[Monty Mike]

Surely there must be some books out there which readers of a younger age (young adults) don't or can't appreciate as can the 'elders', like an old wine at the lips of a youth or something.

I was just wondering what some of these books may be, as doubtless they exist. Perhaps books which require some real life-experience to fully grasp. Out of curiosity I'd like to see titles are mentioned :)

Obviously there is no 'age' limit as such, but if you feel you are among the more 'mature' readers, not just mentally, but in physical years, then I'd love to hear your opinions :D This may include those over the age of 20, 30, 40, 50, or even 60; just so long as you include a reason with your post ;)

[Ingram]

I read A Game of Thrones when I was fairly young. I read Clash a few years later and appreciated it much more. Eventually I finished Storm and reread Game and it was much more enjoyable for me.

[WarriorPoet2025]

It has been said by someone other than me (and I agree with that person) that the Chronicles of Narnia is a series enjoyed differently by a person at different ages and that it should be read at least three times, once as a child, once as a young adult, and once in one's laters years. Perhaps it's to keep the lessons of the book fresh, but I did find that I experienced the Chronicles differently from when I was younger. I got more out of them, perhaps because I had more experience to compare them with. I think the best books are the ones that are appreciated by any age group and never lose their value. The capacity for a story to be enjoyed even by young children shows a certain content to it, a liveliness. But that's the only series I can think of right off the top of my head that I've really had that experience with. The others I've reread were just enjoyable again, though a little less each time.

[Dwemer]

I think Dune would be one that an older person can truly appreciate. Not to say that there aren't civic minded youths out there, but as a whole it may take a more mature reader to appreciate the levels that Herbert was working towards. (Religion, conservation, dependence, independence)

Also Lord Of Light by Zelazny I think would be lost on young minds. Sure, the premise is basic, but the overall message and tone of the book is for more a more seasoned audience.

[Banger]

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury.

For one thing, there's the whole nostalgia factor, as it is a story about two kids in a small town in the Midwest United States that just screams Americana.

The more important reason why it is a great book for a mature reader is the character of Charles Holloway. His story is easily the most poignant element of the book. He is rather old for a man with a pre-teen son, and as such very much feels his age and his mortality. Something Wicked This Way Comes is about transcending mortality, not through magical means, but through embracing that which gives meaning and joy to one's life.

It is the type of story that should be read as a child, as an adult, and as an old man or woman, and is my favorite Ray Bradury novel.

[Iskaral Pust]

I read Peter Pan the first time when I was about seven. The next time I read it I was seventeen and I've read it a few times since then. I enjoy it for completely different reasons each time I come back to it. I'm also sure that any parent who reads it will come away having experienced something completely different from what I have. Fantastic book :)

Other than that, I don't really think I'm old enough to put forward any ideas.

[Ouroboros]

How do we measure the extent to which someone 'gets' a given book? This entails gauging some very intangible stuff. Are we talking about someone's academic recognition of by-plays, literary references and whatnot, or are we talking about someone's ability to relate to what the author intended on some deeper emotional level.

Whatever the specifics of what we're talking about, I'd suggest that we can never make blanket assumptions based around the age of a reader. In general, I think it's more likely that, if all else is equal, someone with a few decades probably will have resources to draw on that will enable them to delve a little deeper into a given text.

However, if this is down to life-experience, imagination, education, the ability to empathise ... we can't always say these come with age. I've met some very savvy, perceptive fourteen year olds, and some extremely closeminded, limited forty year olds. (An exception to every rule, and whanot...)

[kron]

Also Lord Of Light by Zelazny I think would be lost on young minds. Sure, the premise is basic, but the overall message and tone of the book is for more a more seasoned audience.

I find it strange but every time someone says "eternal book/s" this one pops up from the back of my mind:) I've read it twice but still can't pinpoint what it is about it that impresses so much. Maybe those "human" gods and their eternal struggle or maybe the protagonist's balanced character. I'm sure that if I were the latter I would be the same and this makes me feel for him.

[Monty Mike]

I find it strange but every time someone says "eternal book/s" this one pops up from the back of my mind:) I've read it twice but still can't pinpoint what it is about it that impresses so much. Maybe those "human" gods and their eternal struggle or maybe the protagonist's balanced character. I'm sure that if I were the latter I would be the same and this makes me feel for him.
I think one thing you can say about Lord of Light is that it has some of the most beautiful writing in the genre. It's almost like you're reading a story through poetry. Also, in my opinion, it has one of the best openings in the history of SF! :D

There's something incredibly peaceful about the book inspite of the ongoing war it depicts. Zelazny is without question one of my favourite authors. As I've mentioned in other threads, it feels as if he considered every line as much as the next; there's a meaning behind every part of the book, and thus it's one of the deepest and most insightful pieces of literature in print. The research he must have done into Buddhism was surely extensive.

[Banger]

How do we measure the extent to which someone 'gets' a given book?

[...]

Whatever the specifics of what we're talking about, I'd suggest that we can never make blanket assumptions based around the age of a reader.

I agree, except insofar as I mentioned Something Wicked This Way Comes. Its appropriateness for an older reader doesn't have to do with education or emotional maturity, but with being old. One blanket statement that can be made about older readers is that they have more years behind them and fewer years ahead.