Fifty Shades of Grey
discussion
How old should someone be to read this book?
It's considered an 18+ book. There is very explicit sex scenes that involve BDSM. But honestly I would have read it at 16 and been just fine with it. It just depends on what you normally read and what you are comfortable with. Because there have been like 40 year olds that are uncomfortable with it. Read lots of reviews and maybe a sample of the book to see if it is something you would be comfortable reading.
Lily wrote: "I'm younger than you and I started reading it not knowing what the main idea of the book was. The description doesn't indicate any of the nasty stuff that goes on in that book! Seriously, I'm scarr..."Lily
I am a lot older than you, old enough to be your grandfather and I agree with you it was kind of a scary book. I wasn't frightened per se but I did not like the BDSM, that is not how you treat a person you love. I agree with you it is not a book for any age.
Lisa
I think you answered you own question, if there is any doubt in your mind that this book is appropriate for some one your age then it is not. Everyone one is different, but I do not think this book is appropriate for teens in general, and if you have doubts about reading it...then that should seal the deal in your mind.
Lisa wrote: "Just wondering what you think the suitable age should be... I'm sixteen and I've heard that this book is really good but I'm not really sure if it's appropriate for someone of my age. I heard there..."
No you should not read this book yet!!
Lisa wrote: "Just wondering what you think the suitable age should be... I'm sixteen and I've heard that this book is really good but I'm not really sure if it's appropriate for someone of my age. I heard there..."It is an adult book with adult themes. I think that as an adult, I am supposed to say that you shouldn't be reading it. But I also have to be honest, I remember that I read a book called Endless Love when I was even younger than you and I wasn't scarred for life from it. That book was equally steamy, as I recall. There was explicit sexual content and it involved an intense and overwhelming obscessive/controlling/dysfunctional relationship between two teenagers.
It's not intended for teens by any means, but I do think that a mature level headed teen could handle reading it. I say this because I was one of those types.
I am more conservative! I think you have all of your life to explore! There are so many other books for a 16 year old to read that are just as good! That is just my opinion!
Over 30 something! Lol
Yes, I feel that this book is definitely for the 18 and over crowd. If I had a 16 year old daughter, I wouldn't let her read it.
I would have read the book at sixteen and would have been just fine too. Well, at 16 I had raging hormones so I definitely would have been JUST fine reading this book LOL but other than that, it's not suitable for teenagers. Some of the content is explicit and can be scary. I say, stick with Twilight... and other young, YOUNG adult books.
Definitely not a book for a 16 yr old to read, I wouldn't want my 16yr old son to read it. This is a book for adults, and even some adults will find it disturbing.So much more you could read that would be more suitable.
For me, that depends the level of conservativity of a certain person, or if she or he is open minded enough. I'm younger than you, and yeah I have read this book. I'm a bit mature for my age, or a bit open-minded as they say. I knew by then that it was an adult read, but never had it occur to me that it was that adult-ish! Hahaha. Anyway, I was still able to adapt to the writing though..so I guess that depends on the person. Still, I wouldn't recommend it to people my age as the content includes whipping, and other stuff that aren't suitable for younger people. They might get influenced. Lol jk.
It's not at all good for a young person. I love this book but it is meant for an older age group. I would say age 18 and up. I think too many younger people may get too many ideas from this book and could lead to trouble. lol but it could also be a bad influence for adults too...i know it has me hooked on this type of book now!
Well, I'm 20 and I read this book. I wasn't shocked, my mouth didn't drop wide open or anything by what I read. Honestly, music now a days has way more sexual exploitation than this book does. I guess to be on the safe side I would say be 18 and up to read this book. I can sort of see how some people who have no concept of love or sex and haven't established a personal boundary or any personal experience with sex could be influenced by what they consider normal, healthy, etc if that makes sense. Would I want my 16 year old younger sister to read it? Absolutely not. I loved the book but I know that it was just a book.
I think that a 16 year old reading a regular romance novel or a regular even erotic novel is fine. I was reading Zane books at 15 but this is not just regular sex this is whips and chains and beating and such. I think it's definitely an 18 and older book. Sex doesn't have to hurt and for those younger crowds less experienced crowds this could be scary. I would wait a few years.
Probably at an age where the person is no longer impressionable, and truly understands the difference between reality and fiction.
I don't like how so many bookstores are promoting it now though; they are unintentionally bringing to attention to this type of novel for fans of Twilight who I'm guessing are younger (12, 13, etc.)
