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Feb 13, 2012

Nancy rated it:

This is the first novel I’ve read by Jodi Picoult. I admire her courage and honesty for tackling such issues as infertility, gay rights, parenthood, and religious beliefs. I read somewhere that Jodi’s own teenage son came out to her while she was writing this book. He’s very fortunate to have such supportive parents.

Zoe Baxter is a music therapist desperate to have a child. Max, her husband of nine years, has his own landscaping business, enjoys surfing, and struggles with alco More...

9 comments like (30 people liked it)

Jun 03, 2011

Thomas rated it:

Sing You Home is my new favorite novel by Jodi Picoult, and as of now (mid-March, 2011) my favorite book of this year.

There are so many things I wish I could say coherently about this book. I was at a loss of words when I finished it three hours ago, and I still am speechless. But I want to write this review while the emotions it evoked are still at their strongest.

The writing was superb as always. Picoult doesn't use a lot of "SAT" vocabulary, or extremely comp More...

10 comments like (36 people liked it)

Aug 02, 2011

Jeanette rated it:

This story is slightly corny at times, but Jodi Picoult gets bonus points for guts. She's bound to get complaints from both sides of the arguments presented in the book. There will be gay people who say she got things all wrong or trivialized them, and the hate-mongering, gay-bashing religious zealots will probably send her death threats.

All the common remarks and complaints about Picoult's novels are valid. They're formulaic, reductive, predictable, oversimplified, and they rel More...

7 comments like (15 people liked it)

Nov 26, 2011

CaroB rated it:

Ms Picoult is simply brilliant. I used to have her on my auto-buy list and have to admit that her last few books, while good, have seemed somewhat formulaic. I was hovering on whether or not to buy this book when my friend suggested it for this month's book-club read. I'm so glad she gave me that push.
I wont give another synopsis of the story, you can read enough of those on the reviews below. What I will do is give my opinion.
Someone once said (Hemingway? Orwell?) - and I'm paraphras More...

4 comments like (7 people liked it)

Jan 24, 2012

Karen rated it:

Searching for an apologetic for a homosexual lifestyle? This is the book for you!

This review is from: Sing You Home: A Novel (Paperback)
I've read all of Jodi's books previously and was so excited to see this one on the shelf at WalMart. Unfortunately, no spoilers in my review, this novel paints all evangelical Christians as homophobic scumbags and all lesbians as kind-hearted, loving saints. I kept hoping it would change, that Jodi would not keep lumping me in with Westboro More...

0 comments like (10 people liked it)

Mar 27, 2011

Aleeza rated it:

After reading My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, I was pretty apprehensive about reading this one. But after KT’s suggestion to give her another try and Heather’s recommendation of Sing You Home I thought I might as well give it a try. Plus, I only had seven days to read it until it expired on GalleyGrab. And I’m kind of glad for that, because if it weren’t, I probably wouldn’t have even read it.

So, the story: Max and Zoe have been married for nine years, five of which they’ve spent More...

2 comments like (7 people liked it)

Jul 06, 2011

Ally rated it:

I have high expectations for her books because I loved House Rules, Change of Heart and Handle With Care and the can't-turn-the-pages-fast-enough-feeling from reading those books.

I was disappointed because I found the storyline to be very predictable and hoped for a shocking ending with unexpected twists and turns throughout. I don't want to post spoilers, so I will just say that: Max acted as I anticipated throughout the story, Lucy's part of the story was obvious from the beginn More...

2 comments like (5 people liked it)

Aug 29, 2011

Robin rated it:

To be honest I've only read one other Jodi Picoult book, "My Sister's Keeper" but she is WILDLY popular with readers at the library where I work so I was happy to receive this ARC in the mail earlier this month. What surprised me was that a male teen patron nearly grabbed the book out of my hand last week because he was so excited to see a new one by her! He asked if he could read it next but then when I related the story to my assistant director, she expressed high interest as well, s More...

1 comment like (3 people liked it)

Jun 26, 2011

Teresa rated it:

By Jove, or should that be, by Jodi, goddess of modern-day storytelling, she’s done it again! In Sing You Home, Jodi Picoult has covered the four E’s “educate, entertain, engage and enthuse” and has created a belter of a story which genuinely fits the description “unputdownable”.

This will be a short but sweet review as I don’t wish to include spoilers which would mar future readers’ enjoyment. The story is told from three different perspectives, Zoe Baxter, a musician and music More...

