In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

Has anyone read this book? I'm looking for a gift for an avid reader who is 14. I want to ensure that it is age appropriate. Or if you have any other recs.

TIA

I just read this book last week. I am in my 40's and felt the book was geared towards me. It deals with some serious matters and uses the backdrop of the some true and tragic events that occurred in Elizabeth, NJ in the 1950's. There are definitely adult themes. I would say it depends on the reader and the parent. It was a very good book and I couldn't put it down. I am not so familiar with what 14 year olds are reading.

I've read it. It was written as an adult novel, not a young adult novel.

Thank you! I think that I will look for something else for her and maybe add this to my reading list

I read it, and loved it. It is an adult novel, but I think if she is a mature 14 and an avid reader she would enjoy it. The writing is not complicated or difficult to understand, but there are a few moments of mature themes (sex, contraception, etc.). Yes, the framework of the plane crashes is serious (and real), but I don't think this would scare a 14 year old unless they are seriously sheltered from the news. I would have read it at 14, but you might not be comfortable gifting it. The themes aren't any more mature than Judy's books aimed at teens.

On the other hand, here's a great sentiment from Judy herself at one of the book signings - when asked how to get children to read her books, she said her advice is to leave it around the house, and when they ask about it, say, "You aren't ready for that yet."

Here are some other ideas though, popular with the YA set, that he or she may not have read yet. These are probably more geared to girls, though.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (if they liked Hunger Games, Divergent, etc., this is perfect)

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (good for John Green fans)

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews (also good for John Green fans)

I really enjoyed the Age of Miracles and think someone that age might. I liked In the Unlikely Event but would not recommend it for that age group.

Yes, The Age of Miracles was great! Second.

Third for Age of Miracles! Loved, loved, loved that book. Also enjoyed All the Bright Places and keep meaning to read I'll Give You the Sun--I've heard nothing but great things about it.

Thank you! I ordered her a few books

Am I the only person having a hard time getting into this book? I've put it aside to try later.

eliz said:
Am I the only person having a hard time getting into this book? I've put it aside to try later.

Me too! I ultimately finished it, but I have to (somewhat sheepishly) admit I didn't really like it very much.

I read it and Ithink it is too heavy for a 14-yr old. I would suggest Eleanor & Park, The Fault in Our Stars, Wonderor The Hunger Games.

She's written an adult novel, with adult content, but her writing style still seems to be suited to young teenagers.