I must say that i read up to chapter six and threw the book against the wall. I wanted to see what all the conversation was about. I should have spent my money on Nicholas Sparks instead.
18 & older definitely. I'm not opposed to younger readers reading books with sex in them, but this one's a little much for impressionable readers. I remember how obsessed I became with books/characters when I was young. Christian is not the hero I want my 16 year-old obsessed with. Edward C. is bad enough, but at least he's a vampire. I can dismiss some of his not so wonderful traits because there's no way he could exist. Christian, OTOH, could be a real person. Makes it different somehow.
I definitely think you should be a mature ADULT to read this book absolutely not in your teens.
My daughter is almost 15 and she saw it in tesco, me like a plank laughed and said those ARE very good books! she asked me about them and i told her, she told me that wasnt her thing. (sticking to morganville that one)! Saying that I read flowers in the attic when I was 13 didnt scar me for life, didnt throw it against the wall, just read it because it was a good read.
But no if I had the book copy and not on my kindle I wouldnt give it to her.
I definitely think you need to be a mature ADULT as well. This book is one that has been very well publicized for its graphic nature. I am 31 and loved the series but I also know that a book is just that..an escape. And there are appropriate ages for any book. This whole series however are not for anyone under the age of at least 21 in my opinion. I have 3 children, ages 12 and 10, that is what I would tell them. I know there have been talks of a movie and I'm just wondering how they will rate that. This being said, with the content of this book someone has to be able to separate reality and fiction.
Henry wrote: "Lily wrote: "I'm younger than you and I started reading it not knowing what the main idea of the book was. The description doesn't indicate any of the nasty stuff that goes on in that book! Serious..."
Wow. I agree with both of you and I could probably be Lily's slightly younger sister! Totally did not expect what I read... Too "mature" for my age under 18s I would say based on my limited knoweledge about other age groups. Not sure what to think really... Just agree with both Lily and Henry.
xx just my humble two cents xx
Ps. Also agree with the bit about treating someone you live like that... It is really twisted in my opinion.
Wow. I agree with both of you and I could probably be Lily's slightly younger sister! Totally did not expect what I read... Too "mature" for my age under 18s I would say based on my limited knoweledge about other age groups. Not sure what to think really... Just agree with both Lily and Henry.
xx just my humble two cents xx
Ps. Also agree with the bit about treating someone you live like that... It is really twisted in my opinion.
Lisa wrote: "Just wondering what you think the suitable age should be... I'm sixteen and I've heard that this book is really good but I'm not really sure if it's appropriate for someone of my age. I heard there..."I wouldnt recommend it to a 16 year old. Wait until youre in your twenties.
Orlaith wrote: "I would advise them to wait until they have a firmer grasp of themselves (no pun intended!)"Pun or not, that sure made me laugh. :-)
It's more of maturity level and how open minded you are than a specific age. Some people just can't handle the book regardless of how old they are. Basically, when/if you don't squirm or feel disgusted at the thought of extreme sexual acts, then you should read it.
I have already finished the trilogy and I'm only fourteen. I think that people who should read these books depends on how open-minded they are about the topics mentioned in the story.
I'm also fourteen and I'm on the second book. I think that it depends on your maturity level and your comfort zone. If you can read this book and be comfortable with it then I don't see what the problem is. If you are TRULY mature and open- minded, read the 50 shades trilogy! You just have to see past the sex and realize the deep romantic relationship between Ana and Christian. It really is a good one.
Jennifer wrote: "It's considered an 18+ book. There is very explicit sex scenes that involve BDSM. But honestly I would have read it at 16 and been just fine with it. It just depends on what you normally read and w..."I think this is a good answer - but I would hope that these young girls would have an adult (comfortable with the subject matter) to ask questions to and discuss the BDSM topics with, so that they can form a positive view of different types of sex, love, needs.
I don't like seeing the one young girl how said she was scared..this should not be reading behind your parents backs just to be cool.
At many ages - this book requires discussion
This is definitely a book that requires thoughtful discussion. I have two young daughter (6 and 3), and I would feel uncomfortable with them reading it at any age under 18. From my own experience, I don't believe teenagers are mature enough to really understand and absorb the content of these books. I would be more afraid that they would go out and try some of this stuff....
