To the outside world, they seem to have it all. Cassie Barrett, a renowned anthropologist, and Alex Rivers, one of Hollywood's hottest actors, met ...
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Jan 13, 2008
Merelyn
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Alas, I always tout Picoult as an authur of "good reads" but this one is BADD....It can be compared to the paperback grocery store "bodice-busters". The story idea is OK, but the writing is? ? ? Where was the editor? The only good part was when the Native Americans were in the read. Don't go for this one. Sorry Ms. Picoult.
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Dec 16, 2009
Lira
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this book was absolutely my favourite of jodi picoult's, something opposite from the other readers. even though the indian folklore were pretty boring, the exposure of marital physical abuse is more than real. it may be a "perfect fairy tale" type of story, but maybe that's because i'm one of those younger readers.
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Sep 06, 2011
Sara
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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May 25, 2008
LindyLouMac
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The fifth Picoult novel I have read and certainly not the best. It was first published in 1995 so I assume one of her early ones. I think that her writing has improved a lot since the, as this lacks the depth of her more recent novels.
Even back then she was already writing in what appears to have become her trademark style about very controversial subjects. In this one the protagonist Cassie is the victim of abuse at the hands of her beloved husband Alex. It takes her the four years More...
Even back then she was already writing in what appears to have become her trademark style about very controversial subjects. In this one the protagonist Cassie is the victim of abuse at the hands of her beloved husband Alex. It takes her the four years More...
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Mar 19, 2011
Xeyra
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I finished this book a few days ago. As every Jodi Picoult book I've read, I couldn't help but feel immersed in the story, unable to put it down for most of the time, wanting to read just one more chapter so I could learn what was happening or had happened to certain characters. It was the first book by this author I've read that had no lawyer or courthouse events, which was a bit of a breath of fresh air, but it did touch on a delicate situation: abuse and violence, a subject matter that's trul
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Jan 26, 2008
Britta
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"Before you decide what you want to be,... know where you want to be."
"[He] let himself fall into her, grasping at her words and the electric feel of her skin against his. He did not know what to say to her; He never knew what to say... He wished he'd learned long ago how to put into words the feeling that if she was gone, if she ever left, he would cease to exist."
"...the sky overhead was the color blue the world had been invented for."
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"[He] let himself fall into her, grasping at her words and the electric feel of her skin against his. He did not know what to say to her; He never knew what to say... He wished he'd learned long ago how to put into words the feeling that if she was gone, if she ever left, he would cease to exist."
"...the sky overhead was the color blue the world had been invented for."
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Nov 13, 2007
Laurel
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Picture Perfect, by Jodi Picoult, tells the story of Cassie, an anthropologist who’s married to the famous Alex Rivers, a movie star as talented as Daniel Day Lewis, as desired as George Clooney, and as handsome as both of those guys put together. However, things are not as great as they seem, because soon Alex begins to beat Cassie. Of course, there are reasons why he beats her (he suffered abuse as a child, his parents never loved him) and reasons why she puts up with it (she had an alcoholic
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Oct 12, 2008
Stacey
rated it:
This was, by far, the WORST book I ever read. Like many, I have this stupid rule about finishing every book I start, otherwise I would have put this book down after the first chapter. I had a hard time getting into the previous Jodi Picoult book I read but after I got into it I enjoyed it. I kept thinking to myself, maybe the next chapter will be better--it never was.
The story line was extremely slow and in the beginning bounced back and forth between present day with Cassie's amnesia t More...
The story line was extremely slow and in the beginning bounced back and forth between present day with Cassie's amnesia t More...
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Aug 23, 2007
Phoebe
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It's a page turner, thats for sure. this was my first Jodi Picoult,and it came highly recomended.
Although I would have loved for the description of characters and places to be in depth-i couldnt actually visualise them.
How plain is Cassie Barret, how dead gorgeous is Alex Rivers excatly. and Will, I just cant see him - and maybe that just me.
The indain tales were good, the first person narrative in the second part is a good tease. I recomend.
although, i would sti More...
Although I would have loved for the description of characters and places to be in depth-i couldnt actually visualise them.
How plain is Cassie Barret, how dead gorgeous is Alex Rivers excatly. and Will, I just cant see him - and maybe that just me.
The indain tales were good, the first person narrative in the second part is a good tease. I recomend.
although, i would sti More...
Aug 18, 2007
Alcy_girl
rated it:
This book was not like others of Jodi's. I think that is what I like about her, nothing is ever the same, she is not predictable in her style of writing.
In this one, I really wondered where the ending was going as I know that Jodi sometimes puts in little twists. I was almost expecting the worst! It was a satisfactory ending though.
The only thing that bugged me about the book was the second part of the story being told to someone else, not the actual events as in the first part. It w More...
