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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
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
This book absolutely crushed me. It was written so well. The characters, their story, the truth of it all. I found myself feeling bad for all of them, especially the main character. I just stared at the wall once I finished this.
Everyone needs to read this book. It will creep into your soul and move into your heart. This one will definitely stay with me.
Everyone needs to read this book. It will creep into your soul and move into your heart. This one will definitely stay with me.
I read a review (for a different book) that said their only complaint was that there wasn't more fleshing out of the side characters' relationships, but added that the author 'focused on what she needed to focus on'.
That's my only complaint. I feel like Matt could have been gone more into, or even Courtney. Were Courtney's heinous actions done for the same reasons Josie's were? Why was Matt abusive? Simply because some boyfriends are?
But, back to the other review, Jodi focused on what she needed to focus on to tell a good story.
Peter was a good character. I felt empathy for him even while clearly seeing where he was going wrong.
I have read so many books, watched so many shows centered or partially centered around the character who used to be a geek and tortured in high school. I felt so sad that Peter could not become one of those characters, who rose from the ashes of their bullied self and moved on to do great things, or at least got over it. I was saddened that he killed himself at the end. It seemed to me like he was denying himself the final chance to improve, not to mention what it was going to do to Lacy.
I did not see the twist of Josie also shooting Matt at the end coming but, you know what? I was glad. I was happy to see her do it. I'm not sure but I think Alex was too, at least in that it meant she had her daughter back.
I liked the juxtaposition of infancy, early childhood, later, later still. The dates really worked. Everything was explained. I loved having Lacy's POV and Alex's POV during those different times.
I read this because a friend recommended it. I will gladly take more recommendations from her and I also plan to read more of Jodi's books.
That's my only complaint. I feel like Matt could have been gone more into, or even Courtney. Were Courtney's heinous actions done for the same reasons Josie's were? Why was Matt abusive? Simply because some boyfriends are?
But, back to the other review, Jodi focused on what she needed to focus on to tell a good story.
Peter was a good character. I felt empathy for him even while clearly seeing where he was going wrong.
I have read so many books, watched so many shows centered or partially centered around the character who used to be a geek and tortured in high school. I felt so sad that Peter could not become one of those characters, who rose from the ashes of their bullied self and moved on to do great things, or at least got over it. I was saddened that he killed himself at the end. It seemed to me like he was denying himself the final chance to improve, not to mention what it was going to do to Lacy.
I did not see the twist of Josie also shooting Matt at the end coming but, you know what? I was glad. I was happy to see her do it. I'm not sure but I think Alex was too, at least in that it meant she had her daughter back.
I liked the juxtaposition of infancy, early childhood, later, later still. The dates really worked. Everything was explained. I loved having Lacy's POV and Alex's POV during those different times.
I read this because a friend recommended it. I will gladly take more recommendations from her and I also plan to read more of Jodi's books.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thought provoking book but slow read.