#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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Stimulating
I consider this book a must-read. You won’t be able to put it down, I’m sure! I highly, highly recommend this book.
This may be my favorite of all the Jodi Picoult books I’ve read. Although it was published in 2016, the storyline seems even more relevant today.
Another great book by a wonderful author! Loved it!!
I highly recommend this book. Very relevant for the days we live in.
Coudn’t be more topical in light of the divisions in our country today, BLM, George Floyd murder, January 6th at the US Capital. Powerful characters
Jody Picault is my favorite author. She never let’s you down. This was her best one yet!
Terrific, Very true still today!
I loved this book! So relevant to what is happening today in terms of Black Lives Matter. Helps a white person to maybe understand a little of what Black people have to live with.
As an avid reader, this is by far one of the best books that I’ve ever read. It left an impression on me, that I still think about.
Wonderful book for anyone exploring the insidious impact that racism can make on lives. It is miraculous how Jodi P. Is able to present even the most despicable acts as painful expressions of damaged humans worth redemption. Masterful handling of a complex issue.
In the times of Black Lives Matter, this book really helped me to understand the struggle. An incredible story of a person dealing with a difficult situation due to the color of her ski. Very moving.
This book is excellent. Made me think a lot
In this time of white privilege and anti- racism Small Great Things written in 2016 could have been written in 2020. Easy to read it really made me think.
This book was very moving and also disturbing. I think everyone should read it, keeping in mind thatt is takes place not too many years ago. One of the most moving books I have read in a long time.
One of the words to describe this book should be “necessary.” Jodi does an excellent job getting into the heads of polarizing characters, while also showing that everyone has a bias that affects their worldview. It’s a well-told story.
Small great things was my first book by Jodi picoult, and it was one of those stories that will always stay with you and I would recommend that everyone read it! There are so many thought provoking and moving things in it and no one will go away untouched, more aware of need for changes in our world, and how we percieve and treat each other. I became aware of misconceptions i had I didnt even see before. And without giving away ending, i cried. But it also gives you a renewed hope for mankind, and faith in a loving God. I have a new favorite author to look forward to following!
Great read
Brilliantly written and researched. This book tackles race, privilege, prejudice, and justice, with a style that makes it incredibly hard to put down.
I saw myself in this book, I was challenged, I grew.
I have so much more to say, and I said it in a video book review. If you would like to check that out, copy and paste this link in your browser: https://www.charlenecarr.com/book-review-small-great-things-by-jodi-picoult/
Astonishing book, amazing narration. There are surprises through to the end. Trust Jodi Picoult to tell a great story!