One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Ken Kesey

Cover of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Ken Kesey

Reading Level 7 Intense (Lvl 4) Ages 13+ Matched

The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

Set in a psychiatric hospital, this story follows a rebellious new patient who challenges the oppressive rules enforced by a strict nurse. Through his courage and defiance, the patients begin to find their own voices and strength. It’s a powerful exploration of individuality, freedom, and the human spirit.

Themes

Mental HealthInstitutional CritiqueComing of AgeSocial Justice

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include mental health, institutional abuse, power dynamics. Written for readers ages 13+.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 4 — Intense
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Heavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.

Content Flags

Mental Health Institutional Abuse Power Dynamics Emotional: Fear & Anxiety Emotional: Identity & Self-Discovery
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Emotional Weight
8
Theme Richness
9
World Scope
5
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

272 pages
ISBN
9780451163967
Pages
272
Publisher
Berkley
Published
September 2019
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Psychiatric Hospital PatientsUnited StatesPsychiatric NursesMentally IllAllegoriesPsychiatric NursingMedical NovelsBelletristische DarstellungPsychiatrische KlinikPsychiatric Nurses in FictionPsychiatric Hospital Patients in FictionMentally Ill in FictionPsychiatric HospitalsOregon in FictionPsychiatric Hospitals in FictionClassic LiteraturePsychological FictionSatireOregonAmerican FictionLarge Type BooksRoman AméricainAmerican LiteratureFriendshipInterpersonal RelationsLiteraryClassicsPsychologicalKesey, Ken, 1935-2001Criticism and InterpretationMinorities in LiteratureOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

People

Randle Patrick McMurphyBroom BromdenNurse RatchedBig Nurse

Places

United StatesOregon