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Leaving Home: Short Pieces
Leaving Home brings together three, previously published short pieces, each dealing with a variation on the theme of leaving home. The first, “Weights and Measures,” deals with the tragic loss of a child; the second is a non-fiction letter Picoult wrote to her eldest son as he left for college; and, “Ritz” tells the story of a mother who takes the vacation all mothers need sometime.
Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2011
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About the author
Jodi Picoult
108 books95.3k followersJodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, including Wish You Were Here, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, and My Sister’s Keeper, and, with daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Picoult lives in New Hampshire.
MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.
Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult
MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.
Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
April 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
Jodi Picoult - Leaving Home (Short Pieces)
I love Jodi Picoult and was pretty sure that I had read all of her novels. However, when I came across Leaving Home I thought it was a book I had somehow missed. It was published in January 2011.
I.WAS.SO.EXCITED!!
On Goodreads it does clearly say "Short Pieces" after the title, but I don't remember seeing that when I ordered it (a couple of years ago). I was a bit let down, and I kind of just forgot about. I was searching for something else on my Kindle last week and came across the collection and so I decided to give it a go.
Since purchasing this have seen other e-book novella's released before some of her full length books. It can be a nice way to tide you over until the next book is out. I've seen a few other authors do this as well.
An e-book collection of three short stories that are all very different but with a common theme.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The first story deals with with a couple's tragic loss of their seven year old daughter and their struggle to continue to live without her. This story gutted me. A parent should not outlive their child. That is the thought I always have when reading stories like this. When the mother reads Goodnight Moon for the final time to her daughter, my heart shattered, it's breaking again as I write this. Jodi writes about grief and loss so well. This was a short story that definitely had a huge impact on me.
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY OLDEST SON, AS HE LEAVES FOR COLLEGE
This second piece is actually a letter Jodi wrote to her son Kyle, as he leaves for college.
"I know that the whole point of parenting is getting your child to the point where he can forge his own path."
I thought it was a special and heart-warming letter. As they are driving him to school she's going over things in her head and feeling like there's so many things she's forgotten to tell him.
"Did I tell you that you have to change the bag inside the vacuum every now and then? Do you have any idea how to sew a button?"
She does tell him how proud of him she is. At the same time she realizes how much she won't be saying, much she wants to say. Again I was emotional as I read everything she wished she could tell him in those few short moments.
"Try something new, even if it scares you to death. Don't whine - there is always someone who's having a worse day than you are."
And my favorite quote from this one " I have always LOVED you, but I can very distinctly remember the moment I realized how much I LIKED you as well - not just as my child, but also as a fellow human.
RITZ
The third and final piece is called "Ritz." This one is about a mom who is taking a vacation....
from her family.
This story was was well-written and interesting and I read it very quickly. However, there were a couple of things that irritated me.
When fifteen-year-old Jenna and her eighteen year-old brother Devon wake on what seems like a regular morning, they find a note in the fridge that says "I'm taking a break", Don't worry about me".
The story is from daughter, Jenna's point of view. Right away she wonders if it's something they did that made their mother leave. They go over the list of ways they have taken advantage of her, realizing how hard she worked to make sure they were taken care of.
"Maybe it's not something we did. Maybe it's something we didn't do"
She does call to let them know she is fine and not to worry. They demand to know where she is but all she will tell them is that she's on vacation.
She's at the...well if you haven't guessed it yet it will probably come to you soon.
Stunned the family decides they will survive just fine while she's away. It's not long before they start to realize just how much she does for them to make sure they are taken care of.
One part broke my heart especially and this would be why I could never do something like this on purpose to my child. Jenna starts to wonder ...if she'd been a better daughter, prettier, smarter, funnier? - Would her mom have had reason to stay? I may feel it stronger because I'm a single mom and their mom is leaving them in the capable hands of their father but I still just couldn't push the thought of MY daughter feeling as though she did something wrong. That I was abandoning her.
There is much more to this family story, but I've gone on enough. I do appreciate the point of the story. There are many overworked and underappreciated mothers (or any other care-giver for that matter). Sometimes people may need a little reminder of how lucky they are to have someone to take such good care of them. Sometimes we have to make sure we don't lose ourselves taking care of everyone else.
