Helpful Score: 18
This book had me pissed off almost the entire time....but that's the great thing about Picoult's writing. She pulls you into the story so much, that you feel what the characters feel. I could not put it down because I wanted so badly to see how everything would play out. A suspicion I had about a character early in the book was put to rest when nothing had come of it near the end, but then BAM!!! Right there it was in the very last sentence, and I was literally left with my jaw hanging to the floor. Great book!!
Helpful Score: 14
"Salem Falls" was hard to put down. The characters' experiences provide different viewpoints on similar topics, that is, false accusation of rape vs. reactions of rape victims. Presented in flashback form, characters are developed and their motivations become understood. Jodi Picoult is effective at adding to the layers of the story as well as in peeling back layers of the different characters' personalities. She is also good at making situations real, and attacking issues in our society today, and this novel is a great example of that...I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read.
Helpful Score: 10
This is the second book I've read by Jodi Picoult. It took me a few chapters to get into it, and I'm sure glad I didn't give up, as I usually do. It's an engrossing story and kept me reading well into the night.
Helpful Score: 8
Jodi Picoult writes about current social issues. In Salem Falls she addresses child molestation and the shadow that follows those who have been accused of child molestation. Really good book. Hard to put down because of the writing and subject.
Helpful Score: 7
Picoult is an excellent writer. She keeps the reader very involved. It was hard to put this one down, and there are surprises down to the very last paragraph.
