The Enemy
The unputdownable Jack Reacher thriller from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author
by Lee Child
Random House 2009
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.5 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include the end of the Cold War and its fallout
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Genre
Themes
- military justice vs. institutional loyalty
- conspiracy and corruption
- duty, honor, and morality
- power struggles and cover-ups
- truth-seeking and integrity
- loyalty and betrayal
- the end of the Cold War and its fallout
About this book
New Year’s Day, 1990: U.S. Army MP Jack Reacher is on duty when a two-star general is found dead in a North Carolina motel—then the general’s wife turns up murdered. As Reacher follows the trail through Army posts and Washington power corridors at the dawn of the post–Cold War era, he uncovers a high-level conspiracy that pits duty against truth and threatens his career—and his life.
Setting: U.S. Army installations in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., early 1990 (immediately post–Cold War)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Enemy right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Enemy. 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 military justice vs. institutional loyalty, conspiracy and corruption, duty, honor, and morality.
How long does it take to read The Enemy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Enemy takes around 14h to finish. The book has 140,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Enemy have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Enemy has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 The Enemy?
The Enemy 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.