The Amityville Horror (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: The Amityville Horror
Rating: 3.0 (23 reviews)
Author: Jay Anson

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The Amityville Horror is a book by American author Jay Anson, published in September 1977. It is also the basis of a series of films released from 1979 onward. The book is claimed to be based on the paranormal experiences of the Lutz family, but has led to controversy and lawsuits over its truthfulness. ---------- Also contained in: - [Sarah Bernhardt And Her World / My Mother/My Self / Snow / The Amityville Horror / The Guggenheims][1]

Adult • 2018 • 243 pages • Grade 9-10

by Jay Anson

3.0

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

16+

The Amityville Horror is a classic of the supernatural genre, detailing the alleged 28-day haunting of the Lutz family in a house where a mass murder occurred. It earns its recommended age due to intense psychological horror, descriptions of the DeFeo family's violent end, and disturbing paranormal events like physical transformations and demonic manifestations. Parents should note the presence of strong profanity, scenes of physical… Sign up for the full guide

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Is The Amityville Horror appropriate for kids?

Content severity in The Amityville Horror

Sex None 0/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Strong 6/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in The Amityville Horror, moment by moment

p. 5 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
p. 12 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10

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Sex and nudity in The Amityville Horror

Sexual content is virtually non-existent throughout the narrative. The story focuses almost exclusively on the supernatural terror affecting the Lutz family. There are very brief references to marital intimacy being interrupted by the house's oppressive atmosphere, and George's personality change causing a significant emotional strain in the marriage. No explicit descriptions or scenes of a sexual nature are included in this horror account. The tone remains clinical and journalistic as it documents the family's…

Violence and gore in The Amityville Horror

Moderate to strong depictions of supernatural violence and the aftermath of real-world crime are present. Notable scenes include the clinical description of the DeFeo murders, where George reads about the shooting of parents and four children in their beds. Physical aggression occurs when George threatens his family with an axe, and various supernatural injuries are detailed, such as blisters appearing on a priest and a slamming window crushing a child's hand. The violence is often sudden, visceral, and…

Language in The Amityville Horror

This account contains frequent use of profanity, including the f-bomb and various religious expletives like 'God damn.' The language becomes more abrasive as George's personality undergoes a dark shift under the house's influence, leading to verbal outbursts. While not every page is laden with swearing, the moments of high tension feature realistic, gritty dialogue that reflects the characters' panic and anger. The coarse language is used to illustrate the psychological corruption of the protagonist by the demonic…

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Amityville Horror

Substance use is limited to social and stress-related consumption of alcohol. George is frequently depicted drinking beer to cope with the unnatural cold and constant stress within the house. During the later chapters, his consumption increases as he stays up all night to tend the fireplace, though this is not presented in a celebratory or glamorous manner. The drinking is framed as a futile attempt to maintain warmth and sanity in a deteriorating situation. No illegal drug use is present in the story.

Mature themes in The Amityville Horror

Heavy focus on demonic possession, religious conflict (Catholic rites vs. occult forces), madness, and the collapse of the nuclear family unit under supernatural pressure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Amityville Horror appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Amityville Horror is best for ages 16+. The Amityville Horror is a classic of the supernatural genre, detailing the alleged 28-day haunting of the Lutz family in a house where a mass murder occurred. It earns its recommended age due to intense psychological…

What age rating does The Amityville Horror have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. The Amityville Horror is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 16+.

What reading level is The Amityville Horror?

The Amityville Horror is 243 pages and its reading level is Grade 9-10. Bontent recommends it for ages 16+.

What is The Amityville Horror about?

Is there sex or nudity in The Amityville Horror?

How violent is The Amityville Horror?

Is the language in The Amityville Horror appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Amityville Horror?

What mature themes appear in The Amityville Horror?

Heavy focus on demonic possession, religious conflict (Catholic rites vs. occult forces), madness, and the collapse of the nuclear family unit under supernatural pressure.

Where can I read the full The Amityville Horror parent guide?

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