does depend on maturity.
Cyndy
As an adult, I found this book deeply disturbing. I would advise you to wait. I'm sure it will be around for awhile given the popularity of the author.
Heather Nowak
I think it depends on what type of books you are already reading. Personally, at 14 I was reading Steven King and VC Andrews. I think both of them are more twisted than this book. But if you are a reader that prefers the Harry Potter type books, then steer clear.
Frances L Main
Nope not for a 14 year-old. By the time you're old enough to drive maybe but not quite yet. You can't un-think think some of the darker images.
Nicole Rutherford
At your age, if you're looking for something a little dark and intense but more age appropriate I would go for Mary Higgins Clark books. She's a great mystery/thriller/suspense writer but without some of the more mature content you see in novels by Flynn or Stephen King.
Alaska Young
do what you want i'm sure you have heard or read worst i for one really like this book and i'm 15. you should read this book i recommend it. the book is like life not everything can end is happily ever after.
Abby
As someone who was 14 not too long ago, I can tell you the sex stuff probably won't be the disturbing part. But the descriptions of gore and violence are pretty vivid, so if you have a wild imagination and are sensitive to that kind of stuff, be cautious.
Emma
It all depends on how mature you are and if you can handle murder books
Alan
Its definitely fine
o
you can read it now. lol. it has been 6 years
Linda C
If you have to ask, the answer is NO. Otherwise, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone should be free to make their own choices about what they read, whether they are 7, 14, or an adult. It's hard enough to get kids to read, don't censor their choices.
Trinity Curtis
I love this book, has to be one of my favorites, right next to the black Company by Glen Cook.
I am only 13 years old, younger then you, and like to consider myself very mature for my age.
On the subject of being to young to read this book, I don't think anyone who can't handle gore, sexual content, or cursing should read it.
But age is just a number, and a lot of people in these comments think that your age means you can't handle this book, well, if you believe that you're mature enough to handle it then go for it! Don't let anyone in the comments stomp your liking of this -mind I say- AMAZING title.
~ Trinity
I am only 13 years old, younger then you, and like to consider myself very mature for my age.
On the subject of being to young to read this book, I don't think anyone who can't handle gore, sexual content, or cursing should read it.
But age is just a number, and a lot of people in these comments think that your age means you can't handle this book, well, if you believe that you're mature enough to handle it then go for it! Don't let anyone in the comments stomp your liking of this -mind I say- AMAZING title.
~ Trinity
Amy
I'm 14 and I've read it. It really just depends on your maturity. Don't read it if you're sensitive to gore.
Catherine
Agreed. I am 22 years old and found some of it pretty hard to stomach. Awesome read for when you are older!
Beth
This book is for adults, not appropriate for 14 year olds. Just because it is about children, does not mean anyone under the age of 18 should read it. You are right to feel disturbed about it. IT is also disturbing for adults, but adults can much better handle the material. talk to your parents or a librarian about books suitable for kids your age. THERE ARE a lot of great books for 14 year Olds out there. In the mean time, talk to your parents about the upsetting material in this book. they can help you feel better. Remember, this book is fiction, not a true story. I am glad you had the courage to ask this question about this book. good for you!
Saranya
It honestly depends on the person, if you know that your level of maturity can cope with disturbing topics being discussed in fiction and enjoy this type of literature then go for it. I am 14 too and Gillian Flynn has quickly become one of my favourite writers, I really enjoy how dark and twisted her stories are and find that her exploration of characters is amazing.
Janie Agee
I'm much older and I'm sorry I read it. It is well written but too disturbing. I'm going to try to forget every part of this book.
Bobbie
Not age-appropriate for 14. It is disturbing. Take a pass on this one. Try something else. Have you read any John Green?
Ashley
If it was a movie itd definitely be rated R. Hope that helps
Rebecca
I’m in the mid 20’s and in my experience, all of Gillian Flynn’s novels explore disturbing and emotionally serious themes. I don’t agree that young teenagers should be reading this! Even depending on the individual, older readers may find the content inappropriate too
Shreya
The book would be understood better when you're older and have experienced more of the ups and downs of life. Sure, you can read it when you're 14 but it wouldn't quite strike the same disturbing chord that an adult would experience. So just for the sake of your enjoyment, shelve this (and most of Flynn's work) for a later date.
Michele Daigle
I think you are (or were since this post is 5 yrs old) a very mature and responsible young woman for even inquiring if it is appropriate! Hope you've read it by now and loved it!
Jennie
I’m a mom, and I would caution against reading this book. It’s intense. There’s explicit language and graphic violence.
Nora Sinclair
There is:
-sex
-drug use
-murder (duh)
-and..... curse words (god forbid)
-sex
-drug use
-murder (duh)
-and..... curse words (god forbid)
Abm234
Not appropriate for 14.
Ellie
I'm 15 and I've read it when i was 14, but it does depend on maturity.
Anthonywne
I would say yes. Maybe not 11 or 12 but 13 and over is a perfect age for the novel. After all it is a novel, it is supposed to be read.
Beth Ashley
Perfectly fine!
Matterhörnli
Definitively not appropriate, read it when you are 30! The book leaves bad feelings and scares you.
Namoos Qasmi
20 at-least. This book is not for teenagers! But this doesn't mean you should never read it, wait for the right time.
Patti
No, I do not think that this is appropriate for middle school reading. This story is very dark and does not rely on reality for its basis.
Louise McDougall
At 14 you might want to try Sophie McKenzie. She writes good thrillers but in the YA genre. Be warned because she does end every chapter on a cliffhanger which will make you keep turning pages
Aali
Im the same age and i read it, it does have very disturbing things in it but i found the book very interesting and it was good, it depends on how you can handle it or if you can,, but i think you should read it
Luke Christian
I vote Maybe! wait til you learn how the world works before reading this novel. However if you can handle Flynn's violent sequences, then go for it! let's be honest at least she isn't reading "50 shades of grey" if your wise teenager (who is not an amateur!). Then the read the book!
aPriL does feral sometimes
No. Just, no. Not appropriate.
Dean
Hanya, as a previous 14 year old who didn't ask this question and ended up reading a book that was extremely upsetting to me, I would agree with several previous comments that it has VERY disturbing and graphic content. I would (personally) give it a little time and come back to it.
Eila
I recomend you to read Rainbow Rowell, she has great books and more appropiate for your age :)
Etain Feeley
Approach with caution, it may disturb you if you are of a sensitive nature and don't read it without parental suppervision.
Jennifer
tell your parents it's gory and there are several sex scenes. Let them decide.
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