This book is an absolute must-read. It is by far one of my favorite books of all time- I could read it over and over again and never get bored. It's witty, heart wrenching, dramatic, entertaining, exciting, funny....In my opinion, kids can start reading it around the age of 12 or 13, any younger than that and they would need an adult with them, or if not an adult they would just be a bit too young to understand all of the themes. Truly an amazing book.
Parents should know that some of Mr. Goldman's commentary that is included in the book can be a bit mature at times. (He talks about divorcing his wife, and his reaction to a beautiful woman stepping out of a pool). The sequel to the book, Buttercup's Baby (which is included in some of the versions) contains a non-explicit sex scene and a difficult birth. Altogether, the story is hilarious, adventurous, romatic, and great for tweens+