11 comments like (5 people liked it)

Mar 10, 2011

Morgan rated it:

If you ever read a Jodi Picoult novel, you know the drill. Multiple perspectives, courtroom tension, controversial topic, a little twist, insightful little quotes here and there. Lately, though, I haven't really liked her novels, the more of them I read, the less I like them. However, this one wasn't too bad. It wasn't my favorite by any means, but it wasn't her worse either. It divulged into corniness sometimes, but there were some humorous moments that, in retrospect, I really wish I had w More...

26 comments like (17 people liked it)

Jan 31, 2012

Naomi rated it:

I have come to the conclusion, that, IMO, Ms. Picoult is more than likely the most overhyped female author in the United States today. Now, that I have absolutely suffered through this triffling piece of trash of a book, I can honestly say that. Ms. Picoult's books are one reason why I try to stay away from the big house publishers anymore. Here is another author who is crammed down our throats with mediocre writing. I agree with other reviewers who call Ms. Picoult's books formulaic, but I will More...

2 comments like (2 people liked it)

Jun 01, 2011

Dhitri rated it:

This book is unexpectedly brilliant. It took me through a roller coaster ride of emotions, one that keeps you lightheaded and dizzy, in an exhilarating way, long after you put down the book.

The story kicked off on a gut-wrenching start when Zoe Baxter lost her baby boy, conceived by in vitro, at 28 weeks. From then on, everything just started to fall apart, including her marriage of nine years, until she met Vanessa. The couple got married (not in Rhode Island, where they lived, as sa More...

1 comment like (5 people liked it)

Jan 23, 2011

Annie rated it:

Finished, and I have to say I was incredibly impressed by this one. I've found her last couple of books a tad slow to engage, but this one grabbed me by the throat from page one and never let go. It has a lot of themes, but I thought she juggled them very well. I won't say more for fear of spoiling others' enjoyment, other than the unsurprising news that yes, there's a court scene (but an extremely well done one...). This book introduced me to themes and ideas I've never really looked at before More...

9 comments like (15 people liked it)

Jul 15, 2011

Laurie rated it:

This booked grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. It touched on the issues of gay rights and infertility with great insight. The main character, Zoe, is a music therapist and I love the CD that comes with the book. There is a song to go with every chapter.

I love Jodi's style of writing. I specifically like her attention to detail and her exploration into the minds and lives of her characters so that you feel like you really know them. You see Vanessa struggling with bei More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Apr 05, 2011

Michael rated it:

I went into this book with no expectations as this is the first book ive read by Jodi Picoult. I was drawn to this book by the issues that were raised, issues that i feel very strongly about and think it was very brave of Jodi to write about. I can say now i am totally blown away by what ive read and simply cant think enough superlatives to say how good this book is.

The story of a lady named Zoe who had tried for 10 years to have a child with her husband Max but due to all mann More...

8 comments like (1 person liked it)

May 30, 2011

Hoochy rated it:

I was very unsure about this Jodi Picoult book, as her last book, was less than entertaining, but i felt compelled to try 'Sing you Home' i have just this second finished reading it, WOW!!! The emotions are simply all over the place, what a brilliant, beyond brilliant book! The plot is interwoven and her use of language is used to its full potential. Its a terrible thing when Male attitude, religion and bigoted thinking can drive two women to have to go so far in their struggle for a child,... i More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Dec 31, 2011

HellaGood rated it:

I enjoyed the story because of the controversial topic. I wanted to know what happened to those damn embryos. I read several stories in newspapers and I find it fascinating how the embryos are treated... is property or a human being? Anyways, what I didn't like about the book was the relationships. Zoe's whirlwind romance with Vanessa was not believable to say the least. It was too soon, too fast. It all happened within six months! I had to question Zoe's homosexuality because as where as Vaness More...

2 comments like (1 person liked it)

Nov 28, 2011

Suzie rated it:

This is the first Jodi Picoult book I've had a chance to read. I enjoyed the first half of the book, the character's are real and you feel for them. The main character Zoe struggles with dealing with the harsh reality of infertility, delivering her baby stillborn, and then her husband divorces her. Zoe is broken but we watch her find herself again with the help of a new friend Vanessa. Their relationship slowly evolves and it is beautiful to see them fall in love. They decide to try to use Zoe' More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Mar 11, 2011

Joanie rated it:

When I read what Jodi Picoult's new book was about I laughed, not because the topic is funny but because instead of the usual formula of one controversial social issue, this book contains about 10 and it also includes a companion CD, lyrics written by Miss Picoult herself. I laughed, I mocked, and then I went out and bought it. I am clearly the biggest fool on the planet.

Picoult's books draw me back like an old boyfriend. Initially things seem good, I get caught up in the story (c More...

