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kelseylitsliftsanddips's review against another edition
4.5
This would’ve been horrifying to read at any point in life, but as a mother, this was absolutely gut wrenching and terrifying. And 100% made me question what I might be capable of if tested.
Aside from all that, Picoult has a way of writing characters and plots that suck you in from the first word. I got completely lost in what was happening, to the point that I was having physical reactions for what the characters were going through. I will forever read any and everything she writes, for that reason alone.
abbywebb's review
4.0
Wow! I just have to catch my breath. This is the first story I've read by Picoult that has truly captured me since My Sister's Keeper. It was painful to read at times as it involves the sexual abuse against a 5-year-old boy, but it was revealing in many ways. I just couldn't stop reading it.
Although the story did not involve the court case I expected (it was a murder trial instead of a child abuse one...you'll understand when you read it), I was still able to anticipate the curveballs that are typical of Picoult's book. Nonetheless, this story was touching yet heartbreaking, frustrating yet rewarding, honest yet manipulative.
True to her nature, Picoult did her research before writing this book. She provided twist plots that wouldn't have been made possible without her extensive research about specific laws, DNA research, etc. She never fails to baffle me with the amount of work she puts into each book, well beyond just writing a story.
If you have enjoyed other Jodi Picoult books in the past but haven't yet read this one, I recommend getting on it now! It is so powerful it will blow you away!
Although the story did not involve the court case I expected (it was a murder trial instead of a child abuse one...you'll understand when you read it), I was still able to anticipate the curveballs that are typical of Picoult's book. Nonetheless, this story was touching yet heartbreaking, frustrating yet rewarding, honest yet manipulative.
True to her nature, Picoult did her research before writing this book. She provided twist plots that wouldn't have been made possible without her extensive research about specific laws, DNA research, etc. She never fails to baffle me with the amount of work she puts into each book, well beyond just writing a story.
If you have enjoyed other Jodi Picoult books in the past but haven't yet read this one, I recommend getting on it now! It is so powerful it will blow you away!
leannecoppola's review
3.0
I have two young sons, so this book was very hard for me to read. You'll see why if you read it. It deals with a little boy being molested at his church. The story of the mother and the police officer is a great one. It's a good read...but the subject is hard to handle.
kimelsalvador's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
With this author I have stopped reading book descriptions before starting to read the book because I know I’ll never be let down by her writing or choice of topic. That did mean that I was utterly shocked by the dark and heartbreaking nature of the story. It’s a story that anyone can see the disgusting side of but as a parent it really hits hard. I think every parent would agree that they would do absolutely anything for their child and this book is testing the limits of that casual statement so many of us have used.
sabrah112's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
clover123's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
cece_walkerr's review
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lovereadingxo's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Mini review/quick thoughts:
Family drama with a focus on the s*xual abuse of a child
Nathaniel stops speaking after the unthinkable happens to him
His mother is determined to do whatever she can to protect him... Even go too far
Emotional, compelling, layered, hard to put down... It's Picoult at her very best
Family drama with a focus on the s*xual abuse of a child
Nathaniel stops speaking after the unthinkable happens to him
His mother is determined to do whatever she can to protect him... Even go too far
Emotional, compelling, layered, hard to put down... It's Picoult at her very best
anovelobsession's review
4.0
This was one of the Jodi Picoult books that I enjoyed. The main character is Nina Frost who is a district attorney that prosecutes child molesters. Then her own son is sexually assaulted and she takes matters into her own hands. It's a story about how far a mother will go to protect her child. This story is interesting in that, Nina works in the legal system and is responsible for putting child molesters in prison, but when the unthinkable happens in her family, she steps outside of her normal role. The story takes an twist as well, as all Picoult novels do. What I took from this book was the lengths a mother will go and what they will sacrifice for their children, despite the consequences.