#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.
more
Very good read!
This book was very well written. It makes you stop and wonder how unbiased you actually are. It actually made me stop and think about how I really am as a person.
I have read many of Jodi Picoults books. She always pulls at the heart strings and can reek havoc with your emotions sometimes.
Loved it! Will read more by this author!
Love every one of her books and this was no exception. Loved the dept she went into describe the characters and how they were feeling and understanding all what was going on in the story line. A great read!!
Timely informative
It was tough reading through the vitriole but the language & sentiments were, I think, realiistic. The characters were well drawn and believable. The end was tied in too neat a bow bit nevertheless a decent read.
This is a novel for our times. It is a story that will stick with you and even make you question what you believe. Very thought-provoking.
I think this could be one of the best books on race relations in America. Picoult is sensitive to each character’s perspective. She’s definitely researched her themes and built a convincing plot. Fiction and nonfiction become fused. Great read!
Wow! I listened to this audio book and I don’t know where to begin. This is probably my new favorite JP book and I think it should be required reading. It takes an in-depth look at racism, prejudice, White Supremacy and is an emotional blockbuster. The author’s note at the end lends reality to the well-researched fictional story based on parts of real life events. I don’t think you’ll be sorry if you invest the time in reading it.
This is a book that changed my perspective. Educated me and should be read by every person who never understood “white privilege” .
Like all of Jodi’s books, it really make you think about all sides to any situation.
I loved this book. Jodi Picoult makes me think and recognize some problems that don’t impact me directly. She makes me recognize some things that may occur that should not occur as they have such a negative impact on those that don’t deserve it. I read her books plus many that she recommends.
Love this one. Picolt at the top of her game.
Hard to put down! Leaves you thinking!
The way Jodi Piccoult develops the characters and story is amazing. I couldn’t stop reading it. Highly recommend!
so Interesting- the view points from different angles were page turning
Oh my, would you look at the fleas all over fluffy are my thoughts at the end. All I can say is. . .Damn, Damn, Damn! Didn’t see that coming at all.
Honestly, this book was amazing on so many levels. It brings out a much needed conversation, perspective and awareness.
Should be read by all sides.
This was a hard book to read because of its subject. It is about race and racial injustice. With all That is going on in our country right now it is very topical, but it is not a happy book. It made for a good discussion at my book club. I would recommend it highly.
Shared with everyone I know. Very insightful. Caused me to question my own reactions aNd opinions on lots of things.