All the Crooked Saints (2017) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Very mild romantic elements are present, but the book remains appropriate for a young adult audience. Relationships between characters like Beatriz and Pete, or Joaquin and his listeners, focus on emotional connection and shared goals rather than physical desire. There are a few brief, chaste kisses, such as those occurring in chapters 14 and 38, but they are described with a focus on intimacy and resolution rather than sensuality. No graphic descriptions, nudity, or sexual sequences are depicted. The tone is…

Violence is moderate and surreal, manifesting as magical consequences rather than traditional physical combat. A central element involves 'miracles' that cause unsettling transformations, such as a character growing antlers or a man being followed by a literal rain cloud of blood. There are references to past tragedies, including the death of a character killed by a coyote mentioned in chapter 5. The manifestations of darkness can be frightening, involving anatomical changes and property damage, but they are…

The language in this novel is mild and relatively sparse, primarily used to heighten moments of emotional tension or character frustration. Readers will encounter occasional use of words like 'hell', 'damn', 'bastard', and 'ass' throughout the 320 pages. These terms are used in dialogue, such as Joaquin's radio broadcasts or the Soria family's internal arguments. There is no pervasive use of strong profanity, and no slurs or highly offensive epithets are present. The vocabulary level is sophisticated, reflecting…

Substance use is very light and restricted to realistic social contexts for adults in a 1960s setting. Adult characters are occasionally depicted drinking tequila or beer while discussing the weight of their family history or managing the pilgrims. There are no scenes depicting intoxication that leads to dangerous behavior, and no focus on substance abuse as a plot point. Illegal drug use is entirely absent from the story. The presence of alcohol serves primarily to ground the setting and the culture of the Soria…

Heavy themes of psychological 'inner darkness,' religious guilt, and the weight of ancestral expectations permeate the narrative. The Soria family lives under a strict set of rules regarding their 'miracles,' which serve as physical metaphors for mental health struggles, grief, and personal flaws. Characters like Daniel and Beatriz grapple with the danger of suppressing emotions and the fear of an inherited curse. The book explores the burden of family secrets and the difficult journey toward self-actualization…