Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me has been able to garner a massive following since its release in 2011. Likewise, the book even had sequels and became the author’s best-selling novel. Specifically, the book focuses on the story of Juliette in a dystopian world. She’s a 17-year-old girl who’s got a lethal touch. As the Reestablishment convinces her to join them, Juliette needs to choose between using her powers for good or bad. With its high-stakes nature, parents are asking about its rating.
Let’s break down the book’s age rating and content description in this article.
What is the Rating of the Novel?
With no existing movie or screen adaptation, Shatter Me remains a mere novel. So, it doesn’t have an official TV or movie rating. However, it is categorized as a Young Adult (YA) book. At the same time, Common Sense Media says the book is appropriate for readers aged 14 and up. If we are to compare it with motion picture ratings, this would be generally equivalent to a PG-13 rating.
What Does the Shatter Me Rating Mean?
The YA classification and age recommendation mean the book includes mature themes. Particularly, Mafi’s Shatter Me has emotionally intense parts, romantic encounters, and a dystopian setting that may not sit well with sensitive readers. The age rating also suggests that the book leans toward the mature end of YA fiction.
Content Breakdown of Shatter Me
Here’s a more detailed content description based on Common Sense Media. This classifies the novel under the Young Adult category:
- Alcohol, Drugs, & Smoking
There are subtle references and mentions of alcoholic fathers. Other than that, this material is virtually absent in the novel.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes
There are vivid descriptions of the dystopian world where diseases are spreading and birds no longer fly. So, the presence of this may disturb readers who are very visual and imaginative.
- Profanity
Cursing words in the Shatter Me book are minimal, and characters seldom use them.
- Sex & Nudity
Since it’s a romantic thriller, some characters have sensual scenes and romantic tensions. They also engage in passionate kissing and non-explicit physical intimacy.
- Violence & Gore
Considering the dystopian setting, parts of the stories include violent authoritarian control, imprisonment, shootings, killings, and emotional trauma. Likewise, some characters talk about child abuse, child neglect, and torture.
The Final Verdict
Shatter Me is a great and engaging novel. It wouldn’t be a New York Times bestseller if it weren’t any good. Still, parents should proceed with caution as it features mature elements. Ultimately, the age rating indicates emotional weight and romantic content, which are more suitable for mature readers.
