The Lovely Bones (by Alice Sebold)

common sense media says

Violent, disturbing read meant for discussion with teens.

parents & educators say

56% say violence is an issue
56% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book is a heavy read. It starts off with the intense, brutal rape and dismemberment of a 14-year-old girl. Most of the novel is narrated by the dead girl and there are more murders of women and girls described, often in great detail. There is alcohol use, adultery, teen and adult sex, and some swearing.

Educational value: The novel is not really designed to teach the audience anything scholarly, there are some references to poets, literature, and areas of study that may be of interest to readers.

Positive messages: The messages of the book are simply hope and love. It is hope that things will get better and love that despite the horrible events of the novel, keep the characters intertwined and growing. The main character, though deceased for the majority of the novel, experiences growth through witnessing the strength and love her family and friends have for themselves and each other.

Positive role models: There is one absolute monster in the novel and some characters who make really bad decisions, however they learn from the decisions and that is what makes them positive role models. There are characters who show the importance of academic excellence, who are wonderful examples of true friends, and who are vunerable and strong at the same time.

Violence: A violent rape and dismemberment of a child is described by the child going through it. Struggle, penetration, copious amounts of blood, and a body part being recovered by a neighborhood dog is described in detail. A series of murders and rapes are described in less detail, but the incidents are numerous, dealing with a serial killer.

Sex: There are sexual relationships described between teens including description of feeling, hand placement, etc. An affair between two adults is described in more detail and a sexual encounter between two adults is vividly played out in the novel.

Language: Some swear words uttered by teens and adults including "s--t," and one F-bomb during a serious and emotional moment in the book.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink alcohol frequently during this book, often to deal with the difficult and tragic situations that arise. A couple characters are portrayed as alcoholics and there are some brief occasions where teens are drinking. The are also occasions where teens used drugs including pot or are referred to using acid -- not unusual for the time period the novel is set.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about trusting your instincts. What clues did Susie have that something was wrong before she was murdered? Have you ever had an eerie feeling about someone or something? When is it OK to refuse the coaxing or orders of an adult/authority figure?
Families can also talk about dealing with tragedy. Why was it important for Lindsey and Buck to talk to someone or to have an outlet for their grief?
How does this book depict the afterlife? Is it in line with your views?

What's the story?

Susie Salmon was 14 years old when her neighbor raped, murdered, and later dismembered her body. In a heaven-like place Susie keeps watch over those left on Earth that matter -- her family, her friends, and her murderer. Susie is unable to let go of the life she had and relentlessly spies and lives by-proxy through those left. She is consumed with trying to figure out a way to make her murderer pay for his crimes. Will the family ever find closure? Will the police ever catch the killer and recover more than just her elbow bone?

Is it any good?

Alice Siebold is a gifted writer and within the first three pages of the novel, readers are hooked. They are terrified for and engaged in the main character's narration and ordeal. The plot is beautifully executed, telling a horrifying story in a way that is not overwrought or self-indulgent.

The quality of the novel, the depth of character development, and lessons held within the story makes it, without question, a wonderful book. The real question is if this novel is appropriate for teens (who may have renewed interest in the story because of the 2009 movie). Given the media's insatiable appetite for crimes against children -- particularly white, middle class girls -- most teens have an awareness of the subject matter and this book may facilitate a discussion on such a tough topic. This is definitely one to read alongside your teen, no matter their age.

Book themes & details

Book Details

Author: Alice Sebold
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication date: June 1, 2002
Number of pages: 328
Hardcover price: $21.95
Paperback price: $7.99

This review was written by Terreece Clarke

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 9 parent & educator reviews:

56% say violence is an issue
56% say sexual content is an issue
33% say there are positive messages
33% say it's educational

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

vegetarianwrath
teen, 14 years old

Not for Little Kids

I am 13, and I love this book. I have it on paperback, and I read it whenever I am bored. While I say it is a very entertaining book, it may be disturbing for little kids and even adults. I love it, but you should have a certain attitude when reading this book, like being on your best behavior.

What other families should know

Book Details

Written by

Genre

The Lovely Bones (by Alice Sebold)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Lovely Bones

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Book themes & details

Book Details

Review It

Review The Lovely Bones

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Not for Little Kids

Great for sick people out of their mind! NOT for kids!

NO KIDS ALOWD

Loved it!

I loved the book.very sad though.

A Deeply Disturbing Spin on Real Tragedy

The first 50 pages were saddening, but the stuff that follows was an amazing story of hope!

the lovely bones

Great for mature teens.

Perfect for young adults.

for older teens, no one younger than 15

Maturity

Good for those struggling with loss, rape, death, murder.

This Book Is Heart Wrenching

Grim story makes you feel... honestly? A little depressed.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families

Age-appropriate reviews

Advice on the big issues

vote now

Will you read The Lovely Bones?

Already read it? What do you think?

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More serious reads

For kids who love tough topics

Browse more books

About our rating system

Browse our library of reviews

See what our editors recommend