The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
Expected publication: September 22nd 2020

This is a difficult review for me to write because I typically enjoy Jodi Picoult's novels but this is my least favorite novel of hers. I felt as though my brain was being bombarded with information I didn't want to know or care for and as a result of that I found myself getting lost over and over again. Egyptology is interesting to a degree but the over abundance of it just left me drained resulting in me  putting the book down over and over again.  I spent so much time looking up and researching information from this read that I ended up feeling like I was tasked with a project rather than just being able to enjoy a read. 

The gist of this book is that a woman named Dawn, survives a plane crash and has some kind of moment and rather than returning to Boston to be with her husband and daughter, she jumps on a plane and goes back to Egypt to met her previous lover. 

In typical Picoult fashion the book flips back and forth, telling several stories from the past and current day. We find out that Dawn is a Death Duola, her marriage is on the rocks and has a daughter who is shy and struggles with her weight. 

The Death Duola portions were the most interesting part of the book and I wish that it had taken a larger portion of the story as opposed to Egyptology. As the Death Doula is more interesting, makers her  character is more likable and is probably more relatable to readers. 

The ending was not satisfying to me as a reader but I understand it. I am glad that I read this book because I have enjoyed so many of Picoult's other reads and am a long time fan but I would not recommend it to a first time reader of Picoult's.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

A Spark Of Light by Jodi Picoult

Release Date: October 2, 2018

Jodi Picoult is no stranger to tackling tough subjects.  This particular one deals with abortions, women and guns. It is set in a reproductive health clinic. Staff and clients are being held as hostages. Negotiator, Hugh McElroy arrives at the scene and finds out that his sister and daughter are in the clinic. This further complicates the situation and Hugh is going to do whatever it takes to make sure his daughter and sister make it out alive. 

Picoult gives the reader information on who the characters are and why they are at the center that day. Their perspectives and stories are just as important as the main characters. They were well developed and left me wanting to know more about them. I want to know more about what happens to them and their plight in life. I particularly liked the major twist. It left me wanting to know more! 

This book is a bit different from, Picoults others in that is starts with the ending. Picoult has definitely done her research and presents a well written story. This book is emotional and shows both sides of the story. It's a powerful and thought provoking read.

My only complaint was the cover of the novel. I don't care much for it and had it not been a book by Picoult, I wouldn't have given in a second glance.

* I received  a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan

Expected Publication Date: 10/04/2022

Jodi Picoult is back! I missed the style, taste and feel of her older books and this one brings that back. Jodi Picoult is one of those authors who's books I read without knowing what they are about. I just sink my teeth into them and expect to read a book that is well researched and full of well crafted characters. Mad Honey meets this criteria and also tackles a controversial subject with care and finesse and court room drama (how I have missed these from her books).

The story is told from the perspectives on Olivia, Asher and Lily. Olivia is a single mom raising her son Asher in her hometown. Asher is a teenager and in a relationship with Lily. Lily is found dead and Asher is the prime suspect. Lily is new to the town and has a secret past which complicates that case against Asher however Asher has secrets of his own. 

The story is told in present and past tense so that we get important background information about about characters. This is a story about love. The love between parents and children. Young love and the love we have for ourselves.   This story is one that needs to be told. One that people can learn from. There are twists and turns and heartbreaking moments. This book will be a sensitive topic especially for those who don't have an open mind.  Those of us who do will be thankful that writers like, Picoult exist  and write stories that are important to social issues of our time. 

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult

I have to admit, I never really had much interest in Jodi Picoult's first book, Songs of the Humpback Whale. Imagine my surprise when I found myself deeply immersed in this novel. I have to say that this must be on of her most overlooked novels.

Her debut novel stands above many of her others (ex: Salem Falls). In typical Picoult fashion this novel is told in different voices and points of views, rather than one narrative. It does cause the story to be retold but it is from the characters point of view which adds to the story itself.

You don't get the "twist" in this novel as you do in her others (ex: The Pact, My Sisters Keeper and Nineteen Minutes) but you do get a journey in love.

