Helpful Score: 4
Lone Wolf tells the story of Luke and his family from their differing viewpoints. It has five differing narrative character viewpoints that switch from one to the other at different points during the story. The novel centers around an accident that Luke and his daughter Cara has after he picks her up from a friend's house because she is seventeen and has made the unwise choice to go to a teenage party and drink so cannot drive home on her own; on the way home a deer runs in front of their car and Luke is injured badly and sent into a coma where he is considered from then on to be brain dead by doctors and Cara also gets seriously injured.
The storyline after this focuses on the ensuing battle of Cara who wants to keep her Father alive, and her brother Edward who is called back home after six years of living a world away in Thailand, and who comes back to a place he never wanted to return to and since he is legally his Fathers only relative who is of age he says that his Father should be allowed to die in peace and not kept alive by artificial means; The storyline is also filled in with flashbacks of Luke who was not Father of the year material but was someone who lived in the wild with wolves and felt more at home in the woods with them and tried to use their ways and lessons with his own family his narratives include many stories of his living with wild wolf packs in Canada and in captivity. (There are also two other character narratives in the book Luke's ex wife and her new husband but to find out more I suggest reading this great book)
This novel captivated me because you could see all the research that must've gone into writing it; and the detail was amazing, I literally sat down and read it in one night; I found it fascinating partly because my aunt does love wolves herself so this is a particular animal that I have a profound respect for. Also this is an issue that I think should be treated with respect and I think Picoult did a very good job with the topic and with how the characters developed throughout the book. I liked the ending it was not stereotypical or like the end of a lifetime or hallmark movie at all and I appreciated that. It kept my attention; and the characters relationships with one another were very relatable and realistic especially the brother-sister relationship shown between Cara and Luke; being a younger sister I related to moments described between her and Edward.
This is a wonderful read; I will continue reading Picoult and would recommend this book to anyone =) Its one of my new favorites.
The storyline after this focuses on the ensuing battle of Cara who wants to keep her Father alive, and her brother Edward who is called back home after six years of living a world away in Thailand, and who comes back to a place he never wanted to return to and since he is legally his Fathers only relative who is of age he says that his Father should be allowed to die in peace and not kept alive by artificial means; The storyline is also filled in with flashbacks of Luke who was not Father of the year material but was someone who lived in the wild with wolves and felt more at home in the woods with them and tried to use their ways and lessons with his own family his narratives include many stories of his living with wild wolf packs in Canada and in captivity. (There are also two other character narratives in the book Luke's ex wife and her new husband but to find out more I suggest reading this great book)
This novel captivated me because you could see all the research that must've gone into writing it; and the detail was amazing, I literally sat down and read it in one night; I found it fascinating partly because my aunt does love wolves herself so this is a particular animal that I have a profound respect for. Also this is an issue that I think should be treated with respect and I think Picoult did a very good job with the topic and with how the characters developed throughout the book. I liked the ending it was not stereotypical or like the end of a lifetime or hallmark movie at all and I appreciated that. It kept my attention; and the characters relationships with one another were very relatable and realistic especially the brother-sister relationship shown between Cara and Luke; being a younger sister I related to moments described between her and Edward.
This is a wonderful read; I will continue reading Picoult and would recommend this book to anyone =) Its one of my new favorites.
Helpful Score: 3
For the Warrens, secrets have divided their family for so long, that it seems like they will never be able to come back together by their own choice. Then, on an icy winter night, a terrible accident forces them all to come together and make a fateful decision. It's a decision that will ultimately shake all of their lives to the foundations.
Seventeen-year-old Cara has always been her father, Luke's, little princess, protected by him, and confidently shielded by his love. What nobody realizes, however, is that Cara is tormented by a secret that she can't reveal - to anyone. Her older brother, Edward, has secrets of his own...ones that have kept him estranged from his family for the past six years. He has managed to keep them hidden rather well, but now they may come to light, and if they do, Cara will be devastated.
Their mother, Georgie, always felt like she was never able to compete with her ex-husband's life-long obsessions: wild wolves and their pack structure. This was a subject which Luke became completely immersed in; forsaking his own family in order to spend two years alone in the Canadian wilderness, following several wolf packs during that time - and subsequently running a wilderness sanctuary for wolves. And now, Luke's fate hangs in the balance and is held in the hands of her children; as the ex-wife, it seems as if Georgie has no further say in his personal matters.
