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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
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:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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
Difficult but engaging read. I think I was frustrated that Picoult practically forces the reader to sympathize with the shooter as the story progresses but that reinforces the narrative that things are never as simple and straightforward as we like to think. It’s unfortunate that out of all of the perspectives told, the point of view of the families of the victims doesn’t seem important enough to include which to me feels like a slight even though the story is fictitious (which speaks to how believable the story is that I’m offended that fictitious characters didn’t get to have their fictitious perspectives portrayed). I just felt that excluding that side lent itself to the narrative of a victimized shooter. But it’s Picoult’s story to tell so who am I to criticize. As usual, her writing is good and the storytelling is on point.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You can tell that this book was written in 2007. It's interesting to consider the differences that the book would have if it was written in 2025, like different motives for Peter's actions. Bullying and feeling socially outcasted are still very relevant motivators in school shootings today, but I feel like Jodi would explore toxic masculinity more if she wrote this book recently. I felt like Peter's sexual orientation plot line was random, I also really really really don't like when authors include high school sex scenes in books, ew. Ending was also predictable.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix