Synopsis (from amazon.com):
Perennial bestseller Picoult (Change of Heart) delivers another engrossing family drama, spiced with her trademark blend of medicine, law and love. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe's daughter, Willow, was born with brittle bone disease, a condition that requires Charlotte to act as full-time caregiver and has strained their emotional and financial limits. Willow's teenaged half-sister, Amelia, suffers as well, overshadowed by Willow's needs and lost in her own adolescent turmoil. When Charlotte decides to sue for wrongful birth in order to obtain a settlement to ensure Willow's future, the already strained family begins to implode. Not only is the defendant Charlotte's longtime friend, but the case requires Charlotte and Sean to claim that had they known of Willow's condition, they would have terminated the pregnancy, a statement that strikes at the core of their faith and family. Picoult individualizes the alternating voices of the narrators more believably than she has previously, and weaves in subplots to underscore the themes of hope, regret, identity and family, leading up to her signature closing twists.
Review:
Having read Jodi Picoult books before, I had a sense of how this book would unfold. In soume ways I was surprised to find plot twists I had not expected, and in some ways I was unsurprised to find things exactly as I expected.
Picoult chooses topics that lead to serious life-altering changes for her characters. In this case, the birth of a child with a rare bone disorder. The book takes place five years after the birth, and each of the narrators (the mom, the sister, the obstetrician/mom's best friend, a lawyer, and a few others) address the story to the little girl with the disorder. It's an interesting technique, having each narrator telling the story of the little girl's life to the little girl.
The characters are an interesting mixture, and for the most part their complexities seem spot on. However, in places the characters do go to extremes that seem unrealistic, but luckily these few places don't hamper the overall impact of the story.
This story touched on some rather controversial issues, such as, if the mother had known early on in her pregnancy that her child would have such a debilitating disease would she have chosen to terminate the pregnancy? I think Picoult does an interesting job dealing with the issues she raises.
And yet...the reactions of the mother didn't always resonate with me.
The book ended much as many of Picoult's books do, and I found it quite unsatisfying.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Review #13: The McKettrick Way by Linda Lael Miller
Synopsis (from amazon.com):
Meg McKettrick longs for a baby—husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O'Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family's ranch in Stone Creek. But Meg—as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock's Triple M ranch—wants to do things her way…the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O'Ballivan way…
Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share—that's what Brad wants. Not a single night of pasion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won't budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it's a battle of wills he intends to win…and nothing matters more than claiming Meg's wild McKettrick heart.
Review:
The above synopsis fails to give all of the plot, although for a simple romance novel I suppose it really doesn't need to. Part of the plot that I enjoyed (but don't get spoilery here) was the fact that Meg and Brad had a history together. They had been childhood sweethearts. I also liked that Linda Lael Miller used Meg and Brad to link two of her big romance novel families together.
As far as a romance novel goes, it was sweet, light fare. The plot was typical of romance novels: boy and girl meet (again), the attraction is undeniable but something keeps them apart, they struggle through the obstacles, and ultimately declare their love and live happily ever after. Did I spoil it for you?
Meg is a fairly likable character, although flat in some areas. Her emotions did not always seem fully developed, while Brad almost always seemed to get the author's full attention. Brad was allowed to work his way through a myriad of issues, while Meg got shorted. Still, you can't fault the author entirely because there is only so much you can do in 60,000-ish words.
I liked the plot elements that linked several of her books together. That was a nice treat for anyone who has read several books in her series before. However, the book can stand alone. If you are looking for a fun, light read, I recommend this book.
Meg McKettrick longs for a baby—husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O'Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family's ranch in Stone Creek. But Meg—as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock's Triple M ranch—wants to do things her way…the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O'Ballivan way…
Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share—that's what Brad wants. Not a single night of pasion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won't budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it's a battle of wills he intends to win…and nothing matters more than claiming Meg's wild McKettrick heart.
Review:
The above synopsis fails to give all of the plot, although for a simple romance novel I suppose it really doesn't need to. Part of the plot that I enjoyed (but don't get spoilery here) was the fact that Meg and Brad had a history together. They had been childhood sweethearts. I also liked that Linda Lael Miller used Meg and Brad to link two of her big romance novel families together.