With conflicting motivations and emotions, what will this family ultimately decide? And will they be able to live with that decision, after the truth has been revealed? What happens when the hope that should sustain a family in crisis, is the very thing tearing it apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, it was very well-written, and while I found the discussion of the hierarchies within wolf packs to be incredibly detailed; I appreciated how accurately such discussions described the dynamics within the Warren family. I give Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult an A+! I think Ms. Picoult does a tremendous job of getting the reader to care about these characters and about the difficult situation in which they find themselves.
Seventeen-year-old Cara has always been her father, Luke's, little princess, protected by him, and confidently shielded by his love. What nobody realizes, however, is that Cara is tormented by a secret that she can't reveal - to anyone. Her older brother, Edward, has secrets of his own...ones that have kept him estranged from his family for the past six years. He has managed to keep them hidden rather well, but now they may come to light, and if they do, Cara will be devastated.
Their mother, Georgie, always felt like she was never able to compete with her ex-husband's life-long obsessions: wild wolves and their pack structure. This was a subject which Luke became completely immersed in; forsaking his own family in order to spend two years alone in the Canadian wilderness, following several wolf packs during that time - and subsequently running a wilderness sanctuary for wolves. And now, Luke's fate hangs in the balance and is held in the hands of her children; as the ex-wife, it seems as if Georgie has no further say in his personal matters.
With conflicting motivations and emotions, what will this family ultimately decide? And will they be able to live with that decision, after the truth has been revealed? What happens when the hope that should sustain a family in crisis, is the very thing tearing it apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, it was very well-written, and while I found the discussion of the hierarchies within wolf packs to be incredibly detailed; I appreciated how accurately such discussions described the dynamics within the Warren family. I give Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult an A+! I think Ms. Picoult does a tremendous job of getting the reader to care about these characters and about the difficult situation in which they find themselves.
Helpful Score: 3
I have read a few Jodi Picoult books, some that I loved and some that still keep me on a fence. I started on the fence this one, but I slowly but surely moved to liking this one. She used her signature move attacking a serious subject with a court case from each character's perspective. The issue involved in this book is when is a life over medically/spiritually and who has the authority to make that call.
From the beginning you meet Cara, a young 17 year-old who has been in an accident with her father. Throughout the book you discover family secrets that have been hidden for years and the many reasons why this family was torn apart. Underlying it all is the storyline about the father, Luke Warren who was a famous conservationist focusing on the wolf community. The reader learns about how wolves form their packs and what keeps their family units working so well, and even what humans could learn from them.
I enjoyed the many layers to the book and it didn't feel like the rest of her books which made it feel like a fresh and new Jodi Picoult book. I would recommend this book to die-hard fans and newcomers to the Picoult repertoire.
From the beginning you meet Cara, a young 17 year-old who has been in an accident with her father. Throughout the book you discover family secrets that have been hidden for years and the many reasons why this family was torn apart. Underlying it all is the storyline about the father, Luke Warren who was a famous conservationist focusing on the wolf community. The reader learns about how wolves form their packs and what keeps their family units working so well, and even what humans could learn from them.
I enjoyed the many layers to the book and it didn't feel like the rest of her books which made it feel like a fresh and new Jodi Picoult book. I would recommend this book to die-hard fans and newcomers to the Picoult repertoire.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book I've read by this author but I found it somewhat disconcerting. There were two sections. Once the crash occurs, the author alternates the story of family members dealing with the tragedy with dialog by the hospitalized father who is unresponsive to medical attempts. The father was a renowned naturalist who studied and lived with wolves. He became a highly sought after authority on wolves and his comments are about his experience with wolves. On the other hand, his son and daughter disagree about whether or not life support should be disconnected because his prognosis is so bleak.
At first the technique of the alternating sections seemed appropriate but as I read more, the more uncomfortable it became. Finally, I felt that there were two books. Each was well written but attempts to link the two seemed awkward.
Was the author attempting to get inside the mind of a man whose surgery would make him forget some memories? Was she trying to link his own book to the tragedy of his children who disagreed about his future? I wasn't certain. And, as I read the author's comments I wondered if the author was just using a technique to write a book that she thought would appeal to readers because she had read one about a man who lived with wolves? I was never quite sure so I rated the book only three stars. Some may find this technique interesting but I did not. However, Picoult writes well and both sections were easy to read. I just wish she had written two different books or had approached the topic in a different way.
