Helpful Score: 13
This is another wonderful Picoult book. I loved it. It was really interesting to see how my perceptions of the characters in the book evolved as I continued. There are plot twists with the main characters and I also enjoyed the subplots with Father Michael and his struggles, as well as with Maggie and hers. The book was a little slow about 1/3 of the way through for me, but as it continued it got better and better and I didn't want to see it end. Definately another classic from Picoult!
Helpful Score: 13
I'm a little let down by Picoult's latest, to tell the truth. I typically only pick up her books when I know I'm going to have time to read them straight through in a day or two, because I usually find her stories and their complexities riveting. Normally, I just cannot put them down. This one has taken me almost a month to get through. I was really disappointed. I've read 11 of her 15 novels to date, and this is my least favorite.
The story was very, very slow moving until the last 50-75 pages, I'd say. And for awhile, I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't re-reading "Keeping Faith," for the subject matter is very similar, and characters from that novel make return appearances in this one. I just sort of feel like Picoult is running out of stories to tell. How many more stories do we need about abuse, murder, religious beliefs, and organ transplants? (LOL)
I found, in this novel, that Picoult's characters didn't have the depth that characters in her other novels have had. I didn't feel any particular sympathy for ANY of the characters until the very end, and even then, it was only for one character. I'm hesitant to say more because I don't want to be a spoiler, but overall, I wasn't nearly as thrilled with this endeavor by Picoult as I usually am with her books. A definite letdown for me.
The story was very, very slow moving until the last 50-75 pages, I'd say. And for awhile, I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't re-reading "Keeping Faith," for the subject matter is very similar, and characters from that novel make return appearances in this one. I just sort of feel like Picoult is running out of stories to tell. How many more stories do we need about abuse, murder, religious beliefs, and organ transplants? (LOL)
I found, in this novel, that Picoult's characters didn't have the depth that characters in her other novels have had. I didn't feel any particular sympathy for ANY of the characters until the very end, and even then, it was only for one character. I'm hesitant to say more because I don't want to be a spoiler, but overall, I wasn't nearly as thrilled with this endeavor by Picoult as I usually am with her books. A definite letdown for me.
Helpful Score: 10
As with her other books, Jodi Picoult tells the story through several characters. This novel is slightly slower in the beginning than some of her other books, but it quickly picks up, and pulls the reader completely in. If you like Jodi Picoult's works, or even if you have not read anything from her, in my humble opinion, this is a book you don't want to miss. It has everything...mystery, intrigue, love, crime, friendship, and religion. Just like her other novels, the reader may have one belief, or opinion, but bounces back and forth when other views are expressed. Every time I think I have a book of hers that is my favorite, she writes another one that trumps it. While reading, the reader will want to note the details as they will come full circle in the end. Great book!
Helpful Score: 7
as usual, jodi piccoult delivers a good read. not just good, moving, well thought out...it makes you feel for each and every one of the characters. i will say that if you're sensitive for any reason about religion, it may not be your favorite book, but it was thought provoking as all her books are. intense.
Helpful Score: 7
Jodi Picoult has been one of my favorite's for some time. I love how she pushes the envelope and writes books about things we as a society often don't want to talk about. This one was little on the edge for me in terms of the reality of the subject matter. While I totally get that there can be redemption, all of the things that it took for the plot of this book to come together were a little unrealistic for my taste. Still, a good read and I recommend just about anything Picoult has written.
Helpful Score: 6
I didn't like this book enough to finish it.
Helpful Score: 6
Well, she's done it again! Jodi Picoult has written another great book. I read it fast the first time and felt like I might have missed stuff, so I read it a second time and it was just as good! The plot has twists & unexpected turns; that's one great thing about her; you don't see 'it' coming! My Sister's Keeper is still my favorite, but this is a close second.
