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breezy17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i am a husk of a human after reading this. this is my first jodi picoult book and was recommended by a close friend. i used to write off jodi picoult bc i equated her work in my mind with the same quality and subject matter of a lifetime movie, which was in retrospect clearly unfair. i blame it on my sister's keeper blowing up in the mid-2000s. regardless, this book was very good, but also very sad, at times hitting a little too close to home for comfort. now i'm going to go read a fluffy romance novel to cope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Death, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
proceduralbob's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Gun violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Child abuse, and Abortion
lydiavsbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
My second Jodi Picoult and its been a long time since I read my first but there's definitely something about Jodi's writing that made both I've read so far feel both heartfelt and engaging/thrilling. She brilliantly manages to balance out the more emotional family drama type aspects with the suspenseful aspects of the plot.
I'm always slightly nervous when a book tackles suicide, its so often done insensitively or plays into common misconceptions, but this was handled really well in a way that again struck that perfect balance between sensitivity and drama. It highlighted the complexity of suicidality and the heartbreak and confusion of those left behind in a very real way.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the courtroom scenes. I wasn't sure if I'd find them repetitive or boring, but I was fully hooked and they ended up being possibly a favourite aspect of the story for me.
Overall it was just a really great time. The writing makes even such heavy topics feel like an easy fast paced read. Will definitely continue to pick up more from her.
I'm always slightly nervous when a book tackles suicide, its so often done insensitively or plays into common misconceptions, but this was handled really well in a way that again struck that perfect balance between sensitivity and drama. It highlighted the complexity of suicidality and the heartbreak and confusion of those left behind in a very real way.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the courtroom scenes. I wasn't sure if I'd find them repetitive or boring, but I was fully hooked and they ended up being possibly a favourite aspect of the story for me.
Overall it was just a really great time. The writing makes even such heavy topics feel like an easy fast paced read. Will definitely continue to pick up more from her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual assault
juliaathomsonnn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Gun violence, Murder, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
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