Denise H. (Lazeeladee) -
Helpful Score: 24
Jodi Picoult is a very talented writer. She has this wonderful ability to make you see all sides of an issue, and to reach deep inside your self to drag out feelings you sometimes didn't even know you had. I have loved most of her books, as has my daughter. However, we both are getting tired of two things that the majority of her books have in common, especially lately.
The first drawback is that they are SO depressing for the most part. The second thing is that, especially in the last two we've read, we have little to no sympathy for the mother. In fact she is quite despicable! While that's an important and sometimes integral character development in some stories, it just seemed wasteful and unnecessary here. I feel Ms. Picoult could have shown the thoughts and feelings the mother was having without making her readers almost hate the woman.
I was almost at the end of the book, thinking that it looked as if we finally might at the very least get a decent ending out of the whole thing. I'm sorry to say, it was not to be.
I have read every single one of her books, but this reader has had enough! Unless I find out from others that this trend has changed for the better, I'll be skipping over the rest of her books.
The first drawback is that they are SO depressing for the most part. The second thing is that, especially in the last two we've read, we have little to no sympathy for the mother. In fact she is quite despicable! While that's an important and sometimes integral character development in some stories, it just seemed wasteful and unnecessary here. I feel Ms. Picoult could have shown the thoughts and feelings the mother was having without making her readers almost hate the woman.
I was almost at the end of the book, thinking that it looked as if we finally might at the very least get a decent ending out of the whole thing. I'm sorry to say, it was not to be.
I have read every single one of her books, but this reader has had enough! Unless I find out from others that this trend has changed for the better, I'll be skipping over the rest of her books.
Helpful Score: 13
I typically love Jodi Picoult's work, but this was not one of my favorites. Normally, I can hardly put her books down--this was not one of those books. It was not bad... just not one of my favorites. The whole thing is one big "Debbie Downer" story, and then the end... good grief! I'm all about tough situations, building on the characters.... the things she is known for writing about.... but there was never a moment of relief in this one. Like other reviewers, I was also not a fan of the style this one was written in (as if everyone was speaking directly to Willow). I have another Picoult book waiting to be read, but I think I'm going to explore something along the lines of "Confessions of a Shopaholic" first. I need to laugh a little before I tackle another one of her books!
Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) -
Helpful Score: 8
I am a long time fan of Jodi Picoult's work but have been disappointed with her last few efforts. This was no different. While the premise is interesting and the story is told in many voices, I was distracted by the form of the novel in which the characters speak to directly to Willow. And what's with the recipes? Charlotte is no longer a pastry chef. Once the story has been set up with the child's rare disease, it doesn't go anywhere from there. There is nothing new here. We all know what a debilitating illness does to the family, friendships and free time. We all know how much it costs the family physically, emotionally and financially. The endless storytelling about the fractures that Willow sustains and how they have to care for her was boring and too much. Once the family went ahead with the lawsuit, I knew how it would end. Charlotte's character is flawed and unsympathetic - I didn't care for her. Midway through the book I didn't care enough to finish it and skipped to the end. Contrived and very disappointing. I will not spend any more money on Ms. Picoult's books in the future.
Helpful Score: 6
Having never read any of this author's work before I was very disappointed in this book. It was so depressing and seemed to show the dark side of a family. Where was the love? I found the mother unlikeable. I couldn't believe what she was willing to do to her family. Those poor children! And her husband! The end did not surprise me. A happy ending would have been out of place with the entire story. I bought this book to read on my Kindle and because the adoption story was taken from a woman in an adoption group I belong to. Thank God I didn't pay full price for this!
Helpful Score: 5
As with all her other books, I absolutely loved this one! The story is so compelling, as again, she presents two sides of an issue of which you, the reader, may find yourself going back and forth on. It is not only about an illness that is debilitating to the child, the family, and friends, but also about moral and loyalty issues that are crossed. I could not put this down. As with many of her other stories, I sat on my seat wondering how it would end and which issue would win out. This one has a surprising twist to the story though at the conclusion.
One note though: as with many of her other novels, Jodi tends to place things (comics, poems, and in this book, recipes) in between some of the chapters. I find them distracting and tend to skip over them. The final detail of this story is in the last recipe so it will be important to the plot that it is read.
One note though: as with many of her other novels, Jodi tends to place things (comics, poems, and in this book, recipes) in between some of the chapters. I find them distracting and tend to skip over them. The final detail of this story is in the last recipe so it will be important to the plot that it is read.
Helpful Score: 4
I just finished this and must say it was POWERFUL! ALOT of HEAVY material & issues in this one... if you cant handle it then skip it, however, if your like me and you like a deep heart-wreanching read then this is great, as i was up almost all night to finsish it! Quite depressing, but given the subject matter of the book why beat around the bush, as there is nothing happy about this poor little girls illness... I also liked how this book let you get into each characters' head so you really truly could see each side of the story and why each person did (and felt) the way they did... I personally liked the recipe tie ins b/c they did make sense... and i wasnt expecting the ending, sad as it was, i thought it was fitting....
Helpful Score: 4
once again, she pulls at my heart strings..............i could not put this book down! but i will say that after all teh trouble and heartache the family went through....I was a little disappointed with the ending..but that is all i'm saying! i still would recommend it, especially if you ahve read her books befor and understand her style of writing.
