I was excited to get started on this book for my college course. We were studying different types of literature-this was a required read and we were to write a paper on it. The paper required us to read the whole book.I would have put it down if I had the choice. The stories Sirine's uncle tells in great -detail take away from the story itself. I would have loved to have had more of Han's story in the end. The last three or so chapters had me on the edge of my seat. With that said, I do not feel this type of reading should ever be required of any student-no matter the age. Simply because it was slightly pornographic. Too many details of Sirine's romps made me feel uncomfortable - and I dread that we have to discuss this book in public. But of course I do not think the writer ever intended for her novel to be used in the way I have had to. Word to teachers or professors out there - this is not a wise choice of classroom literature to open yous students' minds to the world outside their own.The romantic trysts were totally inappropriate for students to be forced to read. I am 38 years old and married with a young daughter and now I have to explain why she shouldn't read this book after I have finished it.