In this one, I really wondered where the ending was going as I know that Jodi sometimes puts in little twists. I was almost expecting the worst! It was a satisfactory ending though.
The only thing that bugged me about the book was the second part of the story being told to someone else, not the actual events as in the first part. It w More...
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Aug 02, 2011
So...A little slow to start in my opinion. It was a good book and I liked the ending. It was a different type of book by Picoult, with no courtroom scenes. This was my 8th Picoult novel and the first I've read with no courtroom drama. The story is very well developed and the characters, even Alex, are easily sympathized with. While I have never in an abusive relationship as portrayed in this book, I imagine this is very close to real life. I used to wonder why women would stay in such blat
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Dec 15, 2008
Dana
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Cassie is found with no memory in a graveyard by Will, a half breed. As she slowly recovers her memory Cassie discovers she is a physical anthropologist and married to Alex Rivers, the movie star every female is in love with. Her life is not picture perfect, Cassie and Alex love each other but Alex is filled with rage and frequently it is directed towards her.
Their life from initial meeting to present day is told. Cassie has been suffering abuse a long time. Will she have the strengt More...
Their life from initial meeting to present day is told. Cassie has been suffering abuse a long time. Will she have the strengt More...
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Dec 13, 2008
Christina
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I tried really hard to like this book. I usually love Picoult’s books but I had a hard time getting through this one.
I did like her use of Indian folklore as a background but I felt like it could have been explored more, that Will’s life was more interesting.
Like all Picoult books, I did manage to find quite a few quotes I liked.
“How come people don’t do things like that nowadays? You group around in the back of a sedan in high school and you think you’re in lov More...
I did like her use of Indian folklore as a background but I felt like it could have been explored more, that Will’s life was more interesting.
Like all Picoult books, I did manage to find quite a few quotes I liked.
“How come people don’t do things like that nowadays? You group around in the back of a sedan in high school and you think you’re in lov More...
Oct 23, 2011
Leah
rated it:
I have only read a few Jodi Picoult books but they never cease to please me. This was a thrift store score that I hadn't heard of and didn't know what it was about, and it did a great job keeping me guessing.
The story centers on Cassie and Alex, an intelligent but naive anthropology professor and a Hollywood star, and their "fairy tale" love and marriage. They seem perfect and say they are "made for each other" but in reality have a troubled and abusive relationship More...
The story centers on Cassie and Alex, an intelligent but naive anthropology professor and a Hollywood star, and their "fairy tale" love and marriage. They seem perfect and say they are "made for each other" but in reality have a troubled and abusive relationship More...
Oct 08, 2011
Sandy
rated it:
Narrated by Sandra Burr and Bruce Reizen
Unabridged 14 hr, 19 min
A policeman from the reservation moves to LA. He discovers a woman who has lost her memory. Turns out she is an anthropologist married to a well known Hollywood star. The couple looks "picture perfect". But all is not perfect. Her husband sometimes goes off and becomes abusive. She stays with him. Why does he suddenly become violent when he loves her? Why does she stay with him? Why does she leave More...
Unabridged 14 hr, 19 min
A policeman from the reservation moves to LA. He discovers a woman who has lost her memory. Turns out she is an anthropologist married to a well known Hollywood star. The couple looks "picture perfect". But all is not perfect. Her husband sometimes goes off and becomes abusive. She stays with him. Why does he suddenly become violent when he loves her? Why does she stay with him? Why does she leave More...
May 08, 2011
Kat
rated it:
I have just finished this book, and my golly what a treat it was!
Picture perfect is all about a women (Cassie) who was rescued by a police officer. She is taken to the police station and to her surprise (remembering nothing) her husband shows up to collect her, and he is a famous movie star. Cassie had lost her memory and couldn't think or remember of who he is!
Eventually she gathers her thoughts together and had some treasured moments in her life with Alex (her husband) but More...
Picture perfect is all about a women (Cassie) who was rescued by a police officer. She is taken to the police station and to her surprise (remembering nothing) her husband shows up to collect her, and he is a famous movie star. Cassie had lost her memory and couldn't think or remember of who he is!
Eventually she gathers her thoughts together and had some treasured moments in her life with Alex (her husband) but More...
Mar 07, 2011
Rebecca
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 26, 2011
Stephanie
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This book's theme focuses on domestic abuse and what fuels the mental and emotional gears of it. In this book we're introduced to Cassie, a noted anthropologist whose married to Alex Rivers, a well-known and loved actor. From the outside their relationship seems "picture perfect" but as we delve into Cassie's memories we learn the disturbing, sad truth.
Jodi Picoult does an awesome job of evenly portraying both sides of this dysfunctional relationship. She showed how a sweet, unloved li More...
Jodi Picoult does an awesome job of evenly portraying both sides of this dysfunctional relationship. She showed how a sweet, unloved li More...