Helpful Score: 4
I am a total fan of Jodi! She develops characters like no other author I've read. Every story is unique and always amazes me what she comes up with. I felt like I knew the characters intimately. It was hard to choose who to root for this time!
Helpful Score: 4
It was another good Picoult and nicely portrayed from everyone's diff. perspectives but I agree it was quite similar to My Sister's Keeper in a few ways. Not to say it isn't worth the read though I was frustrated throughout by certain characters which of course made you want to read on to see what happens. Ending made me mad!!!!!
Hey, Picoult knows how to grab you and keep you reading whether you like the characters or storyline or not! Good for her.
Hey, Picoult knows how to grab you and keep you reading whether you like the characters or storyline or not! Good for her.
Helpful Score: 4
This story is very intriguing and I was very enthralled at first. The story line is very descriptive, with several not-so-clean scenes.It paints a vivid picture of a not-so-happy home life too. I was very shocked by the ending; so much so that I was angry that I had wasted my time reading it. It left you with a very unfinished-incomplete feeling and left you wondering what the point was. I would NOT reccomend this book!
Helpful Score: 4
I think Jodi has to slow down and take a bit more time with her stories, they are starting to get a bit too similar. This book has a similar theme as ,My sisters keeper, in many ways and that was a wonderful book. This book has some great character development and a thought provoking concept. It was still a good book, but if you have read the one I just mentioned you will see what I mean.
Crystal F. (readingcrystal) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Wow - since I read my first Jodi Picoult about three years ago I knew to expect a thought-provoking book. One thing I love about Ms. Picoult's novels is the fact that she brings interesting and controversial topics to light but doesn't tell you how to feel one way or the other about it, which is unusual in today's world. We all have our opinions and believe they are right. No doubt Ms. Picoult has her opinions too, but she chooses to bring all sides of a topic to light. Handle with Care is another great example of this. Making the wrongful birth lawsuit front and center and how it really makes different people feel. From the one who is being told that she shouldn't have been born (but that is a lie mommy is telling), to the sibling who is unintentionallly left behind in the dust of the lawsuit, to the marriage that takes second place at this point and to others it affects such as the doctor and best friend and the whole community of disabled people who essentially are told that their lives are not perfect and therefore not worth living. I think I have had the same thoughts as each of the characters and it really pointed out some things to me that I feel that are wrong in my own beliefs. It's definitely opened my eyes to several different things.
While the issue is a part of this book, but definitely not the whole. I felt like I truly got to know all the characters. I listened to this on audio and it was wonderful. They used different people for the different characters in the book who were writing to Willow at the time. The distinguing voices were a big help with listening. It was a true joy to listen to. The story never lagged for me, in fact I would find myself listening in the car a few extra minutes, carrying my mp3 player with me to listen when I could. The story moves forward at a good pace, the characters seem real and the story is just riveting.
This book is wonderful and heartbreaking and so much more. It is well worth the time it takes to read it (it's a large book) and I highly recommend it!
While the issue is a part of this book, but definitely not the whole. I felt like I truly got to know all the characters. I listened to this on audio and it was wonderful. They used different people for the different characters in the book who were writing to Willow at the time. The distinguing voices were a big help with listening. It was a true joy to listen to. The story never lagged for me, in fact I would find myself listening in the car a few extra minutes, carrying my mp3 player with me to listen when I could. The story moves forward at a good pace, the characters seem real and the story is just riveting.
This book is wonderful and heartbreaking and so much more. It is well worth the time it takes to read it (it's a large book) and I highly recommend it!
Helpful Score: 3
I thought this book was quite good, but be sure to read the recipe on the last page, or you will miss some valuable information!!!!!
I hated this book! OI runs in my family, my uncle had it, and passed away 21 years ago. The whole time I was reading this book I was thinking of how my grandmother raised him and two other children, and never complained about the difficulties she had to deal with. The idea of a "Wrongful Birth" lawsuit disgusts me. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Helpful Score: 3
As usual, Jodi helps you see an issue from ALL sides. Handle with Care gives us perspectives on having a child with a disability, from the mom, dad, older (neglected?) sister, OB & best friend of mom, and various outsiders. It explores the many emotional facets of having a child with a disability, as well as what our society/culture imposes on the issue. Having a special needs preschooler, I could relate to alot of this book. Very well-handled.
Helpful Score: 3
I love all of her books. But this one was just too sad. When I read the ending, I wanted to cry. I'm still thinking about burning it. I really didn't like Charlotte. She was weird. But I do understand where she was coming from. Amelia's story was just as sad. Thirteen is an age where everything seems complicated. Amelia had a lot more on her plate than most adults. This is a tear jerker and the ending was a awful. I don't suggest it to anyone, unless their heart is made of ice.
I love Jodi Picoult's books. Unfortunately, this was the first one I really didn't like. I couldn't relate to the mother. The ending was way to depressing without any real closure to the story. I posted this for PBS... the first of her books I have ever been willing to part with.
Jennifer P. (favoritern) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoy the topic of this book. I have never heard of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Picoult really does a fantastic job with describing this disease process. I always enjoy the way Picoult tells the story in points of view of all characters. The characters of this book were very well thought out and described!