Synopsis:

Jodi Picoult's powerful novel portrays an emotionally charged marriage that changes course in one explosive moment....For years, Jane Jones has lived in the shadow of her husband, renowned San Diego oceanographer Oliver Jones. But during an escalating argument, Jane turns on him with an alarming volitility. In anger and fear, Jane leaves with their teenage daughter, Rebecca, for a cross-country odyssey charted by letters from her brother Joley, guiding them to his Massachusetts apple farm, where surprising self-discoveries await. Now Oliver, an expert at tracking humpback wales across vast oceans, will search for his wife across a continent—and find a new way to see the world, his family, and himself: through her eyes.



Grade: B

Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult

I am revisiting, Jodi Picoult's book by reading them in the order they were published (but, I will probably read the new one do out, way before I finish re-reading all her novels).

I am going to be honest here -- I didn't remember much of, "Harvesting the Heart" --- and quite often asked myself had I really read it, but I know I did because I owned the book and it moved along with me during three moves. I don't know if, I forgot about it because I was reading so many other books at the time or because it didn't "speak" to me.

"Harvesting the Heart" is basically the story about a married couple who have a child and the woman, walks out on her husband and daughter. She feels a urging to revisit her past and find the mother who abandoned her as a child.

In typical, Picoult fashion the story is told in different voices and in alternating chapters. The story starts in the present and flip flops between the past and current time for both characters. There is a bit of a long drawn section on horses that I could have done without. I don't care for the main character, Paige but her story in interesting enough to keep reading. I would have liked to have read more about her husband, Nicholas despite him having few redeeming qualities.

I would not suggest this book to a first time, Picoult reader but if you are a big fan you might want to consider taking some time to read it.

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer (

Between the Lines is a combined work effort of Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha. It is a  young adult book and is nothing at all like, Picoult's previous work. Don't expect the same caliber. 

This book is basically about a character that is stuck inside of a fairytale book and wants to find a way out. It's also about what happens when a book is closed and character's can step outside their written roles and enjoy "life".  

I have to be honest here and tell you --- that, I had to struggle to finish it, to get through it.  It just didn't hold my full attention. This book was not for me and if you're expecting work that is similar to Picoult's you too will be terribly disappointed.

The idea behind the story is very interesting and it has a lot of potential. It's just way too cliched and if you can get past expectations you have ---  you might be able enjoy this novel on a different level than, I did.

Rating this was very difficult for me, since I tend to really enjoy her work and that of similar authors. I tried not to let that cloud my judgment and when it finally came down to it. I have to rate this below average.

Grade: C-

Handle with Care: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

Handle with Care does a good job at illustrating the frustration, anxiety, joys and hardships of raising a special needs child.

It also highlights what can happen to a "normal" child that slips through the cracks since little to no attention is paid to that child.

This book deals with a child who has a rare disorder called, osteogenesis imperfecta and the wrongful birth law suit the mother files in order to get money to provide for the lifetime care of said child.

Picoult does an excellent job and educating the reader on osteogenesis imperfecta. You will walk away with an understanding on this terrible condition.

Picoult has a knack for engaging her readers but her formula is getting a bit tiresome. She also happened to include recipes in this novel which was rather annoying.

Expect a cop out ending and you won't be completely disappointed. Lets hope she gets back on track with her next novel(s).

Grade: B-/C+

Synopsis(B&N)
Things break all the time.Day breaks, waves break, voices break.Promises break.Hearts break.
Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given the choice. Instead, their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of "luckier" parents, and maybe worst of all, the what-ifs. What if their child had been born healthy? But it's all worth it because Willow is, well, funny as it seems, perfect. She's smart as a whip, on her way to being as pretty as her mother, kind, brave, and for a five-year-old an unexpectedly deep source of wisdom. Willow is Willow, in sickness and in health.
Everything changes, though, after a series of events forces Charlotte and her husband to confront the most serious what-ifs of all. What if Charlotte should have known earlier of Willow's illness? What if things could have been different? What if their beloved Willow had never been born? To do Willow justice, Charlotte must ask herself these questions and one more. What constitutes a valuable life?
Emotionally riveting and profoundly moving, Handle with Care brings us into the heart of a family bound by an incredible burden, a desperate will to keep their ties from breaking, and, ultimately, a powerful capacity for love. Written with the grace and wisdom she's become famous for, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult offers us an unforgettable novel about the fragility of life and the lengths we will go to protect it.

Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

I continue on my path to read and (re-read) Jodi Picoult's novels in the order they were published.