Helpful Score: 5
In true Jodi Picoult fashion, this book tells a story with a social issue at it's heart. In this case, it is capital punishment and religion. Shay Bourne is a death row inmate who upon his execution, wants to donate his heart to the sister of one of his victims. Like some of Picoult's other books, this story is told in the voices of several different characters, which I think really was an asset to this story. Overall, I thought it was pretty good. There were some spots where I felt the story was moving too slowly and there were several chapters that I think were not that important to the story and could have been left out, leaving the book a little shorter. But I think if you like Jodi Picoult, you will probably like this one. As I was reading it, I couldn't really decide if I liked it or not - there were some parts that were a little too silly and ridiculous for me - but overall I enjoyed it as a whole.
Helpful Score: 4
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read. I love how she writes the book from the point of view of several characters so you can see the story from all sides. Excellent storyline. Really makes you think. Lots of twists. I couldn't put it down and am still thinking about it even after I finished it 2 days ago. Definitely recommend this one!!
Helpful Score: 3
I wasn't sure what to expect, as this was my first Picoult read and she being so popular. I was pleasantly surprised. Picoult's writing style is very easy to read and light, but the issues she raises in this novel are anything but. She presents a death row prisoner without either the stereotypical drama and amazing but unlikely reveal of innocence, or the moral polarities that bisect this country's attitudes towards capital punishment. She makes the reader focus on the humanity of it, and on viewing an event of capital punishment from all angles, including the beneficial. I was so pleased that she never delved into the trite moralizing that could have been so easily done and must have been tempting at times. This is a poignant story with loose ends that make the reader think after the reading's done.
Helpful Score: 3
CHANGE OF HEART is a really good book, and I'm happy to say I enjoyed it so much more than THE TENTH CIRCLE.
Books dealing with religion are tricky, because it's easy for the author to come off as either anti-religion or too preachy. Ms. Picoult balances this well, using religion as a springboard for other topics.
There are definitely some supernatural aspects of this story, but overall its based firmly in the very real emotions of anger, love, and forgiveness, and the fact that nothing is ever exactly as it seems.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to others.
Books dealing with religion are tricky, because it's easy for the author to come off as either anti-religion or too preachy. Ms. Picoult balances this well, using religion as a springboard for other topics.
There are definitely some supernatural aspects of this story, but overall its based firmly in the very real emotions of anger, love, and forgiveness, and the fact that nothing is ever exactly as it seems.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to others.
Helpful Score: 3
One of her most amazing yet in my opinion. I can't wait for the next! I've read all of Picoults books to date and this is definitely one NOT to miss!
Helpful Score: 3
In her usual style, Jodi Picoult tells a compelling story about a convicted murderer, Shay Bourne, from four very different points of view - that of June Nealon, suffering mother and wife of Shay's victims; Father Michael Wright, Shay's spiritually conflicted spiritual advisor; Lucius DuFresne, Shay's fellow inmate on I-tier; and Maggie Bloom, Shay's athiest lawyer, whose father is a rabbi. This story centers around religion in an impressively unbiased manner, being neither pro-religion nor anti-religion, about love, sacrifice, and redemption, touching base with the social issues surrounding capitol punishment. It was very strange to read my exact thoughts and feelings regarding my struggles with religion expressed so well in words when I have struggled to put them in words myself. Change of Heart is my favorite Picoult read to date. The story, particularly the 'miracles' performed at the prison, reminded me of The Green Mile by Stephen King. One of the prisoners, Calloway, even hides his beloved bird, Batman the Robin, inside a copy of The Stand, so I have to wonder if Picoult is a fan of King because he is mentioned in the book as well. I did have a few minor qualms with the realism of the plot, specifically when it came to Maggie's argument against lethal injection, but the argument was interesting. Also, I was not surprised by the plot twists surrounding Shay's character, saw them coming. However, just when I feared a predictable ending, I was completely caught off-guard by the outcome of it all, a thought-provoking, satisfying conclusion to an overall great story. I loved this book!
Helpful Score: 2
A book on a controversial subject that rarely gets preachy - that alone is an accomplishment. This book is so layered with characters that are well drawn and always questioning. The characters are caught in the age-old dilemma: Do the right thing for the wrong reasons, or do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Their choices are never clear cut, and you really do feel for them as they work their way through this moral maze and the hype surrounding their situation. Fantastic from beginning to end. One of Picoult's best.