Helpful Score: 2
This was another good book by this author, although I don't feel it was as well-done as previous ones I had read by her. The ending was too predictable and there seems to be a definite pattern in the writer's style.
However, I do really appreciate how there is a change of fonts whenever we read from the point-of-view of a different character. It breaks up chapters better so the story doesn't just melt into one big blob.
I also thought the recipes were an interesting touch. To me, they represented something lost by Charlotte in what she had to give up in order to care for her disabled daughter. But, I suppose the recipes also represent that even though a lot of hard work may go into something so wonderful, it cannot last forever.
Of course, regardless of how yummy the recipes sounded, I couldn't stand Charlotte's character. She was manipulative, greedy and a hypocrite. I couldn't help but feel, a lot of times, that when she was saying she only wanted the best for her daughter, she really meant that she wanted things to be easier for her.
On a light note, there was a laugh-out-loud moment in this book when one of the characters was dumped via Facebook. I have just recently started participating in the site, so luckily I had a visual of what was going on.
Overall, I did find the book a good read and will continue to read more by this author. I always look forward to seeing what she will open up our eyes with next.
However, I do really appreciate how there is a change of fonts whenever we read from the point-of-view of a different character. It breaks up chapters better so the story doesn't just melt into one big blob.
I also thought the recipes were an interesting touch. To me, they represented something lost by Charlotte in what she had to give up in order to care for her disabled daughter. But, I suppose the recipes also represent that even though a lot of hard work may go into something so wonderful, it cannot last forever.
Of course, regardless of how yummy the recipes sounded, I couldn't stand Charlotte's character. She was manipulative, greedy and a hypocrite. I couldn't help but feel, a lot of times, that when she was saying she only wanted the best for her daughter, she really meant that she wanted things to be easier for her.
On a light note, there was a laugh-out-loud moment in this book when one of the characters was dumped via Facebook. I have just recently started participating in the site, so luckily I had a visual of what was going on.
Overall, I did find the book a good read and will continue to read more by this author. I always look forward to seeing what she will open up our eyes with next.
Helpful Score: 2
I have read many of Jodi Picoult's books, and I'm beginning to think too many. This one was not nearly as captivating as others, and the end is no surprise. In many others, where there was a "twist" with the ending, it felt right, but in this one, it felt contrived. It was like Ms. Picoult knew she had to end it that way and forced a way into it. I wasn't sad, angry, or confused by the end, my only thoughts were "how lame!"
Helpful Score: 2
Although I found this book difficult to get into at first, by the end, I couldn't put it down. Very sad the whole way through. Not for someone looking for a feel-good read. I would recommend 'Nineteen Minutes' and 'Perfect Match' way ahead of this book, although this one is very good.
Helpful Score: 2
I have beeen following most of Picoult's stories about children in families with really bad medical problems, and they are well put together and well paced and really timely for people who are involved with the diseases as well. But I think maybe I'm a little "bone" tired of disaster--this of course is personal. I had a handicapped child who survived a difficult childhood and so far our story has come out okay. So it isn't that I don't know what CAN happen to children with difficult health problems growing up. But I'd like to see her lighten up already at times.
Helpful Score: 2
This was my first time reading Picoult. I thought the novel was fairly interesting with a decent enough plot, but I can't say that she will be one of my new favorite authors. I could have done without the recipes-seemed kinda strange to me. Her style of writing the chapters from different points of view also made for a sometimes choppy reading. I will say that the plot was interesting enough to make me want to continue reading to find out the outcome. I will also say that I was very disappointed in the final outcome.
Helpful Score: 2
This is not one of her best books. Very confusing until you got the hang of changing first person in the story. I didn't finish because it failed to hold my interest.
Helpful Score: 2
Jodi Picoult books are seldom breezy reads. They take tough issues/themes and beat a rough-edged story out. The endings are not always fair or happy, but I think that's part of her gift of trying to create "reality" in her stories.
I love her style of writing the story in first person, especially with different characters taking turns as storyteller. A single event can take on so many dimensions when the story is told by multiple eyewitnesses. I thought it was a good book, but got VERY slow at times in the middle and could've used some shortening.
I love her style of writing the story in first person, especially with different characters taking turns as storyteller. A single event can take on so many dimensions when the story is told by multiple eyewitnesses. I thought it was a good book, but got VERY slow at times in the middle and could've used some shortening.
Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
"Handle With Care" is well-written, but the ending left a lot to be desired. Amelia's story was too easily wrapped up and Willow's ending was depressing. I really wanted them to deal with the item that was hung on the refrigerator and what they finally did with it was just wrong. That said, if you are a Picoult fan I think you will like this book.
Helpful Score: 2
Do not read this book while pregnant! I did so and had to force myself to calm down as I started freaking out what might be wrong with my baby-she was born healthy, thank God! As for the rest of the book-read My Sister's Keeper. It's basically the same storyline with just a few details changed. I've enjoyed some of Jodi Picoult's book but her style in recent years, including this book, has become very repetitive and dull.
