I have now read three novels by Jodi Picoult and have loved every one. This is a good book about relationships, motherhood and the choices we make. The book centers around Paige and Nicholas Prescott. Paige is a co-dependent mother who has recently given birth to a son, but who seriously doubts her abilities as a parent. So, she leaves her son with his father for a time and goes off in search of answers about herself, her mother and her life. As we as the reader travel with Paige throughout this journey of self discovery, we find out that Paige is indeed a strong woman in her own right. Nicholas Prescott is a Cardiologist at the top of his game, he is very stoic however and has a bit of a God complex. He goes through a transformation of his own and soon we are able to get a glimpse at what at his good qualities as well and also see what agood father he is. This is a good book to curl up with on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Ms. Picoult is a masterful writer who gets the reader involved in the lives of her characters and really makes you care about them. More than once since finishing this book, I have wondered how Nicholas and Paige are doing.

Harvesting the Heart is a beautiful novel on so many levels. The title itself refers not only to the main character Paige, who must discover her past to begin to live her future but also to her husband Nicholas who is a heart surgeon and who must also learn to love.

This book really touched my heart so much so that I could not put it down. The story begins in the present and travels back to the past for both Paige and Nicholas. Paige's mother left her and her father when Paige was very young and it has continually plagued her and eventually catches up to her as she runs away from her father right after high school.

Paige's leaves Boston and ends up as a waitress in Cambridge where she meets Nicholas, her opposite in every way, on her first day. Nicholas is well bred, wealthy, handsome and so sure of himself in everything he does that Paige can not help but fall in love with him and he with her because she can see wonder in everything around her.

Paige draws portraits of people, hidden within the folds of their hair, skin or clothing are their deepest secrets or desires - this is another thing that draws Nicholas in. But can their marriage survive? Can Paige survive?

Nicholas's parents are against their marriage, Paige must give up everything to help Nicholas through medical school and then she gets pregnant.

This pregnancy, like the title of the book, is the mirror image of an abortion she had in high school. It also brings up her fears about motherhood and reminds Paige of her mother.

Paige must learn about and accept her past if she hopes to live her future but can Nicholas learn to accept Paige?

This book flowed from page to page, with beautiful and moving descriptions of Paige's drawings, May's ranch, Nicholas's life at the hospital and their lives together. All in all - the only thing I didn't like about the book is that there is no sequel!

Hurrah for Jodi Picoult - an imaginative and wonderful storyteller that will touch your life.

As we find out in this superb story by Picoult. Just when I think I have read my favorite book by this author, I read another and am forced to re-evaluate. Paige is looking for something that will help her realize that she is not going to relive the mistakes of her mother's past. Nicholas is wrapped up in his career as a cardiothoracic surgeon, and on the track to success when Paige simply checks out of their lives leaving him with their newborn son.

Picoult writes with grace and tenderness pulling you into the story, making it impossible to put down. Her characters are positively luminous. Your heart will break for them and this will be one book that you will never forget. Kelsana 12/02/01

I picked up this book for no particular reason, and I'm really glad that I did - I think I found a new author to read!
This was a moving story. And, while the action in the story revolved around the death of Emily, the story was really about the relationships between the characters!
All of the relationships - between family, friends, lovers, etc. were complicated, and very realistic.
This book was interesting because it was told in a very detailed way, without overdosing the reader with details. We got to know the characters, their strengths and weaknesses, and we got to see how they related to each other (and didn't relate).
It was sad to watch this "family" fall apart after the death of Emily, and it was even more tragic to read how terribly the families coped with it.
But, Picoult portrayed the relationships, and the emotions in a very realistic manner.
If you're picking this up to read a great mystery, don't bother - there isn't much suspense. But, this is a fantastic novel because it explores relationships, and families, and friendships, and how they change, survive and don't survive a real tragedy!

