to let DD (13) read the Game of Thrones series?

[PurpleAquilegia]

DD is nearly 14. She's reading the Game of Thrones books, currently on book 2.

This came up in conversation with some mums of similarly aged youngsters today, and they seemed appalled. Some more so than others, but the consensus was that the books are totally unsuitable for that age group.

I'm inclined to let her continue. AIBU?

[jaggythistle]

They are fairly brutal. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with it.

So I think YABU.

I was reading Stephen King at that age though which is not much better!

[amusedbush]

Are they not basically just sex and violence?

[PlayingGrownUp]

I read the man who made husbands jealous at age 9 and basically skimmed over the very explicit sex scenes I didn't understand.

It is rather brutal but if she got through book 1 then there's no point in stopping her now.

[IfartInYourGeneralDirection]

Have you read them?

[GazingAtStars]

I'd let her read the books but not watch the TV show

[MaddyHatter]

i'm on the fence, i'm currently reading it and just got to book 5, and i don't think i've read anything REALLY bad, i think some of the events in book 4 are a bit on the unsuitable side.

I suppose it depends how comfortable you are with her reading some of the sex/violence themes at 13.

[Thefitfatty]

I'd have no issues but I was reading Stephen King at 11.

[SaucyJack]

I don't think it's appropriate. They're pretty hardcore. Have you read them?

My mum let me read and watch all sorts at that age because she was a bit sadistic, but it didn't do me any good. Some of it was too much.

[DoItTooJulia]

You see, whenever I ask on here about suitable books for teens/pre teens I'm told to give them free reign.

My worry is not the content. It's the fact they won't go back to more pedestrian age appropriate books.

[hazelnutlatte]

I was reading crime thrillers at that age which were pretty violent, I don't think you can really stop her reading what she wants at that age. I wouldn't let a 13 year old watch the TV series though.

[Sgtmajormummy]

I would say she's at the younger end of suitable for Game of Thrones. I got about half way through the first and gave up. Obviously written for screen and too much gratuitous violence including sexual.
Is she a budding feminist? In that case it would be interesting to discuss with her how GRRM treats his female characters.
Or you could volunteer to read them with her.

[MillionToOneChances]

They're very dark. Rape, incest, women treated as objects, and lots and lots of violence. I think you should probably read books like that yourself first to make an informed decision for your child. The TV series is much lighter (and still not appropriate, I don't think).

I've read all the books, and I don't want my similarly aged DD to read them yet.

[WhyIsThereHariboInMyWine]

I'd let her read the books. The content in both the books and the TV show is probably unsuitable however I was reading all sorts at that age and it didn't do me any harm. At 14 she probably thinks she knows all about sex and violence and if you stop her reading them now she may think you're babying her when she's a woman now and just rebel against you anyway.

[FannyFog]

You know your daughter best, if you think your daughter is able to handle it, let her read it. I was reading some pretty graphic material from my parents' bookshelves (not always with their knowledge) at a younger age than that. I'd say yes, to Stephen King, and Game of Thrones but maybe draw the line at Last Exit to Brooklyn, in retrospect, I think I was too young at 13? I pretty much let my DC find their own level (within reason based on reading the material myself) same with movies and video games.

Be prepared for the huge meltdown and the almighty crash when she throws book 3 at a wall about half way through though.

[WhyIsThereHariboInMyWine]

Just to clarify when I said "she's a woman now" I mean that's how I felt at 14 and although it may not be true, it is how you feel when you're a teenager.

[LurkingHusband]

Turning the question on it's head, how would you stop her ?

[HattiesBackpack]

I think you are best letting her crack on, and hopefully if any of the dark stuff upsets/disturbs her it could be an opportunity to chat with her about it.
Also I suspect that asking her not to read it will instantly make it a million more times exotic and interesting!

I was reading some fairly dark stuff at that age, alongside with my Buntys, (!) I think getting teenagers to read a range of material is good.

[Hopelass]

I read Jilly Cooper's riders at 14
I agree with those who say let her read them.

[Evergreen17]

I am mot one to censor books but this is a tricky one
There is violence and some sex scenes there that nade me uncomfortable.
Not sure OP.... I wouldnt want to say no to a book and she is 14...
Grrr no idea sorry!

[IEatCannibals]

I'd say let her read them as well.

[MillionToOneChances]

I'm not necessarily saying to say no, but I certainly think you need to be familiar with the books so that you know what she's reading. I read Riders and various Sidney Sheldon books around that age, though I'm guessing my mum had no idea

[Trifleorbust]

I used to read anything and everything I could get my hands on, but not with my mum's blessing - I'd just pinch her books

I would be telling my DD she had another couple of years to go before I was comfortable with her reading about rape and incest.

[SootSprite]

Dd was 11 when she started reading them. She skipped the sex scenes as it didn't interest her. You know your child best, if YOU think she's ready then she's ready.

[saoirse31]

Let her read them. She's already started anyway so you're not going to atop her if she wants!