Has anyone read: Battle Royale, by Koushun Takami ?

[Sequoia]

I came across this in the bookstore while looking for something else.


Product Description
Battle Royale, a high-octane thriller about senseless youth violence, is one of Japan's best-selling - and most controversial - novels. As part of a ruthless program by the totalitarian government, ninth-grade students are taken to a small isolated island with a map, food, and various weapons. Forced to wear special collars that explode when they break a rule, they must fight each other for three days until only one "winner" remains. The elimination contest becomes the ultimate in must-see reality television. A Japanese pulp classic available in English for the first time, Battle Royale is a potent allegory of what it means to be young and survive in today's dog-eat-dog world. The first novel by small-town journalist Koushun Takami, it went on to become an even more notorious film by 70-year-old gangster director Kinji Fukusaku.

[ZombieHorde]

1. No, but I own the movie, it is pretty good and very violent. nt

[Forkboy]

2. Yep. Read it a couple of times.

Better than the movie, though the movie was pretty good, too, and tidied up the ending a tad (in a good way, imo). I read the book in a day while I was in the hospital a few year ago. I couldn't put the sucker down.

Avoid the movie sequel at all costs though.

[Sequoia]

3. Is it too violent for a 14 year old?

Seeing as how it's about 9 graders anyway.

[Forkboy]

4. Depends on the 14 year old, I guess.

I'm not a parent, so stuff like this is always hard for me to say. I'd be hesitant to let a 14 year old read it, but I know some kids that age who are far more mature than others. It is very violent, and the context of that violence is rather murky, so it's a tough call.

[Sequoia]

5. I just know if I get the book to read.

My daughter might want to also. "But it's about kids my age !!" I think the Simpson's episode of the Lord of the Flies will do for now. Thanks.