The age to start

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tee

Member
Jun 24, 2014
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Hello Everyone, I am a fairly new member. I agree w/all the above posted.The 1st book I read @ 14 or 15 was Cujo. Had a hard time getting into the start but, glad I did,loved it. Of course if a child has a fear of dogs, not a good pick. Last Rung on the ladder (Night Shift) reminded me of my brother & I . I agree w/ The girl who loved Tom Gordon. Misery, Christine, The Green Mile, just to name a few may be other good choices to start with. If I may chime in on the subject. Things have changed a lot in one generation, more advanced learning, shall we call it. I worked in food service and drove school bus. Let me tell you, that's a full day. As everyone has stated, you know your little Ben best :) It's been a few months, hope he has read one by now, please update us.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
He is being stingy with me. I over-hyped it. Teen-agers are so contrary.
Leave 'em about & he'll pick up what he's ready for when he's ready for it :) While you're at it, leave a copy of Heart-Shaped Box (Joe Hill) lying about--my two oldest ate that one up when they were about your son's age or slightly older. They still love it.
 

Chelle71

Well-Known Member
Aug 26, 2009
827
3,193
Brisbane, Australia
My son Ben is 14, I'd love to get him started on The Dark Tower Series. He's a fast and advanced reader and he will have no problem with the depth and breadth of the series. I hesitate though because I wonder how he'll handle the violence and what sex there is. Also once he starts with Mr. King...well we all know once you start.

I know a lot of people start King younger. hmmmm Just me thinking aloud.

I'd love him to read IT (he was named after Ben Hanscom). The dang group sex and gravel pit scene make me hesitate on that one.
I started reading SK books when I was 13...imagine the chats you and he will have, so exciting for you, I am sure he will love them :)
 

muskrat

Dis-Member
Nov 8, 2010
4,518
19,564
Under your bed
Peter Straub has been quoted as saying that Steve hasn't discovered sex yet. (writing about it in his books, that is....)

Heh, I remember that, can't remember where. What was his comeback? Something about how his three kids are proof that he indeed HAS discovered sex.

Anyhow, I have an eleven year-old son, and if I caught him reading a King book (hell, ANY book) I'd fall to my knees in a prayer of gratitude. Let the kids read, sez I. Make them read, if need be. What, sex? Violence? Well damn, there better be a little of both if you hope to keep em reading. Books have to compete with TV, Film, Internet, Grand Theft Auto--all things they're getting somewhere, no matter how hard you try to shelter them. I wouldn't care if my lil punk was reading Justine by De Sade, just so long as the kid was actually READING!

(Okay, De Sade was an exaggeration, but you get my drift.)
 
My son has been reading (actual printed text) since he was 3. I've never seen a kid read like he does (he actually did read more than half of War and Peace last year). The problem has always been that his reading ability outpaced his maturity. He was one depressed 4th grader when Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings ended. When he would get in trouble for something his punishment was always that I'd clear off his book shelves (I know sounds ridiculous but books were his #1 currency, he used to forget to do homework and stay up all night reading if I didn't unscrew his light bulb!) I knew he'd love a big series like DT, I'm glad he eventually listened to his brilliant mom.
 

chief4db

When it doubt, run!
Feb 11, 2015
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whatsamatteru. usa
I will tell u my thoughts but no one knows your son like u do so 8m sure what ever way u go will be ok. I personally feel that today's 14 year Olds are way ahead of me as far as exposure to adult content compared to when I was 14. You might want to start with eyes of the dragon for a start. Especially if he likes fantasy. A good idea is to read dark tower along with him. That way u can discuss the book as things come up. Plus u get to re read the gunslinger. I here he leaves all kinds of crumbs that relate to later books in the series that u wouldn't have noticed 1st time thru. Plus it would be a good bonding with him. Some books I would wait on till a couple of years down the road like the stand. Sex and violence is one thing. But scenes like when the kid is getting a hj with his pistol up trashcan man butt can definitely wait. I apologize for the graphic content I mentioned to u there. Not trying to offend but we r adults. When it comes to our kids we have to be able to address those things with one another. If we can't talk about it amongst ourselves how can we possibly talk about those kinds 9f graphic scenes to our kids when the time is right
 
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80sFan

Just one more chapter...
Jul 14, 2015
2,997
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Pennsylvania
I started reading SK at 12 years old. My daughter started a few years ago (she's 18 now). I think it can open up conversation about various subjects and writing in general. The only book I wouldn't lend her when she asked is "Gerald's Game". But if she wants to read it that badly she can borrow it from the library.
 
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chief4db

When it doubt, run!
Feb 11, 2015
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whatsamatteru. usa
I was 13 when I read my first SK book. Salem's Lot. I finished about 2am and turned off the light for sleep. Aftereffects of the novel and various churning thoughts found me with the lights and TV on about 15 minutes later because I was scared. I loved it!!!
Great post. U nailed it. Big difference BTW scared and fun scared. My brother in law is what u would call a macho man except when it comes to scary books or movies. He played pro hockey and was the enforcer. Every team has one. He could never understand why I would watch a scary movie, by myself, with all the lights off. He would be like, r u crazy. I said that's the whole point. To be that fun scared. A blast.
 
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