At first the technique of the alternating sections seemed appropriate but as I read more, the more uncomfortable it became. Finally, I felt that there were two books. Each was well written but attempts to link the two seemed awkward.
Was the author attempting to get inside the mind of a man whose surgery would make him forget some memories? Was she trying to link his own book to the tragedy of his children who disagreed about his future? I wasn't certain. And, as I read the author's comments I wondered if the author was just using a technique to write a book that she thought would appeal to readers because she had read one about a man who lived with wolves? I was never quite sure so I rated the book only three stars. Some may find this technique interesting but I did not. However, Picoult writes well and both sections were easy to read. I just wish she had written two different books or had approached the topic in a different way.
Helpful Score: 1
Picoult does not disappoint. As with all her stories, this is an emotional one. It is a battle between siblings and ends with a powerful message.
Helpful Score: 1
Luke Warren studies wolves. He has placed them above all things in his life including his family. When tragedy strikes and a life decision should be made, Who should make it? His daughter who has lived with him for the past 4 yrs. She is only 17 and lives with him because her parents are divorced and her mother has a new life. Or his son who left home 6 yrs ago after a disagreement with his father?
This book takes place in New England but does not interact with any of her characters we have met in prior books.
I could have skipped over the fathers journal entries and still been happy with the book. There was information there and it let you get a glimpse of who he was. I was thinking the daughters secret was going to be better. I was disappointed when I found out on page 413. The sons secret was better.
I really enjoy Picoult's writing.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale: A Novel in Five Voices (1992)
Harvesting the Heart (1993)
Picture Perfect (1995)
Mercy (1996)
The Pact (1998)
Keeping Faith (1999)
Plain Truth (2000)
Salem Falls (2001)
Perfect Match (2002)
Second Glance (2003)
My Sister's Keeper (2004)
Vanishing Acts (2005)
The Tenth Circle (2006)
Nineteen Minutes (2007)
Change of Heart (2008)
Handle with Care (2009)
House Rules (2010)
Sing You Home (2011)
Lone Wolf (2012)
Between the Lines (2012)
The Storyteller (2013)
This book takes place in New England but does not interact with any of her characters we have met in prior books.
I could have skipped over the fathers journal entries and still been happy with the book. There was information there and it let you get a glimpse of who he was. I was thinking the daughters secret was going to be better. I was disappointed when I found out on page 413. The sons secret was better.
I really enjoy Picoult's writing.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale: A Novel in Five Voices (1992)
Harvesting the Heart (1993)
Picture Perfect (1995)
Mercy (1996)
The Pact (1998)
Keeping Faith (1999)
Plain Truth (2000)
Salem Falls (2001)
Perfect Match (2002)
Second Glance (2003)
My Sister's Keeper (2004)
Vanishing Acts (2005)
The Tenth Circle (2006)
Nineteen Minutes (2007)
Change of Heart (2008)
Handle with Care (2009)
House Rules (2010)
Sing You Home (2011)
Lone Wolf (2012)
Between the Lines (2012)
The Storyteller (2013)
I'm not sure why I didn't connect with the characters of this book but I didn't. I guess the reader is expected to sympathize with an irrational, emotionally unstable teen OR her arrogant, selfish and indulgant father. I found myself in Joe's corner even though I don't think he really had one. I appreciated the difficulty of his situation more than any of the others.
As for the "pack", I appreciated the first 50 pages of wolf research, but it lost luster with me pretty quickly.
I've read at least 4 other novels by this author and usually have to prepare myself emotionally before I dive into one of her stories. She can usually get an emotional rise out of me a few times before the end, but this one just had me feeling like she was using wolf factoids as a filler to make this book a novel.
As for the "pack", I appreciated the first 50 pages of wolf research, but it lost luster with me pretty quickly.
I've read at least 4 other novels by this author and usually have to prepare myself emotionally before I dive into one of her stories. She can usually get an emotional rise out of me a few times before the end, but this one just had me feeling like she was using wolf factoids as a filler to make this book a novel.
You can read plenty of reviews that explain the plot. My review was for an audio version, with many narrators. Each reading for the various characters, even LUKE who is in a vegetative state.
Now to be honest I really don't find I am the Jodi Picoult fan that some are. I find her books to be cutting edge, current affair issues, that have social and moral debates. I find sometimes the author doesn't take a STAND one way or the other, just presents the issues and her story. This book was published in 2012, but the relevance is a current topic today. To remove life support and donate organs or wait it out.
