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
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.
This book was a GA Peach book at my high school && i fell in love with it by the first page. I loved the book from cover to cover. I would definatley recommend this book.
- How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
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One of Jodi Picoult's best books! I loved how she wrote in different "Voices" with each chapter to depict the character's viewpoints. Amazing. HIGHLY recommend!
- How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Monthly
- Are you a Club O Member? No
This is a great book! I am beginning to love Jodi Picoult. Thhe first book I read was The Pact, and now this book surpress that one! Great READ!!!!!
- How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
- Are you a Club O Member? Yes
Great book. It presents a situation that most people will never find themselves in, like most of Picoult's books. Keep a box of tissues near by while reading tho!
- How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Monthly
- Are you a Club O Member? No
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