Helpful Score: 1
I love the perspective that Picoult writes from because it is very unique to other writers. That said, this was a very good book. It made me really think about the moral dilemmas that modern medicine places on us as a society. I also felt it put a face on malpracice lawsuits in this litigius world. I have come the conclusion that her books are all somewhat depressing...although I didn't sob through half of the book like My Sister's Keeper.
Alishia Z. (alishiaz) -
Helpful Score: 1
this was a emotional draining book for me. After I would read, I couldn't get the book out of mind. It was very good. I liked it better than my sister's keeper. I could have done with a different last few pages, but otherwise I was hooked to see what happened next.
Helpful Score: 1
Another page-turner by Picoult.This story follows a family that is raising their daughter with osteogenisis imperfecta. The child's mother struggles with raising this child and the constant pain associated with the disorder. She decides to sue the delivering obstetrician for 'wrongful birth' of the child. The main problem with this law suit is that the obstetrician is her best friend. Picoult write the book through the eyes of all involved parties as they address the child with the disorder. As usual, a sudden turn of events within the last pages.....I loved the book!!!
Linda D. (stormyinAlabama) -
Helpful Score: 1
This book is one of Jodi Picoult's best yet.
Helpful Score: 1
I read My Sister's Keeper first and it is one of my all time favorites. I have read all of Picoult's other books but thought none compared to My Sister's Keeper until this one. It's a winner for me. I enjoy the medical storyline.
Helpful Score: 1
Unsettling and profound, Picout has a gift of writing people that come to life with direct simplicity. This book was thought-provoking. It was directly written, but not an easy read because it raised a lot of difficult, ethical questions--and uncomfortable emotions, and for that reason was also a good read.
That said, I do have one quibble and two caveats.
The quibble is that I found the sections written in the voice of the daughter--Amelia to be a bit too self-aware, orderly, and in some cases "nicely" written to be convincing as a teenager. There were several turns of phrase that jumped out to me as "too elegant" or polished to be truly that of a young woman in her early teens. For the same reason her knowledge of her own disease and emotions associated with it while deeply moving also struck me as a little to self-aware for someone suffering from it.
The caveats are as follows: I would STRONGLY caution mothers of disabled children and those with any history of self-injury against reading it as it has the potential to be VERY triggery.
That said, I do have one quibble and two caveats.
The quibble is that I found the sections written in the voice of the daughter--Amelia to be a bit too self-aware, orderly, and in some cases "nicely" written to be convincing as a teenager. There were several turns of phrase that jumped out to me as "too elegant" or polished to be truly that of a young woman in her early teens. For the same reason her knowledge of her own disease and emotions associated with it while deeply moving also struck me as a little to self-aware for someone suffering from it.
The caveats are as follows: I would STRONGLY caution mothers of disabled children and those with any history of self-injury against reading it as it has the potential to be VERY triggery.
Helpful Score: 1
Well, I have mixed emotions about this one!! I have read all but 2 books from this author and was excited to receive this one. I found the book to be drawn out and somewhat boring. After continuing to read it, it did,however, all come together at about Page 400. The last pages to the end held my interest and I was glad I had stuck with it for the surprise ending. This is not one of Picoult's better novels. There were far too many sub plots which I found made the story distracting.
Helpful Score: 1
The plot was ok. I am disappointed that she tells the story the same way in the characters voices. This is the second book by her I have read and I am not sure why she continues to kill off her main characters. I am all done reading this author and will be posting the one I bought today by her without reading it.The recipes sound good in this book.
Jackie S. (jackiesandora) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was a good Jodi novel, but I thought it was way too similar to 'My Sister's Keeper'. Sick sister, disgruntled sister, crazy mother and wacky ending.
Angela M. (angeluvsbooks) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was incredible, Picoult grabbed me from her first word. This book is another reason why i can hardly wait for her next book to come out, every time~~~~
Once again, another fabulous read from Jodi Picoult!
I couldn't put the book down it was a page turner. I didn't like the ending but it is worth the read. MAKE SURE YOU READ THE LAST RECIPE. Enjoy!!
This book was very moving. The author can really write a story from very interesting perpectives.
This book was a pretty good one. It was fast reading, and you wanted to know what would happen next. I was surprised at the end, but Jodi Picoult always throws that twist in at the end.
Caroline R. (carolineross) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 2 more book reviews
Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given a chance. Instead, their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of luckier prarents, and maybe worst of all, the wht-ifs. Emotionally riveting and profoundy moving, Handle With Care brings us into the heart of a family bound by an incredible burden, a desperate will to keep their ties from breaking,and, ultimately, a powerful capacity for love.
What constitutes a valuable life...this is the question charlotte and sean O'keefe had to ask if their beloved willow had never been born...were they given the choice earlier enough in the pregancy to make the choice,when your best friend was the obgyn..is she responsible for not making your choice clear...what would you do? this is a very interesting book, as is all of Jodi Picoult's book are..
While this was a very good read, it reminded me a lot of Sister's Keeper.
I did enjoy this book. I could have done without all the recipes mingled in with the story.
Tiffany P. (newmindnewlife) -
Such a great story. Shocking ending, complex characters, and moving plot. Cried and laughed the whole way. This book compelled me to read other Picoult books.
Nicole (tiffwitch69) -
** spoiler alert ** Such a sad and confusing book. To let a friendship and a career die because of something that could have never been changed. And the ending I truly never saw that coming.