No one could have forseen what would happen. Not the Golds nor the Hartes who have been friends and neighbors for over 18 years and watched their children grow up together and fall in love. When the late night call comes and bring news of Emily's death, a death by gunshot from a gun that the Hartes own, and Chris is found with her, thus begins the hell for both sets of parents. Disbelieving the suicide pact Chris insists was to happen before he fainted and the police arrived, the detective in charge of the case begins to wonder why two popular and well adjusted teenagers would decide to kill themselves. As the investigation proceeds, Chris finds himself on trial for the murder of Emily. The two families, once together, now divided, struggle to accept the truth and begin to wonder how well they actually knew their own flesh and blood. This book is told in series of flashbacks and the present to tell the story of Emily and Chris. The final truth is heartbreaking and leaves you wondering how well do we know anyone at all.

If you've yet to read a book by Jodi Picoult, The Pact is a good place to start. Once here, you will be introduced to a terrific author and will probably vow to read everything she has written. This is how it was for me when I read this book. There are very few books that I'll read and be able to say "I absolutely LOVED it." This was one of those rare books that I was able to say those words. This story tracks the lives of two American families, the Hartes and the Golds, living on a cul de sac and raising their kids together. Chris Harte and Emily Gold were born just weeks apart and spent most of their childhood playing together. Of course, it was each family's dream that they would grow up and eventually fall in love giving credence to the "happily every after story". As we follow Chris and Emily through their childhood into their teen years, we share the same dreams as the parents and are delighted when the two finally find their friendship becoming one of intimacy. When Emily dies of a gunshot wound, there are plenty of questions to be answered and what follows will keep you spellbound. This is a book that any parent of a teen can relate to and also should be suggested reading for teens themselves. This book screams to be an Oprah pick...it's that good and even better.

I have now read three books by Jodi Picoult, and this is my favorite. It really raises some interesting questions about God, faith and religon. 7-year old Faith White starts seeing God and healing people after she witnesses her father in bed with another woman,which of course is very hard on both she and her mother. This book had a very interesting plot intersected with some equally as interesting sub-plots. Ms. Picoult does a wonderful job also of creating a cast of rich, unforgettable characters that totally engross the reader. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars is that there are times when the point of view changes from that of the mother to an omniscient one, but even that doesn't really detract from the wonderful qualities of this book.

Keeping Faith is the first novel by Jodi Picoult I have read but it will not be the last. I already have an order in for two more novels of hers. This book kept me turning papges longer after my eyes were burning for sleep. It combined many elements of good story telling that will attact most women. Mariah's rat of a husband has cheated on her,twice,and had her committed to a mental institution. While she is keeping a tenuous hold on her sanity her daughter, Faith, develops an invisible friend who turns out to be God in a female form. Mariah's house is besieged by those who want to know more about Faith including Ian, a ferocious non-believer. Faith and her mother are subjected to investigations by the Catholic Church, the court system and the medical community. Mariah is a brave but flawed woman, as are most of us are. This story certainly has some improbable situations but the basic story is one that every woman can relate to. The extra ordinary situations add to the suspense. Ms. Picoult is a sensitive writer with a flair for twists and turns.

In 380-ish pages that seem to turn themselves, Jodi Picoult makes readers stop and think about several issues as simple as mother-daughter relationships and as complex as God. Mariah White, for the second time in their marriage, catches her husband with another woman. The first time, she was pregnant with their daughter, Faith. The second time, Faith was with Mariah when Colin was caught in the act. The first time, Mariah tries to kill herself. The second time, Colin leaves and Faith's "Guard" shows up. The seven year old starts performing miracles, attracting media attention, develops stigmata and quotes the Bible, although she's never been subjected to it. Mariah tries to shield her daughter from the attention while trying to find out for sure what is wrong with her. The reader switches back and forth several times, wondering if Faith is seeing God or if her mother is seeking attention. The book ends with a custody battle between Colin and Mariah and the reader wondering how much "Faith" they really have and would have if in a similar circumstance. The book is filled with colorful characters, perhaps the best Mariah's hold-no-punches mother, Millie. A GREAT book that you won't put down, and won't forget after you do.

