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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
For a Picoult book, I would rank this somewhere in the middle--not her best, but not her worst either. I thought the ending was pretty good and had a decent twist so I was satisfied with that.
I will say that I didn't like how she handled the changing narrators in this one. Usually she does seperate chapters and different font so you know who's POV you're getting, but in this one that didn't happen. It made it hard to figure out who's part you were reading at times (except with Nina, she always used first person with her).
I thought the subject of the book was kind of over-done. Isn't it a little cliche for the perpetrator of a sexual assualt to be a priest? I thought it was a little hackneyed, but then again, this book was written almost ten years ago, so I'm reading it way after the fact (maybe it was more timely then). I found some of the scenes to be a tad too descriptive for me, but I think that's because the subject is kind of uncomfortable--no one really wants to hear about a child being sexually abused, and I have a nephew around the same age as Nathaniel so it hit a little close to home.
I didn't know how to feel about Nina throughout the book. I think my overall feeling toward her is that she's selfish. I didn't really get her character--what mother would kill someone in front of all those witnesses and risk being taken away from her child? I know that parents always say they feel like killing someone who hurts their child, but who actually does it? In cold blood no less. I guess I just felt like she acted in an extreme manner, and should have gotten some more facts before taking such drastic measures (at least wait til you hear the evidence before you kill the man, or maybe that's just me!).
I will say that I didn't like how she handled the changing narrators in this one. Usually she does seperate chapters and different font so you know who's POV you're getting, but in this one that didn't happen. It made it hard to figure out who's part you were reading at times (except with Nina, she always used first person with her).
I thought the subject of the book was kind of over-done. Isn't it a little cliche for the perpetrator of a sexual assualt to be a priest? I thought it was a little hackneyed, but then again, this book was written almost ten years ago, so I'm reading it way after the fact (maybe it was more timely then). I found some of the scenes to be a tad too descriptive for me, but I think that's because the subject is kind of uncomfortable--no one really wants to hear about a child being sexually abused, and I have a nephew around the same age as Nathaniel so it hit a little close to home.
I didn't know how to feel about Nina throughout the book. I think my overall feeling toward her is that she's selfish. I didn't really get her character--what mother would kill someone in front of all those witnesses and risk being taken away from her child? I know that parents always say they feel like killing someone who hurts their child, but who actually does it? In cold blood no less. I guess I just felt like she acted in an extreme manner, and should have gotten some more facts before taking such drastic measures (at least wait til you hear the evidence before you kill the man, or maybe that's just me!).
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
This was a VERY difficult read but was well written.
I usually like Picoult's work, and was looking forward to reading this book. I was sorely disappointed. Many of the characters (Patrick, Quentin) seem oddly one-dimensional, and the protagonist is manipulative, single-minded, and lacks foresight in a way that is frustrating. Its not often that I find myself hoping for the protagonist to receive a conviction by the end of a book.
This book was not Jodi Picoult's best, but it was still good. It almost seemed liked two different stories combined into one, but in order to fully understand you have to read the book.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
It’s hard to like a book when you so strongly dislike the central character. Nina, a prosecutor and mother, is a self centered know it all who somehow believes she knows better than everyone else around her. Yet somehow she has two men in love with her (her husband and her best friend). I was rolling my eyes by the end when she gave her closing argument as the defendant at her own trial. There was also so much in this book that wasn’t believable- she has this amazing husband and she instantly flips on him when she first assumes (wrongly) that he was the molester? She kills the guy in the courtroom full of witnesses rather than in his home??? She’s a lawyer and seemingly intelligent, there is no way that is the plan she would come up with. And she goes against the advice of her attorney and takes the stand? Then to top it off she cheats on her husband with the best friend. There was nothing remotely believable or relatable about this character.
Having the story told in part through the perspectives of the kid, the husband, and the best friend at least gave us a break from Nina, but it didn’t help enough to save this book for me. I’ve read a few Jodi Picoult books that I’ve enjoyed, but this one may be my last.
Having the story told in part through the perspectives of the kid, the husband, and the best friend at least gave us a break from Nina, but it didn’t help enough to save this book for me. I’ve read a few Jodi Picoult books that I’ve enjoyed, but this one may be my last.
Jodi Picoult's books are entertaining page-turners, but this is not one of her best. It comes across as rambling and sloppily written. You can't win 'em all, I guess.
I thought this was a typical Jodi book. She always likes the controversial issues and doesn't disappoint with this one.
Things were tied up a little too neatly for me and I didnt love the way it was written but it kept my interest and it was a good quick read.
Things were tied up a little too neatly for me and I didnt love the way it was written but it kept my interest and it was a good quick read.
Great book .. loved all the point of views .. but the main character .. she drove me crazy! However .. still highly recommend!