Helpful Score: 2
Not Picoult's best effort. Too "far-reaching", yet predictable. 3 stars, at the most.
Helpful Score: 2
A compelling Picoult - it jumps right in! Picoult has the tendency to include too many foci in her books (i.e. The Tenth Circle - cartooning, sled dog races, constellations - but wait, the book is actually about murder and rape) and she kept it relatively simple in Change of Heart. I figured out what the "big reveal at the end" was pretty early on and I wish we hadn't gone there. I found some of the jumps between POVs jarring, and Maggie was especially whiny and potty-mouthed. And I wish Maggie's father had played more of a role.
What was really interesting about this book was the various ways of looking at the messiah. I found the background on the non-canonical gospels fascinating - I'd like to read more on them on my own. I'm still tossing around the story in my head.
What was really interesting about this book was the various ways of looking at the messiah. I found the background on the non-canonical gospels fascinating - I'd like to read more on them on my own. I'm still tossing around the story in my head.
Helpful Score: 2
Having just finished this book moments ago, I feel a flurry inside. I want to discuss it with someone, read it again, sit quietly by myself, all at the same time. This was one of Picoult's most powerful books for me. I can imagine her dreaming up this book...what if Jesus came to the 21st century and was condemned to die all over again...and the story springing from there, vividly and vibrantly with a life all its own. This book begs you to examine yourself, to question your own path, your own spirituality. Shay is certainly a character I'll be thinking about for quite some time. Though I recognize that there are some minor flaws (a flatly drawn relationship between Dr. Gallagher and Maggie, for example) overall the book is a powerful novel that moves my heart and my mind! This one ranks right up with My Sister's Keeper as an all time favorite - not just of Jodi Picoult books, but of all books I've read!
Helpful Score: 2
If you love picoult here is another of her wonderful works! Again the reader must try and decide their course of action only to think and rethink...Picoult will show you sides of an argument you would never have seen by yourself.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a good book, but not one of Jodi Picoult's best books. It didn't hold my interest as much as her other ones did. It is about the death penality, which I thought would be interesting, but it was too winded in the middle of the book. The beginning and end of the book is what held my interest the most. Fans of her books will probably like it, but agree it isn't her best.
Helpful Score: 2
I think this book is FANTASTIC!!!
Helpful Score: 1
Great story- you identify with each person as Jodi writes in each persons thoughts and views... Jodi has a way of reaching into the readers souls and allowing us to identify with the people in the story. This is a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book! I have ready many of Picoult's books and this is one of the best. Could not put it down and did not want to end. Great story line, characters and full of suspense, great relationships and more.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first Picoult book and let's just say I'm hooked. I felt like I knew these people. And I cried...oh did I cry!
Helpful Score: 1
I love Jodi.....I have read every thing she has written to this point...This was an okay book....I did enjoy it, but she has much better ones out there!
Lisa
Lisa
Helpful Score: 1
Totally did not like this Picoult book. Far fetched & too much religion. All her books are the same; murder, death, child abuse, etc etc. This is going up for posting before I even finish it. Won't waste my time.
Helpful Score: 1
Very stong characters, but the plot is a little weak. As with most Jodi Picoult's, she could have taken a lot out of the middle and added it to the end. But she always gets you hooked and throws in twists. To me, worth the read (but it's not fantastic)!
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorites by Jodi Picoult. Enjoyed the book and couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that you can read more than once.
Helpful Score: 1
I am never disappointed with Jodi Picoult's work. This book was amazing! you think you have the book figured out, and then almost at the end....you were wrong! If you have not read her work yet, then please give her a try...
PAULA
PAULA
Helpful Score: 1
In this book Picoult mixes in more of the super natural. This book will leave you wondering, "what would I do?" Well worth reading.
Helpful Score: 1
WOW, what a wonderful book. Jodi Picoult's books are amazing, i was kinda let down by a couple i read before this one. I thought I should give her another try, I am so glad I did.
The characters are great. Of course there is a couple of twists that you dont even see coming!!! But that is normal for Jodi.
A must read!
The characters are great. Of course there is a couple of twists that you dont even see coming!!! But that is normal for Jodi.
