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A Tale for the Time Being,
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Hfalight
If you limit yourself to books that are 'age appropriate' you will only know a very small world. If you wish to read it, read it!
I can tell you that there are distressing scenes and the like, but we live in a distressing world. Don't limit yourself!
Have a go at it. The writing may be hard to read - depending on your reading experience.
I love this book; even with its subject matter.
I hope you will like it too.
I can tell you that there are distressing scenes and the like, but we live in a distressing world. Don't limit yourself!
Have a go at it. The writing may be hard to read - depending on your reading experience.
I love this book; even with its subject matter.
I hope you will like it too.
May
I ended up reading this book after asking the question and reading the answers, and I'm so glad I did. It's one of those books that has stayed with me for a very long time. Nao had such a refreshing voice, and while there were definitely parts of the book that were disturbing and sad, I found that the entire book was rather hopeful than dour and depressing. If anyone else had the same concern about being too young to read it, I would definitely recommend reading this book :)
Npldirector
I'm a mom of 3 (all adults now) and a librarian and my advice is to read the book. Age ratings are tough, people are ready for things at all different ages. But if you are mature enough to consider whether a book is appropriate for you then you are mature enough to pick it up and start reading, then put it down if the topics are more than you are prepared to think about or decide about for yourself.
There are parts that may bore you to death: the life of a middle aged couple on a remote island in British Columbia is not exactly a thrill. Stick with those parts if you can, but if not don't worry too much, Nao's story alone carries the book well.
There are parts that may bore you to death: the life of a middle aged couple on a remote island in British Columbia is not exactly a thrill. Stick with those parts if you can, but if not don't worry too much, Nao's story alone carries the book well.
Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)
A lot of people try to protect their kids from things like sexual references, bullying, and suicidal behaviour in films and books--without realising that it's all around them in highschool.
While I did find the book painful to read at times, if you are a reasonably centred, grounded adolescent and not the kind who enjoys wallowing in morbidness, you're probably old enough. Check it out from the library if possible, taste a few pages. If you like it, carry on. If not, take it back.
While I did find the book painful to read at times, if you are a reasonably centred, grounded adolescent and not the kind who enjoys wallowing in morbidness, you're probably old enough. Check it out from the library if possible, taste a few pages. If you like it, carry on. If not, take it back.
Penny Mackenzie
I never censored what my children read. Ever. I worked on the premise that if the book was too abstract in its subject matter, or the language too sophisticated, for them to understand fully, they would put it down. As far as content went I felt that their experiences would influence their interpretation. My sons are now adults and both have open, enquiring minds, due in part to the free reign they had on what they chose to read. The most wonderful conversations arise out of question young readers have when grappling with difficult subjects and ideas they come across in their reading.
Julie Hunter
I agree with Maggie in that you should probably review it with your parents as there is some intensive subject matter. With that said 14-year olds tend to be much more informed these days than I ever was. I think it would provide much food for thought.
Glauber Ribeiro
I started reading this book to see if it would be ok for my 13-year-old to read. I'm still halfway through, but at this point, i'd say it's a cautious yes (only because i haven't read the whole thing). It is not an easy book, but if you're an advanced and adventurous reader, you'll get a lot from it. Do read the footnotes, because they are part of the story. I'd consider this a post-modern book, because it doesn't follow the traditional separation of fiction and real life, but tends to mix them up. Don't worry too much about that, enjoy the ride.
Paulen Swope
I would recommend this book as I think you're old enough to understand the topics incorporated in this wonderful story. If it's too difficult you can put it down and try again in a year or so.
Agnes Fells
I think it is perfect for a mature 14 year old. I would recommend her other 2 books as well. They are all educational, spiritual(in a sense) great characters etc.
Heather
I know you asked this question a few years ago, and I hope you did get to read it then. I think it is important for young people to occasionally read material that might be considered "too grown-up" for them. I am not going to be naive enough to think that you have never encountered the language, nor that you are unaware of how intense bullying can get in schools, or of how depression and suicidal thoughts can affect a teenage girl. While we shouldn't be shoving these things at our children, it is important not to pretend they don't exist.
