Should I bother?

[Twhalley]

Well essentially, as the title suggests, should i bother reading this novel? Would it be too difficult for a 15 year old, as I've got the impression from people that the novel is simply inpenetrable except for the most hardened of readers.

[Lyss]

I'm 16, and I just finished reading Ulysses for the first time. I absolutely loved it. It's obviously a difficult book, but I think impenetrable is the worst possible descriptor for it--there's just so much to the novel that you're bound to get something out of it. If you think you can handle it, go for it! I definitely recommend that you at least try.

[joycenut]

Hi-- This is my first post here, and an appropriate topic, I suppose, since I first read Ulysses myself when I was 16. :)

I accomplished that first reading in a class, though, and I recommend that you try to find one if you can. My parents taught at a local university and I took classes (for credit) in summer school after my sophomore and junior years in HS, but you could audit one if there is a likely venue in your area. Just talk with the professor--most welcome anyone who wants to read this difficult but rewarding book to which they have devoted their lives. :)

I will say that, smart as I was, I only scratched the surface that first time. When you're that young you're short on experience, and that combined w/ the linguistic difficulties make it a challenge. I remember being frustrated a good bit and even writing in the margin at one point, "JJ was on DRUGS!" with a big mean face next to it, LOL!

However, it turned out to be a VERY good thing that I got that first read over with early, b/c the first read is hard for everyone. When I read it again in my sophomore year in college I was MILES ahead of everyone else who was reading it for the first time. And when I got to grad school I was miles ahead again. I've now read it more than 20X and I'm still learning. I see Ulysses as one of the great constants in my life and I'm glad I can look back on decades with it now to that first read at 16.

So I guess I'm saying GO FOR IT!! If you can find a class to audit while you read it, that would be best. If not, be sure you have several good help books on hand, and plan to read slowly and repeatedly (read a chapter, then read up on that chapter in 2-3 help books, and then re-read that chapter). Let us know how it goes! :)