This is another great book by Jodi Picoult. She comes up with the best story lines and characters. This is another book that she writes were the chapters are from each character. From thier point of view. I like it when she does that.
This book is another lawsuit, family problems and a surprise ending. As usuall she gets you in the end.
This book is another lawsuit, family problems and a surprise ending. As usuall she gets you in the end.
I love the way she writes....how you get so caught up in the story and characters. However, like most of her books, I was disappointed in the ending. But, the story is a great ride.
I really enjoyed this book. The whole time I was reading it I was really able to empathise with the characters and was torn about what I hoped for the end result. The ending of the story was really unexpected and very moving.
Thank goodness I did NOT pay for this book....it was loaned to me by a friend. Personally, I don't care for Jodi Picoult's style of writing, but that is my personal opinion. And I know many who actually enjoy her books and her subject matter. I do not, and this book was no different. I will no longer waste my time reading her novels and the pure dribble she calls entertainment.
Jodi Picoult has putdone herself again! This is a wonderful story full
of love, tragedy and twists. The biggest surpeise comes at the end and no one could have predicted that! It's definately a keeper!
of love, tragedy and twists. The biggest surpeise comes at the end and no one could have predicted that! It's definately a keeper!
Once again Jodi Picoult writes about a subject that gets to your own heart. While I don't have kids I kept wondering if I would do what Charlotte did. I'm also torn on the ending--I loved how one part of the story ended but not the other story line. It takes a little bit of getting used to how she writes the book (everyone is writing to Willow--kind of like letters). Very good book though and I kept wondering how the court case would turn out in this one. Looking forward to Jodi Picoult's next book!
Sandra F. (runcysmom) -
Once again Jodi Picoult has written a spell binding story. This time the topic is osteogenesis imperfecta. I learned a great deal about this disease while reading this book. The book started out a little slow but once it got going I was hooked. It is a story that is both awful and wonderful. I could not make up my mind what I wanted the outcome to be. The last chapter left me in total shock. What a great read. I highly recommend this book.
Another great Jodi Picoult novel! This book will leave you thinking days after you have finished it about moral choices. I love Picoults writing style as it never has a dull moment and she covers touchy issues so well. I especially like how she weaves in several different closely related topics in one book. The only minor flaw I would say in this book was I thought how it ended somewhat predictable (but very sad :-( ). It is a "what would you do if it was you" kind of book. I would highly reccomend this book as I think it would grab everyones heart!
This book was a gripper from the very first page. I am the mother of a daughter, so I found myself wondering what I would do if I found myself in the position this mother found herself in -- the parent of a child with brittle bones, no money to support the child -- and then someone offered me the chance to sue to get the money I needed? It was an awesome story and very thought provoking. I read it start to finish in one day! My only complaint was that someone always has to die in Picoult's books!
I have read a lot of books by Jodi Picoult. I like her courage in handling a lot of very difficult issues and decisions. I did not care for the book because I got to the ending and it made the whole book seem pointless.
Tonya M. (heyteacher-tpm) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 35 more book reviews
I really enjoy Jodi Picoult's books - in fact, some of my "top ten" are her books. But I just can't really give this book a good review. In fact, I couldn't even recommend this one to a good friend last week. It's not that it's a BAD book - it's just not a good one.
The characters are SO cliched here that it's painful to read - the child with illness (Willow), the ferociously protective mom (Charlotte), the tough guy dad (Sean) and of course the neglected other child (Amelia). Then there is a best friend (Piper) who is betrayed by the mom, and in turn almost betrays the mom, and the best friend's daughter and husband who are so ancillary to the story that you almost wonder why Picoult included them at all except for the "plot points" that they create. Then enter the lawyers - one tough guy with silver hair that gets the job done and one woman with so many personal issues that you sort of wonder how she manages to keep a job at a law firm, much less excel at it.
There is a trial (of course) which I normally enjoy about Picoult's writing - but this one falls so flat that I couldn't get into it. Perhaps part of it was that I couldn't really commiserate with Charlotte when she begins the lawsuit. I didn't get her drive to win the trial because I couldn't imagine a mother saying those things about her child - even if she was only doing it for "the greater good." I understand that the book was supposed to flow around this moral problem but I just didn't find it at all believable and more importantly, it wasn't enjoyable to read. Amelia was a seriously flawed character who never seemed to receive the attention or help she would require, and that upset me as well. Sean and Charlotte were cookie-cutter parents, which also reminds me - Charlotte's job as a pastry chef pre-Willow was mentioned only as a sidebar and a way to tie-in the recipes and baking terms scattered through the book. I find that cute when I am reading what is called a "cozy" book - but not when I read something from Picoult.
I also did not enjoy that all the characters "spoke" to the Willow throughout the book. It felt like there were far too many points of view, and the switches were sudden and often made me stop and think "wait, who's talking now?" I can't believe any mother, father or older sister not to mention a family friend or a lawyer would share some of the thoughts and experiences that they tell Willow about throughout the book.
