Anonymous wrote:I feel so bad for some of these teens. I read all the time at that age and I am grateful I didn’t get the third degree over every book I read.

My mom didn't even know what books I was reading most of the time. Though I recall being around 13 when she gave me a Danielle Steel book for the first time. It dealt with incest, rape, spousal abuse, affairs, etc. It was a great read at that age. I cried and loved it.

I feel so bad for some of these teens. I read all the time at that age and I am grateful I didn’t get the third degree over every book I read.

OP just stop. Really just stop.

This is needless worry.

Anonymous wrote:No. Books are a great outlet for exploring ideas that are sort of taboo. It doesn't MEAN anything to simply read a novel.

Yes. My friend (a psychologist) did her thesis on this: that kids can read horrrifically disturbing and/or violent books (that they'd never watch the movie version of) and it doesn't mean anything about them as people. Kids already have very violent thoughts - books allow them to explore those thoughts and feelings in a safe, contained space. The book ends. If it doesn't end fast enough, they can close the book and walk away. I read Flowers in the Attic at 12. I have never wanted to boink my actual brother.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. That's the age I spent all my free time in my bedroom listening to Nirvana. Coming of age and all that.

Has she indicated she wants to start a fight club?

No. Books are a great outlet for exploring ideas that are sort of taboo. It doesn't MEAN anything to simply read a novel.

I would be thrilled too, lol

Anonymous wrote:I would be thrilled if I found out my teenager was reading a novel on their own free time.

This is true.

Read the book.

The movie is ok, but gets a bad rap for being a contributor to 'bro' culture, even though it is sort satirizing bro culture.

The book makes it more clear.

Chuck Palahnuik (I probably misspelled that) is a GREAT author, with a fantastic catalog. I assume your daughter is on the more mature side to appreciate books like this.

I would be thrilled if I found out my teenager was reading a novel on their own free time.

You are worrying needlessly. It's one of the more significant American novels of the past couple of decades, and I doubt its a sign of anything other than good literary taste. It's like Catcher in the Rye in that it can speak to youth angst except, you know, it's good and at a minimum speaks more directly to modern life.

Anonymous wrote:No, not an issue in my mind, but we don't really censor books. Why don't you strike up a conversation with her about it and get her thoughts about the book?

I have tried but she would not say much. I don't censor books; I'm just trying to figure out why she wanted to read it, and if her desire to do so indicates something is wrong.

No, not an issue in my mind, but we don't really censor books. Why don't you strike up a conversation with her about it and get her thoughts about the book?

Not quite sure why, but my 14-year-old daughter recently checked out Fight Club from the library and just finished it.
I never saw the movie and haven't read the book, but I know it's pretty violent and disturbing.
My kid has anxiety, depression, and is a loner. She started therapy recently. I'm wondering if it should concern me that she wanted to read this book.
I can't figure out how she even heard about it -- social media?

Am I worrying needlessly?