Personal
An unputdownable Jack Reacher thriller from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author
by Lee Child
Random House 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and consequences
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Genre
Themes
- justice vs. vengeance
- moral ambiguity
- lone-wolf heroism
- loyalty and duty
- government secrecy and espionage
- manhunt and pursuit
- violence and consequences
- trust and betrayal
About this book
A long-range sniper takes a shot at the French president, and the U.S. Army tracks down the one man they believe can find the shooter: Jack Reacher. Partnered with a young intelligence analyst, Reacher follows a trail from the U.S. to Paris and London, confronting old enemies, criminal gangs, and a legendary marksman he once put away. The chase becomes a high-stakes, international manhunt with political pressure, hidden agendas, and Reacher’s uncompromising sense of justice at its core.
Setting: Contemporary; United States, Paris (France), and London (United Kingdom), including political summit backdrops and London’s criminal underworld
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Personal right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Personal. The reading level is AR 5.5, which is typical for 5th 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 justice vs. vengeance, moral ambiguity, lone-wolf heroism.
How long does it take to read Personal?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Personal takes around 14h to finish. The book has 137,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Personal have an AR quiz?
Yes — Personal has an AR quiz available, worth 17 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 Personal?
Personal has an AR reading level of 5.5, which places it at a 5th 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.