I can't remember reading a book where all the characters had such undesirable traits that reading any further became an effort. The only character who was somewhat bearable was a cat and that's probably because it spent its time either eating or hidden in someone's backpack serving as a parallel to everything else that's hidden away in this small town of Wheelock, MA.

I'm already a Jodi Picoult fan having read and liked four of her other books -- The Pact, Keeping Faith, Plain Truth and Salem Falls -- so when I say that I didn't enjoy this book at all, I have a good basis for comparison. Never before have I read a book where I felt so detached from each and every character. The wife Allie has no backbone, the husband Cam has no loyalty, the mistress Mia has no values, the mercy killer Jamie has no fortitude, his dead wife Maggie was selfish, Cam's mother Ellen is a wacko.....I could go on and on.

The backdrop of the story is one of intense love -- so intense that your emotions take over your senses. There's a case of a mercy killing, another story of a cheating spouse and a courtroom scene where all the scenarios are played out. The events leading up to and after the killing are all impulsive -- sometimes so impulsive that they're hard to believe. There are other parts in the book where reality is suspended and mysticism takes over. I'm always at a loss when an author resorts to this.

Probably the biggest complaint I have is the intense lack of editing. I can't stand when I'm reading a book and two people are having a conversation yet the name you're reading on the typewritten page is NOT the name of the person who is actually doing the talking. This happened on three separate occasions and after awhile, it only added to my overall confusion and lack of continuity of my reading experience. I'm usually not this hard when reviewing a book and it could be the fact that I read it in the midst of our great American tragedy which could have altered my mood considerably. For that reason, I've given it three stars as opposed to the two stars which I had originally intended. Somehow though, I don't think it was my mood...the book just wasn't that enjoyable for me.

From the moment I first picked up Mercy and started reading it, I knew that it was unlike any other book I've read. From the very beginning, which tied in to another part of the book, I found myself reluctant to put the book down.

The story is of Jamie McDonald, the cousin of the Chief of Police in Wheelock, Ma. Cameron McDonald had it all--he was the clan chief, he had a beautiful wife and a good job. He also had a serious wanderlust, which Jodi Picoult touched upon in several places. I think she tied in Cam's wanderlust quite well after Mia came upon the scene. It was interesting that Mia arrived at the same time that Jamie McDonald, Cam's cousin arrived and announced tha the had killed his wife. I was in tears during the courtroom scene, which I found riveting. I didn't want the jury to find him guilty. I felt that after everything he had been through, that just living with the thought that he had lost the one person who meant everything in the world to him by his own hands was going to be punishment enough.

The story delves into how a family's life can be changed by extenuating circumstances. If Jamie hadn't presumed upon his cousin to help him, if Mia hadn't shown up, the story would not have played out so brilliantly.

This book has great potential and Ms. Picoult deserves nothing but praise for the outstanding job that she has done in writing it.

This book was the chosen selection for our book club this month. We were all intrigued by the excerpt and it was a unanimous decision. There's the topic of love, deceit, murder, and selfishness. It is a story that will capture your attention and you'll feel for these characters.

Euthanasia is not something that I've ever thought of before, in relation to my life. In this story, Jamie MacDonald confesses to killing his wife because she asked him to end her life and battle with cancer. The theory is that he loves her so much that he would do anything she asked of him. That really makes you question what you would do if put in the same situation.

Cameron and Allie MacDonald are married and lead a satisfying life. Cam is the police chief of the town and Allie is his doting wife. When Jamie comes to town it puts a barrier between the two of them. Allie loves Cam so much, and can understand where Jamie is coming from. Cam doesn't see it that way and views his cousin as a murderer. But Cam doesn't have a problem being a liar! Through all of this he cheats on his wife and deceives her...supposedly in the name of love.

