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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
The premise of this book was intriguing to me and I liked the direction it went. However, the structure of the book was confusing at times. The timeline would switch from past to present pretty frequently and it wasn’t always clear which timeline you were in as her two paths of life were unfolding. That may have been intended, though.
I think Picoult did a fabulous job at bringing in the Egyptology while still maintaining the relevance of it to the plot. However, there were times that she would go into these heavy scientific or historical or psychological ideas that would almost bring me out of the story because I was too busy trying to wrap my brain around them. This book took me awhile to get through for that reason, as my intrigue would decrease every time I had to stop and get through a quantum physics or Egyptology lesson. With that being said, there wasn’t a very smooth flow to the book. But there was definitely a plot twist that I did not see coming! And the ending was wrapped up really beautifully. Overall, a nice read.
I think Picoult did a fabulous job at bringing in the Egyptology while still maintaining the relevance of it to the plot. However, there were times that she would go into these heavy scientific or historical or psychological ideas that would almost bring me out of the story because I was too busy trying to wrap my brain around them. This book took me awhile to get through for that reason, as my intrigue would decrease every time I had to stop and get through a quantum physics or Egyptology lesson. With that being said, there wasn’t a very smooth flow to the book. But there was definitely a plot twist that I did not see coming! And the ending was wrapped up really beautifully. Overall, a nice read.
This book is unlike any other Jodi Picoult book that you will ever read!
Families are complicated.
The Book of Two Ways provides a contemplative look at the multitude of possible paths set before us, the regret that can linger in the shadows of our choices, and the reality that each one of us will one day reach the end of the road.
If that sounds cryptic, it was meant to, because the reality is, what you might be thinking, may not really be what it is, so your best bet, is to keep on reading. This book, I mean.
The main character’s story flips between time and place, from past to present, until she forces the two to collide.
What will be key, is if you as the reader can keep your interest enough to determine what it all means – and what really happens – and what decision is determined in the end.
The Book Of Two Ways provides a solid reminder that life is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
What thoughts, missed opportunities, or lost loves will linger in the forefront of your mind as you approach the end?
Are you gutsy enough to make life-altering changes now, to satiate your heart’s desires?
If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
The Book of Two Ways provides a contemplative look at the multitude of possible paths set before us, the regret that can linger in the shadows of our choices, and the reality that each one of us will one day reach the end of the road.
If that sounds cryptic, it was meant to, because the reality is, what you might be thinking, may not really be what it is, so your best bet, is to keep on reading. This book, I mean.
The main character’s story flips between time and place, from past to present, until she forces the two to collide.
What will be key, is if you as the reader can keep your interest enough to determine what it all means – and what really happens – and what decision is determined in the end.
The Book Of Two Ways provides a solid reminder that life is fleeting and tomorrow is never guaranteed.
What thoughts, missed opportunities, or lost loves will linger in the forefront of your mind as you approach the end?
Are you gutsy enough to make life-altering changes now, to satiate your heart’s desires?
If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult, I don’t think you will be disappointed.
If GoodReads let me rate in halves, this would have 4.5 stars.
I've seen quite a few people commenting that the details in this story were a deal-breaker for them - too much Egyptology and physics - and I can understand how some people feel that way. Jodi Picoult always pours so much detail into her stories, and if those details are not about something interesting to you, they can seem to drag on for way too long. My mother had that issue with Lone Wolf in particular. I, on the other hand, think that these details are what really set Picoult's storytelling apart. Not only is it clear how much care and research she puts into each story, but she manages to use the details to weave something fascinating and spellbinding; I learn something new, experience something different, and it is all connected back to a very human story that Picoult strings together perfectly. It's like a Christopher Nolan movie - the details are what makes the work stand out.
The Book of Two Ways is also a good example of Picoult's ability to tell stories in a unique style - the two different paths weave together in an unexpected way, even for people who might be anticipating some kind of hook and switch that Picoult has shocked with in her long history - but unlike her last novel (A Spark of Light), the different methods of storytelling are easy to follow and work well throughout the whole tale.
My only real complaint is about the ending - I understand what Picoult was going for, and it may have been the best way to end the story (I mean the characters were really worked into a corner and there wasn't going to be a straight happy ending either way), but I've never been a fan of the cut off ending. "I open my mouth, and I answer." For me, it's not a satisfying end to a story that's kept me enraptured; I understand it, and it's definitely Picoult's style, but it's not my favorite.
I've seen quite a few people commenting that the details in this story were a deal-breaker for them - too much Egyptology and physics - and I can understand how some people feel that way. Jodi Picoult always pours so much detail into her stories, and if those details are not about something interesting to you, they can seem to drag on for way too long. My mother had that issue with Lone Wolf in particular. I, on the other hand, think that these details are what really set Picoult's storytelling apart. Not only is it clear how much care and research she puts into each story, but she manages to use the details to weave something fascinating and spellbinding; I learn something new, experience something different, and it is all connected back to a very human story that Picoult strings together perfectly. It's like a Christopher Nolan movie - the details are what makes the work stand out.
The Book of Two Ways is also a good example of Picoult's ability to tell stories in a unique style - the two different paths weave together in an unexpected way, even for people who might be anticipating some kind of hook and switch that Picoult has shocked with in her long history - but unlike her last novel (A Spark of Light), the different methods of storytelling are easy to follow and work well throughout the whole tale.
My only real complaint is about the ending - I understand what Picoult was going for, and it may have been the best way to end the story (I mean the characters were really worked into a corner and there wasn't going to be a straight happy ending either way), but I've never been a fan of the cut off ending. "I open my mouth, and I answer." For me, it's not a satisfying end to a story that's kept me enraptured; I understand it, and it's definitely Picoult's style, but it's not my favorite.
I loved this book. I know some people didn't like the detail of the Egyptology I thought it added authenticity and flavor. If you have a book club read and discuss. If not find a friend to read and discuss it.
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I normally love a Jodi Picoult book, but this was terrible. I like that she heavily researched several topics and weaves them into a great storyline, yet this was too many topics and boring ones as well. I HATED the main character. Every choice she made and every reaction she had to things made her so very unlikable. Really disappointed this time.
Again I say, what a shit roller coaster I never asked to be on. This book was so difficult to get through. Too much detail that wasn’t important for the main plot. The format was confusing albeit slightly clever. The synopsis was a damn lie. The only redeeming part of this whole ass novel was the last chapter (except for the perfect gleaming bow tied on top of everything, it was just the only chapter that didn’t bore me to tears). Tricky Jodi putting the only interesting stuff at the end to leave me with a lasting good feeling. Didn’t work, hated this book. Wouldn’t have finished if I wasn’t reading for my book club. You’re so much better than this Jodi.
More excellent story telling from Jodi Picoult. Two plots weaving back and forth across the globe between Boston and Egypt. Dealing with death is a heavy topic, but it's done well here. Interesting characters. This book did not disappoint.