To answer questions about
The Enemy,
please sign up.
Don Maier
I think not. Reacher is the perfect antihero in this early book of the series. His flaunting of authority and his illegal activities do not set a good example for young adults.
David
Yes. Reacher is just simply bad ass. My son is ten and I force him to read these books.
Tytti
I think 14-year-olds in general should be making that decision for themselves.
Bob Ryan
I would have read this at 14. Could any 14 year old? A different question
Kelvin Yam
I think a 14 year old is mature enough to think and ask. As long as you, being a parent is providing the guidance and advice to your junior as needed, it would be fine.
Geoffrey Martin
Jack Reacher is the epitome of an old time warrior. A logical brain, controlling a ferocious body. This world requires more of his ilk.
Not the ideal icon for today's "snowflake" generation. Us old "War Babies" earnestly hope that what go's round comes round.
Not the ideal icon for today's "snowflake" generation. Us old "War Babies" earnestly hope that what go's round comes round.
SassafrasfromAmazon
There is a lot of violence, often described in gory detail. I would say that the Reacher series, and this book in particular would NOT be appropriate for a young boy.
Kumari de Silva
If you're not sure I would recommend taking a couple of days to read it yourself. It's highly entertaining.
You know your son (and I don't); you'll be able to tell if it's appropriate within a third of the book. As others say there is some sex, including homosexual sex, but it is more implied not described in excruciating detail.
There's also a scene in a strip club, which if anything, would dissuade a person from wanting to go in one, because it's a low bar nasty strip club and not a glorified men's club.
Personally I would have loved this book at 14. Not only is Jack Reacher badass but he is very fair and respectful to female colleagues. He's not a chauvinist.
If you decide the book is ok, your kid has like 19 other Reacher books he can read before you have to investigate another new author.
You know your son (and I don't); you'll be able to tell if it's appropriate within a third of the book. As others say there is some sex, including homosexual sex, but it is more implied not described in excruciating detail.
There's also a scene in a strip club, which if anything, would dissuade a person from wanting to go in one, because it's a low bar nasty strip club and not a glorified men's club.
Personally I would have loved this book at 14. Not only is Jack Reacher badass but he is very fair and respectful to female colleagues. He's not a chauvinist.
If you decide the book is ok, your kid has like 19 other Reacher books he can read before you have to investigate another new author.
Christopher
Absolutely not! Inappropriate for a 14 year old boy -- there is some sex scenes and lots of language and other misbehavior. Jack Reacher is for adults!
Russty
Yes, I think almost, if not all, in this Lee Child series, would be fine for that age. Whether or not a 14 y/o could/should decide for themselves, I applaud you for being involved in your child's life to the extent you are, without "helicoptering"!!! Some "gory" depictions; sure... Nothing worse than you'll see on most local news reports(not saying whether that is good or bad, but it is there)!!!
Alison Moxley
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Dev
No I do not think so. Quite gory depictions of homophobic punishment killings.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more