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sam_hartwig's review against another edition
3.0
As with other Jodi Picoult's books that I've read, this one had me thinking a lot once I'd finished. Jodi is so good at writing about current, sensitive topics in a way that has you seeing both sides of the story.
I listened to this on audio, which is my preferred way of reading Jodi's books as I feel they give the story more life. But because the story was written backwards (starting at the shooting and working it's way back to how all the characters came to be at the CENTRE that day) I couldn't easily flip back to a point in the book to remember what happened at a certain point. So I feel that was a downside to having the audio book.
I like the idea of the book written in this way, but with this book I found it confusing. Especially with so many characters and a side story to follow, by the end I couldn't figure out what had happened to which person. And I felt like the actual ending went by so fast that I couldn't tell you what happened there either.
The twists at the end were a huge surprise to me too, I didn't see them coming! Or maybe I was trying to wrap my head around the backwards writing that I was too confused to figure them out.
Overall I found myself thinking about the issue of abortion, and I even discussed the book with my husband. I'm just a bit disappointed because I don't feel that the characters got a conclusion as I can't remember what happened to them in the beginning, if that makes sense...
I listened to this on audio, which is my preferred way of reading Jodi's books as I feel they give the story more life. But because the story was written backwards (starting at the shooting and working it's way back to how all the characters came to be at the CENTRE that day) I couldn't easily flip back to a point in the book to remember what happened at a certain point. So I feel that was a downside to having the audio book.
I like the idea of the book written in this way, but with this book I found it confusing. Especially with so many characters and a side story to follow, by the end I couldn't figure out what had happened to which person. And I felt like the actual ending went by so fast that I couldn't tell you what happened there either.
The twists at the end were a huge surprise to me too, I didn't see them coming! Or maybe I was trying to wrap my head around the backwards writing that I was too confused to figure them out.
Overall I found myself thinking about the issue of abortion, and I even discussed the book with my husband. I'm just a bit disappointed because I don't feel that the characters got a conclusion as I can't remember what happened to them in the beginning, if that makes sense...
remia1996's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mb1520's review against another edition
3.0
I’m a fan of Jodi Picoult. Nineteen Minutes and Perfect Match are two of my favorite books.
I really wanted to like this book, and it started off well. But the reverse chronology caused me to get bored about halfway through. It picked up again towards the end, but I had to push myself just to make it all the way through.
Also, I found that I was having trouble keeping characters straight. I kept confusing Joy and Janine, and every time Beth was mentioned I had to flip back to the last time I saw her name to remember who she was.
Overall, I’m not sure if I would recommend this book or not. It was a good read, but I typically don’t recommend books that I get bored with. Maybe I’ll recommend it with the caveat that it does slow down tremendously in the middle, but the ending is worth the struggle.
I really wanted to like this book, and it started off well. But the reverse chronology caused me to get bored about halfway through. It picked up again towards the end, but I had to push myself just to make it all the way through.
Also, I found that I was having trouble keeping characters straight. I kept confusing Joy and Janine, and every time Beth was mentioned I had to flip back to the last time I saw her name to remember who she was.
Overall, I’m not sure if I would recommend this book or not. It was a good read, but I typically don’t recommend books that I get bored with. Maybe I’ll recommend it with the caveat that it does slow down tremendously in the middle, but the ending is worth the struggle.
kyliea32's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent and compelling read delicately written that touches on our individual humanness, understanding and the moral issue of abortion. I found it quite impressive as Jodi Picoult once more was able to interweave the narratives of several characters together to create this read that leaves you wondering how each is connected.
abbilaka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kay_kay_marie's review against another edition
4.0
As always, Picolt is a brilliant author and well balanced. However, unlike most of Picolt’s books and not necessarily her fault, the book left me sad. Sad at the situation this books depicts because it’s real, it’s happening, and emotions are so raw when dealing with abortion or gun violence. I only picked this up because I am an avid reader of her books and love her writing style. Had it been another author, I think I would’ve left this on the shelf. Picolt’s writing makes it worth it, but the topic is HEAVY.
shante9700's review against another edition
3.0
I felt that the book was very descriptive. I love her writing style, however, the book left me unfinished. Unsure if this is something I need to unpack for my self or what exactly I was looking for? I also didn’t like how crucial parts of the story (character identities) wasn’t told until the end. Would also rather the story not keep retelling, maxing through time events, rather tell in a linear fashion. Great read, just not the best I’ve had
mtzbookworm64's review against another edition
5.0
WOW! Maybe after reading this “a spark of light” can be ignited between pro-life and pro-choice advocates and we can all sit down and listen / hear each other’s viewpoints and come to decisions that respect each other’s opinions.
emilymcavoy's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0