The Book of Two Ways (2020) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Small Great Things and A Spark of Light comes a “powerful” (The Washington Post) novel about the choices that alter the course of our lives. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MARIE CLAIRE Everything changes in a single moment for Dawn Edelstein. She’s on a plane when the flight attendant makes an announcement: Prepare for a crash landing. She braces herself as thoughts flash through her mind. The shocking thing is, the thoughts are not of her husband but of a man she last saw… Sign up for the full guide
Adult • 2020 • 416 pages • Adult Narrative
The Book of Two Ways contains mature content including on-page sexual encounters, detailed descriptions of terminal illness and the dying process, and frequent strong language. This novel explores themes of infidelity, mortality, and the complex choices involving motherhood and career through the lens of a death doula. It is intended for mature adult readers comfortable with philosophical discussions about death and explicit romantic… Sign up for the full guide
Is The Book of Two Ways appropriate for kids?
The Book of Two Ways contains mature content including on-page sexual encounters, detailed descriptions of terminal illness and the dying process, and frequent strong language. This novel explores themes of infidelity, mortality, and the complex choices involving motherhood and… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Book of Two Ways
What happens in The Book of Two Ways, moment by moment
- p. 5 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- p. 12 💬 Language 4/10
- p. 28 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
Sex and nudity in The Book of Two Ways
The book contains several descriptive sex scenes between the protagonist, Dawn Edelstein, and both her husband Brian and her former lover Wyatt. These include depictions of physical intimacy, tactile sensations, and nudity, though they stop short of being purely erotica. The narrative frequently revisits the chemistry between Dawn and Wyatt in Egypt, including moments of undressing and intense physical attraction. Infidelity and emotional affairs are core plot components as Dawn navigates her feelings for two…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in The Book of Two Ways
Violence is minimal but intense during a plane crash sequence and its immediate aftermath where injuries are briefly described. The primary focus is on the physical toll of terminal illness, including scenes of bodily decay, medical procedures for the dying, and the physical reality of mummification. Descriptions of removing internal organs during ancient Egyptian burial practices provide a clinical look at human remains. There are moments of physical tension, such as characters tripping or suffering from heat…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Book of Two Ways
Frequent uses of strong language occur throughout the text, particularly when characters are under duress. Profanity including 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'b*tch,' and 'asshole' is used in dialogue and internal monologue during moments of high stress or emotional vulnerability. The protagonist uses harsh language when processing the trauma of a plane crash and during arguments with her daughter. Academic rivals also exchange biting insults and dismissive remarks. Overall, the swearing is realistic for an adult literary…
Read more — free accountDrugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Book of Two Ways
Social drinking involving wine and beer occurs frequently throughout the narrative in both Boston and Egypt. Some characters use alcohol to cope with stress, grief, or to facilitate difficult conversations during dinner scenes. There are occasional mentions of pain medication, such as morphine, used in hospice care contexts to manage the suffering of dying clients. Characters are seen sharing drinks while working on archaeological digs to stave off the heat and social pressure. The use of substances is depicted as…
Read more — free accountMature themes in The Book of Two Ways
Heavy focus on mortality, the ethics of death doulas, and the concept of 'the road not taken.' It explores the emotional weight of miscarriage, the difficulty of parenting a neurodivergent child, and the moral ambiguity of choosing between two different lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Book of Two Ways appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Book of Two Ways is best for ages 17+. The Book of Two Ways contains mature content including on-page sexual encounters, detailed descriptions of terminal illness and the dying process, and frequent strong language. This novel explores themes of infidelity…
What age rating does The Book of Two Ways have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. The Book of Two Ways 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 17+.
What reading level is The Book of Two Ways?
The Book of Two Ways is 416 pages and its reading level is Adult Narrative. Bontent recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Book of Two Ways about?
The Book of Two Ways contains mature content including on-page sexual encounters, detailed descriptions of terminal illness and the dying process, and frequent strong language. This novel explores themes of infidelity, mortality, and the complex choices involving motherhood and career through the lens of a death…
Is there sex or nudity in The Book of Two Ways?
The book contains several descriptive sex scenes between the protagonist, Dawn Edelstein, and both her husband Brian and her former lover Wyatt. These include depictions of physical intimacy, tactile sensations, and nudity, though they stop short of being…
How violent is The Book of Two Ways?
Violence is minimal but intense during a plane crash sequence and its immediate aftermath where injuries are briefly described. The primary focus is on the physical toll of terminal illness, including scenes of bodily decay, medical procedures for the dying…
Is the language in The Book of Two Ways appropriate for kids?
Frequent uses of strong language occur throughout the text, particularly when characters are under duress. Profanity including 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'b*tch,' and 'asshole' is used in dialogue and internal monologue during moments of high stress or emotional…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Book of Two Ways?
Social drinking involving wine and beer occurs frequently throughout the narrative in both Boston and Egypt. Some characters use alcohol to cope with stress, grief, or to facilitate difficult conversations during dinner scenes. There are occasional mentions…
What mature themes appear in The Book of Two Ways?
Heavy focus on mortality, the ethics of death doulas, and the concept of 'the road not taken.' It explores the emotional weight of miscarriage, the difficulty of parenting a neurodivergent child, and the moral ambiguity of choosing between two different lives.
Where can I read the full The Book of Two Ways parent guide?
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