This story really makes you question what you would do for love and how far you would go. I recommend this story, especially to book club groups. I can see it leading to a bunch of discussion.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I knew virtually nothing about the Amish except their shunning of modern conveniences. It was very interesting to me to learn of their life style, religion, and beliefs. I went through stages as I read where I pitied Katie who was accused of murdering her baby...then I would be furious at her for withholding information and "acting" ignorant. All through the book I kept changing my mind on what actually happened to the baby, but never once did I guess what the ending would be. The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is I was livid at the ending. I hate to go into it because it would give away the whole book, and it is worth reading. I cannot believe Ms. Picoult chose the ending she did. I was in a daze for hours with disbelief. I was angry at everyone in the story when I finished this book, including the author. I don't want to spoil it for people who will read this book, otherwise I'd give you my reasons for being so upset with the outcome. All in all it was a good read and peeked into the Amish culture which I found very intriguing.

After Keeping Faith, I wanted more of Jodi Picoult. Plain Truth ranked right up there. Plain Truth is about Katie Fisher, an Amish girl, charged with the murder of her baby. Katie claims the baby was not hers, that she wasn't pregnant, but all evidence points otherwise. Meanwhile, Ellie Hathaway, a big-city attorney fed up with her job and her man, comes to Paradise, Penn., for some R&R and is asked, because she just happens to be part of the family, to represent Katie. Ellie's personal battles are coupled with those in Katie's family who do not understand nor welcome the legal system. The reader is introduced, via Ellie who lives with the Fishers, to the Amish way of life. Ms. Picoult's representation and descriptions of the Amish is, as has been in other reviews, wonderful. This book has it all, suspense, romance, courtroom drama (which Ms. Picoult portrays wonderfully in several of her books) perhaps even murder. The reader moves from believing Katie to hating Katie to feeling sorry for her. And the friendship that develops between Katie and Ellie shows a bond that transcends two totally different worlds. To sum up, the pages seem to turn themselves.

In her previous book, The Pact, Ms. Picoult writes about a suicide pact between two teenagers. When the boyfriend doesn't die, the book probes not only the previous relationship between this young man and his girlfriend but their parents' reactions as well as the legal ramifications concerning the one who survived.

In her newest book, Plain Truth, Ms. Picoult enters the world of the Amish sect who still today live by priciples contary to the 21st century. And again as in The Pact, when a young unmarried woman, Katie Fisher, is accused of murdering a newborn which she has presumably given birth to, the law steps in and these events tear apart a family and community steeped in the Amish traditions and mores. For Ellie Hathaway, an urban sophisticated lawyer somewhat related to this community and the other major character in thsi book, defending this client provides her not only with a world filled with "plain" truths and different rules, but also a glimpse into the failures of her own life.

Jodi Picoult has written another fascinating book. One which can takes its place amongst many of her other books such as Keeping Faith, The Pact and Harvesting the Heart. Her characters in Plain Truth, as always, are well pprtrayed and stay with the reader long after they close the book. Also, it is apprent that Ms.Picoult did a great deal of research as well as live amongst the Amish to learn more about the ways of the plain.

Finally, the author sheds new light on events often in the news today along with presenting a lifestyle which I as the reader knew very little about before reading this book.

Bravo for a first rate novel, Jodi.

It took me nearly 200 pages to really get into this book, and if I didn't have faith that Jodi Picoult would take the story somewhere I might have given up. It begins with a lot of characters, many different stories, and a seeming lack of direction. However, she manages to tie all of the characters and plots together beautifully in a compelling and unique story.

Although the last couple of Jodi Picoult's books have been letdowns to me, this one lived up to my somewhat lowered expectations. Picoult delves into an unchartered territory of ghosts and Indians in Vermont, alternating from an unsolved mystery of the 1930's with present day Vermont. Despite somewhat predictable relationship dramas, the rest of this book, it's rich historical basis as well as compelling characters, make for a great read.

People Magazine Book Review
April 3, 2003
Second Glance
by Jodi Picoult

Reviewed by Amy Waldman

In the eight years since he saw his fiancée die in a car accident, Ross Wakeman has tried repeatedly to join her. But after a failed suicide attempt and several accidents that should have been fatal, Ross begins to take an interest in hunting ghosts instead of trying to become one. In rural Comtosook, Vt., he spends time with his sister and nephew and starts investigating a piece of land that may or may not have been an Indian burial ground. Rose petals rain down and a house in the process of being demolished rebuilds itself. Meanwhile, Ross meets Lia, a mysterious young woman who also tracks spirits.

