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The Shadow of the Wind,
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Pyrh
17 years old? He is old enough to read whatever he wants.
Janet
I read whatever I chose at 17. I will soon be 60 and am still morally whole.
Alan James
If you have to ask - no. You have no right to censor what a developing mind discovers.
Nicole Froio
It's kind of pathetic that people here are worried about the nudity and sex in this novel but not about the violence against women described. There's an almost-rape and systemic beatings of women because they happened to have sex.
Abdul-Samay Ahadi
I know this is a 2 year old question but maybe everyone here should mind their own business and allow people to run their household how they want. Too much people sticking their noses in other peoples family affairs.
Maija
At his age he is allowed to live alone, get married, drive a car, etc. And you're wondering if the average book is okay?
David
It is completely appropriate for a 17 year young man. There are some sex references, but nothing too strong or too detailed. In my Opinion, this book might be good for ages above 14 years old.
Catherine Richmond
Yes we read it in my 10th/11th grade world literature class and the ages in there ranged from 15-17 and nothing was too uncomfortable for us to read. It is a very good read.
Dominic Samaroo
The main character is a seventeen year old boy ...
Leah
If I had a 17 year old son I wouldn't hand him this book. I have made it to page 124 and so far there have been ten references to sex or women's breasts etc., and there has been one sex scene which would be an x-rated movie if it was played out by actors on screen. It's not just the sex references either that give me pause, but a general feeling that in this book women are mostly seen as sex objects.
Joy
I know this is an old question, and the boy is no longer 17, but it really saddens me that people on goodreads ask perfectly normal questions, only to be judged for them. This is not pleasejudgemyquestionmoralsandparentingskills.com. You don't know why a person is asking the question. In this case, it was the parent, but I've read other questions posted by minors, asking about a book for themselves. You don't know what the intended readers' sensitivities are, or what they've gone through in their past. What's okay for you and your kids might be disturbing and traumatizing for another. An abused kid, for example, should not be reading stories about abuse, unless there's a therapeutic aspect to it, or they'll be traumatized all over again. Some people may not have the emotional ability or even the cognitive ability to handle certain subject matter. Everyone who has commented on this question seems to have been of normal or above intelligence, and raised kids with a similar intelligence level. Some people aren't so lucky. They may have a lower than normal intelligence, therefore, books for kids their age may actually be inappropriate for their decreased mental capacity. And if someone is asking about the appropriateness of a book, it's no one's business as to why. They just want to to know the answer to their question.
That being said, I think the best course of action for any parent questioning the appropriateness of a book should check the book out from the library and read it for themselves. A child with similar questions can ask a trusted adult. That's what adults are for.
People asking these types of questions care about ther children's and/or their own mental and emotional well-being. If you don't agree with how a person goes about ensuring that, fine, but it should be respected.
That being said, I think the best course of action for any parent questioning the appropriateness of a book should check the book out from the library and read it for themselves. A child with similar questions can ask a trusted adult. That's what adults are for.
People asking these types of questions care about ther children's and/or their own mental and emotional well-being. If you don't agree with how a person goes about ensuring that, fine, but it should be respected.
Saathvika
wow what a vile comment section. Anyone ever thought if the person just wanted to gift this book to a 17 year old boy and just asked if its age appropriate? like how one decides if crayons are a good enough gift for a 10 year old kid. Come on guys. Not everything has to be negative
David
In my opinion, there are no works of fiction inappropriate for a 17 year old.
Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all)
He's old enough to go to college, drive, and marry. He's old enough to choose his own reading material unless he is mentally disabled in some way.
Ayah Abdul-Rauf
The casual violence against women in this book needs to be discussed if a teen boy reads it, I think. But as a kid I was always allowed to read whatever I wanted, and there are benefits to that, as well.