Overall, this one just didn't do anything for me. I was disappointed by the flat feeling of the book and while it seemed so unrealistic, that would have been okay if it was enjoyable to read. I don't only read "real" stuff - but I do want something that holds my interest and is a good way to spend my time. The ending was also too much - a quick turn-around that Picoult is famous for that just felt shoddy this time.
If you want a great Picoult read, go for some of her earlier works - "The Pact," "Mercy," "Perfect Match," "Plain Truth" and "Salem Falls" are some of my favorites. The best of her more recent works for me is "Nineteen Minutes", although I also thought "Harvesting the Heart" was a good read as well.
I'd save a credit and skip this one, if I were you.
The characters are SO cliched here that it's painful to read - the child with illness (Willow), the ferociously protective mom (Charlotte), the tough guy dad (Sean) and of course the neglected other child (Amelia). Then there is a best friend (Piper) who is betrayed by the mom, and in turn almost betrays the mom, and the best friend's daughter and husband who are so ancillary to the story that you almost wonder why Picoult included them at all except for the "plot points" that they create. Then enter the lawyers - one tough guy with silver hair that gets the job done and one woman with so many personal issues that you sort of wonder how she manages to keep a job at a law firm, much less excel at it.
There is a trial (of course) which I normally enjoy about Picoult's writing - but this one falls so flat that I couldn't get into it. Perhaps part of it was that I couldn't really commiserate with Charlotte when she begins the lawsuit. I didn't get her drive to win the trial because I couldn't imagine a mother saying those things about her child - even if she was only doing it for "the greater good." I understand that the book was supposed to flow around this moral problem but I just didn't find it at all believable and more importantly, it wasn't enjoyable to read. Amelia was a seriously flawed character who never seemed to receive the attention or help she would require, and that upset me as well. Sean and Charlotte were cookie-cutter parents, which also reminds me - Charlotte's job as a pastry chef pre-Willow was mentioned only as a sidebar and a way to tie-in the recipes and baking terms scattered through the book. I find that cute when I am reading what is called a "cozy" book - but not when I read something from Picoult.
I also did not enjoy that all the characters "spoke" to the Willow throughout the book. It felt like there were far too many points of view, and the switches were sudden and often made me stop and think "wait, who's talking now?" I can't believe any mother, father or older sister not to mention a family friend or a lawyer would share some of the thoughts and experiences that they tell Willow about throughout the book.
Overall, this one just didn't do anything for me. I was disappointed by the flat feeling of the book and while it seemed so unrealistic, that would have been okay if it was enjoyable to read. I don't only read "real" stuff - but I do want something that holds my interest and is a good way to spend my time. The ending was also too much - a quick turn-around that Picoult is famous for that just felt shoddy this time.
If you want a great Picoult read, go for some of her earlier works - "The Pact," "Mercy," "Perfect Match," "Plain Truth" and "Salem Falls" are some of my favorites. The best of her more recent works for me is "Nineteen Minutes", although I also thought "Harvesting the Heart" was a good read as well.
I'd save a credit and skip this one, if I were you.
It seems that I really enjoy only every-other-one of her books. And since I really enjoyed _Change of Heart_... well, I didn't hate this one - I read it in one sitting, after all, but I certainly didn't love it. The formula for this one was her standard... though to be more specific, it strictly followed the formula of _My Sister's Keeper_ - right down to the emotionally manipulative ending. The ending "twist" that I thought worked in _My Sister's Keeper_ came off completely unwarranted here. It just didn't work, and in my opinion, ruined the whole book. And the money... why wasn't that donated? How selfish can they be! You Can't Take It With You....
The resolution just ruined the whole book. And how many times was the phrase "Catch-22" used?? The ending just infuriated me. Although, if the pattern continues, I am sure that I will love next year's book.
One other thing that bothered me throughout was that this book felt a little... crammed... with issues.
The resolution just ruined the whole book. And how many times was the phrase "Catch-22" used?? The ending just infuriated me. Although, if the pattern continues, I am sure that I will love next year's book.
One other thing that bothered me throughout was that this book felt a little... crammed... with issues.
Another tear your heart out story. I don't know how Jodi finds all of these issues you just don't think about and then writes about them. Makes you explore yourself, but makes me thankful that I am not in the situation.
2.0 out of 5 stars No more Picoult novels for me..., December 31, 2009
By Denise
This was a total disappointment and it's the last Picoult novel I ever plan to read. I slogged through every other book by this author, hoping for a repeat of my favorite, MY SISTER'S KEEPER (incidentally also sat through a totally awful movie masquerading as the same story) or perhaps even as good as Salem Falls. I had predicted the complete plot and story lines of all her other recent books, but I was naively hopeful about this one. Well, my hopes were dashed.
The plot: mother of child born with osteogenesis imperfecta sues for "wrongful birth" because she wants money to raise her daughter. Meanwhile, as in Picoult's other books, the family falls apart since the focus is on this daughter with the special needs. I really didn't like reading the story from all points of view and it was annoying as it moved back and forth in time. The only honestly sympathetic characters turned out to be stereotypes -- the wrongfully accused physician who was once the best friend, the zealous lawyer with a tragic secret, and the bumbling but ethically correct husband and father.
