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The Shining (The Shining, #1) cover
Young Adults · Ages 17+

The Shining (The Shining, #1)

by Stephen King

Age rating: Ages 17+ · Young Adults

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

Jack Torrance moves his family into the isolated Overlook Hotel to serve as winter caretaker, but the building’s dark history begins to influence his mind.

Concern Level

93/ 100

Extreme

Virtue Level

30/ 100

Present

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Things to consider

Sexual Content45

Includes descriptions of sexual thoughts, a disturbing scene with a woman in a bathtub, and references to adultery.

Violence / Gore85

Features graphic depictions of physical assault with a mallet, child abuse, and a violent explosion.

Profanity / Language90

Frequent use of strong vulgarity, including many instances of the F-word and other harsh expletives.

Blasphemy75

Characters frequently use the names of God and Jesus Christ as casual curses or expressions of anger.

Substance Use80

Jack's history of alcoholism and his cravings for a drink are central to his character's downfall.

Suicide & Self-Harm60

Explores Jack's deteriorating mental state, including intrusive thoughts of harming his own family.

Scary / Disturbing95

Intense psychological horror, frightening apparitions, and a pervasive sense of dread throughout the hotel.

Occult & Witchcraft70

The hotel is a sentient, malevolent entity that uses psychic 'shining' abilities to manipulate the living.

Sexuality & Gender Themes10

The story focuses on a traditional nuclear family; LGBTQ+ themes are not a primary focus.

Worldview & Spirituality65

Presents a world where evil is an inherited, inescapable force tied to location and bloodlines.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal30

While not primary, the narrative suggests that spiritual 'gifts' are a source of danger and isolation.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice60

Wendy and Danny show significant bravery in attempting to survive Jack's violent descent into madness.

Faith & Hope15

Characters occasionally pray in moments of extreme terror, but there is no structured Christian message.

Love & Friendship50

Wendy's protective love for Danny is a strong counterpoint to Jack's growing hostility.

Forgiveness & Redemption20

The story focuses more on the cycle of abuse and trauma than on successful reconciliation.

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