To let my 16 year old read this book?

[rivver]

So my 16 year old dd is currently reading slash’s autobiography, I understand it includes everything he and Guns n’ Roses got up to, she keeps telling me all the in and outs of what she’s reading. She’s horrified as to what he got up to and how he is still alive today but finds the book so interesting, I don’t think it’s an inappropriate book to read, she’s nearly 17.

Yesterday my sister and mum came over for my youngest dd birthday, and my dd told her what book she’s reading. Today I received a text from my mum saying how her and my sister think it’s disgusting that I’m letting her read the book, I have no control, I’m allowing her to know about the ‘dark world’, and that I’m encouraging her to do drugs? I haven’t replied as I’m baffled as to why she’s reacted so badly. I know it’s a book that explicitly tells you what he did and that it isn’t exactly nice but she’s old enough to know that’s wrong, do I need to seriously stop her from reading it? Or is my mum overreacting?

I was reading Jackie Collins aged 12, if he likes autobiographies, let him read about whoever he chooses, he's 16 & old enough to choose himself.

Reply "Don't panic it's the version by Enid Blyton"

I read The Dirt (motley crue) at around 15/16. Didn't do me any harm!

Definitely overreacting! You can watch such docudramas on TV - what's the difference? Unless your daughter isn't mature enough or gets swayed by such things, I think it's fine! Lots of peoples lives are shocking, especially celebrities. Does good to know fame isn't all rosy and that not everything in the world is good! I'd reply back to mum - she is mature and sensible enough, thanks for your concern!

Greensleeves I was going to write something very similar about Mein Kampf!

Ooh I love a good rock bio. The Dirt is the best one I've read, Scar Tissue (Kiedis) is very good as well. Would also recommend The Heroin Diaries (Nikki Sixx).

I was reading Stephen King and Shirley Conran Lace (goldfish up the foof) probably at a younger age!

I dont think you can really censor a 16 year olds reading, nor should anybody really want to!
I read Nikki Sixx 'The Heroin Diaries' at a similar age. Im guessing its a similar kind of book and all family members said to me was stop leaving it on the bathroom floor for people to trip over!

It is not ok to censor a 16 year olds reading unless said 16 year old is suffering from some condition that requires they be treated differently. If an adult is worried about the content, said adult can read the book too and discuss with the teen.

This is a real issue in our home because we have an advanced 9yo. We have decided that we will steer her away from books that will give her nightmares, but otherwise we explain what she will find in the book and make the decision with her.

I’m sure there’s a MNer who had some....involvement... with Slash. It was on a thread about knowing celebraties or something. She gave the clue, / . Perhaps she is in the book! Start a thread asking ‘Any MNERS in Slash’ autobiography ‘ !

I’ve just text her back saying ‘think you’re overreacting mother, I was reading a lot worse at the age of 13! I’m pretty sure slash’s autobiography is going to encourage her to start drugs or become sex mad.’

Her reply won’t be nice, she’s never thinks she’s wrong!

Funny I was just thinking the other day that at 16 I was reading Fear of Flying and chatting with my pals in an earnest manner about what she actually meant by the ‘Zippless Fuck’

If she is reading the book and horrified then that’s a good thing surely.

Haha I remember trying to read 'fear of flying' when I was 12 and not having the faintest clue what she was on about.....

I let my 16! Yr old read and watch most things. She loves Louis Theroux docs. Reading something doesn’t mean you’re going to do it.,

She's 16, she can read whatever the heck she wants.

I remember reading Wonderland Avenue when I was about 14. Loved the shocking tales of debauchery! And luckily it didn't turn me into a drug addict or sending me fleeing into the pants of Iggy Pop. What a close call that was.

I was reading books from the adult section of the library at 13, as I’d gone through the teenwage section. My and my best friend was all Steven king etc. My mum never policed my reading, I think she was just happy that I loved books so much.

Likewise I’ve never policed my boys. Ds14 isn’t a big reader, but ds18 always have been. I’ve never once felt the need to say a book was unsuitable. I would often read the book after him if I hadn’t read it, and really enjoyed the discussions we had.

I think books like this will discourage rather than encourage a behaviour.

Motley Crew. Shit band, great biographies!

My GM had a go at my parents for letting me read James Herbert and Stephen King at 12.
They politely told her I could make my own reading choices.
She can definitely decide for herself at 16.

God she’s 16, not 6. I just wish my 17 year olds would read anything!!

We read James Herbert and Richard Laymon in year 7 😳😂 turned out okish it’s fine 😀

I think I read Justine by the Marquis de Sade at that age. I can't think of any written stuff that I'd ban rather than discuss at that age.

My childless and wonderful godmother gave me a 'historical romance' at 12 that was basically soft porn. I loved it!

I was reading Stephen King, James Herbert, Shirley Conrad, Eric Van Lustbader and Jackie Collins by 13. The saucy ones were very popular when I brought them into class! My parents were of the opinion that if I didn't like it or felt uncomfortable, I'd stop reading.

It hasn't happened yet.

I think at 16 you read what you want and don't need permission.
Media students are studying A Clockwork Orange in their first year so 16/17