A review by sandysmith
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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

4.75

I find the authors books very compelling, and this is no exception. She has an easy to read writing style and is never afraid to tackle contentious issues.  The characters are well developed but centre around Peter the shooter, and Josie is his on-off friend who craves to be popular. Told from various points of view that enhance your understanding of the various characters, their feelings, and motivations. The book makes you question and empathise the basic scenario of a high school shooting. You go from feeling sorry for Peter, the sensitive bullied boy, to being completely outraged that he went into school with guns shooting, killing, and horrifically injuring students and adults and a twist at the end, which again gives food for thought. This was read as a book club read and picked as a banned book in some US states. Do I think this book deserves to be banned? Absolutely not. In fact, I would recommend that others read it and make up their own minds. A book that leaves you questioning what can be done, gun control, the quest to be popular, and more effective bulling procedures in school is not a bad thing. A brilliant book that is still on my mind, questioning and thinking about what I've read. Excellent.
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