Dickens & Rumi

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Now and then

Robert B. Parker · 2007

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Now and then by Robert B. Parker. This book is content notes include Violence, Death of a character, Strong language; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

References to real-world brands and cultural locations common in contemporary detective settings.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

There are fatalities resulting from the conflict, consistent with the crime thriller genre.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Injuries are described in the context of action scenes, but it is not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Uses moderate profanity and gritty street-level language appropriate for the genre.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Spenser's established, long-term romantic relationship with Susan Silverman is a core component of his life.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Crime-related threats, stalking, and danger create suspense, but the story is not horror and does not center on frightening creatures or supernatural peril.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mature themes, but no graphic descriptions of sexual acts.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Characters consume alcohol, which is common in the series' characterization.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes gunfights, brawls, and realistic depictions of physical conflict common in the mystery genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist consistently displays bravery in the face of significant danger to help others.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The narrative requires problem-solving and deduction common to the detective genre.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a variety of characters consistent with a contemporary urban setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may offer incidental insight into investigation and criminal justice, but teaching is not its purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Despite the tough exterior, characters often show deep loyalty and support for those in their circle.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes loyalty, responsibility, persistence and protecting vulnerable people, while presenting crime as harmful.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Spenser acts as a professional, dedicated, and principled investigator despite his cynical veneer.

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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 handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Now and then would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Now and then, and what caused that change?
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