A must read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is THE BEST one of her books EVER!
Easily..shocking ending and wonderfuly written!
A MUST-READ!!!!!!!
Easily..shocking ending and wonderfuly written!
A MUST-READ!!!!!!!
This is the first book that i have read by Jodi Picoult.I am addicted and can't wait to start the next.I love the way she tells it from other people in the stories point of view.When I started reading I thought I knew what was going to happen but it has twist and turns that you just can't put it down when you start.
Helpful Score: 1
I simply loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
Great Book...couldn't put it down.
Helpful Score: 1
I just got done with this book. What can I say but WOW !!!
I loved it because you got to know everyone that was involved with Claire ( the daughter that needs a heart transplant). I felt alot of emotions while reading this book. Sadness, happiness, anger, confusion (on the legal end), etc. The priest said that in church you are with a family that understands you. How true is that! When I am in church that family is one that is so different than the one I grew up with. Having been through a very rough
2 years with both of my daughters, I could so feel what he felt. The mom that looses her
first husband, then her second and her only daughter.... she went through alot. Then she births a daughter from her second husband. (She was preg. when she lost them to a handy man they had hired to finish the addition). To go through what she went through ALONE.
I know the author had her reasons for the mom NOT to turn to God in her time of trouble, but my heart went out to her.
The story had a good purpose and there were twists and turns at every chapter it seemed.
The peoples lives that the handyman touched were forever changed. For the better I believe. I really didn't want this book to end.
jennifer
I loved it because you got to know everyone that was involved with Claire ( the daughter that needs a heart transplant). I felt alot of emotions while reading this book. Sadness, happiness, anger, confusion (on the legal end), etc. The priest said that in church you are with a family that understands you. How true is that! When I am in church that family is one that is so different than the one I grew up with. Having been through a very rough
2 years with both of my daughters, I could so feel what he felt. The mom that looses her
first husband, then her second and her only daughter.... she went through alot. Then she births a daughter from her second husband. (She was preg. when she lost them to a handy man they had hired to finish the addition). To go through what she went through ALONE.
I know the author had her reasons for the mom NOT to turn to God in her time of trouble, but my heart went out to her.
The story had a good purpose and there were twists and turns at every chapter it seemed.
The peoples lives that the handyman touched were forever changed. For the better I believe. I really didn't want this book to end.
jennifer
Helpful Score: 1
I can not imagine having to make the decision that the mother has to in this book. This is definately one of my favorite books of all time and one of the best of Jodi Picoult's. There is a twist, so be ready.
What would you do if your child was dying? What would you do if the only person who could save your child was someone you thought killed your husband, and your other child? These are the questions that Change of Heart asks you. These truly are impossible choices to make. Jodi Picoult takes you through an emotional story that has you wondering about a lot of things. Is the bad guy really the bad guy? What would you do if you were faced with this same choice you had to make? What is the difference between religion and faith?
Change of heart takes on so many heavy issues that it is impossible to call this a light read. It takes on Capital punishment, Organ Donation, the United states Justice System as a whole, and religion. Everywhere you turn in this story there is a topic that is mostly spoken of in whispers and hushes, so not to offend anyone. This is one of the reasons that this book is so good. When you read a Picoult novel you know you are going to get something emotional that will pull at your heart strings. I could not believe just how pulled in I got though, I found myself not wanting Shay Bourne to be killed, wondering if he truly did the crime he had been convicted of and yet wanting the little girl Claire to live.
There is no denying that there are some shadows of the Green Mile in this book with some of the things that happen in the prison with Shay there, and even the relationships with some of the guards. That being said the book makes no secret of that and even makes a small joke of it in calling Shay Bourne green Mile in one passage. This book is not Green Mile, and while it has some similar themes stands fully on its own, and gets a hearty MUST READ from me.
Change of heart takes on so many heavy issues that it is impossible to call this a light read. It takes on Capital punishment, Organ Donation, the United states Justice System as a whole, and religion. Everywhere you turn in this story there is a topic that is mostly spoken of in whispers and hushes, so not to offend anyone. This is one of the reasons that this book is so good. When you read a Picoult novel you know you are going to get something emotional that will pull at your heart strings. I could not believe just how pulled in I got though, I found myself not wanting Shay Bourne to be killed, wondering if he truly did the crime he had been convicted of and yet wanting the little girl Claire to live.
