The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh

 February 27, 2026- Friday 

I recently finished the book, “The Blinds”, written by Adam Sternbergh and published in 2017. This book was in a middle school library and was withdrawn for good reason. Children in the ages of middle school students have no business reading this book. Maybe high school age teenagers are an acceptable audience, but that is still a bit of a reach. Why would I feel this book should have age restrictions? 

The amount of profanity in the book is not necessary. The profanity does not add to the story or the believability as many authors like to say. Allowing this type of book to pre-teens and teenagers paints the image that profanity is acceptable. It is still not acceptable regardless of how much authors and screenwriters want us to think it is. 

The violence in this book is expected, and I personally think the graphic nature of the violence is excessive for pre-teens and early teens.  

Those criticisms noted, this book was very well written by Sternbergh. The setting of the story is well chosen. The basic plot of this book is a very good example of creative writing. The story is very unexpected and stands out from the usual novel.  

Sternbergh’s character development is very good. He is able to get the reader emotionally attached in a positive way to some very bad characters. 

I am always interested in a story that is different from the usual drama or mystery, and this book fits the bill.  It is a very interesting story and well written and I enjoyed the read except for the excessive profanity.  

I know, in addition to the author, there are others who will not agree with my perspectives on this book, and I accept that. This book is a good read, just be prepared if you are interested in reading this book.