As far as a romance novel goes, it was sweet, light fare. The plot was typical of romance novels: boy and girl meet (again), the attraction is undeniable but something keeps them apart, they struggle through the obstacles, and ultimately declare their love and live happily ever after. Did I spoil it for you?
Meg is a fairly likable character, although flat in some areas. Her emotions did not always seem fully developed, while Brad almost always seemed to get the author's full attention. Brad was allowed to work his way through a myriad of issues, while Meg got shorted. Still, you can't fault the author entirely because there is only so much you can do in 60,000-ish words.
I liked the plot elements that linked several of her books together. That was a nice treat for anyone who has read several books in her series before. However, the book can stand alone. If you are looking for a fun, light read, I recommend this book.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Review #12: McKettrick's Luck, McKettrick's Pride, McKettrick's Heart by Linda Lael Miller
Why, yes, I am lumping three Linda Lael Miller books together for a second time. I'm doing this because the three books form a trilogy and I feel like they belong in the same review.
So without further ado, synopsis for McKettrick's Luck (from amazon.com):
The first installment in Miller's new trilogy features the present-day descendants of the heroes from her earlier McKettrick novels; fortunately, the new generation fills in admirably. Cheyenne Bridges makes a reluctant return to her hometown of Indian Rock, Ariz., her job hinging on whether she can persuade her high school flame Jesse McKettrick to sell some of his land for her employer's condo development deal. Jesse, a confirmed bachelor and committed poker player, refuses outright to sell his land—at the same time he refuses to acknowledge the feelings that Cheyenne stirs up in him. Miller's ability to bring a cast of characters to life is on full display here, as Cheyenne must decide whether to use whatever means necessary to get Jesse to sell the land or surrender to the hunky rancher and join his team. Though her plot twists are somewhat predictable, the veteran romance author doesn't disappoint in her sizzling love scenes and fine sense of place.
Synopsis for McKettrick's Pride (from amazon.com):
The only wide-open space Rance McKettrick wants to see in his future is his hometown in his rearview mirror. The down-to-earth ex-rancher is determined to make a fresh start with his two young daughters—and leave his heartbreaking loss and family's successful corporation far behind.
He sure doesn't need Indian Rock's free-spirited new bookstore owner Echo Wells confusing his choices—and raising memories he'd rather forget. But her straightforward honesty and reluctance to trust is challenging everything Rance thought he knew about himself. And when their irresistible attraction puts their hearts on the line, Rance and Echo must come to grips with who they really are to find a once-in-a-lifetime happiness.
Synopsis of McKettrick's Heart (from amazon.com):
In the third in Miller's McKettrick Men series, Keegan, divorced from his cheating wife, meets Molly Shields, a literary agent who gave up for adoption the son she had by a married man, when Psyche Ryan, the adoptive mother of Molly's son Lucas, summons Molly to Indian Rock, Arizona. Widowed Psyche has terminal cancer and wants Lucas to be raised in her home by his biological mother. Molly jumps at the chance. Keegan, Psyche's lifelong friend and executor of her estate, wants to raise Lucas and doesn't trust Molly, so he is appalled when Psyche imposes the requirement that Keegan and Molly marry. Love and blazing sex ensue in this satisfying romance.
General review of this series:
I love Linda Lael Miller's books. She creates characters who you can really care about. Sound cheesy? Why yes, it is. That's the best part about romance novels, isn't it?
My favorite book in the series was the second, McKettrick's Pride, about Rance and Echo. Horrible names, yes, but truly lovable characters. Simply put, the opposites attract element in this book hooked me from the beginning. The minor characters in this book also made it a richer experience for me.
My favorite character in the series was Jesse from McKettrick's Luck. He was just my favorite romance hero type. Bad boy turned good with a heart of gold. And a cowboy. Read the book. I promise you'll understand what I mean.
My least favorite element of the series was the story in the third book. I found Keegan's affections switching from one woman to another confusing. His devotion to Psyche was sweet, but it made it hard to focus on the love story between Keegan and Molly.
