Small
Great Things is a riveting read. To say that Jodi Picoult is an accomplished
writer is an understatement.
This book is controversial. The author has been extremely brave to tackle
a story with race at its heart.
Whatever you think about race and racism, this book
takes a good story and presents it from several points of view – that of Ruth,
a nurse who is the only black nurse employed in her hospital, Kennedy a public
defender who is a white liberal and Turk, a white supremacist.
Mostly the voices come across as authentic. As always with a story there are some moments
that felt contrived.
If you like Picoult's work do read this despite its
theme. It is not a lecture or an essay –
it is a story. But at times it does make
you question the approach of the average white person to race issues – it
certainly was uncomfortable to read at times.
I couldn't figure out the title until I got to the
author's notes at the end where she explains that it comes from one of Martin
Luther King's speeches.
I've heard a lot of good things about this book, but I've never actually read any of Picoult's books. Not sure why - I've just never gotten around to them. But I have her on my "to be read" list for 2017.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, I just published my "best of 2016" post today. I invite you and your readers to visit it.
It sounds intriguing......some good books are not always comfortable to read...
ReplyDeleteI really liked this one as well (here's my review: http://booksithinkyoushouldread.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-and-giveaway-small-great.html). Interesting re: the title, I don't think I figured it out either prior to reading this post.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book and learned a lot--never realized how different life is for blacks in America. Here is the link to our review: http://ourstack.blogspot.com/2016/11/small-great-things-by-jodi-picoult.html My husband and I are both fans of Jodi Picoult.
ReplyDelete