Boy Blue
More than it being appropriate I would say it's a good book for a 17 year-old boy. Primarily because it's a fascinating read with challenging themes beyond what they would experience in a Young Adult novel. It may also provide a gateway for a 17 year-old into literature and what could be better than that? As for the sex and violence, if you aren't capable of reading that at 17, there's some serious developmental issues going on. The only time I wouldn't recommend this to a 17 year old boy is if they aren't into reading, they will be unable to empathise with the protagonist and may struggle with the narrative. In that case go for the Northern Lights/Golden Compass instead or a modern fantasy book like Name of the Wind.
Kristen Stone
There is quite a bit of profanity. I don't think young people should have one more example of profanity to reinforce the idea that a "potty mouth" is ok.
Chao-Rong Hsu
I would say yes, but it still depends on the maturity of a boy's mind.
Sarah Mck
Yes cetainly. It's a very intelligent read encouraging the reader to follow the, sometimes complicated, plot turns, and it also brings to light some subjects that younger people need to start becoming aware of. - Welcome to the real world, young people cant be sheltered forever, and this book is so clever, mild, and thought-provoking I can't see why it shouldn't be recommended to under 18s!
Letavia
Lol at least the young man is reading, let him develop his brain capacity and explore books instead of the outside worldly temptations.
Cat
There are some intimate scenes but nothing is described in detail and the scene is interrupted fairly quickly. All depends on the child's moral position.
mgdaloon
I read it when I was 14, and I loved it. And it was my mom who told me to read it.
Karen Koppy
I see this question was asked 5 years ago. Did he read it and what was the outcome? I just finished it and found the sex stuff kind of demeaning to women, especially Fermin's remarks. Other than that, I don't think it would damage a 17 year old unless he is very sheltered. Most 17 year olds know a lot more than we realize! I'm speaking from 70 years experience which probably doesn't count for much!
Fernando
Actually, I read it when I was 17, many years ago here in Spain and, although I was a usual reader, this was one of those books that changed my life. From my point of view, sure, it's completely appropriate.
Lector on fire
Yes. He is old enough to read whatever he wants.
Echaozh
Why do people all assume it's a parent asking for the son? Why can't it be the boy asking for himself?
Pep
If you could get a 17 year old boy to sit down and concentrate for long enough. I think most of them would prefer to wait for the manga version, or for it to be turned into a video game.
Karen Pavon
Yes, my son like it, he was 15 when he read it.
Zainab Rehman
of course, you can read this book at this age.There is no age restriction on this book and its absolutely awesome
Bob Connell
There are a few areas where it is a little bit risqué but nothing that is over done. Probably see more on the movies or TV shows that are now playing.
Inês Costa
yes, it is . It's a very good story, with very detailed characters and an amazing plot.
Chris
Yesn No Problem.
Colmar
What a stupid question! What kind of sheltered life have you emerged from? Are you serious?
Vanessa King
Rape and domestic violence and a traumatic abortion are in the book
Day Dreamer
yebb, without murder, nudity, it suit. Indeed, i m 20 when i read this book, but if came up with it before, may try
Evan Thomas
I read whatever I wanted to at 17 I think this book may be inappropriate for a teenager who int mature enough. Because the violence and all is thick through out they need to be mentally mature
Val
Yo lo leà por primera vez cuando tenÃa más o menos 14 años, entonces dirÃa que sÃ.
Lewis Williams
Mandy, darling, what isn't appropriate for a 17 year old boy?
Jose
This book is MEANT fro 17 year olds. As an much older person of 53, I find its themes and approach quite juvenile for the most part.
Zeb
At 17, I'm inclined to think he's old enough to make his own choice. That said... "120 Days of Sodom," anyone? Or "Venus In Furs"? There are some books you should try to warn people about before they commit to reading them. Especially if they're lucky enough to be a more emotionally sensitive individual.
Diego González
Yes, there is a mild level of violence and some people in the book have sex, but it is nothing a 17 year old can't handle
Diana
i was 12 when i read this book :) so yes, it is appropriate for a 17 year old! Specially if its a 17 year old that loves book, because this book appeals to all of us bookworms out there
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