#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
Thought provoking. I couldn’t put it down until the end.
Thought provoking. Sadly realistic!
Difficult but excellent story that opened my eyes and heart and gave me a new understanding about racism in the U.S. I highly recommend this book.
I love this book. It deals with white supremacy, a problem that has surfaced in today’s society.
You know when you read a book and you absolutely feel it in your soul and you want to shout about it from every rooftop and to every person you know? That’s what this book was for me. The storyline was fast paced and yet still so in-depth that I felt like I was right there. The characters were written extremely well with thoughtful insight in to each viewpoint. I found myself searching my own heart and asking questions about my own beliefs and reactions to this story and to me, that is the true measure of a masterpiece. I will be recommending this book to everyone and I will definitely be rereading this story for years to come.
I was fortunate to read this book for a college course I was taking. This book grabs you and hold your attention throughout the pages. Unpredictable; Jodi has a beautiful way of expressing the characters! I can’t say enough about this book and Author. Absolutely a must read.
A very interesting look at racism
Horrible. Hateful
Jodi writes so well. Her research makes the writing real.
Loved this book… Viola Davis would fill Ruth’s character beautifully! Must read!
At first I was skeptical about a white author writing a black heroine. I was quickly proven wrong. This story is very complex and made me feel many different emotions. In our current social/political climate, I think it’s an important read. Although it is fiction, some of the events align with things I’ve experienced firsthand while working in the hospital. I would recommend.
One of the best books I have ever read.
This is a story important for these times in our history.
Very good story with a message
The best in people, the worst in people, the seeds of prejudice looking to break the ground in all of us. Best book she’s written in my opinion—one that should be on everybody’s must read list. Hi
Loved this book. Relates well to our current times!
Jody Picoult did a marvelous job telling an important but difficult story.
This book is so appropriate for our times. A fantastic reminder to us all that we must continually examine our thoughts and beliefs about those we share our world with on a daily basis.
Jodi Picoult always makes you think and feel! The perspectives of the characters in this book keep you pulled in, even when the content takes you deeper.
Surprise ending. Totally unexpected.