I remember reading Salem Falls and not being that impressed but mainly because books pertaining to magic don't hold my interest too long unless the underlying story is impressive.  I did enjoy this book more than in the past but I  can honestly say it is not one of my favorite Picoult novels.

This book centers around Jack St. Bride. Jack has been released from prison after serving time for a crime he didn't commit. He ends up in the sleepy town of Salem Falls. He keeps his past hidden and quickly finds a job at a dinner. Jack keeps to himself and forms a relationship with Addie the owner of the diner.

Jack's good looks catch the attention of Gillian Duncan, who's father owns half the town. Gillian gets what she wants and this time she wants Jack. She casts a spell in an attempt to get him. Gillian and her friends go out into the woods to perform some type of wiccan worshiping event. Gillian is assaulted in the woods on her way home and she points her finger at Jack.

Jack quickly becomes the towns villain and his case goes to trial. The court battle reveals many truths and lies.

Jack is a well developed character and his story is haunting. Addie is a wonderful character that you want to root for and become friends with. The teenage characters are the cast of mean girls but when one finds her strength you better watch out.

This is still overall an good read and entertaining.

House Rules: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

Picoult's, new novel is another court room drama. It is entertaining and interesting.

The characters are well developed and the story line flows well with the exception of the ending, which leaves you going, "huh"?

I learned a lot about Asperger's Syndrome and feel that I have a better understanding of it.

This is not her best novel but it isn't her worst.


Grade: B-


From the Publisher


The astonishing new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about a family torn apart by an accusation of murder.

They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.

Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject — in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's — not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect — can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacobcommit murder?

Emotionally powerful from beginning to end, House Rules looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way — and fails those who don't.

Lone Wolf: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

Lone Wolf is entertaining and insightful. The characters are strong and the storyline is emotional.

Luke is a father of two, who is on life support. He is famous for his innovative and unusual research work with wolves. His children have different opinions on terminating his life support after he suffers a brain injury from a car accident, which involved his daughter.

The story follows this emotional struggle and choices that have lead up to present time. The story is told in alternating points of views from characters. This book is done in Picoult's typical fashion. It isn't her best work but it is worth reading.

Grade: B+

Overview: [B&N]

A life hanging in the balance . . . a family torn apart. The #1 internationally bestselling author Jodi Picoult tells an unforgettable story about family secrets, love, and letting go.

In the wild, when a wolf knows its time is over, when it knows it is of no more use to its pack, it may sometimes choose to slip away. Dying apart from its family, it stays proud and true to its nature. Humans aren’t so lucky.

Luke Warren has spent his life researching wolves. He has written about them, studied their habits intensively, and even lived with them for extended periods of time. In many ways, Luke understands wolf dynamics better than those of his own family. His wife, Georgie, has left him, finally giving up on their lonely marriage. His son, Edward, twenty-four, fled six years ago, leaving behind a shattered relationship with his father. Edward understands that some things cannot be fixed, though memories of his domineering father still inflict pain. Then comes a frantic phone call: Luke has been gravely injured in a car accident with Edward’s younger sister, Cara.

Suddenly everything changes: Edward must return home to face the father he walked out on at age eighteen. He and Cara have to decide their father’s fate together. Though there’s no easy answer, questions abound: What secrets have Edward and his sister kept from each other? What hidden motives inform their need to let their father die . . . or to try to keep him alive? What would Luke himself want? How can any family member make such a decision in the face of guilt, pain, or both? And most importantly, to what extent have they all forgotten what a wolf never forgets: that each member of a pack needs the others, and that sometimes survival means sacrifice?

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is no stranger when it comes to writing novels that deal with difficult subjects or subjects no one wants to discuss. "Small Great Things" deals with racism and the amount of research that went into this novel is evident. It is based on a true story and the title of the novel is taken directly from one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's. speeches. Racism is strong in American and it is only getting worse.

Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse with over 20 years of experience. She is good at her job, she loves her job but her life is about to change with the birth of one child, a child of a white supremacist.

Turk Bauer and his wife have just had their first child, a white male. Ruth enters into the room to do routine exams of a newborn and the atmosphere quickly changes, becomes tense. Ruth takes a mental  note but carries on as usual then Turk asks to speak with her supervisor. Shortly after a note is put on the newborn child's file that no one black is to handle him. Ruth is understandably upset as she is the only black nurse and the note is directly aimed at her.