Picoult ingeniously ties the ghost story to a true one about eugenics. In the 1920s and '30s, Vermont and other states sanctioned involuntary sterilization for supposedly "inferior" people such as the mentally and physically disabled, convicted criminals and New England's Abenaki Indians. The history lesson makes for chilling, even shocking, reading, and Picoult (Plain Truth) comes up with many unforgettable characters. This is a fast-paced, densely layered exploration of love, the pull of family and the power of both to transcend time.

BOTTOM LINE: Great ghost story

I've read and enjoyed all of Jodi Picoult's books and I must say, this is one of her finest.

Historical fiction based on fact, moving from present to past and back again; quirky, likeable characters; elements of magical realism (reminiscent of Alice Hoffman); and the serious and controversial topics of genocide and genetic selection, are all seamlessly woven into this story about love and second chances.

Unlike several of her previous novels, Second Glance does not include courtroom drama, but Picoult fans will enjoy her usual plot twists and signature "wow" ending. And as expected, readers will find themselves thinking and questioning their views long after they've turned the last page.

Highly recommended for book discussion groups.

I have to preface this by saying that anyone who has not read many of Picoult's works might love this book. But having read almost all of her books the minute they were released, I was sorely disappointed by this one.

The writing, as always, is eloquent, gripping and excellent. However, this book follows the same sequence she has used in her past few books. And it has become too formulary for me. It is almost as if her editors are pressuring her to get the books out so she follows a similar style for all of them. And although each story is different, they read the same after a while. A plot develops at the beginning with a life changing event, there is a court case, and then a surprise at the end.

This particular book lost its appeal to me as soon as a Priest was drawn in to the mix. Having been prevalent in the news of late -- reading about church scandals is hardly something I wanted to do for pleasure. Perhaps that was a part of the problem. The subject is worn down.

That said, Picoult is amazingly talented, there is no doubt about it. And I will read all of her books that follow because I have faith that she will work originality back into her writing. The character development is fantastic, as is the dialogue and writing, but its the story lines that all develop similarly regardless of how different they initially seem.

Plain Truth, Keeping Faith, Harvesting the Heart and The Pact are four of my all time favorite books. And I cannot wait to add another of hers to that list.

From the very beginning of this book I was hooked!

It is a story about a married couple, Nina and Caleb, whose 5 year old son they discover has been sexually abused. Nina is a driven no nonsense prosecuter and understands the system and how it works all too well.

You see how each parent reacts to what happens and how they deal with it. I found myself really not liking Nina so much and feeling more for the father, Caleb, and how he was reacting and feeling. You are also taken into the mind of young Nathaniel and how he is handling his world.

It is written so well and the characters are well developed. I found the ending to be a surprise and quite satisfying.

If you have read Jodi Picoult before, this is one you have to read!!

The new book out by Jodi Picoult is all I was hoping for and more. The writing is exquisite, layered in textures presented from several points of view, including that of a five year old child, and unfortunately in this case, pertinent to the world around us. I don't think this woman can write a bad book and her subject matter always touches on the relevant subjects of the day.

Nina Frost has spent a lot of time on the front lines in court with child molesters. Nina is a prosecutor for the State of Maine, a difficult job, and damaging to all who have to take part in it, especially the children who find themselves face to face with the accused when testifying. Nina's world is about to take an about face when her own son Nathaniel is the victim of a molester. The lengths she takes, and the insanity her life becomes, is expressed brilliantly by the author who writes of Nina's inner turmoil so deftly. 'This isn't something I can get over, it is an atmosphere I need to learn to breath.'

There were times in this book where my mouth literally fell open and the expected became the unexpected. To tell you more would give away the plot and this is one that surprised me till the very last page. I wouldn't want it to do anything less for you.

Another great book by this author includes THE PACT which broaches the subject of teen suicide in a unique and wonderful story of love that will leave you wanting more.
Kelsana 5/21/02

I am a huge fan of Ms. Picoult's work but her first novel, while good, didn't win me over like her other works of fiction.