Overall, this was a great series full of fun characters and lots of steamy romance.
So without further ado, synopsis for McKettrick's Luck (from amazon.com):
The first installment in Miller's new trilogy features the present-day descendants of the heroes from her earlier McKettrick novels; fortunately, the new generation fills in admirably. Cheyenne Bridges makes a reluctant return to her hometown of Indian Rock, Ariz., her job hinging on whether she can persuade her high school flame Jesse McKettrick to sell some of his land for her employer's condo development deal. Jesse, a confirmed bachelor and committed poker player, refuses outright to sell his land—at the same time he refuses to acknowledge the feelings that Cheyenne stirs up in him. Miller's ability to bring a cast of characters to life is on full display here, as Cheyenne must decide whether to use whatever means necessary to get Jesse to sell the land or surrender to the hunky rancher and join his team. Though her plot twists are somewhat predictable, the veteran romance author doesn't disappoint in her sizzling love scenes and fine sense of place.
Synopsis for McKettrick's Pride (from amazon.com):
The only wide-open space Rance McKettrick wants to see in his future is his hometown in his rearview mirror. The down-to-earth ex-rancher is determined to make a fresh start with his two young daughters—and leave his heartbreaking loss and family's successful corporation far behind.
He sure doesn't need Indian Rock's free-spirited new bookstore owner Echo Wells confusing his choices—and raising memories he'd rather forget. But her straightforward honesty and reluctance to trust is challenging everything Rance thought he knew about himself. And when their irresistible attraction puts their hearts on the line, Rance and Echo must come to grips with who they really are to find a once-in-a-lifetime happiness.
Synopsis of McKettrick's Heart (from amazon.com):
In the third in Miller's McKettrick Men series, Keegan, divorced from his cheating wife, meets Molly Shields, a literary agent who gave up for adoption the son she had by a married man, when Psyche Ryan, the adoptive mother of Molly's son Lucas, summons Molly to Indian Rock, Arizona. Widowed Psyche has terminal cancer and wants Lucas to be raised in her home by his biological mother. Molly jumps at the chance. Keegan, Psyche's lifelong friend and executor of her estate, wants to raise Lucas and doesn't trust Molly, so he is appalled when Psyche imposes the requirement that Keegan and Molly marry. Love and blazing sex ensue in this satisfying romance.
General review of this series:
I love Linda Lael Miller's books. She creates characters who you can really care about. Sound cheesy? Why yes, it is. That's the best part about romance novels, isn't it?
My favorite book in the series was the second, McKettrick's Pride, about Rance and Echo. Horrible names, yes, but truly lovable characters. Simply put, the opposites attract element in this book hooked me from the beginning. The minor characters in this book also made it a richer experience for me.
My favorite character in the series was Jesse from McKettrick's Luck. He was just my favorite romance hero type. Bad boy turned good with a heart of gold. And a cowboy. Read the book. I promise you'll understand what I mean.
My least favorite element of the series was the story in the third book. I found Keegan's affections switching from one woman to another confusing. His devotion to Psyche was sweet, but it made it hard to focus on the love story between Keegan and Molly.
Overall, this was a great series full of fun characters and lots of steamy romance.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Review #11: 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Synopsis (from amazon.com):
When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker. He's one of 13 people who receive Hannah's story, which details the circumstances that led to her suicide. Clay spends the rest of the day and long into the night listening to Hannah's voice and going to the locations she wants him to visit. The text alternates, sometimes quickly, between Hannah's voice (italicized) and Clay's thoughts as he listens to her words, which illuminate betrayals and secrets that demonstrate the consequences of even small actions. Hannah, herself, is not free from guilt, her own inaction having played a part in an accidental auto death and a rape. The message about how we treat one another, although sometimes heavy, makes for compelling reading.
Review:
There is so much more to this book than the above synopsis alludes to. This book is not only about the way we treat one another and the decisions we make, but also deals directly with the issue of suicide and those left behind. I think the biggest question that those affected by a suicide is why? Why did it happen? Why did it happen? What led to the person's choice to take his/her life? And maybe most of all, what could I have done to stop it from happening?
