Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group. discussion

Jodi Picoult's new book comes out today. If you have already got and have started reading it, what do you think so far?

I picked it up today....I am going to meet her on Sunday..she is going to read from it and sign! So excited!!
I am not going to start it until after. Right now I'm reading Plain Truth.

I just started it tonight at the gym. I'm only about thirty pages into it abd it grabbed me right away. I should learn not to read Jodi Picoult at the gym because I can't stop reading when my time on the machine is up!

I can't wait to start reading this one! I"m also trying to finish up Plain Truth because that's the only other Picoult novel that i haven't read. I'm patiently awaiting for Handle with Care to come in the mail any day now!

I just purchased the book today - can't wait to start it, but am making myself wait until tonight when I usually read :)

I just bought the book today, and I can't wait for my vacation to start so I can read it!!

I am going to meet Jodi on Tuesday night, March 10th, and I am really excited! How was your experience, Rose Ann?

I just got HWC from the library and only just finished the first chapter, but it has me hooked already. Jodi's books are so compelling. She's amazing!

I got it from the library and was able to start it last night. I got through the first 50 pages.

Then I read it today on my lunch break and only had 15 minutes. The 10 pages I got through had me so engrossed I almost forgot to go back inside.

I have been reading this for the past day or so and I am so happy to finally be reading it... def. a great book so far!

I'm reading this one right now. I am only about 100 pages into it but I am loving it so far!

I just finished the book last night. LOVED it. Yet another reason why Picoult is my favorite author.

I just finished Handle With Care today. It was okay, definitely not one of my favorites. I felt like she kept rehashing the same points in different scenarios. I hate to say it, but I found myself getting bored at times! I really hate to say that!!

I agree with Jaime about the book. It was definitely not one of my favorites. While OI is definitely a difficult topic to tackle, she didn't add much to make the story uplifting as she usually does. Plus you could tell what was going to happen before it actually happened several times throughout the book. This is not a Jodi Picoult book I would recommend to someone who has never read her before.

Yes, very predictable situations Kerry, I agree.

I got this book when it 1st came out & I was hooked after the 1st chapter. As I read the book I found myself experiencing so many different emotions! This is the perfect book to describe how a familys life can be effected by having a special needs child. it shows not only the hard parts, but the good parts also.

I think the problem for me is that I was really looking for something more based on where I'm coming from. My nephew is a child with special needs and abilities. My best friend since childhood has CP. I was an advocate for people with special needs and abilities. I was probably overly excited for this book based on my (and people very, very close to me) life experiences and it didn't offer me any new insight. In a way, it seemed too simplified and the issues passed by too fast (if that makes sense). I question the reality of the suing situation, too.

I started the audio version in my car as I traveled to my daughter's. I am 1/3 of the way into the book. I may have to go to Border's and buy it because I'm not sure I can wait until the trip home to continue it.

***************POSSIBLE SPOILER******








This book was great in the face that Jodi's writing seems effortless. I was a little upset with the ending. It left me feeling like I had fallen in love with Willow and then what? Nothing. I was glad that it was all tied up with a nice little bow, and yes it did have the expected twist, but I still felt like I needed just a little more.

Lindsey wrote: " ***************POSSIBLE SPOILER******This book was great in the face that Jodi's writing seems effortless. I was a little upset with the ending. It left me feeling like I had fallen in love with Willow and then what? Nothing. I was glad that it was all tied up with a nice little bow, and yes it did have the expected twist, but I still felt like I needed just a little more. "

What I also loved about it is that the whole book is like a love letter to Willow. The way everyone is writing to Willow. You can really feel that everyone loved her. When I got to the end, that is what broke my heart....just how many lives will never be the same because of the loss of her.









This book was great in the face that Jodi's writing seems effortless. I was a little upset with the ending. It left me feeling like I had fal..."

I think that this book is great! I like how it really looks at the needs of a family with a special needs child. I am a pediatric nurse on a floor with a lot of kids with CP, Shunts, and other special needs. I think this story relates a lot to how a family feels when they have a child that is in and out of the hospital. I also liked how she gave the perspective of the other daughter Amelia! I am really enjoying this book!

This book was excellent!! It was exactly what I expect from Jodi. Definitely 5 stars from me.

I just finished this one this past weekend and i wasn't disappointed. I love how Jodi always picks a topic that is so taboo and explores it. I feel like i always learn something after i read one of her stories. This one was no exception. I thought this was fantastic! I especially loved the characters of Willow because you just had to fall inlove with that little girl, and Amelia, who did love her sister. The ending shocked me but i would'nt expect anything less from Picoult.

I really liked this book, couldn't put it down while I was reading it, but I was not thrilled with the ending. It felt too similar to My Sisters Keeper. OI was really an interesting topic though, I had never heard of it, and the characters were relatable. It touched on some tough topics and was overall very good.

Jamie I know what you are saying about the ending being similar. I just think that Jodi's message ultimately is that life is short and sometimes we spend so much time fighting or worrying about things that will, in the end, matter.

DARA, COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE. I FOUND MYSELF FEELING THAT WAY AFTER I READ THIS ONE AND MY SISTERS KEEPER AS WELL. BEING A MOM, I TRY TO PUT MYSELF IN THE CHARACTERS POSITIONS. WAS THE MOM DOING THE RIGHT THING TO ENSURE A FUTURE FOR HER DAUGHTER, BUT BY DOING THAT AND ALIENATING HER ENTIRE FAMILY, WAS IT WORTH IT?

I'm a big fan of JP but tis book was kind of flat for me. The whole concept of the trial really angered me and I felt so much sympathy for the two girls that were left behind while their mother pursued such a strange lawsuit. Maybe I have read too many of her books and anticipate a twist at the end so that's why I was disappointed. The twist, if you can call it that, I predicted well before it ever happened. I really felt the worst for Amelia with so much going on and no one noticing or caring about her feelings except her 6 year old sister. I've read My Sister's Keeper several times and feel it was a much better story then Handle With Care.