I liked the idea of writing the story from five different points of view but unfortunately parts of the book became repetitive. While we did get to know the characters very well and were able to understand why they acted the way they did, I found parts of the book a little confusing. Having Rebecca's character tell the story backwards took away from the ending. I knew what was going to happen.

Jodi does come through however in her beautiful and lyrical writing. She has a way of conveying a feeling that is both touching and honest.

While this book is not my favorite by this author, I will continue to read her novels. Her work only got better from here. Harvesting the Heart is a shining example of her true writing ability.

I've only read one other book by Jodi Picoult (Plain Truth) that I absolutely loved, so I wasn't sure what I would think reading her debut novel. Most authors get increasingly better and more honed writing skills with each novel, so I wasn't expecting Songs of the Humpback Whale to live up to my Plain Truth expectations. However, even though I still liked Plain Truth better (gripping and compelling), Jodi Picoult's debut effort was nothing short of wonderful.

Unique in its telling, Songs of the Humpback Whale portrays a woman, Jane Jones, whose marriage to Dr. Oliver Jones plays second-fiddle to his lucrative career as a San Diego marine biologist. The fact that Oliver won't be around to share in his daughter, Rebecca's, 15th birthday, strikes a nerve with Jane, and after a devastating argument, Jane and Rebecca are in the station wagon preparing for a cross-country escape to Jane's brother, Joley, in Massachusetts. Interesting people are met along the way as Joley's letters waiting in different post offices assists Jane's and Rebecca's journey. But the most surprising is what awaits for Jane and Rebecca once they arrive in Massachusetts.

Songs of the Humpback Whale is a novel told in five different perspectives. What is unique, however, is Rebecca's tale, which is told from end to beginning. Sounds confusing, but after a few of her chapters, the reader will be resting comfortably in the story. Songs is an omnipotent tale with awakenings around every corner. I highly recommend this book to all Jodi fans -- no courtroom drama here, but fascinating nonetheless.

But I have to confess ~~ while I am a huge fan of Picoult's books, this book took me forever to get me interested in the characters. It's not badly written, nor was it boring ~~ it just didn't capture my interest like her recent books did. I am a speed reader and a book of this size normally would take me two days to read ~~ but it has taken me over two weeks to read. So beware when you pick up this book ~~ it's not the book you've come to expect from Picoult.

Jane and Rebecca Jones leave husband/dad Oliver, a world-known marine biologist behind and traveled the country to visit Jane's brother Joley. In the novel, five people offer up their versions of what happened one fateful summer. There's Joley, Sam ~~ who owns the apple orchard that Joley works at and where Rebecca and Jane find refuge in, Rebecca, Jane and Oliver. They all offer up their voices as if they wanted to leave their impressions on the reader. And it is very well-written ~~ especially for a first book. One can almost smell the apples growing, feel the hot sting of the summer sun beating down upon you, the despair and anger Oliver felt when he realized his family deserted him. Or the heartache Rebecca experiences when her first boyfriend died in a tragic fall. The stories just tumble out from each of them and you don't want to rush your way reading through it. It is murky in some places ~~ but isn't that how life is supposed to be sometimes? Sometimes, we can't figure out the path we're on or where we are supposed to be ~~ but there comes a moment where you can seize the moment.

If you're a die-hard Picoult fan, then I highly recommend you try to read this book. I have a suspsicion that not all of us are going to come to the same conclusion with this book. But it is interesting and well-written. I may have to struggle with finishing it, I did and am glad that I finished it. It is Picoult's debut novel and you can see the beginnings of a long literary career that started with this book. Enjoy.

I enjoyed Salem Falls, perhaps it wasn't as good as Keeping Faith or The Plain Truth, but it was an interesting read in it's own right.
The ending was predictable & the graphic details of Addie & Jack's sexual acts was a bit gratuitious but overall it was a decent book.
If you are a first time reader of Jodi Picoult, I would recommend you read her previous novels first, but if not Salem Falls still has the easy going writing style & interesting plots with a hint of courtroom drama.
It's worth a look.

