The Matchmaker – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Matchmaker

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2002

35%

WISE Score

4.0

Amazon

A 2002-era romance novel that belongs on a beach chair, not in a middle-schooler's backpack.

The Matchmaker

book

2002

35%

WISE Score

4.0

Amazon

A 2002-era romance novel that belongs on a beach chair, not in a middle-schooler's backpack.

4.0

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Screenwise Verdict

If you're looking for the Thornton Wilder classic play often read in schools, this isn't it. The 'The Matchmaker' books released in 2002 are almost exclusively adult romance novels.

For a modern kid, this is basically the literary equivalent of a beige wall—outdated, slow, and full of adult relationship drama that will make them roll their eyes. Plus, the safety factor is low due to explicit content. If your teen is looking for a romance, steer them toward modern YA where the themes are actually relevant to their lives and the 'spice' level is clearly labeled.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults (18+). It’s a genre romance novel from 2002, likely by Catherine Anderson or Rexanne Becnel, and it contains the kind of 'steamy' content you wouldn't want your kid stumbling upon.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

While the story focuses on family bonds and emotional healing, it is written for an adult audience with mature relationship dynamics that don't translate to 'wholesome' kid content.

Imaginative

Standard historical or contemporary romance tropes (depending on the specific 2002 author like Catherine Anderson or Rexanne Becnel). It follows a very predictable genre formula.

Safe

Contains explicit sexual content and adult themes typical of the romance genre. It is not intended for children or younger teens.

Enriching

Offers some insight into emotional resilience and the complexities of adult commitment, but it's primarily escapist entertainment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong emotional arcs for fans of the 'happily ever after' genre
Explores themes of second chances and finding belonging
Comforting, predictable pacing for adult readers looking for an escape

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual scenes that are standard for adult romance novels
Outdated gender dynamics typical of early 2000s genre fiction
Mature emotional baggage that will likely bore younger readers

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think people in the 1800s relied so much on matchmakers?"
"Is it possible to 'fix' someone else's life, or do they have to do it themselves?"
"What makes a healthy relationship versus just a dramatic one?"

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