Shatter Me is the first entry in Tahereh Mafi’s bestselling novel. This book kickstarts the famous young adult dystopian romantic thriller series. Moreover, its poetic writing, emotionally intense plot, and gripping romance captivated a large teen audience. However, parents who are not so familiar with this type of book frequently wonder if it is suitable for younger readers.
Shatter Me Synopsis
Set in a dystopian future, The Reestablishment imprisoned the 17-year-old girl Juliette for murder. Her fatal touch remains unknown, but it might be what the crumbling world needs. As a result, she has to choose between being a weapon and being a warrior.
What is Shatter Me Rated?
While books do not receive official ratings like films, Shatter Me commonly falls under the Young Adult (YA) category and is often recommended to high school students.
What Age is Shatter Me Appropriate For?
Based on a review on Common Sense Media, Mafi’s book is appropriate for readers aged 14 and above. With its Young Adult categorization, Shatter Me is good for teens who are emotionally mature. Similarly, it is best for individuals who are capable of handling romantic tension, dystopian violence, and psychological complexity.
For a quick comparison, parents can try recalling similar novels like The Hunger Games, Divergent, or The Maze Runner. Better yet, parents can consider reading the book themselves to conduct a personal assessment. However, if that is too much work, they can read several review summaries to understand if the novel aligns with their family values.
Why is Shatter Me Under YA Classification?
There are various reasons why the book is more appropriate for older teens.
- Violence: Since the story happens in a dystopian future, some scenarios involve imprisonment, physical confrontations, gun violence, and death.
- Romantic and Sexual Content: Juliette’s emotional and physical connection with her lovers is a significant part of the story. Consequently, the book presents it through steamy kissing scenes and romantic tensions.
- Language: While not excessive, the novel does use profanity throughout the story. Correspondingly, it is reflective of the dark tone of the book.
- Psychological and Emotional Themes: Shatter Me explores the protagonist’s experiences with trauma, anxiety, guilt, and isolation.  Â
In connection with this, a review on Compass Book Ratings provided a specific number of occurrences for every aspect. More concretely, it explained that the book committed 107 counts of various profane language, 37 incidents displaying violence and gore, and 43 scenarios portraying sex and nudity.
Final Thoughts
Shatter Me offers powerful storytelling that boosts readers’ imagination. At the same time, its plot stimulates several mature subject matters. Overall, the book is much better for older teens and adults prepared for a more thought-provoking YA read.
