Dickens & Rumi

book

Any Way the Wind Blows

Rainbow Rowell · 2021

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell. This book is content notes include LGBTQIA characters, Romance, Strong language; positive qualities include Diverse representation, Kindness & empathy.

Book 3 · Simon Snow TrilogySource checked

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceNot listed
Strongest cautionsLGBTQIA characters 5/5 · Romance 4/5 · Strong language 3/5
Strongest positivesDiverse representation 4/5 · Kindness & empathy 4/5
Series positionBook 3 · Simon Snow Trilogy
Recommendation3.8/5

Diverse representation; strongest caution: lgbtqia characters.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Diverse representation; strongest caution: lgbtqia characters.

Readiness snapshotMain watch-out: LGBTQIA characters 5/5
Recommendation 3.8/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
16Scored categories
16Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Nov 6, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

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Review depth16 scored categories16 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

Reading order

Series progression

All known volumes are shown. Reviewed books include age guidance and cautions; books still being reviewed are clearly marked.

  1. SIMON SNOW TRILOGYAges 15+
    LGBTQIA characters5/5Romance4/5Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Sexual content & nudity3/5Strong language3/5Violence3/5Alcohol or drugs2/5Graphic injury2/5Products & advertising1/5
    Starting point
  2. Book 1 · CARRY ONAges 15+
    Death of a character4/5Frightening scenes4/5LGBTQIA characters4/5Romance4/5Violence4/5Graphic injury2/5Sexual content & nudity2/5Strong language2/5Alcohol or drugs1/5
    Gets gentler
  3. Book 2 · Wayward SonAges 14+
    LGBTQIA characters5/5Frightening scenes4/5Romance4/5Violence4/5Death of a character3/5Graphic injury3/5Strong language3/5Alcohol or drugs2/5Sexual content & nudity2/5Products & advertising1/5Religious themes1/5
    Gets more intense
  4. Book 3 · Any Way the Wind Blows
    LGBTQIA characters5/5Romance4/5Strong language3/5Violence3/5Alcohol or drugs2/5Death of a character2/5Frightening scenes2/5Sexual content & nudity2/5Graphic injury1/5
    Gets gentler

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What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The weight of past deaths is a significant emotional driver for the characters.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries are mentioned, but there is no graphic or visceral detail.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity used in character dialogue, reflecting realistic teen/young adult communication.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

The primary relationship is between two male protagonists; LGBTQIA themes are central to the story.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The central romance between Simon and Baz is a core component of the narrative arc.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy threats, magical danger, tense confrontations, and some unsettling supernatural elements may worry readers, but the tone is more adventurous than frightening.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes discussions and depictions of physical intimacy consistent with young adult romance tropes; no explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional casual references to social drinking among characters of legal age.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes instances of magical combat and some physical confrontations, but not gratuitous or excessive.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate internal courage by confronting their pasts and future uncertainties.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magic, world-building, alternate magical culture, and imaginative problem-solving are central to the reading experience.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

It features prominent LGBTQIA+ characters and varied identities within a largely inclusive fantasy ensemble.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of empathy and conflict resolution, though primarily for entertainment.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The narrative emphasizes supportive friendships and romantic devotion.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes honesty, self-acceptance, accountability, healing from trauma, and choosing care over avoidance or control.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters exhibit growth, though they remain fallible teenagers and young adults.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in Any Way the Wind Blows would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Any Way the Wind Blows, and what caused that change?
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Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

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