I found out some interesting, and I hope true information about wolves and a wolf pack, which was way more interesting that the characters lives.
I really think if you love Jodi Picoult, you will love this book. My daughter and I are both in the MEH! area when it comes to this author.
I could not wait for this audio to be over, as I just didn't care. I did finish it though. I recommend that you finish the book, and form your own opinion and review.
Now to be honest I really don't find I am the Jodi Picoult fan that some are. I find her books to be cutting edge, current affair issues, that have social and moral debates. I find sometimes the author doesn't take a STAND one way or the other, just presents the issues and her story. This book was published in 2012, but the relevance is a current topic today. To remove life support and donate organs or wait it out.
I found out some interesting, and I hope true information about wolves and a wolf pack, which was way more interesting that the characters lives.
I really think if you love Jodi Picoult, you will love this book. My daughter and I are both in the MEH! area when it comes to this author.
I could not wait for this audio to be over, as I just didn't care. I did finish it though. I recommend that you finish the book, and form your own opinion and review.
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/lone-wolf.html
Lone Wolf is like reading two books in one. One deals with the human story of Luke Warren and his family - his ex-wife Georgie, his estranged son Edward, and his adoring daughter Cara. The other deals with Luke Warren's experiences as a biologist and environmentalist and his life with the wolves. The family story is the crux of the book. The stories about Luke's experiences with the wolves come across as interludes of educational pieces about wolves as animals, the pack culture, and the lessons we can learn from them.
The family story tells of the man who left (deserted?) his family for two years to pursue a personal passion. It tells of the wife left behind and the choices she made. It tells the story of Edward, his son who learns that you can leave but wherever you go, you bring your thoughts and emotions with you. It tells the story of Cara, the child split apart by a divorce trying to find her place within her family.
As with all Jodi Picoult books, a central key theme exists in this family story. For this book, the theme is that of terminating life support. Luke Warren is in a car accident and not expected to recover. Different family members have different opinions on life support. People take sides. Lawyers get involved. Choices are made. Family history is rehashed. Family secrets are revealed.
Also, as with most Jodi Picoult's books, there is an unexpected twist towards the end. I don't want to give any spoilers. I will just say that I felt that story line was completely unnecessary and did not add to the book at all.
I have honestly not liked some of Jodi Picoult's recent books. They have had twists I did not like or feel necessary. The endings have sometimes gone in a direction that did not mesh with the rest of the story. However, whenever a new one comes out, I feel compelled to read it. Her books deal with such serious human issues. I don't always agree with her take on the issues, but I am glad they are discussed and brought forth in this manner. So, while I did not love this book, I probably will read her next one when it comes out.
Lone Wolf is like reading two books in one. One deals with the human story of Luke Warren and his family - his ex-wife Georgie, his estranged son Edward, and his adoring daughter Cara. The other deals with Luke Warren's experiences as a biologist and environmentalist and his life with the wolves. The family story is the crux of the book. The stories about Luke's experiences with the wolves come across as interludes of educational pieces about wolves as animals, the pack culture, and the lessons we can learn from them.
The family story tells of the man who left (deserted?) his family for two years to pursue a personal passion. It tells of the wife left behind and the choices she made. It tells the story of Edward, his son who learns that you can leave but wherever you go, you bring your thoughts and emotions with you. It tells the story of Cara, the child split apart by a divorce trying to find her place within her family.
As with all Jodi Picoult books, a central key theme exists in this family story. For this book, the theme is that of terminating life support. Luke Warren is in a car accident and not expected to recover. Different family members have different opinions on life support. People take sides. Lawyers get involved. Choices are made. Family history is rehashed. Family secrets are revealed.
Also, as with most Jodi Picoult's books, there is an unexpected twist towards the end. I don't want to give any spoilers. I will just say that I felt that story line was completely unnecessary and did not add to the book at all.
I have honestly not liked some of Jodi Picoult's recent books. They have had twists I did not like or feel necessary. The endings have sometimes gone in a direction that did not mesh with the rest of the story. However, whenever a new one comes out, I feel compelled to read it. Her books deal with such serious human issues. I don't always agree with her take on the issues, but I am glad they are discussed and brought forth in this manner. So, while I did not love this book, I probably will read her next one when it comes out.
Another winner by Jodi Picoult. I enjoyed this audiobook and learning so much about wolves. The plot was believable and the characters lovable. This book was long, but it kept my attention.