Just finished and I absoulutely loved it wow this one has to be my fav

I love the way Jodi has the different voices telling the story. That way it isn't one sided! Maybe thats something you need to get used to with her. I also loved how every chapter was like a letter to Willow. How sweet was that?!

Jessica wrote: "I'm a big fan of JP but tis book was kind of flat for me. The whole concept of the trial really angered me and I felt so much sympathy for the two girls that were left behind while their mother pu..."

Hi Jessica,
I believe my sister's keeper is one of my favorites also. Although I love the care and thought that goes into Jodi's books, Handle with Care was a bit of a let down only because some of her other books were so awesomely written and the subject matter was maybe a little closer to home so to speak.

I'm new to the group so I'd just like to take the time to say Hi all! I love the discussions here.

The first book I ever read by JP was The Pact. It was the only book I finished within a 24 hour period. The Pact got be me hooked on JP. However, the last few books have left me...wanting. I love her writing style, but it is getting a bit routine for me, somewhat James Patterson like, with the 4 page chapters, etc. Don't get me wrong - I will continue to buy JP books, but nothing seems to match The Pact.

The end of My Sister's Keeper threw me for a loop, which I really appreciated. I closed the book thinking "wow!". I haven't finished Handle with Care yet, but I keep thinking it will change for the better. The story line is interesting and it is a quick read. So far, the only person I like is Willow.

I liked it but not my favorite. Not sure why she has been writing books on health issues recently...

Dinib...I am pretty sure that was JP's point, for the readers to fall in love with Willow and HATE what everyone else is doing. From our viewpoint, the mom sucks because how can she do this to her kids, but it is her job as a mom to try to protect Willow and to that end she goes to the extreme...which would be easily done. She is so worried about making a full life for Willow that she loses perspective on everything else. Amelia is acting out like any teen would. Dad can see what mom is doing and doesn't agree so they are at an impasse.

Amanda...JP said at her book signing that she really just happens upon topics, they find her actually. She reads about something in the media or whatever and if it is something that people, herself included, don't know much about she becomes intrigued and starts researching. One of the expamples she gave for HWC was that insurance companies, even good insurance, only covers 1 wheelchair every 5 years. Even for children. Think of the difference in size of a 2yo and a 7yo...one wheelchair won't last or even from 7yo-12yo. And they cost thousands of dollars. Anyway...that is her explanation of the topics she picks.

Dara wrote: "Dinib...I am pretty sure that was JP's point, for the readers to fall in love with Willow and HATE what everyone else is doing. From our viewpoint, the mom sucks because how can she do this to her..."

Thank you Dara for telling me. I have experienced death and sickness in my life when my younger brother died and my mom just passed away from cancer. Therefore the medical topics are always harder mentally for me to read. But I still read them because she is such an amazing author.

Spoiler: I have read most of JP's books and this wasn't one of my favorites as I didn't think the relationships were realistic. I really thought the dad would make the mom choose her family or the lawsuit and wouldn't just reconcile with no changes. It also didn't make sense that Amelia would be cured of all her issues considering she was still living in the same small town and going to school with the same students. I also don't think Willow would just be allowed to go outside. The physician and her family seemed much more real to me--the OB losing total faith and starting over helping people; her husband being angry, but ultimately realzing his family was most important and being there to support his wife, and the daughter defending her mom in the way teen girls do--making someone the victim, but then also growing and telling her parents about Amelia's illness. I am still glad I read the book, but I really liked My Sister's Keeper better which also was a parent in pursuit of improving a child's well being while sacrificing the family.

I really liked handel with care but i do have to agree with you why all of a sudden does she let willow out all by herself and by the ice for that matter. Almost like she got tired of righting the book and did a half butt ending.But I am glad I read it

**** SPOILER ALERT*****
****
****
****
****
I really enjoy all of JP's novels. I think I need to take a time-out to break the cycle... This one was very predictable, I assumed that Willow would die early on, because it was all like a letter to her... I feel like Amelia was similar to the teenager in My Sister's Keeper. I must admit I couldn't put it down, I love JP writing style and different characters, but this one was definitely not my favorite! I didn't like how abruptly it ended, but glad they never cashed the check... I just dunno... Sorry to be a Debbie-Downer...

Hi everybody, just got Handle with Care yesterday and can't wait to start it today.I really love reading JP books,they just suck you in right away and I have my mom hooked too. Every time she comes over she wants to know if I have any new books.

I felt pretty much the same way. I was a little disappointed by this one.

Lindsey wrote: " ***************POSSIBLE SPOILER******








This book was great in the face that Jodi's writing seems effortless. I was a little upset with the ending. It left me feeling like I had fal..."

Wow! This book was really good! The ending was a bummer though! So Sad

i'm reading this book now, and i can tell you i am a 19-year-old with special needs. mine are different than Willow's, but i think we all go through similar experiences. i don't have OI, i had two strokes when i was little, which left me with physical limitations, vision problems and minor hearing problems. it is a very tough situation for my family to deal with, and my parents don't always agree with the way things work for me, like sometimes i have to use a white cane, and they don't like that. it makes me safer if i use it, so i do, but my parents want me to use the vision that i have. my mom is an OT, so she understands the physical limitations to some degree, and she has many suggestions, but as far as the vision/traveling/white cane, i think they would like to see me use my vision more.

if you guys have questions, feel free to ask, it's hard to offend me.

SPOILER!!!!!
How could they kill of Willow???? ALso, this SO reminded me of My sister's keeper.
I liked Amelia. She rox.

Sorry Alli- I am not so up on medical terms. What is OT?