I just got done reading after this review. All overall, it was a great book. At times I couldn't take some of its nature and I really wanted to put it down though. It's like a not-sugarcoated, not-textbook like version of slavery. It was quite intense, but maturity is needed to read this book. Anyone over 16, I'd say.
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Beloved
(1987, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Toni Morrison)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Haunting story about slavery, the meaning of love.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 17–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Beloved
Parents need to know that infanticide is an important and prevalent theme in this book -- and a very disturbing one. Sensitive readers of any age might find this material too disturbing to make the book worthwhile. Despite this and other specific warnings noted in the content advisories, however, most readers will find this to be a much more restrained story, at least in terms of sexual content, than the author's Song of Solomon. For that reason, parents will find fewer reasons for concern, but even older teens might have a hard time connecting with this material.
Read our full review by Brad Philipson
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the concept of freedom, both literally and figuratively. How can a people move beyond a horrific condition like slavery and lay claim to their humanity? And, in the context of the book, were the ex-slaves truly "free"? How has each character's past affected his or her present? Was Sethe's choice to kill her baby right or wrong? Could you have done the same thing if you were in her situation?
Our Members Say
See all 15 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Intense
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Not Appropriate for Anyone
I agree with the reviewer with the user name “honestinput.” While I haven’t read the whole book, I’ve read enough to know it is absolute filth. Furthermore, if people want to know what slavery is and was like, they should read unbiased, historically-accurate accounts, from original sources and wholesome textbooks. Not only should no child read this (the thought of one doing so makes me ill), nobody at ALL should read it. The youngest age this title is relevant is actually infinite, and how bad it is is actually zero stars’ worth. Please read actual, classic literature instead.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
I'm appalled...
That people would call this 'trash'. Right, it's certainly not appropriate for children, that's obvious. Slavery was terrible, and vicious, and it is described accuratly in this book. Should we just gloss over that point in history because it seems 'too cruel' or 'sick'? It was. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be informed of it. And this book does just that.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
A Classic...
Yes it contains intense scenes and emotion. Slavery was intense and inhumane and all together crap. Often it is glossed over with sweeping mansions and magnolias. Our children are left with a sense that slavery was just mean. The book is a good read for older teens who can discuss the layers of the book. Toni Morrison is one of the prolific writers of our time.
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