A series of events puts her in a situation in which she is alone with the newborn and then he stops breathing. She jumps into action but it is futile and the baby is pronounced dead. Turk Bauer and his wife believe that Ruth willfully and with purpose murdered their son and a court battle begins.

This story is told in many voices. Ruth's, Turks and Kennedy's (Ruth's lawyer). Picoult does an excellent job of telling each characters life story. My only issue is that I felt the ending was abrupt and could have used another 20-80 pages. I was left wanting more.

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult has written another stellar book! I was completely captivated from page one! The characters, the storytelling and the writing are top notch. It is quite obvious that, Picoult not only did a lot of research on elephants but also became quite passionate about these intelligent creatures.

Leaving  Time centers around, Jenna and her quest to find her mother, Alice.  Alice went missing when, Jenna was a baby, disappearing from the, New England  Elephant Sanctuary. Jenna's father is alive and living in a psychiatric hospital. Jenna's grandmother refuses to talk about what happened to Alice, so she enlists the help of a psychic and private detective.  Together they unravel the mystery of Alice's dissaperance.

It's been quite some time since I've become so heavily emotionally invested in a book.  The plot line surrounding the elephants put me through the wringer! A huge portion of the book discusses elephant behavior, which is intriguing and educational.  Set a couple of hours aside because this is one book you won't want to put down.

Grade: A+

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

I read Small Great Things back in November of 2016.  Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse. She loves her job of twenty years and she's good at it. It was just a typical day for Ruth at work until it wasn't. Ruth Jefferson's newest patient is little baby boy but she is quickly pulled off taking care of him.

His parents are white nationalist and don't want Ruth a black woman touching their baby. Ruth is understandably upset that the hospital is complying with their wishes but she abides by them however she is put into a sticky situation when chaos erupts at the hospital. All other nurses or with other patients when Turk Bauer son's stop breathing. Ruth and others attempt to save his life but is is futile. 

Turk and his wife witnessed the scent in which their son died. They felt that Ruth purposefully killed their child because he was white and they were white nationalists. Ruth is fired from her job and her nursing license is suspended. 

In typical Picoult fashion a intense and emotional court battle takes place. The story being told in multiple point of views from Ruth's to Turks to Ruth's lawyer. This is an emotional read and with it being my second read  I discovered new things and information hit harder. This is a Jodi Picoult book you don't want to miss. 

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

I am still re-reading Jodi Picoult's books in the order they were published. I am finally on, The Storyteller which is one of my favorite novels of hers. 

Sage Singer is a baker who works at night. She is an introvert, grieving her mothers death and having an affair with a married man. Her life is lonely but she strikes up an unusual friendship with an elderly man named Josef. 

Josef asks, Sage to kill him. He confesses he was a former SS member who worked at Auschwitz and can no longer go on living with the memories of what he did. Sage is shocked and dismayed by this confession and conflicted as her grandmother is a Holocaust survivor.

Sage reaches out to The Justice Department and Leo, a Nazi Hunter is assigned to the case.  Together Sage and Leo are able to get Minka, Sage's Grandmother to tell about her experience during the Holocaust. It is incredibly moving and emotional. This is the BEST part of novel. Picoult pulls your into her writing and puts you on an emotional roller coaster.

This book has always stayed with me and I am sure it will stay with you too.

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult

As many of you know, I am rereading Jodi Picoult's novels in the order they were published. I actually never read Second Glance so this is my first introduction to this book.

I had a really difficult time reading this book and it took me weeks (I read more than one book at a time). I had a very difficult time getting into it. There were aspects of the stories I found very interesting (such as the boy with the XP disorder) but overall the story lacked interest.

Picoult uses a different writing style and that may be what makes the story difficult to follow since it doesn't flow the way her other novels do, maybe it is the story line or a combination of both.

This novel has a lot of characters and stories in it.  Land in Comtosook, Vermont  is put up for sale and sold. The local Abenaki Indian tribe protest the land being built on as they insist is is a burial ground. A stream of supernatural events take place and a ghost hunter enters the picture to investigate the property.

He has a host of his own issues but he ends up finding more than he bargained for. There are a bunch of other characters and they all have their own stories to tell -- so much more interesting than others.

