In reply to mattsccm:
I read Feeding the Rat at 14 and recall finding it engrossing which would imply an easy read at that age (having read it since, it is an easy read overall). Certainly gripping in the climbing bits, and inspiring overall as a tale of friendship and life in general. Doesn't centre on the arduous stuff like some books do. I know it was a very positive influence on me as a teenager, not all things around me were, and the tales of the book directly influenced many of the good decisions I made. The actual parts about Mo's life philosophy - the feeding the rat stuff - are a lot more life affirming and authentically sage-like than much of the drivel kids/young adults have directed at them by comfortable, well fed celebrities. I'd argue that Touching the Void, Savage Mountain type stuff sends a dubious message to kids. Ask them a week later and they'll recall the dramatic, harrowing stuff over the rest. You'll probably put more kids off a healthy pursuit like climbing than turn them onto it. I know many people who's first reaction to climbing is incredulity stemming directly from Touching the Void.
I have an 8 year old who I occasionally read out bits to, and get interesting feedback from. Having a climber read it too will add much more depth to some of the questions the kids are bound to ask.
Kids now too are staring into a world where travel is not a guaranteed choice in their perceivable futures. Gotta keep that flame alive.
Post edited at 23:38