0 comments like (7 people liked it)

Mar 05, 2011

Kelly rated it:

If you read my book reviews, then you already know that I'm a Jodi fan. I know that some criticize her plots and writing style and the fact that she has her own formulaic style and that a few of my English teacher friends think her work paltry. (I wonder why so many literate and literary people are threatened by popular authors? I guess I'm just a book slut and can usually find something worthwhile- however minute- in most everything that I read.)What I like about Jodi's books are the characters More...

6 comments like (6 people liked it)

Mar 09, 2011

Eva rated it:

This is freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best b-day present ever was to finish this in the middle of the night on my birthday!!!!!! I still wish it didn't end though.

This is classic Picoult. If you liked her others - you'll like this. I know, without a doubt, that if I had never heard of Jodi Picoult and I picked this up I'd fall in love with her writing immediately. (The only book of hers I wouldn't recommend someone read first is
Songs of the Humpback Whale. It's not bad bu More...

17 comments like (6 people liked it)

Apr 12, 2011

Karyn rated it:

another well researched and thought out contemporary issue to explore. Jodi Picoult has done it again - inviting the reader to step outside the their own shoes and into those of another, gaining insights and opening the mind to new possibilities. what starts out being about the stresses of infertility and IVF, soon becomes about loss and the choices we make that impact on everyone our lives touch

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Apr 05, 2011

Teryl rated it:

At first this book started out as a 3 for me, then it turned into a steady 4, then at the very end it turned into a 5. This book packs a bunch of emotion. It had me crying at times and laughing out loud during some very stupid things that were said about gay people. I liked that Picoult didn't stick to her same formula that she has been using for way too many books. If Picoult's books have gotten one your nerves for a while now because they are so predictable; I suggest you give Sing You Hom More...

6 comments like (3 people liked it)

Jul 28, 2011

Erika rated it:

I have read every book she has ever written--getting mad at the fact that they are predictable, but seem to think I will read them all! This is her last chance, before I swear off all JP books!

So, I will not swear off Picoult, this one was much better than the last few--could maybe muster 3.5 stars for this one. The topics of music therapy, lesbians, fundamentalists, and IVF all made for some interesting thoughts. This one would maybe be good for a book club (if you all really loved ea More...

2 comments like (1 person liked it)

Mar 01, 2011

Emily rated it:

I read this book as an advanced copy back in October, and it was amazing. It is Jodi's most controversial novel yet, but it is amazing. She writes with such an ease, and it shows how much she cares about the cause. Sing You Home is a love story. I believe I cried in every chapter. And the music is wonderful!! I swallowed the book whole.

0 comments like (5 people liked it)

Feb 05, 2012

Michelle rated it:

I cried through the majority of this book. It has been a long time since I've stayed up to finish a book...unable to put it down.

A wonderful topic with compelling arguments outlined. Beautifully written.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Feb 14, 2012

Manya rated it:

I think everyone has heard of Jodi Picolt. That movie based on My Sisters Keeper swept through the nation, and made women cry from sea to shining sea. But obviously before there was a movie based on her books, there were the books themselves. And what amazing books they are. I'm not totally sure when I discovered Jodi Picolt but I think it was in 7th grade. I was chilling in the locker room after school, and started talking with my friend MB about what else but books? It turns out that she was r More...

0 comments like

Feb 11, 2012

Ellen rated it:

I have found most of Jodi Picoult's books entertaining and some of them informative. Most of the other books I've read involve some kind of a medical or ethical conundrum that is impossible to solve without the addition of a deus ex machina at the end. This one, however, has characters who survive, thrive and grow, and a hopeful, logical ending. I also want to add that as a musician, I very much appreciated the research that Ms. Picoult did in order to accurately portray the main character, a More...

0 comments like

Feb 07, 2012

Nancy rated it:

This book deals with tough contemporary issues such as parenthood, family, infertility, and homosexuality.

Max and Zoe are married for nine years. They both have fertility issues and turn to invitro to try and have a baby. They struggle through miscarriages and a near term still birth. Their marriage crumbles.

After their divorce, Max loses himself in alcoholism and Zoe throws herself into her job as a music therapist.

They both get a second chance at life-- More...

0 comments like

Jan 28, 2012

Shawna rated it:

I have always been a fan of Jodi Piccoult and so I was very disappointed when I read Sing You Home. It fell far short of Piccoult’s usual high standard and rather than being a thought provoking issues book felt much more like an angry diatribe. The book is still entertaining and keeps you interested throughout. Some of the characters are well drawn and engaging and the main issue at hand is an interesting question that we as a culture are going to keep confronting. However the b More...

0 comments like