All of these questions are going through Clay's mind before he even receives the tapes. He had a crush on Hannah, and he didn't ever really act on his feelings, although she apparently liked him as well. Upon listening to the tapes, Clay gets the answers he so desperately wanted, no matter how hard they are to listen to.
This book was a fascinating read, and incredibly well done. The subject matter may not appeal to everyone, but if you give it a chance, I assure you it will be well worth your time.
When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker. He's one of 13 people who receive Hannah's story, which details the circumstances that led to her suicide. Clay spends the rest of the day and long into the night listening to Hannah's voice and going to the locations she wants him to visit. The text alternates, sometimes quickly, between Hannah's voice (italicized) and Clay's thoughts as he listens to her words, which illuminate betrayals and secrets that demonstrate the consequences of even small actions. Hannah, herself, is not free from guilt, her own inaction having played a part in an accidental auto death and a rape. The message about how we treat one another, although sometimes heavy, makes for compelling reading.
Review:
There is so much more to this book than the above synopsis alludes to. This book is not only about the way we treat one another and the decisions we make, but also deals directly with the issue of suicide and those left behind. I think the biggest question that those affected by a suicide is why? Why did it happen? Why did it happen? What led to the person's choice to take his/her life? And maybe most of all, what could I have done to stop it from happening?
All of these questions are going through Clay's mind before he even receives the tapes. He had a crush on Hannah, and he didn't ever really act on his feelings, although she apparently liked him as well. Upon listening to the tapes, Clay gets the answers he so desperately wanted, no matter how hard they are to listen to.
This book was a fascinating read, and incredibly well done. The subject matter may not appeal to everyone, but if you give it a chance, I assure you it will be well worth your time.
Review #10: Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Synopsis (From amazon.com):
The numb voice of a teen who has been devastated by five years of captivity and compliance, a girl who has been named "Alice" by her abductor, relates her grim story. At 15, she still believes the threat by which Ray controlled her when she was almost 10 and he walked her away from a school field trip: he's made it clear that if she bolts he will kill her family. The trauma of multiple rapes on a child is portrayed, as is Ray's ongoing need to control her and his daily, multiple demands for sexual submission. Now that she's a teen, Alice is being starved; his disordered logic tells him that this will keep her a little girl. His control over her is so absolute that, although she can leave his apartment during the day and goes on her own to have a wax job, her only rebellion is to steal small amounts of food. When Ray decides it is time for a new little girl, Alice complies by locating a likely next victim. In the process she meets a needy teen boy and a police officer, both of whom suspect she is in trouble and want to help her, but all does not end happily.
Review:
This book was extremely hard to read because of the subject matter. I think Elizabeth Scott took on an enourmous task when tackling this topic. When I got done with the book, I definitely had a lot to think about.
I am linking to another blogger's review because I think she does a fantastic job explaining why it is one of her favorite books.
http://hookedonyabooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-living-dead-girl.html
The numb voice of a teen who has been devastated by five years of captivity and compliance, a girl who has been named "Alice" by her abductor, relates her grim story. At 15, she still believes the threat by which Ray controlled her when she was almost 10 and he walked her away from a school field trip: he's made it clear that if she bolts he will kill her family. The trauma of multiple rapes on a child is portrayed, as is Ray's ongoing need to control her and his daily, multiple demands for sexual submission. Now that she's a teen, Alice is being starved; his disordered logic tells him that this will keep her a little girl. His control over her is so absolute that, although she can leave his apartment during the day and goes on her own to have a wax job, her only rebellion is to steal small amounts of food. When Ray decides it is time for a new little girl, Alice complies by locating a likely next victim. In the process she meets a needy teen boy and a police officer, both of whom suspect she is in trouble and want to help her, but all does not end happily.
Review:
This book was extremely hard to read because of the subject matter. I think Elizabeth Scott took on an enourmous task when tackling this topic. When I got done with the book, I definitely had a lot to think about.
I am linking to another blogger's review because I think she does a fantastic job explaining why it is one of her favorite books.
http://hookedonyabooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-living-dead-girl.html
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