Life expectancy
by Dean Ray Koontz
Random House Digital, Inc. 2005
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- fate vs. free will
- family bonds
- love and marriage
- resilience and courage
- good vs. evil
- prophecy and destiny
- moral choice
- humor amid darkness
- identity and legacy
About this book
On the night Jimmy Tock is born, his dying grandfather makes five chilling prophecies about five terrible days that will shape Jimmy’s life. As the dates arrive over the years, Jimmy and his quick-witted wife, Lorrie, confront homicidal clowns, kidnappers, and deadly coincidences, meeting fate with courage, love, and dark humor in a high-velocity blend of suspense and comedy.
Setting: Contemporary United States, primarily small-town hospital and family bakery locales with circus/carnival elements; spans from the 1970s into the early 2000s across the American West
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life expectancy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Life expectancy. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include fate vs. free will, family bonds, love and marriage.
How long does it take to read Life expectancy?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Life expectancy takes around 14h to finish. The book has 149,105 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Life expectancy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Life expectancy has an AR quiz available, worth 21 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Life expectancy?
Life expectancy has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.