A review by kenbooky
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Finney Boylan

4.0

Jodi Picoult is most known for her yearly churn out of novels that find their way to airport shelves near you. Picoult is known to take on whatever heavy-hitting uncomfy topic that is at the heart of politics and culture at the time being. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with such a specific literary algorithm— it’s just many feel Picoult does not put in perhaps enough research on her topics. Mad Honey is about single mother and beekeeper, Olivia, and her proximity to her son’s on going manslaughter/ potential homicide charges. Without spoiling the book (about half way through) focuses itself around trans issues of present day. Although very topical and important it feels like this is perhaps just another checked boxed on the authors laundry list of uncomfy topics she wants to write about and stake claim as an expert on. That being said the writer did bring on an actual expert to help write this story which I think is an import distinction from her previous works. There were really cheesy moments in this story which almost felt inappropriate for what the topic was dealing with— there were also plenty of moments that were deep and contemplative and would make the average suburbanite think twice about things they’re voting for or who they want as their legislators. I think that’s more who this book is meant for. A neatly packaged story about a hot button issue for people who never have to think about those kinds of things.