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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Interesting premise and an engaging read, but had some problems with info dumping (quantum physics, Egyptology, parallel universes, highly specific technologies, body image issues, hospice care, etc.) The end was understandable, but still maddening.
Could not be more disappointed in this novel. I typically really enjoy Jodi Picoult and her thought-provoking story lines. Her research is always in depth and she holds true to that here, but too much so for my taste. I started skimming through the Egyptian history, which is something I rarely do, and this in turn, distanced me from the characters and the story. I was also disappointed in the characters choice to leave her husband and child without a word as to why or where to fulfill her own needs.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jodi Picoult weaves all sorts of facts and myths about ancient Egypt and also dealing with teenagers, death in the modern world, physics, the paths not taken. It can be fascinating and touching at times but also a bit much. There's quite a bit of sex quickies I guess meant to keep us entertained. If you want a very educated romance novel, this will be up your alley.
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It’s complicated is kind of the answer to everything when it comes to this book. It was definitely not what I expected and I am not sure I really like it.
Dawn is a death doula, or better she became one after giving up her dram of becoming an Egyptologist because her mother died. One day she survives a plane crash and realizes that she didn’t wish for her husband while she thought she was dying. She wished for someone from her past. So, she has so make a decision - does she go home or return to her past.
The book shows what happens on both ways and how these ways interact.
I preferred the parts when Dawn was in Egypt. There she felt more like her true self to me … and I love Egyptian history, so that might be a reason. Still, I am not sure I like her. I can relate to the question and thought experiments about taking another turn in life and I like the idea of the book. The ending Elsa’s surprising and still, something is bugging me about it.
Dawn is a death doula, or better she became one after giving up her dram of becoming an Egyptologist because her mother died. One day she survives a plane crash and realizes that she didn’t wish for her husband while she thought she was dying. She wished for someone from her past. So, she has so make a decision - does she go home or return to her past.
The book shows what happens on both ways and how these ways interact.
I preferred the parts when Dawn was in Egypt. There she felt more like her true self to me … and I love Egyptian history, so that might be a reason. Still, I am not sure I like her. I can relate to the question and thought experiments about taking another turn in life and I like the idea of the book. The ending Elsa’s surprising and still, something is bugging me about it.
1 star books mean i didn’t even finish. Too in depth about Egyptologist. I got bored
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Exploration of Egyptology and the concept of living two different lives. Dawn is a death doula who helps people through death. However she finds herself caught to be what has been and what could have been. Story of lost and found love.
The Book of Two Ways is unlike anything I've ever read from Jodi Picoult before, and I loved every minute of it. With forays into Egyptology, quantum mechanics, and end-of-life care, this was thoroughly researched (and plotted) in the best way, leaving my nerd-heart swooning. But for all her somewhat involved explanations of those (and other) topics, Picoult still manages to string together an incredibly visceral story about how fragile and ephemeral life is, about how one decision can alter our course entirely, except not quite.
The Book of Two Ways is for the grieving soul. It dives deep into death (and hospice), but Jodi doesn't pull punches or sugarcoat it as is typical fashion. She explores it fully, and through a variety of lenses. It's real, and that makes it all the better for those who need a way forward.
In all its pages, nothing ever felt like a simple plot device. The characters and relationships feel fully-fleshed out (I especially appreciated that of Dawn & Merritt in regards to the conversations surrounding body positivity). Plus a sly Cursebreakers reference! Plus that ending! Who am I to turn away?
The Book of Two Ways is for the grieving soul. It dives deep into death (and hospice), but Jodi doesn't pull punches or sugarcoat it as is typical fashion. She explores it fully, and through a variety of lenses. It's real, and that makes it all the better for those who need a way forward.
In all its pages, nothing ever felt like a simple plot device. The characters and relationships feel fully-fleshed out (I especially appreciated that of Dawn & Merritt in regards to the conversations surrounding body positivity). Plus a sly Cursebreakers reference! Plus that ending! Who am I to turn away?
2 star beginning, 4 star ending. The story about the relationships were the best part, but it was so heavy in academia, there were times I skipped whole pages.