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Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You

(2007, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Peter Cameron)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Bright teen's alienation is relatable, powerful.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    James engages in behavior that thoughtlessly humiliates a coworker and could be considered sexual harassment.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Many references (to lap dances, the main character's possible homosexuality, parents trying to spice up their sex lives, used condoms, chat rooms, sexual harassment), but no actual sexual activity described or implied.

  • Language:

    Occasional use of "f--k" and "s--t." The term "faggy" is used frequently to mean "unmanly."

  • Consumerism:

    Many stores and a wide variety of products are mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking and drinking by teens and adults. Adults give a teen alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You

Parents need to know that there is a fair amount of swearing and many sexual references (including the main character's possible homosexual orientation), but no sexual activity.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about James' sense of alienation from nearly everyone else. Is he the way he is on purpose? Is it his fault? His parents'? Why does he feel the way he does? Why is it different with his grandmother?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    DeletedAccount
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 2.0

    Not for 13 Year Olds

    Although from the outside this book seems like it would be enjoyable, the book itself is filled with too much swearing as well as sexual references. The things which are unsuitable for younger teens are: Strong language; a young man sits at a computer and talks about how one of his co-workers has been looking up gay porn, and a young man talks about how another man says on a website that he is "uncut", and the young man latter says that he as well. Oddly as it is this book is about a 17 year old getting ready for college, so add all of those together and I wonder why CSM says this book is okay for 13 year-olds?

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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