There is no denying that there are some shadows of the Green Mile in this book with some of the things that happen in the prison with Shay there, and even the relationships with some of the guards. That being said the book makes no secret of that and even makes a small joke of it in calling Shay Bourne green Mile in one passage. This book is not Green Mile, and while it has some similar themes stands fully on its own, and gets a hearty MUST READ from me.
Well-written story. All of the gnostic stuff might be a little hard for some to get through. I was a little surprised at how quick a Catholic priest was to fall for (what is to Catholic church)heretical teachings/thoughts.
Unlike the last time I was so anxious to read one of her books, this one didn't let me down.
It brought back (briefly) Ian Fletcher, who is a good character and goes along with the rather religious theme. The main issue was the death sentence. And it wasn't too disgustingly preachy. One of the main characters was overweight for a change.
It was, however, quite predictable - well, perhaps not at the very end, but it was easy to figure out that the molester wasn't who was convicted of it - I guessed that very early on and was glad to be right.
I did like how the miracle at the end kept you wondering. And I'm quite curious to see where she will go next, though it seems I'll have at least a full year to wait. Oh, and while it did follow her formula, it was fresher than _Nineteen Minutes_.
It brought back (briefly) Ian Fletcher, who is a good character and goes along with the rather religious theme. The main issue was the death sentence. And it wasn't too disgustingly preachy. One of the main characters was overweight for a change.
It was, however, quite predictable - well, perhaps not at the very end, but it was easy to figure out that the molester wasn't who was convicted of it - I guessed that very early on and was glad to be right.
I did like how the miracle at the end kept you wondering. And I'm quite curious to see where she will go next, though it seems I'll have at least a full year to wait. Oh, and while it did follow her formula, it was fresher than _Nineteen Minutes_.
I got this book for the author, and once again I could not get into it. I read some of the reviews on swap, but still could not relate to this story. It is a story of someone that kills a family, on death row and wants to give his heart to this little girl. People call him the Messiah...that in it self made me put it down.
So. I pass it on. Brand new condition.
So. I pass it on. Brand new condition.
This was one of my favorite Jodi Picoult books. She kept you guessing all the way to the end of this book. IT had twists and turns that were unexpected, and it was a great read.
This is definately my favorite book by Jodi Picoult. I thought all the characters were vey interesting and the story moved along quickly. I would recommend this one. I would say this is my favorite J.P. book.
Well written and engaging, but I hesitate to say it's a good book. Some have complained that it's a rip-off of The Green Mile, but I disagree. There is a a similarity, but it's only superficial.
About halfway through the book, I thought I was getting an idea where the story was going and it disappointed me. The religious issues in the book weren't even hinted at in the synopsis and I'm not sure I would have read the book if I had known.
As it turns out, the story didn't quite go where I thought it was going. It took an interesting , but confusing (for me), turn.
I can definitely say the book was interesting. Whether or not I enjoyed it, I'm still not prepared to say.
About halfway through the book, I thought I was getting an idea where the story was going and it disappointed me. The religious issues in the book weren't even hinted at in the synopsis and I'm not sure I would have read the book if I had known.
As it turns out, the story didn't quite go where I thought it was going. It took an interesting , but confusing (for me), turn.
I can definitely say the book was interesting. Whether or not I enjoyed it, I'm still not prepared to say.
This book was good, not but not great. I love the style that Jodi Picoult writes, all the different characters written in the first person. Yet, I couldn't help but wonder if she got some the ideas from this book from other authors, i.e. Stephen King's "The Green Mile" and Grisham's "The Chamber." This story focuses on capital punishment and inmates producing miracles and redemption of sins. It's one of those stories that make you think about how you feel about the death penalty and religion and seperation of church and state.