This book is basically about, murder, love and ghosts? This is not a page turner or a book I would revisit or recommend.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Willow has IO (osteogenesis imperfecta). Willow will never be a "normal" person. Her bones are fragile and something as simple as tossing in bed or bumping into a chair can break a bone. Her older sister Amelia is lost in the shuffle and she's screaming at the top of her lungs but no one can hear her. 

 A simple family vacation to Disney World ends up with Willow in a spica cast and her parents sitting the in the offices of an attorney. The attorney lets it be know that they might have a case against the OB because Willow's IO could have/should have been detected much earlier. 

Charlotte much to the dissatisfaction of her husband decides to sue the OB, who just happens to be her best friend. Charlotte will have to testify that had she knows in advance she would have aborted her daughter. This of course is not factual but bills are mounting and Willow will need more expensive care as she grows older.

Friendships, Marriages and relationships become broken as the "wrongful birth" suit plays out. 

The characters are interesting but my favorite is Amelia. I think she should have her own book! There is a lot of information to be learned from this book. Jodi Picoult has a way of getting you interested and introduced to various topics. 

I am very much of the fence of this novel. I didn't LOVE it but I didn't HATE it either -- but I did like the final twist at the end. The only word I can use to describe it is synchronicity.

Mercy by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is no novice when it comes to tackling controversial subjects and this one deals with euthanasia. This is my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it more than the first time around.


Imagine for one moment, that your loved one (spouse, parent, sibling, partner) is young but ill. They have suffered greatly and will remain suffering until their time to pass comes to be. You see them struggling everyday as cancer eats them alive. They ask you to take their life to end it all.

You decided to take them up on their request and now you are awaiting your trial. You have been arrested by your cousin, Cameron and the small sleepy town you are in is torn apart and divides the marriage between Cameron and his wife.

Cameron and his wife, Allie's marriage is tested and their story unravels. The real story in this novel is about marriage and the trial/euthanasia is in the background.

The only character I ended up really liking is Jamie -- the man on trial. Initially I despised everyone but then I came to the realization that all of the characters are "real" and flawed just like you and me and maybe the reasons I didn't like them was because I saw pieces of myself and loved ones in the characters.

An overall good read but gives you an emotional punch to the gut.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

 

My Sister's Keeper is one of my favorite Jodi Picoult books. I decided to revisit it after rewatching the movie (which I don't like).  If you haven't read this book I recommend that you make it your next read.

My Sister's Keeper is about a young girl named Anna who sues her parents for medical emancipation. Anna was genetically engineered to be a donor for her sister Kate who has a rare form of leukemia. Since birth Anna has been a donor for Kate and now Kate needs a kidney. Anna doesn't want to give Kate a kidney so  she finds an attorney who is willing to fight for her. The lawsuit results in further family upheaval as the fight for Kate's life or death is on the line. 

 The story is told in alternating point of views via several different characters. The plot is well developed and full of memorable characters. 

Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

To be honest --- I wasn't sure if, I would even like "Off the Page" but since Jodi Picoult's name was on it, I had to read it. I devour everything she puts out. I was more than pleasantly surprised.
I ended up loving this gem of a novel. It is so much fun and super cute with a fairy tale spin on it.

Delilah has a major crush on Prince Oliver (a fictional character from this book Between the Lines) and it would be more then fair to say the feelings are mutual. Prince Oliver finds a way out of the book and manages to join the "real world". Chaos ensues in both "real life" and Prince Oliver's book, in which all the characters run-a-muk.

The best part of the book is you get the view of three characters adding another fun and interesting element to story. I have one complaint and it's because it broke my heart...but I won't tell you what it is because I don't want to give it away!

A lot more fun and interesting things happen, you will have to pick up the book to find out. I promise it is much, much better then "Between the Lines", which has been my least favorite book of hers.

Grade: A

Sing You Home: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

Picoult has a way of tackling controversial issues and bringing them to life. Her newest book, Sing You Home is no exception to this.

This book in particular deals with Gay rights and IVF. Picoult manages to explain a complicated issue with ease. Her characters are well developed and memorable.

Picoult managed to address both issues involving peoples feeling and beliefs in relation to Gay Rights and religion with taste and candor.

Expect the same type of formal she has used in previous books. This novel also has a predictable ending ---

Grade: A

Synopsis [B&N]

Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.
Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.
For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.
In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.