This was another ridiculous attempt to disguise originality with banality -- the completely unbelievable verdict in the court case (WHO were those jury people anyway??) to the last chapter that basically repeated from previous books what was supposed to be a shocker of an ending. Jodi Picoult's formulaic writing is a recipe for boredom and I won't read another.
Skip it.
By Denise
This was a total disappointment and it's the last Picoult novel I ever plan to read. I slogged through every other book by this author, hoping for a repeat of my favorite, MY SISTER'S KEEPER (incidentally also sat through a totally awful movie masquerading as the same story) or perhaps even as good as Salem Falls. I had predicted the complete plot and story lines of all her other recent books, but I was naively hopeful about this one. Well, my hopes were dashed.
The plot: mother of child born with osteogenesis imperfecta sues for "wrongful birth" because she wants money to raise her daughter. Meanwhile, as in Picoult's other books, the family falls apart since the focus is on this daughter with the special needs. I really didn't like reading the story from all points of view and it was annoying as it moved back and forth in time. The only honestly sympathetic characters turned out to be stereotypes -- the wrongfully accused physician who was once the best friend, the zealous lawyer with a tragic secret, and the bumbling but ethically correct husband and father.
This was another ridiculous attempt to disguise originality with banality -- the completely unbelievable verdict in the court case (WHO were those jury people anyway??) to the last chapter that basically repeated from previous books what was supposed to be a shocker of an ending. Jodi Picoult's formulaic writing is a recipe for boredom and I won't read another.
Skip it.
Great book. Poses current day issues that refers to people with disability (OI)--look that up, eating disorders, and financial struggle in the face of adversity.
I enjoyed this book very much ... until the end.
The book was very interesting because it makes you think about what you would do if it were to happen to you. The whole story was very relateable (if thats a word). I was not fond of the ending but I wont talk about that and give it away. It is a little hard to get started but after the first chapter your hooked.
I recommend this book to everyone. It was so good that I could not put it down until I was finished. At times it made me mad, it made me cry, and it made me laugh. One of the best books I have ever read!
Another thought-provoking read from Jodi Picoult. Brought me to tears.
I loved it!! :)
I just finished reading this book and i absolutely loved it. I'm a big fan of Jodi Picoult and have read almost all her books with this one being one of her best. I highly recommend it.
Very well written and holds your interest like all Picoult books ... the ending is upsetting, but the book is well worth the read.
With Jodi's books, one never knows in which direction she is going to take the story. This book in particular really had a lot of directions in it and at times I found it a bit tough to get going, although it was hard to put down the nearer to the end that I got. I totally did not expect the ending nor did I see it coming - I would have thought it would have ended differently and not leaving me with a "What the..." on my face, but.....overall I think it was still a good read.
I love Jodi Picoult- she brings out emotion and makes me fall in love with the characters and this book follows suit. I've read enough of Picoult that I was able to guess how it ended- (pretty much) but this a good one anyway. In fact, as I was reading and the characters were dividing up against each other, I chose sides. But right near the end, I flipped completely!!
I have a special needs child and I have a typical child, so this one sat pretty close to some raw feelings- I'm glad I read it.
I have a special needs child and I have a typical child, so this one sat pretty close to some raw feelings- I'm glad I read it.
Jeanette R. (thebeakeeper) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 167 more book reviews
I'm very wishy washy with liking Jodi Picoult books. I've read some things by her and loved them and other books I've felt like were a waste of time.
BUT this book was absolutely riveting!
Quick synopsis: Willow is born with a bone disease called OI. An incident at Disney World happens and her father sees a lawyer intending to sue. Instead his wife Charlotte ends up suing her OBGYN (and very best friend) for wrongful birth. (Charlotte claims that she was not given the choice to terminate Willow before she was born because Piper did not tell her that Willow would have OI when the first ultra sound showed it)
All of the characters were relatable. I'd never heard of OI before this book, but my niece has special needs and so I did understand a bit of what Charlotte (mother) is going through.
I've also dealt with cutting issues and eating disorders so I could relate to Amelia (Willow's older sister). I think everyone has had a best friend turn on them so Piper was easy to understand.
It's a sad story and lives are torn apart, but I think it's one that is possible.
So glad I read it!!!
BUT this book was absolutely riveting!
Quick synopsis: Willow is born with a bone disease called OI. An incident at Disney World happens and her father sees a lawyer intending to sue. Instead his wife Charlotte ends up suing her OBGYN (and very best friend) for wrongful birth. (Charlotte claims that she was not given the choice to terminate Willow before she was born because Piper did not tell her that Willow would have OI when the first ultra sound showed it)
All of the characters were relatable. I'd never heard of OI before this book, but my niece has special needs and so I did understand a bit of what Charlotte (mother) is going through.
I've also dealt with cutting issues and eating disorders so I could relate to Amelia (Willow's older sister). I think everyone has had a best friend turn on them so Piper was easy to understand.
It's a sad story and lives are torn apart, but I think it's one that is possible.
So glad I read it!!!
LOVED this book. Jodi Picoult writes with such finesse you feel what the characters are feeling.
Jodi Picoult's books are hit or miss for me. This one was a big hit. I really enjoyed it. I am always drawn into her books because the stories are unique. I loved all of the characters because I could see where they were coming from even if I didn't agree with their actions. This was a fast, easy read but an emotional one.