Jodi Picoult is an excellent writer and Lone Wolf, is another example of her skill.
The struggle between siblings when there is a difference of opinion about medical issues involving parents takes center stage.
Edward and Cara have been estranged for years. Edward returs after their father is in a devastating car accident. The siblings don't agree on the choice of what Luke their father would want or what he would consider quality of life.
Its a heart wrenching and eye opening story that I couldn't put down until the end.
The struggle between siblings when there is a difference of opinion about medical issues involving parents takes center stage.
Edward and Cara have been estranged for years. Edward returs after their father is in a devastating car accident. The siblings don't agree on the choice of what Luke their father would want or what he would consider quality of life.
Its a heart wrenching and eye opening story that I couldn't put down until the end.
I LOVED this book. I have read most of Picoult's and this is probably the most gripping, wonderful one to me. I have enjoyed all of her books, the suspense, the legal questions, the medical ethics. This one just appealed to me, and I had to keep reading! I highly recommend this book!
Jodi Picoult lets us into another family and personal portrait. She is brilliant at helping us understand the inexplicable quirks and unexplainable actions of others while weaving an interesting tale. As usual I felt like part of the story with all it's pain and struggles. This story is about a man who develops a bond with wolves much more so than with humans. He goes so far as to seek them out and live with them as one of the pack. We learn a lot about how the wolf pack behaves which is interesting in itself. The other side of the story is how it impacts the family - each and every one of them.
ok story - different reading story
As usual, Ms. Picoult's books combine her artful talent of telling a story from all different characters' perspectives, to illuminating some type of moral or ethical dilemma. So on the one hand, this story is about family relationships, especially siblings, and about quality of life issues & euthanasia.
But the backdrop for the story is this fascinating character who has lived among wild wolf populations. As a biologist, this was mesmerizing to read about, especially when you find from the forward and acknowledgements that she loosely bases the character on a real man, Shaun Ellis.
Picoult's books are always a fast read - her multi-perspective writing really keeps the pace moving well, but the background story made it hard for me to put down. Possibly one of my favorites by her, not so much for the "wow factor" at the penultimate plot twists (normally a nice plus in her books), but for the great combination of her writing style and her characters this time around.
But the backdrop for the story is this fascinating character who has lived among wild wolf populations. As a biologist, this was mesmerizing to read about, especially when you find from the forward and acknowledgements that she loosely bases the character on a real man, Shaun Ellis.
Picoult's books are always a fast read - her multi-perspective writing really keeps the pace moving well, but the background story made it hard for me to put down. Possibly one of my favorites by her, not so much for the "wow factor" at the penultimate plot twists (normally a nice plus in her books), but for the great combination of her writing style and her characters this time around.
What I enjoyed the most about her book was the knowledge of wolves she imparted and the ways the characters seemed to intuit their Fathers wishes based on his powerful connection with wolves in the wild.
I love Jodi Picoult and was looking forward to listening to this. There are several narrators in this story, which complicates it somewhat. Hope you'll enjoy it.
Very different. Couldn't put it down.
This one is okay. I liked the family dynamic and how they deal with problems and relationships. In fact, I think it's brilliant how Picoult weaves the lawyer step dad into the story and keeps him neutral even though he's fighting one side. I've enjoyed many of her books just because she gives everybody's point of view and I find myself sympathizing with the side that I didn't think I'd care about it. I really love the emotion she's able to bring to the characters as well as the controversial stories. That being said--although it gave a whole other spin on prespective-- I thought that some of the wolf stuff got distracting and seemed kind of ridiculous at times. Like I said- this one is okay.
Couldn't put this one dowm
Loved this book!!!! I've read all of Jodi Picoult's books and she never disappoints!!!! She always writes about serious issues and adds a twist at the end that you never see coming. I can't wait for the next one!!!
I enjoyed this book a lot. ANother good book by Jodi Picoult. The characters and the story line seemed very real. ALl and all a good read.
Love Jodi Piccoult novels - this one was good but not great! A little slow moving than most of her drama/suspense stories.
I have only read about 1/4 of the book so far, as there has been a lot of family issues going on here. I am unsure at this time how I feel about the book; I have read any number of Jodi Picoult's books and enjoyed them all. Perhaps it is just the subject matter. Will continue reading and repost.
Another excellent book by Jodi Picoult! Couldn't put it down!