So it was definitely another good story that made me think. They ALL made me think (and made me shed some tears). All three stories were all so different but had a variation on the theme of leaving home. Love, loss, pain, regret, memory, parenthood, friendship and much more.
Jodi Picoult - Leaving Home (Short Pieces)
I love Jodi Picoult and was pretty sure that I had read all of her novels. However, when I came across Leaving Home I thought it was a book I had somehow missed. It was published in January 2011.
I.WAS.SO.EXCITED!!
On Goodreads it does clearly say "Short Pieces" after the title, but I don't remember seeing that when I ordered it (a couple of years ago). I was a bit let down, and I kind of just forgot about. I was searching for something else on my Kindle last week and came across the collection and so I decided to give it a go.
Since purchasing this have seen other e-book novella's released before some of her full length books. It can be a nice way to tide you over until the next book is out. I've seen a few other authors do this as well.
An e-book collection of three short stories that are all very different but with a common theme.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
The first story deals with with a couple's tragic loss of their seven year old daughter and their struggle to continue to live without her. This story gutted me. A parent should not outlive their child. That is the thought I always have when reading stories like this. When the mother reads Goodnight Moon for the final time to her daughter, my heart shattered, it's breaking again as I write this. Jodi writes about grief and loss so well. This was a short story that definitely had a huge impact on me.
AN OPEN LETTER TO MY OLDEST SON, AS HE LEAVES FOR COLLEGE
This second piece is actually a letter Jodi wrote to her son Kyle, as he leaves for college.
"I know that the whole point of parenting is getting your child to the point where he can forge his own path."
I thought it was a special and heart-warming letter. As they are driving him to school she's going over things in her head and feeling like there's so many things she's forgotten to tell him.
"Did I tell you that you have to change the bag inside the vacuum every now and then? Do you have any idea how to sew a button?"
She does tell him how proud of him she is. At the same time she realizes how much she won't be saying, much she wants to say. Again I was emotional as I read everything she wished she could tell him in those few short moments.
"Try something new, even if it scares you to death. Don't whine - there is always someone who's having a worse day than you are."
And my favorite quote from this one " I have always LOVED you, but I can very distinctly remember the moment I realized how much I LIKED you as well - not just as my child, but also as a fellow human.
RITZ
The third and final piece is called "Ritz." This one is about a mom who is taking a vacation....
from her family.
This story was was well-written and interesting and I read it very quickly. However, there were a couple of things that irritated me.
When fifteen-year-old Jenna and her eighteen year-old brother Devon wake on what seems like a regular morning, they find a note in the fridge that says "I'm taking a break", Don't worry about me".
The story is from daughter, Jenna's point of view. Right away she wonders if it's something they did that made their mother leave. They go over the list of ways they have taken advantage of her, realizing how hard she worked to make sure they were taken care of.
"Maybe it's not something we did. Maybe it's something we didn't do"
She does call to let them know she is fine and not to worry. They demand to know where she is but all she will tell them is that she's on vacation.
She's at the...well if you haven't guessed it yet it will probably come to you soon.
Stunned the family decides they will survive just fine while she's away. It's not long before they start to realize just how much she does for them to make sure they are taken care of.
One part broke my heart especially and this would be why I could never do something like this on purpose to my child. Jenna starts to wonder ...if she'd been a better daughter, prettier, smarter, funnier? - Would her mom have had reason to stay? I may feel it stronger because I'm a single mom and their mom is leaving them in the capable hands of their father but I still just couldn't push the thought of MY daughter feeling as though she did something wrong. That I was abandoning her.
There is much more to this family story, but I've gone on enough. I do appreciate the point of the story. There are many overworked and underappreciated mothers (or any other care-giver for that matter). Sometimes people may need a little reminder of how lucky they are to have someone to take such good care of them. Sometimes we have to make sure we don't lose ourselves taking care of everyone else.
So it was definitely another good story that made me think. They ALL made me think (and made me shed some tears). All three stories were all so different but had a variation on the theme of leaving home. Love, loss, pain, regret, memory, parenthood, friendship and much more.
