Description:
The difficult choices a family must make when a child is diagnosed with a serious disease are explored with pathos and understanding in this 11th novel by Picoult (Second Glance, etc.). The author, who has taken on such controversial subjects as euthanasia (Mercy), teen suicide (The Pact) and sterilization laws (Second Glance), turns her gaze on genetic planning, the prospect of creating babies for health purposes and the ethical and moral fallout that results. Kate Fitzgerald has a rare form of leukemia. Her sister, Anna, was conceived to provide a donor match for procedures that become increasingly invasive. At 13, Anna hires a lawyer so that she can sue her parents for the right to make her own decisions about how her body is used when a kidney transplant is planned. Meanwhile, Jesse, the neglected oldest child of the family, is out setting fires, which his firefighter father, Brian, inevitably puts out. Picoult uses multiple viewpoints to reveal each character's intentions and observations, but she doesn't manage her transitions as gracefully as usual; a series of flashbacks are abrupt. Nor is Sara, the children's mother, as well developed and three-dimensional as previous Picoult protagonists. Her devotion to Kate is understandable, but her complete lack of sympathy for Anna's predicament until the trial does not ring true, nor can we buy that Sara would dust off her law degree and represent herself in such a complicated case. Nevertheless, Picoult ably explores a complex subject with bravado and clarity, and comes up with a heart-wrenching, unexpected plot twist at the book's conclusion. Copyright 2004 Publishers Weekly.
- Author:
- Picoult, Jodi
- ISBN:
- 9780743454537
- Format:
- Paperback
- Pages:
- 423
- Publish Date:
- 02/15/2005
- Publisher:
- Washington Square Pr
- Language:
- English
Customer Reviews
I saw the trailer for the movie and right away I had to find the book to read. I love to read the book's before I watch the movies. I love this book. I can't put it down.
I could not put this book down. I loved it from beginning to end, there were no parts that bored me. Very interesting novel and it taught me a few things that I did not know. Would recommend, and already have! OVerstock.com was great as well. It shipped quickly and it is always a pleasure ordering stuff from here. Loved it!
The book is excellent-so many more details than the movie-though the movie was great too-two different types of art.I look forward to reading it every day-that's the kind of book I love.
This was one of the best books I ever read. she did a great job with this one. I am currently reading change of heart it doesnt seem to hold my interest as well. I saw the movie and was very disappointed.
This was the first book I read by Jodi Picoult. It was so good that I've read several of her others. Very thought provoking. Interested to see what will be done with the movie coming out in June.
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