#1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is a born storyteller who “writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships” (The Boston Globe). Small Great Things is Picoult at her finest–complete with unflinching insights, richly layered characters, and a page-turning plot with a gripping moral dilemma at its heart.
… dilemma at its heart.
Ruth Jefferson, a labor and delivery nurse, begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone on the ward. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case, but Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible–especially for her teenaged son. And as the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others–and themselves–might be wrong.
From the Hardcover edition.
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Wonderful!! Very thought-provoking – makes you re-examine your beliefs.
One of my favorites ever, so well written. I learned and felt so much about racism, really makes you think about the world we live in.
This a great book that addresses racism. Given the word in which we live today, it is a must read for everyone!!!
This book made me think about things I’ve never had cause to. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story, long after the book ended. Highly recommend.
It was a book long overdue in the writing. Finally someone has written a story about racism in a realistic narrative that gives the real thoughts and feelings of individuals on both sides of the race issue. With well developed characters, it offered insight into the deepest feelings of both black and white characters as they grappled with the realities of deep seated discriminatory instincts. It’s an issue that we all must face if we are to truly become what we think we are.
The protagonist and antagonist were so stereotyped that they both wore me out. I have to admit I didn’t finish the book because I dreaded where the melodrama was headed as the attorney entered the mix.
To me this was the best adult book Jodi has written. It was real. I loved reading the book.I would recommend it to anyone who has experienced adult living and real life.
Jodi doesn’t dodge family, interactions or family interaction. She soars with family and social issues. Wish I could make her a World Philosopher. Amazing writer. Amazing in site.
I like the way the author presents the issues from all sides. It is certainly thought provoking. Characters are well developed and you are made to feel connected to each one. Each point of view is presented and completely believable.
Seemed like a good portrayal of stepping into someone else’s shoes for a little while. Thought provoking.
This book will make you rethink the questions of race and white privilege. Compelling!
Not my favorite Jody Picoult. It drags at times. But, it made me a little uncomfortable which as someone raised with White privilege, I think that was some of the point of the book. It gave me pause and made me think about how I think about people of color. And, how I view white supremists. Thought provoking presentation of an interesting story.
Jodi Piccoult never fails to deliver a realistic story that makes you consider its moral overtones long after you have finished reading it. My heart hurt for some of these characters and their pasts that led to the development of their personalities and beliefs. Thank you, again, Ms. Piccoult, for making your readers look closely and empathetically at people who are not like we want to be.
I just finished reading Small Great Things and I am transformed. Being a white woman, born in the South, I thought I was above racism and discrimination, but Judy Picoult made me realize that there is a difference between equality and equity and we are still very far from both in this country. I pray many others will read this page-turner with some pretty amazing twists at the end. Don’t miss the Author’s Notes!
Thought-provoking book appropriate for our times given race issues. Jodi always does a great job of presenting the story from the perspective of the various characters. Honestly looking into our attitudes and souls may reveal characteristics about ourselves that we may recognize as racially prejudiced and unkind when we think they are not. Fundamental change starts here.
Excellent book by Jodi Piccoult as always!
While difficult to read, this accessible story about racism is thought provoking and eye-opening. It provided insight greater than I had even after many years of working with and counting as friends people of color. Thank you, Jodi, for a book which is especially valuable during the current climate. Additional insight into people who hate was a bonus.
Very in tune with what is happening.
Excellent story. Sad that a wonderful nurse had to endure this treatment. Sad anyone would.
Wonderful read. Highly recommend.