Play Book Tag discussion

I'm throwing in the towel on this one. With audiobooks I try to listen sequentially - but it's been weeks since I listened, because every time I thought of going back to this book I started ranting internally.

The book - my first by Jodi Picoult - started really strong for me and I was very much engaged and getting angry on behalf of Ruth - and then came the backlash. It seemed as though EVERY aspect of racism possible was hitting Ruth after she had lived mostly unaffected for over 40 years. So the books is NOT about Ruth - which could have been a great story - but about racism. I don't think that the aspects or experiences raised are wrong, but heaping them all on top of this one woman made them feel wrong. The story feels forced to fit around the topic.

I feel that this format does the cause no service. The readers that like this book will already be aware and sensitive to the cause. For those that are not yet there, this story might undermine the credibility of the cause as the story becomes implausible.

sounds like Picoult

One of the reasons, which I haven't read this book.

I'm glad it wasn't just me!

Happy to see I'm not the only one who's not a huge fan of her. She seems to capitalize on whatever is the theme of the moment, and it's just so.....dramatic!!!!!

I don't generally like her books b/c they seem to capitalize on social justice issues (as Tracy mentions above) simply to sell books rather than any true conviction.

It also bothers me when white authors try to write about racism experienced from the point of view of black characters so I've avoided this book in particular.

In line with your review, Roxane Gay wrote a review of this book for the times where she commented on the issue of black characterization stating, "The more we see of Ruth and her family, the more their characterization feels like black-people bingo — as if Picoult is working through a checklist of issues in an attempt to say everything about race in one book."

I love her review Jen. Have you read her book?

Susie wrote: "I love her review Jen. Have you read her book?"

No. I have not read it

Susie wrote: "I love her review Jen. Have you read her book?"

Wait, you mean Gay's book? I've read Difficult women and have a copy of Hunger which I haven't started yet

This was my first book I read of hers too. I read it because of its controversy and I live where it's set. I don't think piccoult is a particularly sophisticated writer. I think she can write an engaging story (even if I rolled my eyes a couple of times). The main thing I liked about it, is that I thought many of her readers wouldn't read a book about racial justice issues otherwise, but would read this one. Maybe that's not true. My impression was that she was a mass market writer, like supermarket, airport gift shop writer, and that might pull the topic into the mainstream. But I still agree with all the criticisms too. The storyline was pretty crazy, especially the ending. Ruth definitely felt like a caricature of a black person. It's definitely not nuanced, it hits you in the face with things.

Sorry, I wasn't very clear with my question Jen! Yes, I meant Hunger. My interest is generally not piqued by non-fiction but I think I want to read it. I'm waiting for an appropriate tag.

Jennifer, I agree with all that you said. I found that throughout the book she was trying to prove how much research she had done. It seemed very formulaic.

I've never read a book by Picoult - always hesitated because they did not seem like my cup of tea - and you've just cemented my decision to pass on them.

I don't think I'll read another!

And I wonder, because she has written on so many varied topics, if any of you did try a different book of hers. That maybe didn't center on racism. She writes on many controversial topics, and I think she does it quite thoughtfully. My recent favorite of hers is the Storyteller.

Unfortunately, I don't think that is the case for me. I've read several of her books and find them fairly formulaic and overly dramatic for my tastes. In fact, I find they usually follow the same pattern: moral dilemma, multiple view points, court case/drama, twist at the end.

Amy wrote: "And I wonder, because she has written on so many varied topics, if any of you did try a different book of hers. That maybe didn't center on racism. She writes on many controversial topics, and I th..."

I agree, Amy. I have yet to read this one, though, so I can't comment on it, specifically.

Jen wrote: ". I've read several of her books and find them fairly formulaic and overly dramatic for my tastes. In fact, I find they usually follow the same pattern: moral dilemma, multiple view points, court case/drama, twist at the end. "

I'm sure that is true. I do gravitate toward certain genres, mystery and historical fiction to take a break from more heavy literary reads and I find that the formulaic pattern is quite comforting and satisfying to read on occasion.

For breaks from heavier books, I tend to read the book equivalent of a romantic comedy or YA (or a romantic comedy YA). I could see why people would be drawn to something like this though alternatively.

I have been a fan of Picoult's for quite a few years now. The books have not all been winners for me but I particularly liked this one. Yep, formulaic - guess I'm a formulaic kinda gal. I do believe the points you have made are quite valid and I respect your opinion.

Booknblues wrote: "Jen wrote: ". I've read several of her books and find them fairly formulaic and overly dramatic for my tastes. In fact, I find they usually follow the same pattern: moral dilemma, multiple view poi..."

Absolutely. I can see how readers would find it comforting. You know what you're going to get when you pick up one of her books and if you are a fan, that is comforting. Not a great match for my personal tastes but she is a mega bestselling author so clearly many readers enjoy her books.

Ellen wrote: "I have been a fan of Picoult's for quite a few years now. The books have not all been winners for me but I particularly liked this one. Yep, formulaic - guess I'm a formulaic kinda gal. I do believ..."

There's nothing wrong with formulaic if its a formula you enjoy. I don't particularly enjoy her books but I'm glad you and many others do.

I think it has a lot to do with expectations. I do read genre fiction which can be pretty formulaic. In this case I expected something different.

It might be formulaic, but I still think (with the moral issues raised) her books are "meatier" than YA or romantic comedies! (Though I enjoy those, as well.)

LibraryCin wrote: "It might be formulaic, but I still think (with the moral issues raised) her books are "meatier" than YA or romantic comedies! (Though I enjoy those, as well.)"

I think that is a point well taken, she is trying to do good and bring awareness through her writing. There is nothing wrong with that.

Booknblues wrote: "
I think that is a point well taken, she is trying to do good and bring awareness through her writing. There is nothing wrong with that.."

Sushicat wrote: "I'm throwing in the towel on this one. With audiobooks I try to listen sequentially - but it's been weeks since I listened, because every time I thought of going back to this book I started ranting..."

While I read the whole book and liked it over all, you put into words some of what kept it from getting a higher rating from me. I don't mind that she wanted to raise awareness, but it was rather artificially put on.

And there are times when people will back away from charges like the one against her even when race isn't an issue--they want a scapegoat. Obviously the white supremacist was out to get her and there was plenty of racism in this story without adding anything! That lawyer just wanted to save the hospital a lot of money in a lawsuit and could easily have done that to any nurse in that circumstance even if race weren't a factor. I won't say a few other things I observed.

Booknblues wrote: "I think that is a point well taken, she is trying to do good and bring awareness through her writing. There is nothing wrong with that.."

I agree that this is a good idea, but that the point would be better made without the awkwardness that came with this. When it feels too forced it loses impact.