Is reading these books bad for a 14 years old girl?

Question

I like to read books by Chekov, James Joyce, Tolstoy, Hemingway, shakespeare, etc (literature, novel, detective, whatever, except TEENLIT). MY family said that it's not my age yet, I'm supposed to read books like princess diaries or whatever.. what do you think? Is it okay?

Answer 1

All of the above are great authors _ and nothing disturbing in them for a 14 yr old.
But do consider... why perhaps yr family would make such a comment....
Check if you are doing any of the below?
@ Spending ALL yr time in reading.?
@ Shunning friends in favor of books?
@ Studying literature at the cost of yr academics.?
@ Acting all high & mighty & philosophical?
@ Reading ONLY serious stuff & getting blue moods?

Answer 2

How awesome that you want to expand your mind and vocabulary. I think sometimes people that haven't read such books get intimidated by the idea that you are reading them.

Not that there's anything wrong with some light reading at times, but I can imagine that if you are reading Shakespeare, it would be sort of hard to really enjoy Princess Diaries! However, there are lots of books out there to read and enjoy so give some light reading a chance, too. Maybe then your family won't be so freaked out.

Kudos to you! I know when I was a child, I read well above my age/grade level and it certainly didn't do any harm.

Answer 3

You should read whatever you feel like. Dont let anyone censor you. I was the same way when I was that age and it used to baffle the hell out of my teachers and friends and it never hurt me any.

TeenLit can be fluffy and sugary and there is nothing wrong with that. Im 25 and I still read childrens books. I love Harry Potter and Angie Sage's 'Magyk' series. I grew up reading LJ Smith and Im a sucker for Louise Rennison's 'Georgia' series. They can be fun and a different pace from the norm.

Point is, read what makes you happy. Read everything and anything you can get your hands on and do it because you want to, not because someone thinks you should.

Answer 4

It is absolulty ok. There is no right age to read anything. If you enjoy it (and I think it is awesome that you like things like Chekov and Shakespeare) and can understand it, then read it. Nothing wrong with it at all. I am going to school to be a teacher and would love to have a student like you in my class who loves this stuff. Keep reading. Also if you like the Princess Diaries read that too. I read everything from Milton to Superman. Keep reading. :)

Answer 5

You are an amazing 14 year old! And I'm proud of you. You are reading WELL ABOVE your age level and liking it - that is outstanding!!! They may not be writers for young people but you have shown you have the kind of mind to absorb the exquisite writing of some of the world's best writers. Your family may be concerned that you are not enjoying things your own age and honestly, it can be hard when you don't share the same interests as kids your age. I'd encourage you to keep reading, and let your family know how very much you enjoy it. And ask your family to understand.

Answer 6

First I would ask your parents why they think it isn't appropriate, try to understand their reasoning. Technically, since you are still living under their roof, they do have a say in what you do or don't read, however, if you are advanced enough mentally to handle some of the subject matter contained in the mentioned author's works, try to reach a compromise with your parents. Show them that you are mature enough to handle it and maybe they may change their stance.

There's alot to read out there and alot to expand your knowledge on, but don't put your relationship with your parents before all that knowledge, sometimes parents can be a hassle, sure, but in the end they only wish the best for you. I realize you may not want to hear that, but as you grow older you'll start to realize...

Thomas

Answer 7

The Smoke thief I have read, and is NOT appropriate for a 14 year old. It contains graphic sex which is fine for me(23 year old) but not someone as young as that. Save it for the 17 birthday party. By the way, the woman at the book store may have thought the books were for a more mature reader. Good Luck>^,,^<

Answer 8

yes, very much so. I started reading when I was only 4 years ol-d! Now at 17, I am on the verge of publishing my own book! Read as much as you want and expand your imagination! I know that I might sound too passionate about this, but without reading we would not have learned half of what we know now! For instance, without reading medical books very few docters would know how to give a patient the correct dose of medicine without killing them.

Or a mechanic, how would a mechanic be able to know how to install the right engine into the right car without reading it in ?Or last but not least , how would a 14 year old girl be able to give the heimlich maneuver to her mother or father when they are choking at the dinner table?

Sorry that my answer was so long, but I want to make sure that you know what such a travesty of a world without reading could lead to.Good luck, and keep reading!

Answer 9

I approve, it proves to people that you are not a typical 14 year old girl with her head in the clouds. If you understand books like those by tolstoy and hemingway, why bore yourself with teenaged bull.

Answer 10

Good for you for broadening your horizons. Not only are you broadening your mind, but by reading classic books now, you're expanding your reading ability. I read my first Shakespeare play when I was in grade 9 (your age), and I have been reading classics since I was eleven or twelve. You can try reading books that are aimed at your age, but you're going to find you're more superior than they are.