This is the first of Jodi Picoult's novels that I've read, and I will definitely pick up her others at some point. Picoult is a master story-teller, and in this I give her top marks. She knows how to create characters that come alive and crawl under your skin, to the point where, if I had to put the book down for any length of time, they would stay with me in my mind and I would be vividly picturing what might happen next.

As a few other readers have commented though, the ending - in terms of who "wins" at least - is a bit predictable. However, there were always little niggling details that I kept turning over in my mind: "But what about...?" Even if you do have some sense of how things will turn out, there's always enough to make you want to keep reading. In fact, when I still had 180 pages to go, I simply lay in bed all day until I finished it (lucky I'm on summer holidays).

I'm not convinced that Jodi Picoult could ever win the Booker Prize with this novel, but it's still a great read. If you haven't read any of her other books, this is as good a place as any to start.

As soon as *Salem Falls* hit the shelves, I picked up a copy at the virtual speed of light. Picoult's tales are always entertaining, thought-provoking and a joy to read. With the intriguing theme of witches and witch hunts, I knew this would be a shocker.

Jack St. McBride is coming off of an eight month jail sentence for statutory rape and hopes to find a quiet town to start over. The small town of Salem Falls and the promise of a good job seems to fit the bill. With a possible love interest in his boss, things seem perfect.

Well, then all heck breaks loose (inevitable for a book by Jodi Picoult). Jacks gets mixed up with a group of teen witches, one of whom claims Jack raped her. The town's reaction and the ensuing court drama make for a quick read and pure entertainment.

Once again, Jodi gives us all something to escape from the normal day-to-day routine. This is definitely a keeper!

After reading Harvesting the Heart and Plain Truth, I was so impressed with Jodi Picoult's writing I wanted to read everything she's written. Picture Perfect was truly disappointing, though. The author describes over and over again the many times in which Cassie Rivers is beaten, kicked, shoved, bruised and knocked out by her husband Alex. After the second beating, I'd had about enough and just wanted to see how Cassie was going to resolve the situation, hopefully by leaving Alex. However, Jodi Picoult takes us through countless more scenes of domestic abuse before she's convinced that we truly fathom (yes, we get the picture) that it's a tough situation to get untangled from. I almost gave up on the book a few times, but kept reading, hoping it might get better somehow. It didn't happen. I'm just left wondering what happened to the wonderful wisdom and insight Jodi had in her other books.

Now let's take a look at the real world. Wonderfully written as all of Picoult's books are; this one has a lot of heart, and a whole lot of selfless love or so Cassie thinks. Is her behavior selfless or foolish?

Alex Rivers is a mega star in Hollywood and Cassie is the most unlikely of people to grace his arm at a premiere among the Hollywood golden set. She is an anthropologist with her head in the books and her mind on the next dig, happy to be in a bush jacket and jeans as she unearths her latest treasure. Two worlds collide in more ways than one when Alex and Cassie meet and marry.

A study in abuse that will touch your heart, and leave you cheering for both sides because of the love the author so eloquently makes you feel for both characters. Ahhhh but just how much can one person take, and is there a way out, is the question that has to be answered. This book had me guessing till the last 25 pages. Picoult has a new book coming out in May titled PERFECT MATCH. I'll be first in line for that one too. This author has never disappointed me. Kelsana 4/29/02

Jodi Picoult has given me even more cause to pass the word about her writing talent. Picture Perfect is yet another pageturner complete with emotional roller coaster. She has absolute power over me with her sympathetic, realistic, and sometimes enraging characters.

In Picture Perfect, anthropologist Cassie Barnett falls in love with princely movie star, Alex Rivers. They quickly marry, and Cassies believes she has found eternal happiness. Until the first time he lays his hands on her in anger. And then the second time and the third time....

And yet she stays!! I was half wanting to throttle Cassie myself! But don't worry. Jodi delivers a shocking ending that left me smiling for days.

Also recommended are Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen and The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner.