The Tenth Circle

There is a theme that I see in Picoult books: A family that seems normal but has hidden flaws that surface in times of trouble. In this book the Stone Family is facing their daughters secrets she is not the 14 year old that they thought and she is a Rape survivor. Or is she? Was she actually raped or just lied?
Picoult does a great job in her writing explaining different jobs, cultures and situations. There is a back story of Daniel Stone (father in the book) that leads us to believe that he is not the loving father we suspect. But also Laura, his wife shows us that everyone has something to hide. In all the reader see a sad tale of a young woman who has gotten off track and is having a hard time growing up. We learn of adults who ignore clues and situations they see and teenagers who are cruel and unforgiving.
I liked the book. I found it to be a bit over worded in some areas but interesting. It shines a light on to a awful situation and dives deeper into the ways that humans release their pain and suffering.
Read May 2010

My Sister's Keeper

I can honestly say this book was heart breaking. Picoult seems to really understand how a family works and thrives off of each other. I did not know what to expect next. I love the view points from all the character's involved in the book. I was trying to read this before I saw the movie, and I have accomplished that. I wasn't expecting to use so many tissues reading this book. Although it is not a 'light read' because of the material, it is an interesting and dynamic book.

I can not say I was thrilled with the ending. However there are so many ways that you could end this book. I think that, that is what makes this book so interesting.

Read June 2009

19 Minutes

Read August 2008

I read this book rather quickly. It wasn't an easy read due to the content of the material. This was the first Jodi Picoult book that I have read. I loved the story line. Unfortunately it is very reminiscent of the story of what happen at Columbine High School.

The book revolves around a High School shooting in a small town. It gives you the point of view of many people in that town. From parents of a child who has died as a result of the shooting, to the Judge of the trial who's daughter survived the shooting. The parents of the shooter are very realistic and well written. They are heart broken for their family as well as their town.

I found the story to some what predictable, however I would have never guessed the ending. I think it is a great read.

Plain Truth

I was taken deep into this one.
I think it is because I can remember going to the Amish parts of Pennsylvania, and not understand as a kid, why these people were so different. This story explains why they believe what they do, and what is the family dynamic really like in an Amish Home.
It was sad to know that a young woman in this kind of town would go through so much to hide a baby. Also it was a contrast to see the "city slicker" lawyer who thought she knew it all, but was able to get to know and become part of the family. The book touched on the idea of forgiveness in their community versus in the courtroom. It showed also that the Elders of the community have a strong hand in every one's daily actions.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I didn't know what was the truth and who was "to blame" but it was a very interesting and well written and descriptive book.


Read - August 2008

The Pact

I feel like The Pact was similar to 19 Minutes, which I loved. It is hard to imagine living in a jail for 7 months as an 18 year old, with your life in someone elses hands.
However Emily and Chris, held each others lives in their hands. Is it possible to love someone so much that you become part of them and them part of you.. yes I think so. However, where do you draw the line? I find the idea of offering up the gun for someone else to take their life gut wrenching and sad. I do not think that I could have ever done that.
Picoult's writing is beautiful. The pages fly by, and the story is engrossing. There are so many things I liked about this book, the bond between two families, the relationship between Chris and Emily, from childhood to their late teens. I was surprised by the truth. I was expecting something different. I think that the events that lead to Emily wanting to take her own life could have been avoided. I don't know if I can agree with the role that Chris played in her life, as well as death.

Read April 2009