An Abundance of Katherines
An Abundance of Katherines is a young adult contemporary novel by John Green, focusing on themes of identity, first love, friendship, and the quest for meaning. The story follows Colin Singleton, a recently dumped child prodigy who has exclusively dated girls named Katherine, as he embarks on a road trip with his best friend, Hassan. Their journey leads them to the quirky town of Gutshot, Tennessee, where Colin attempts to develop a mathematical theorem to predict the trajectory of romantic relationships, hoping to finally understand and overcome his pattern of being dumped. The narrative blends intellectual pursuits with humor and a journey of self-discovery. The book is generally targeted at young adult readers, with content that includes frequent strong language, suggestive sexual references, discussions of physical intimacy, and underage drinking. While exploring complex emotions and relationships common in adolescence, the mature nature of some content elements suggests it is most appropriate for an older teen audience. The novel offers a blend of witty dialogue, intellectual exploration, and heartfelt moments as Colin and Hassan navigate their summer adventures.
Concerns
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe book contains significant romantic and sexual content, including passionate kissing, implied sexual activity, direct witnessing of sexual intercourse, and suggestive language. References to sexual body parts and discussions of sexuality are frequent.
Hassan and Katrina engage in frequent and passionate kissing. A notable scene involves Colin and Hassan witnessing Katrina naked in a graveyard, having sex with TOC (The Other Colin). Hassan also brags about the size of his 'thunderstick' (penis) to Colin. Additionally, Lindsey takes off her shirt to apply pressure to Colin's head wound, leading the boys to notice her purple bra.
Profanity
HighProfanity is frequent and varied throughout the book, including the use of euphemisms for strong curse words and several explicit milder expletives. This contributes to a consistently coarse language environment.
Characters, particularly Colin and Hassan, frequently use 'fug' and its derivations as a euphemism for the f-word. The actual f-word is used once. Other common profanities include 'ass/asshole,' 'goddamn,' and 'damn'. Hassan also uses the Arabic insult 'kafir' (infidel) when addressing Colin.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book contains direct mentions of gay couples and discussions, alongside instances of homophobic teasing. While no main characters are explicitly LGBTQ, these elements are present in the dialogue and narrative.
Colin states that his mathematical theorem for predicting relationship outcomes is designed to work for "gay couples as well as straight ones". Additionally, heterosexual boys are depicted teasing each other about being gay. In one instance, Hassan and Colin joke about the possibility of them being gay if they were more attractive. The text also references a homophobic slur ("God hates FAG") etched on a picnic table, which Hassan humorously alters to "God hates baguettes".
Violence
MediumViolence is present in the form of a physical altercation and a tense encounter with a wild animal, resulting in minor injuries. The depictions are not graphic or gory, focusing more on the immediate impact and emotional reactions of the characters.
During a feral hog hunt, Colin attempts to shoot and miss a charging hog but accidentally hits a hornet's nest, leading to a frantic escape. Later, a physical fight breaks out when TOC (The Other Colin) grabs Lindsey, during which Colin is kneed in the groin. Colin also sustains a head injury after falling, although details are not graphic.
Substance Use
MediumThe book depicts underage drinking of alcohol, including beer and moonshine, and mentions smoking and chewing tobacco. Characters are seen consuming alcohol, though not to the point of severe intoxication, and there are references to a resident arrested for public drunkenness.
Lindsey and her friends drink beer, and Colin and Hassan also partake, consuming about half a beer each. Later, Lindsey and Colin drink 'moonshine in her secret hideout'. There's also a scene where Hassan and other boys use chewing tobacco to cover bee stings.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe narrative includes moments of tension and emotional intensity stemming from a physical confrontation, a dangerous animal encounter, and the protagonist's emotional distress over repeated heartbreaks and identity issues. There are no elements of horror or graphically frightening imagery.
A suspenseful scene involves Colin and Hassan being charged by a feral hog during their hunt, creating a moment of danger and urgency. The emotional turmoil Colin experiences after being dumped for the nineteenth time, leading to an identity crisis and his quest for a mathematical theorem, contributes to the overall emotional intensity of the story.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe book features instances of mild disrespect and typical teenage rebellion, primarily through sarcastic dialogue, challenges to authority, and independent decisions made by the protagonists. These acts are generally not severe or lead to dangerous outcomes.
Hassan frequently refers to Colin using the Arabic term 'kafir' (infidel), serving as a casual form of disrespect within their friendship. Colin's decision to embark on a spontaneous road trip with Hassan after graduation, despite his parents' concerns about his emotional well-being and potential, represents a form of teenage independence and mild rebellion against their structured expectations.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe book includes characters who express skeptical views of God and religion, irreverent references to Christian symbols, and a negative experience involving evangelical Christians. While not centrally anti-Christian, these elements may be a concern for some parents.
Colin, described as a 'nonpracticing half-Jewish atheist,' names his car 'Satan's Hearse,' and he and Hassan bypass a roadside attraction of the 'World's Largest Wooden Crucifix'. Colin expresses his skepticism about faith by comparing belief in God to believing 'giant penguins that will take him into space where he can have sex with Katherine XIX'. Additionally, Hassan recounts being beaten up by evangelical Christians at a home-school picnic.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural elements within the book.
The narrative does not include any instances of characters engaging in or discussing witchcraft or occult practices. There are no supernatural beings, magic, or rituals depicted in the story.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
16+ (Mature Teens) - The book contains frequent profanity, including euphemisms for the f-word, direct references to sexual acts and body parts, a scene where characters witness sexual intercourse, and instances of underage drinking. These elements, combined with complex discussions of identity and relationships, necessitate an older teen recommendation.
Additional Notes
An Abundance of Katherines is a standalone novel by John Green and does not have any direct sequels or adaptations that introduce new or intensified content. The book features complex mathematical concepts and footnotes related to Colin's theorem, which are integral to his character's journey of self-discovery.
Related Reviews
Is An Abundance of Katherines right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required