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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've read this book twice and whilst I did enjoy it both times, I am aware that this book is incredibly similar to Picoult's other books. A family that breaks down due to some crisis, a somewhat bland sub plot involving an affiliate of the family, a teenager caught in the middle of the family breakdown and consequently has multiple issues, and a huge plot twist at the end. Picoult does, however, write about some difficult issues well in this book, but the structure of Handle with Care is almost identical to My Sister's Keeper, so I would reccomend to read either one or the other. If you have already read My Sister's Keeper, you will not be that surprised by the ending of Handle with Care. Again, this is not a bad book, it's just not a great one. It follows the "Picoult" formula.
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Jodi Picoult delivered a great story, AGAIN! I found myself changing loyalties throughout the book. The way the book was written gave the reader a clear view of each character's position. Nothing within the book seemed unbelievable or contrived. The ending was a bit weak, but still left me wondering if the conflict between characters had all been worth it. You know it is a good book when you are thinking about it days after finishing it and find yourself questioning your own beliefs. This book does just that!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Schmoopy, slow - brave bold ending gives it an extra star
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In my extremely brief review of Picoult's 'My Sister's Keeper,' I wrote that Picoult is pretty much a hit or miss writer. This, unfortunately, is one of her bigger misses. Her writing is beautiful, as always. Her characters are human, her prose compelling and narrative flawless. But the biggest problem for me was the plot- it just doesn't work. It doesn't make sense that she'd sue her best friend for no reason just to gain her money to take care of her daughter- once again, we get a dose of the 'other sibling,' which seems to be a part of Picoult's typical family dynamic. As always, there's intriguing medical dilemma as well as gripping legal battle. If they are human, they're too much so, because the main characters unsympathetic- and all properly fleshed out characters- even the evil ones- are sympathetic. I mean, I was sympathetic to Scar in The Lion King. I was sympathetic to Claudius in Hamlet. But there's no motive behind the characters' rash action an incredibly annoying relationship between the mother and her husband, his sudden urge to have an affair brought on from the confusion of life and them making up on and off. The ending is clunky and unsatisfying. This was a very frustrating book for me not to like, because Picoult's writing- a gorgeous wrapping- is what's covering the rusty storytelling.