The storyline was a good one, but not original, by any means. But if you like courthouse dramas and stories where there are tough choices that a mother has to make in order to save their child, then this is definitly the story for you. It's a very heartfelt story, but definity not earth shattering or mind blowing.
The storyline was a good one, but not original, by any means. But if you like courthouse dramas and stories where there are tough choices that a mother has to make in order to save their child, then this is definitly the story for you. It's a very heartfelt story, but definity not earth shattering or mind blowing.
One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to spending many years filled with laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as barren and empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for her wounds to heal, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for an impossible miracle.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance at salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Would you give up your desire for vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true even if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish? I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be incredibly thought-provoking and I give this book an A+!
Jodi Picoult is a new author for me although I have seen the television adaptation of The Tenth Circle, which is another of Jodi Picoult's books that was made into a movie about two years ago. I have three more of Jodi Picoult's books on my bookshelf - Handle With Care, House Rules and My Sister's Keeper - all four books by Jodi Picoult, I picked up from this most recent Library Book Sale that Mareena and I went to on Saturday.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance at salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Would you give up your desire for vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true even if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish? I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be incredibly thought-provoking and I give this book an A+!
Jodi Picoult is a new author for me although I have seen the television adaptation of The Tenth Circle, which is another of Jodi Picoult's books that was made into a movie about two years ago. I have three more of Jodi Picoult's books on my bookshelf - Handle With Care, House Rules and My Sister's Keeper - all four books by Jodi Picoult, I picked up from this most recent Library Book Sale that Mareena and I went to on Saturday.
One of her better books! Endearing, entertaining, and impossible to put down! If you like Jodi Picoult then you will love Change of Heart. It will make you redefine right and wrong!
I have become a huge fan of Ms. Picoult after reading this book. In my opinion she skillfully handled a very sensitive topic. It sort of reminded my of the movie, The Green Mile. Lots of social issues are discussed: death penalty, child molestation, organ donation etc
Thought-provoking, but was disappointed when it became too "Green Mile-ish" (Stephen King). Worth quoting: "When you give birth to a daughter, you've just met the person whose hand you'll be holding the day you die"
One of her best.
I usually love Jodi Picoult's books, and I wanted to love this one too. It was hard for me to even finish this one though. I thought it was predictable and very slow moving. If you've read or seen The Green Mile, you already know this story.
Its a Jodi Picoult book...nuff said. She has a tendency to lapse into the same 'type' of writing....by time you've read a few you know there's a twist you look for it and you tend to find it.... I wanted to read this but I think I"m done with Picoult and please..don't think she is an expert on religion, or the Gnostic gospels this is once again someone's opinion of religion and she embraces the latest trend of all roads leading to Rome and everyone finds their own path yada yada yada This just amuses me because in everything else in life we find the 'experts' and follow their advice,learn from them and even do our own extensive research...lets see personal trainers for exercise, the geek squad for our computers, H&R block for our taxes, the landscaping for our lawns, consumer reports for our appliance and cars, yet when it comes to religion we just are gonna follow and feel what we think is best....and make our own path...think about it!!!
What a wonderful book! I think Jodi Picoult outdid herself!
very good book. not one of her best but good.
This book was awesome. It was not at all what I expected. I coundn't put it down.
I am surprised by all of the negative reviews of this book. I thought it was fantastic, and while it was sometimes slow in the middle, the purpose was character development that drove the plotline. This one had a tearjerker ending for me, too. This is the first I've read of hers, and if it's the "worst", I can't wait to read the best!
I read this one really quickly and a few months later I kept remembering pieces of it but I couldn't put my finger on the title of the book or the author- I thought this one was a little far fetched- it definitely isn't my favorite from Picoult- but I find myself being very hot and cold when it comes to her books-- I either really love em- or I really don't. I just think there are better and more believable stories than this specific one. Sorry.
This was my first Picoult book. I tend to shy away from incredibly emotional books, but we picked this for a book club and so I was committed to it. I did really enjoy the character development, and the view from the different perspectives on religion was interesting to me. It reminded me alot of "The Green Mile", but with a few different twists. All in all a good book,and I would recommend it.