Anna Saka
For my first semester sophomore English class, this book was assigned reading. So most students were either 15 and 16 years old. There were some points in the book that were quite touchy and graphic, and I remember many of my fellow feeling uncomfortable during so parts. It's really up to you. Brace yourself.
Jewel
I'm only 2/3 of the way through, but I'd personally say hold off till 17 at least. Even then it wouldn't have been ideal for my son. People keep mentioning the sexual content and bullying...but the sexual content I've seen is far from "traditional" and can be violent. There's a reference like that within the first few pages that can be very disturbing.
If, as a general guideline we don't suggest films with that sort of content, it might be prudent to stick with that guideline for a book. As others have stated, we all have different maturity levels, and this is a good book. But those details alone might concern me for you.
If, as a general guideline we don't suggest films with that sort of content, it might be prudent to stick with that guideline for a book. As others have stated, we all have different maturity levels, and this is a good book. But those details alone might concern me for you.
Susan
I am a high school teacher, and at our school it is for grade 12s.
Geoff
This is going to sound a bit convoluted and off-topic May, so let me start with a simple yes. Like many here, I believe that exposure to the less attractive aspects of life better prepares you for life in the real world. There is an important movement going on right now that questions our over-use of antibiotics and anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners. The idea being that if we over-protect ourselves against microbes, germs, bacteria, viruses and "the dirt" of life in general, we risk weakening our immune system. So go ahead, read the book, its fun in some spots, phantasmagorical in others and will most certainly provide a boost to your 'life-experiencing-immune-system' throughout. Enjoy and and learn, its what reading is all about.
Susan D'Entremont
Did you end up reading this book? What did you think?
I don't censor my kids' reading either, but I know many teen readers who self censor because they know they are not ready for certain things. There are many differences between kids of the same age, and huge differences between a 14 year old and a 17 year old.
This book does not have as much sex in it as most YA books. However, there is some brutality towards the teen girl, and the father's suicidal behavior may be the most problematic for some younger kids. For the most part, though, it is a beautiful story. Some of the themes may be a bit adult for a 14 year old, but more in a "just haven't had the experience to understand" way than in an inappropriate way.
I don't censor my kids' reading either, but I know many teen readers who self censor because they know they are not ready for certain things. There are many differences between kids of the same age, and huge differences between a 14 year old and a 17 year old.
This book does not have as much sex in it as most YA books. However, there is some brutality towards the teen girl, and the father's suicidal behavior may be the most problematic for some younger kids. For the most part, though, it is a beautiful story. Some of the themes may be a bit adult for a 14 year old, but more in a "just haven't had the experience to understand" way than in an inappropriate way.
Maggie
At age 14 I would not have understood this book, though the language would not be a problem for you. Your parents might want to review it, because there is a little sex in the box.
Harry
I would start with 'my year of meats' also by her. I gave it to my very politicised vegan daughter and she loved it.
Carol Kerner
What do adults think of this book ?
Lila Marantz
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Deborah Klein
If you are a mature 14 year old, yes. I would have read it, and been fine with it when I was your age. There are sexual themes and a major plot point regarding suicide, but completely appropriate to the book.
I. Aldazabal
Read it, it's good, I read when I was 11, and there was no problem.
Kaitlin Moore
Did you end up reading it?? What did you think?
Anne
If you are mature enough, go ahead and read it! I'm 14 and I'm reading the book at the moment, there may be sexual references but don't mind those, Nao's story is amazing
Ale
Have you read it yet? I'd say do it, and talk about it. Enjoy it, it is a thoughtful book with very funny parts. It does have dark episodes, but you can always talk them out with adults whom you trust. Like many other books, you may understand it and savour it more as you grow up and have more life under your belt, but I think it would be great to read it as a teenager. No doubt your particular point of view will provide you with different insight and make you appreciate it differently than readers at other points of their life.
Paula Varley
It's a good book - one of the two main protagonists is a teenager, so I would not imagine there being very much wrong with a fourteen year old reading it. There is a little sexual content - but nothing that would stop me from recommending it to my kids. Go ahead - good luck.
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