i read 1984 when i was in 8th grade and i think you'll have no problem at all with that, the politics are very clear and whatnot. I'd suggest getting to Ayn Rand (and finishing - it's long enough) just to get a handle on objectivism. I don't know if you've read atlas shrugged? But i know at my school there is even an objectivist club based on principles elucidated by Rand. I think that may also have a more drastic effect on how you approach things than some of the other books, there may be some disagreement here. As for the metamorphosis, does anyone have any insight into interpretation? i would love to hear it as i'm still not 100% clear. (you may not want to read the response in regards to this if you haven't read the book yet) that's all i have to say stephen