Easy read, typical Picoult book that is quick and entertaining. It has a nice twist or two and a chill-bump/food for thought ending. I'd recommend it.
Whenever I can get through a 400+ page book without looking at the page numbers, I know it's a great book. I love this author.
A story that gets you thinking. At every corner, there's something new happening. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, it all changed.
This is my favorite Piccoult book! It is amazing how she truly makes the reader side with every character. I couldn't put this one down.
As usual Jodi Picoult gives another great book. Great story about faith, forgiveness, and comfort. The characters developed well and are enjoyable. Interesting story about the death penalty.
This book was interesting. It was recommended to me by a friend. I seemed to have a love/hate relationship with the story line. The twist and turns it took on faith and religion were awkward at times. I thought the death penalty theme was very intriguing and the ending was incredible. This was the first book I've read by Jodi Picoult.
Text was riveting, and kept me on my feet!
I think that the phrase, people are never who you think they are is the key point of this book. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. As with most of Picoult's other books, it is well researched and put the reader right in the story.
At face value, the book is OK, written in her typical style. However it is a total knock off of Stephen King's Green Mile. The story is extremely similar, with just some details changed.
This is a great book!! I love how it ends. Always a twist!
This book was kind of slow and had a "The Green Mile" feel about it. However, once I got all the way through, it was definitely worth the slowness at the beginning to get the ending. Overall, great read.
I loved this book; it was a bit heavy on the religious aspect, but it was easy to skip some of those paragraphs without deterring from the rest of the story.
After I got past the super natural it was good. A typical great read from
I read this book because I had read her previous book called Nineteen Minutes. I really like her writing style and how she lets the reader know how the issue affects each of the different characters of her book. This book was not a disappointment and I would highly recommend reading any of her books if you are a reader who wants to understand the psychology of people when they are in crisis. I also always believe that she has known someone in each of the situations that she writes about or that she has done a great deal of research or interviews with the people who are dealing with these conditions. She is a wonderful writer. Her books are very provocative and can launch a great bookclub conversation.
this book was OK, but was my least favorite of her books so far
While not her best book, I love everything she writes.
This was my second Jodi Picoult book, and I really liked it. This story made me think about the death penalty deeper than I ever had before. Picoult weaves an interesting tale that kept my interest and deeply touched my heart. There are so many true victims in this saga. Even though this book was a big one, I found myself not wanting it to end.
riveting book, could not put it down!
this is one of her best keeps you guessing until the end
this is one of her best keeps you guessing until the end
An excellent story of a man who is convicted of 2 murders, put on death row, his request to donate his heart and how it he affects of the people around him. Very well written and the religious parts are well researched. Learned alot about the death penalty, the right of religion of incarcerated felons and organ donation. Jodie Picoult has become my favorite author to date.
Another great Picoult story! Never tire of reading her!
This is my favorite Picoult read so far. The ending has a twist I did not see coming and normally I take a few weeks to get through a Picoult book, however this one I finished within a few days because I could not put it down. As always, Picoult leaves you questioning the ending and sympathizing with her characters.
I read Change of Heart for my book club. I liked it, but there were parts I didn't like. It was typical Jodi Picoult in that she writes from each character's point of view. I like that. The story centers around a young man from a dysfunctional childhood that is accused of killing a cop and his step daughter. The cop's wife is pregnant with their child, and when their daughter is eleven, she needs a heart transplant. The only available donor is the young man who killed her family. He is on death row, but death by lethal injection makes organs not viable. As usual with Jodi Picoult novels, there are all kinds of extenuating circumstances, and many other people involved. For readers who like Jodi Picoult, you won't be disappointed.
Another fantastic read from Jodi Picoult!
One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice, waiting for a miracle.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, he gets one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Father Michael is a man whose past decisions led him to devote the rest of his life to God. But when he comes face-to-face with Shay, he must question everything he's been taught to believe about religion, about good and evil, about forgiveness. About himself.
For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, he gets one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child.
Father Michael is a man whose past decisions led him to devote the rest of his life to God. But when he comes face-to-face with Shay, he must question everything he's been taught to believe about religion, about good and evil, about forgiveness. About himself.
