Cathy Douglas answers “Do you recommend this book for a 16 yr old...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about My Dark Vanessa:

Do you recommend this book for a 16 yr old girl? The girl read Room a few years ago and wasn't upset about the upsetting stuff and actually loved the book.

Cathy Douglas I wouldn't suggest it to a teen, but if they already wanted to read it, I'd let them.

With adult guidance interpreting the characters it could be appro…moreI wouldn't suggest it to a teen, but if they already wanted to read it, I'd let them.

With adult guidance interpreting the characters it could be appropriate, even a very powerful choice for some kids. The most important thing would be to talk about the concept of an unreliable narrator, and about how the effects of abuse don't go away just because the abuse stops, or even when the abuser dies.

When I was a teen, any book adults said we shouldn't read was catnip to me. I would sure to find a way to read that book. It was not hard to find what I was looking for then, and even less so now. So if the teen shows interest in the book, I would give them a copy and then commit some time to discussing it with them. And make sure they understand the concept of an unreliable narrator before they even open it.(less)

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