Jan 09, 2011
Hayley
rated it:
Whenever I have bought a Jodi Picoult book, I have been burning with excitement and passion before I even read the first page; her books are always so articulately written, creatively woven, wonderfully researched, deep and emotional. However, I think it was precisely this expectation and my past experiences of Picoult's writing that left me disappointed in this instance.
Of course, not every piece of work can be a masterpiece, and there always has to be one that is the 'worst of the More...
Of course, not every piece of work can be a masterpiece, and there always has to be one that is the 'worst of the More...
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Dec 24, 2009
Linda
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Some popular writers can be relied upon to produce consistently good (or bad) quality fiction, and other cannot. Jodi Picoult falls into the latter category. While most of her novels that I've read have been compelling, topical and intelligent, Salem Falls and Picture Perfect could not be more cliched. Picture Perfect tells of the marriage between an anthropologist and America's most popular matinee idol. The book opens during the immediate aftermath of an unspecified incident that leaves the wi
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Oct 05, 2009
Jeni
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 09, 2009
Annie
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A story about a woman archeologist professor at Standford who is hired by a producing company to be the archeology expert on the set of an upcoming Hollywood movie. She ends up falling in love with the famous, dreamy lead actor. They get married and seem to lead the most perfect Hollywood romance until influences from the past lead the actor to take on the role of his characters and beat his wife. She becomes pregnant and in order to protect her baby tries to run away. In her first attempt s
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May 20, 2009
Patty
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 10, 2011
Alia
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Aug 02, 2011
Anya
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I really liked this book. It took me longer to read though because I have been doing so much. But once I got past some parts that I felt kept dragging on, I could not put it down.
The author shows us that even though there are hot shot actors/actresses, they still have a choice on who they want to marry. In this book, the actor chose to marry someone who was not famous.
It starts out with a Jane Doe who is found at a church and she does not remember anything, but slowly throughout the book, you More...
The author shows us that even though there are hot shot actors/actresses, they still have a choice on who they want to marry. In this book, the actor chose to marry someone who was not famous.
It starts out with a Jane Doe who is found at a church and she does not remember anything, but slowly throughout the book, you More...
Oct 15, 2011
Ct
rated it:
I typically love Jodi Picoult novels but this one was a huge let down. She typically focuses on relevant topics and is able to capture the details of everyday life along with the real emotions her characters are dealing with; but Picture Perfect was nothing but a bad romance novel. Her portrayal of the wife battering is shallow and unrealistic. The little that she touches on Native American issues is interesting, but again, there's no real substance to anything in this novel.
I have More...
I have More...
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Aug 25, 2011
Katie
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Cassie Barrett finds herself in the middle of a grave yard with no memory of who she is after receiving a head injury. Unknowing where to go or who to call for help she clings on to the first person she sees. New in town native American Will whose father married a white women against his mothers wishes was unable to fit into his fathers culture so Will sets out on his own seeking a place away from his family. Unable to leave Cassie when she needs his help he takes her to the nearest hospital. Ca
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Aug 07, 2011
Mary
rated it:
I've been a fan of Jodi Picoult for much of my young adult life, so I've definitely read a fair share of her books. This was a good read, but I felt like the characters could have had a bit more depth that they did. The story that she spun in Picture Perfect is a bit cliche, yes, but I think her portrayal of it was done well enough that I wasn't constantly comparing it to another book or another story thinking, "Hey, I remember a scene like that from..."
I felt like sometimes More...
I felt like sometimes More...
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May 08, 2011
VivaPalestina
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Jodi Picoult's books are generally predictable but deal with ethical and social dilemmas. To me, this book was one of her clearer cut books, I didn't feel there were many shades of grey as normal.
Picture Perfect deals with domestic violence but in a way I've never thought of. People stay silent to abuse for a number of reasons; to not ruin the family image, to not break the family apart, because they're too scared of society's rebuttal etc but this one was different, she stayed with More...
Picture Perfect deals with domestic violence but in a way I've never thought of. People stay silent to abuse for a number of reasons; to not ruin the family image, to not break the family apart, because they're too scared of society's rebuttal etc but this one was different, she stayed with More...
Jan 16, 2012
Mirjam
rated it:
After having enjoyed " My sisters keeper" so much i was realy looking forward to reading this book.
I can`t believe it`s from the same author. After having read half way through i didn`t think there as anything left to write about this story, the present situation was explaned, the past revealed, what could be left?
I read on because i wanted to know where it was going to lead to.
I am not going to pretent to understand what victims of domestic abuse experience emotion wise More...
I can`t believe it`s from the same author. After having read half way through i didn`t think there as anything left to write about this story, the present situation was explaned, the past revealed, what could be left?
I read on because i wanted to know where it was going to lead to.
I am not going to pretent to understand what victims of domestic abuse experience emotion wise More...
