Dickens & Rumi

book

Working stiff

Annelise Ryan · 2009

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Working stiff by Annelise Ryan. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Graphic injury; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Graphic injury3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No overt commercialism or brand promotion.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is central to the plot as the protagonist is a coroner investigating homicides.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

As a coroner mystery, there are clinical and sometimes vivid descriptions of corpses and the effects of violence.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moderate profanity throughout.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Adult romantic or relationship elements are present but are secondary to the mystery plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Investigation of a killer creates sustained suspense, danger, threats, and unsettling crime scenes.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Minor sexual references and adult themes consistent with a contemporary cozy/mystery.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters occasionally consume alcohol in social settings.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The book features descriptions of murder victims and forensic examinations, which are descriptive but not gratuitously action-heavy.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront danger and uncertainty while pursuing the truth and protecting others.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes curiosity and problem-solving through the mystery format.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited focus on diversity, typical of the genre in this setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides incidental insights into forensic procedures and medical terminology.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Character displays empathy for victims and their families.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on personal resilience, justice, and starting over.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's professional competence and determination are positive, though adult characters face morally complicated choices.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Working stiff would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Working stiff, and what caused that change?
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