I think you should read the Hunger Games instead.... I'm 26 years old and I had to put the book down a few times because it was overwhelming lol Also, I don't like how the main character is portrayed as an overly desperate woman needing a man in her life to give it meaning. Plus, you are 16 years old...you have a lifetime to read and learn about these things later on in life! :0)
My niece s 16, and I would not want her reading this book. Actually, I would not recommend It to anyone.
My daughter is 17 and very mature I am letting her go from USA to 6 different countries in Europe. 1 of those countries is the UK England were 16 year olds have graduated from high school and are considered adults.If I am not mistaken the Author is from England.My point being though is I wouldn't want my 17 year old reading these unless I had an open discussion with her about the way BDSM is suppose to work.What it is all about I mean come on lets face it as a parent its out there. I have an open relationship with my daughter and sex is talked about often. This book was a discussion in our house I mean come on the publicity its getting thats make kids under 18 curious. So in my opinion don't read it until your over 18 and if you do just remember its a fictional book. Don't try some of the scenes in the book some of them could maybe get a young person hurt.
I have read the book and I really enjoyed it. I am 16.. but I understand that not everyones sex is the same and I accept that. The story line of this book is beautifal. Through-out my life ive had to grow up faster than most others and sex is a common subject between my mother and I. I wasn't scared at all reading this book, though it was a little strange and I would not like to involve myself In BDSM. So I reccomend if you are mature for your age then I guess the book will do you no harm.
C.D. wrote: "18 & older definitely. I'm not opposed to younger readers reading books with sex in them, but this one's a little much for impressionable readers. I remember how obsessed I became with books/char..."
Well put!!
Lisa wrote: "Just wondering what you think the suitable age should be... I'm sixteen and I've heard that this book is really good but I'm not really sure if it's appropriate for someone of my age. I heard there..."Lisa, you are too young for this book. I would not suggest anyone under 18 read it.
Definitely for those 18 and older.
Go for it! I could have handled it at 16 for sure.
I was 13 when I read it... Wouldn't recommend it though I could handle it.
Im 19 and I just read it. I think it all depends on the readers maturity.
Im sixteen and i read all three books but i do think you need to be mature to really read it. I did get embarrassed with some stuff but i was able to handle it. I guess it depends on the person but i wouldn't recommend this book to like a thirteen year old..
old and sane enough to comprehend
Tiffany wrote: "Im sixteen and i read all three books but i do think you need to be mature to really read it. I did get embarrassed with some stuff but i was able to handle it. I guess it depends on the person but..."
neither would i
neither would i
....if I would have read this book as a young woman (late teens, early 20's) I would have been totally aghast. I am 50 now and still blushed at some of it. But I'm older and wiser and can read it for what it is. JUST A STORY. Def not for everyone. Book two is the best of the three.
to be fair it doesn't even have a clear plot line. it is just so graphic.
I think it all depends on how comfortable you are with the content and the maturity of the person. I'm 16 and I read it. Not a big deal. People are making it way more than it is. It's just sex, people. It happens all the time.
... with whips, handcuffs and other sadistical torture devices? I don't think so.
I'm 17 and I've read it and I've literally made all of my friends read it, They all loved it.. No as long as your mature enough to handel the content of the book.. Age doesn't matter.. In the end of the day, Its still a romantic book even though it has erotic lit and bdsm
Im 16, is it wrong?!
Nadd wrote: "Im 16, is it wrong?!"I bet you hate people saying it depends ...but it does. There are some sexual situations in these books that may be shocking to one so young and inexperienced in what a loving relationship & sex can entail. If you have a trusted adult who is willing to answer your questions, or if you stop reading the books if you feel uncomfortable - then it might be ok. Most of all you need to have someone to help you understand that what you may read in these book is not for everyone, but is appealing to many. The books will still be around years from now so don't feel like you need to rush into these books just to be "cool" with your peers, or to do something your parents don't want you to do.
a good sign of maturity is doing whats right for your age and mental/emotional development - don't rush it - enjoy being a child.
lol @ creepy and gross. Not to stereotype but that's just the sort of reaction I'd expect from an under 16 to be honest. If I'd read it at 16 I'd probably have the same reaction. I'm 33 and have the book, have flicked through the odd page and laughed at it but then I've read De Sade and Story of O etc and not easily shocked. If you have to question how old you should be to read it then you're probably too young to. I have a 9yo daughter and personally wouldn't want her reading it at 16.
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Thank you!
EDIT: January 2013
Almost eighteen now and I still haven't read the book! Thanks for the posts. I had no idea there'd be hundreds of comments.