Any Way the Wind Blows concludes the beloved fantasy Simon Snow Trilogy by Rainbow Rowell. For a complete understanding, reading the trilogy in sequence is strongly advised. This guide aims to inform parents about the content within, helping them make informed decisions for their young adult readers.
The novel contains mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all young readers. Specifically, the intensity of sexual content increases in this final installment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the elements parents should be aware of:
Sexual Content:
The book includes descriptions of sexual encounters, using explicit language. Examples include descriptions of sex using crude language.
There are also mentions of:
- Rubbing a penis on the partner’s hip through clothing.
- Nakedness.
- Having orgasms against each other.
- Kissing and biting.
- Past acts of masturbation and oral sex (mentioned with crude language, but not explicitly narrated).
Violence:
The violence is relatively mild and contained within the fantasy setting. Examples include:
- Magical attacks.
- Kidnapping.
- A vampire drinking the blood of small animals.
The only injury mentioned is minor cuts from broken glass. This level of violence is similar to other YA fantasy novels.
Language:
Strong language is present throughout the book, including terms such as “d–k,” “c–k,” and “f–k.” Parents sensitive to this type of language should be aware.
Substance Use:
Adults are depicted drinking alcohol on several occasions, but not excessively. Teens visit pubs for meals, but their drink choices are not specified. One adult character vapes and has ashtrays full of cigarette butts and a bong.
Diversity & Representation:
The six main characters represent diverse backgrounds.
- Half are White.
- Two identify as biracial (White/South Asian and Egyptian/Italian).
- One is Black.
Two romantic relationships are same-sex, and one is opposite-sex. The characters are portrayed as positive role models, but racial, cultural, or ethnic identity is not a central theme.
Overall:
Any Way the Wind Blows is a fantasy novel with mature themes, including sexual content and strong language. While the violence is mild, parents should consider these elements when deciding if the book is appropriate for their young adult readers. The positive representation of diverse characters and relationships is a notable strength.
This “When The Wind Blows Parents Guide” aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the book’s content to assist parents in making informed decisions.