Another great book by Jodi Picoult. A difficult situation, with a very unexpected ending.
Elizabeth W. (pandagirl) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 27 more book reviews
Handle with Care is the story of Willow O'Keefe. Willow is a kindergartner who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes her bones to be extremely brittle and break extraordinarily easily. Willow even broke bones in utero. She has broken an extraordinary number of bones already and spent most of her life in pain and in a cast of one kind or another â and she's only 5 years old! In an attempt to raise money to offset Willow's medical expenses, her family instigates a âwrongful birthâ lawsuit against the obstetrician who provided prenatal care to Willow's mother, claiming that the doctor did not diagnose Willow's condition early enough in the pregnancy to give the parents the option of terminating the pregnancy. To add to the drama, the obstetrician and Willow's mother were best friends and continued to be best friends until the day that the O'Keefes filed the lawsuit. Also, Mr. and Mrs. O'Keefe were not on the same page regarding the lawsuit, which led to much fighting that Picoult's readers eavesdrop upon. Willow's older sister, Amelia, must compete with Willow for their parents' attention and deal with the normal teen angst and acting out as well as a chronically ill sibling. This novel has much to hold the reader's attentionâ law, medicine, and family dynamics.
Another really good Picoult book. I was a little worried at first that this seemed to be a blend of two other books Picoult has written but it soon became apparent that this is a story unto itself. The book is about a family who has a child with osteogenesis imperfecta which causes her bones to break constantly. It is a story that any parent can relate to who has a child with emotional or physical needs.
I loved this book. The characters were great and I thought Sean and Charolette were very strong and both fought for their side of things. I was totally thrown off by the ending, but in some ways real life is exactly so.
Wrongful death book. Very good. really enjoyed it.
really good...couldn't put it down and of course with most of Jodi Picoults books, I cried like a baby
Elizabeth H. (willowandholly) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 56 more book reviews
Great story with a provocative storyline. As usual, Picoult throws a tough topic in your face, makes you see it from all sides and examine your own beliefs and opinions on the subject.
Sometimes it hard to think about her topics, but it's presented with believable characters that make you understand that it could happen in your own back yard.
Sometimes it hard to think about her topics, but it's presented with believable characters that make you understand that it could happen in your own back yard.
I thought this was an excellent book. Jodi Picoult always seem to have a very surprising twist at the end of her books and she certainly doesn't disappoint in this book either. Charolette O"Keefe has a daughter born with osteogenesis imperfecta or what we would call brittle bone desease. She wants to sue her OB-GYN because she should have seen this imperfection at the ultra-sounds that were preformed during the pregnancy. The big drawback is that her OB-GYN is also her best friend. Her husband is a witness against her and they have an older daughter that is feeling very left out and unwanted. I love Jodi's writtings and this one is right up there at the top of Jodi's best.
I loved this book all the way through up until the last chapter. I couldnt put it down! Loved the little recipes in each chapter too that was very cute.
Karen D. (augieandlourock) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 117 more book reviews
Another Heart Wrenching book by Jodi Picoult.She Sure knows how to pull on your heart strings.I couldnt put this book down.It was a fast Read.I hated the Mom Charlotte for sueing her friend Piper after she realized her daughter Willow would never lead a normal life and would need lots of money to care for her as she grew older.I Thought the father Sean was more realistic and cared more about his daughter than the money.I can see why Charlotte and Seans marriage was on the rocks.I felt really bad for their daughter Amelia who was cutting herself and throwing up after eating. I can see now what happens when you ingore a child because you have to attend to your other child who needs more attention.If Charlott wasnt so busy sueing her friend Piper she would have seen what was going on.
I felt bad for the lawyer Marian who was trying to find her biological mother.When Marian found her mother she realized her mother never wanted her because of a rape.Another sad twist in the story.I really didnt see the end comming or maybe I did.Im not going to spoil it for you all let you read the book to find out.I thought the receipes were okay through out the book.I did notice she threw in things she felt in the receipes at the top.I liked how she switched between each character to let them tell their story.I wish Willow could have had a part in the story I would have loved to see how she felt,and about her mother suing her friend piper.I would recommend reading this book. I see why I am such a fan of Jodi Picoult.I am looking forward to her next book.
I felt bad for the lawyer Marian who was trying to find her biological mother.When Marian found her mother she realized her mother never wanted her because of a rape.Another sad twist in the story.I really didnt see the end comming or maybe I did.Im not going to spoil it for you all let you read the book to find out.I thought the receipes were okay through out the book.I did notice she threw in things she felt in the receipes at the top.I liked how she switched between each character to let them tell their story.I wish Willow could have had a part in the story I would have loved to see how she felt,and about her mother suing her friend piper.I would recommend reading this book. I see why I am such a fan of Jodi Picoult.I am looking forward to her next book.
A great read!
I loved this book. True, it's written in the same style as her book "My Sister's Keeper" (alternating chapters of each character 'talking' in the first person), but this style really suits the storytelling. You really get to know each of the characters, and the story is different enough that it keeps you completely engrossed in the details.
Great book
Excellent Read
Gerry H. (FrontRoyalGerry) reviewed Handle with Care (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 209 more book reviews
Another winner for Jodi Picoult!
