"An Abundance of Katherines" is a funny, funny book. I loved the characters; they were relatable, interesting, and three-dimensional. The content of the book stays well within what any normal teen has been exposed to. The occasional sexual joke or cuss is uttered, but for the most part, there's not much questionable in here.
Tools for this page
An Abundance of Katherines
(2006, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by John Green)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Comic slacker-geek lit is fun for the right teen.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence :
-
Sex :
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About An Abundance of Katherines
Parents need to know that there is plenty of swearing and some references to sex, orgasm, and oral sex. Though the content is mild compared to many young adult novels, it is still best for those in high school and will be enjoyed most by kids who favor quirky, geeky characters.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Colin's central dilemma. What is the relationship between ability and achievement? What does it mean "to matter"?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in IllinoisI rate this title on for age 13 and give itFunny & Engaging
- Lives inI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Okay...
An Abundance of Katherines had a good story line I guess, but was pretty boring. I couldn't really stay with it at some parts.
- Lives in VirginiaI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Intellectual Tour-de-force for Mature Teens
Colin -- oh, narcissistic, relatable, somehow-dated-nineteen-girls-to-my-mother's-chagrin Colin. He manages to churn out an equation which actually works (no lie, I tried it twice), has an awesome Arab friend (how is that bad for the message? discrimination, CSM), and knows a lot of the same obscure, awesome stuff I do, only more of it. For a teenager who can take the profanity (for there's lots) and raciness (there's even more of that) without giggling and appreciate the crowning, glorious apothesis of Katherine the Great midway through the book (not to mention anagrams), you'll pick this up and love it to death in one delicious afternoon like I did.
- Lives in ConnecticutI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Iffy...
An interesting book about a teen "genius" and his best friend. The language was terrible, and a boy witnesses his girlfriend having sex with another boy. Altogether, it was a great story about finding yourself.
- Lives in PennsylvaniaI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Awesome read
An Abundance of Katherines is an amazing book. There isn't really alot of sexual reference as everone else seems to think. They don't really swear much because they say "fug" instead of.. well.. you know. It's a great book for anyone at least 13 or older. Under 13 might not understand some parts
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.
Already a member? Log in
Our Members Rate It
Have You Read It? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
