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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
3 ½ stars
The story is a bit formulaic as most Jodi Picoult books are but sometimes that makes for comfort reading.
The story: Seven-year-old Faith is caught in the middle of her parents crumbling marriage and in much need of a friend to confide in. That is when her imaginary friend steps in. Not long after, miracles start to occur around Faith, and her mother starts to realize that Faith is not only speaking to "God", but that her God is a woman. And then the media and church gets wind of this…
There is a definite hook that made me listen to this even while I was not driving (which is where I normally listen to my audio books). Picoult writes well and chooses interesting and controversial issues to work through and I also appreciate the fact that she kept the ending slightly open to interpretation so readers can draw their own conclusions.
I have no hesitation recommending this as a nice and easy read however, for me, it was not completely flawless.
As the majority of the story focuses on Mariah and her struggle to keep her daughter with her, I think an opportunity was missed to flesh out Faith’s character and not just use her as the catalyst to create controversy and momentum. The same goes for Ian Fletcher.
But I also have to mention that I bought the abridged audio version by accident so perhaps I missed some of the buildup and nuances that would have been present in an unabridged version.
I added the extra ½ star as the narrator Megan Dodds did a stellar job with this audio version.
The story is a bit formulaic as most Jodi Picoult books are but sometimes that makes for comfort reading.
The story: Seven-year-old Faith is caught in the middle of her parents crumbling marriage and in much need of a friend to confide in. That is when her imaginary friend steps in. Not long after, miracles start to occur around Faith, and her mother starts to realize that Faith is not only speaking to "God", but that her God is a woman. And then the media and church gets wind of this…
There is a definite hook that made me listen to this even while I was not driving (which is where I normally listen to my audio books). Picoult writes well and chooses interesting and controversial issues to work through and I also appreciate the fact that she kept the ending slightly open to interpretation so readers can draw their own conclusions.
I have no hesitation recommending this as a nice and easy read however, for me, it was not completely flawless.
As the majority of the story focuses on Mariah and her struggle to keep her daughter with her, I think an opportunity was missed to flesh out Faith’s character and not just use her as the catalyst to create controversy and momentum. The same goes for Ian Fletcher.
But I also have to mention that I bought the abridged audio version by accident so perhaps I missed some of the buildup and nuances that would have been present in an unabridged version.
I added the extra ½ star as the narrator Megan Dodds did a stellar job with this audio version.
Sooooooooo good...should be a 4.5!!! Never expected most of this book. Certainly never expected to start believing in the slick character from TV. Screamed out loud at the end...literally! Freaking great author!!!!
"Keeping Faith" presents an intriguing exploration of faith, belief, and the supernatural, earning it a middling three out of five stars. Jodi Picoult's novel delves into the complexities of religion through the eyes of a young girl who claims to see and converse with a female embodiment of God. This unique portrayal challenges traditional perceptions and adds depth to the narrative.
However, despite its original premise, the story may feel somewhat derivative to readers familiar with Picoult's works or similar themes in contemporary fiction. The plot's twists and turns, while engaging, may echo familiar tropes, diminishing the impact of the overall narrative.
Nevertheless, Picoult's skillful prose and ability to tackle thought-provoking themes ensure that "Keeping Faith" remains a compelling read, particularly for those interested in explorations of faith and spirituality from unconventional perspectives.
However, despite its original premise, the story may feel somewhat derivative to readers familiar with Picoult's works or similar themes in contemporary fiction. The plot's twists and turns, while engaging, may echo familiar tropes, diminishing the impact of the overall narrative.
Nevertheless, Picoult's skillful prose and ability to tackle thought-provoking themes ensure that "Keeping Faith" remains a compelling read, particularly for those interested in explorations of faith and spirituality from unconventional perspectives.
Faith’s parents are getting a divorce and suddenly she has an imaginary friend. Is it God? Are these truly miracles that Faith is performing? Will Faith turn nonbelievers into believers? A good story that will keep you reading until the very end.
slow-paced
reflective
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
The book moved along very well and didn't have a sagging middle. I wanted to know more about Colin and Jessica. Some characters were focused on, which is fine, and others were more or less ignored. In some ways, it was thought-provoking, but in the end, the story essentially seemed to <spoilersay that the girl saw God because she longed for her mother, and to make things right for her mother. I don't especially agree with that concept.
Not my favorite book. I understand that the trials and the expert explanations in the book are supposed to aid in the plot, but I got a little bored with some of the dryness of it this time. Honestly, I skipped a few pages and I don't feel like I missed out on much. I enjoyed Faith and Mariah's relationship and the twisted relationship of Colin and Mariah. The ending was a little awkward, but you take what you take from it and I did just that. It was okay, not my favorite.
This book deals heavily with religion, of which I am a cynic. Many of the things described were "far fetched" but Picoult never throws her beliefs down your throat. You are left to make your own conclusions and to take from the book what you want.
I don't know, maybe a 2.5. While there were many interesting facets to this book, it just seemed so farfetched, I think I had trouble relating. The main character, Mariah, has a husband who cheats on her and leaves her and their 7 year old daughter. Soon thereafter, the daughter, Faith, starts speaking to God. The author decided to write the book in a way that the reader can decide for themselves whether we really think Faith actually had a VIP relationship with God. There's TV people, a bitter custody battle with evil lawyers, an escape to get away from it all, people coming back to life and other miracles. Quite a lot for one little book. But it is worth the read for the complex character of Mariah as well as the struggles with religion and between religions.
I really did not like this book and had to stop reading. I've read two others of Jodi Picoult's books (My Sister's Keeper and Second Glance), and I loved them both. I didn't like the premise of this one after reading the back cover copy, but gave it a try anyway. I didn't like Mariah, couldn't get into the idea of Faith's imaginary friends, and just didn't care.