Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth? 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. In short, waiting for a … 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. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen.
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 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.
Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy’s dying wish?
Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls readers with this story of redemption, justice, and love.
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Jodi Picoult is cdertainly one of our finest authors. In Change of Heart, she again treats her readers to a controversial topic, presenting it in a s tory that is rich, poignant, heartbreaking, and moving. It will stay with you for a long, long time.
Jodi Picoult’s fifteenth novel CHANGE OF HEART is leisurely, and perhaps overlong, but that didn’t matter to me, as the slow unspooling of tragedy, loss, courage and kindness kept me enthralled.
Shay Bourne is a convicted murderer on death row. Lucius is his best friend who inhabits the cell next to his. Michael is a priest trying to become Shay’s spiritual advisor, when he spoils things by admitting that eleven years before, he was on the jury that sentenced Shay to death. Maggie is Shay’s self-appointed lawyer (she works for the ACLU.) Clare is a young girl, in desperate need of a heart. And June is Clare’s mother, and also the mother of Elizabeth who was shot dead by Shay Bourne.
But, as in other Jodi Picoult novels, things are rarely what they seem. From the beginning, Shay is not your typical prisoner. Nor does he seem the type of person who would murder a little girl in cold blood. So what actually happened? If you love Jodi Picoult, you will adore this novel. Five stars. #jodipicoult #changeofheart
Read in 2008
WOW!!
This book caused many conflicting thoughts in me…many!! And while it was an excellent book, and well-written, I don’ think I agreed with it even likes at least HALF of it. Weird, I know.
To write a review of this book would be VERY difficult. I think that everyone who reads it will have different conclusions and different arguments with themselves and maybe NONE will come to the same conclusions~then again, maybe they would.
Comprised of 5 main characters who tell the story as seen through their eyes, this is a page turner from the get-go and it will make you look at everything you have ever believed in and question ALL you know. And also make you ask, “What would you do or NOT do for love”?
Strong language/strong subject matter
Formulaic.
Jodi Picoult did a magnificent job with this book, it made me reflect so deeply about society and who we believe are good or bad. The end just broke my heart it was so beautiful in its special way. This book will always have a special place in my heart.
Just great!!
I enjoyed the story line but really got tired of the religious debates.
I love all of Jodi Picoult’s books. She clearly researches her topics carefully and thoroughly and with every book, I learn something new. This book was no exception. The characters are excellently written and you grow to have feelings about all of them. Definitely worth reading!
The book opens you to a new challenge to judge and see people who are around you. A new definition of love and sacrifice which the book deliver to the reader. A must read book.
It is Jodi Picoult! She is my favorite author! I have read all She writes real stories about real conflicts that just amazingly lets you feel how several different characters react to a single situation. Did you love To Kill A Mockingbird? These books are that good!
Jodi is always a great read!
It led me on an emotional roller coaster. I didn’t know what would happen next.
Excellent book. The characters are easy to connect with. I found myself asking, “what if” throughout the book. I love Jodi’s research prior to writing. Her characters are so believable. The story could be real. The ending will leave you wondering.
One of my all time favorite books. Good story dealing with a hot button issues which is typical of this author. Read a synopsis and decide if you would like to read this book.
I don’t know about wonderful characters, but interesting characters, for sure. Very interesting book about someone convicted of murder.
In my favorite author list
As always Jodi Picoult, has the best books!!
This story is atypical and wonderful to read. I think Jodi Picoult did a great job with researching in religion and the judicial system including how prisons are run. I like how she goes from one character to another in the chapters. You won’t be sorry to read this one.