January 29, 2018
HOLY CANNOLI BATMAN!
This girl is on fiiiiiiire with books right now. Or I could just be going on a good streak right now? I have no idea but I'm loving the ride so far!
Leaving Home: Short Pieces has about three short stories in it.
1. Weights and Measure
2. Letter to her son
3. Ritz
Now I love novellas probably as much, if not more, than the next person and I'm so happy that I've fallen in love with all of the ones I've read from Jodi. She could do no wrong in her novellas - you go girl!
I might spoil somethings about these stories because they all hit a nerve because they are all sad in some way, shape, or form. Maybe?
The first story is about a happy couple that deals with their daughters sudden death. Such a sad story that I wont even lie about shedding some tears. One never knows how they will accept or deal with these types of situations until they are shoved into it unexpectedly. It was hard to see them handling the loss in their own way.
The second story is Jodi's letter to her son. It's about her accept that he is finally going off to college and that they sort have to say goodbye. Well, not goodbye but a see you later. I'm not a parent so I have no idea what they go through when a child goes off to school but I'm sure it's a sad/happy moment.
The third story is a mother who leaves her family and goes to a hotel. I thought it was weird at first because she travels across the country to take a vacation. I get that she felt overwhelmed and underappreciated - but don't we all feel that way at one point in our lives? I have never been put in this situation and I have no idea how I would feel/what I would do but I would hope that I would just up and leave for a vacation. Maybe a spa day or a trip to the beach to relax. Like I said - I have no idea what I would do, I would just hope I wouldn't do that.
Overall, I really liked the stories and thought they were all unique. They flowed very nicely together and I liked all of the characters. I can't wait to dive into my next Jodi book - I hope i like it!
This girl is on fiiiiiiire with books right now. Or I could just be going on a good streak right now? I have no idea but I'm loving the ride so far!
Leaving Home: Short Pieces has about three short stories in it.
1. Weights and Measure
2. Letter to her son
3. Ritz
Now I love novellas probably as much, if not more, than the next person and I'm so happy that I've fallen in love with all of the ones I've read from Jodi. She could do no wrong in her novellas - you go girl!
I might spoil somethings about these stories because they all hit a nerve because they are all sad in some way, shape, or form. Maybe?
The first story is about a happy couple that deals with their daughters sudden death. Such a sad story that I wont even lie about shedding some tears. One never knows how they will accept or deal with these types of situations until they are shoved into it unexpectedly. It was hard to see them handling the loss in their own way.
The second story is Jodi's letter to her son. It's about her accept that he is finally going off to college and that they sort have to say goodbye. Well, not goodbye but a see you later. I'm not a parent so I have no idea what they go through when a child goes off to school but I'm sure it's a sad/happy moment.
The third story is a mother who leaves her family and goes to a hotel. I thought it was weird at first because she travels across the country to take a vacation. I get that she felt overwhelmed and underappreciated - but don't we all feel that way at one point in our lives? I have never been put in this situation and I have no idea how I would feel/what I would do but I would hope that I would just up and leave for a vacation. Maybe a spa day or a trip to the beach to relax. Like I said - I have no idea what I would do, I would just hope I wouldn't do that.
Overall, I really liked the stories and thought they were all unique. They flowed very nicely together and I liked all of the characters. I can't wait to dive into my next Jodi book - I hope i like it!
October 11, 2015
This is my second short story I've picked up that was written by Jodi Picoult..Again, I don't usually enjoy short stories but with this book it was quite the opposite and it was a treat to read the three different stories.
First piece - Weights and Measures - Deals with the loss of a child and how that echo's through a families core.
Second piece - Jodi Picoult's letter to her son - Basically it's a letter saying 'Goodbye' as he travels off to college where she has to accept this. It talks about her fear, love, and warmth for his next chapter in life.
Third piece - Ritz - Where a mother leaves her children and husband behind and checks herself into a hotel where she doesn't have to lift a finger. While the story has an over light feel about it I kinda thought it was arrogant for the mother to just up and leave..I understand why she did it but it still bugged me.
First piece - Weights and Measures - Deals with the loss of a child and how that echo's through a families core.
Second piece - Jodi Picoult's letter to her son - Basically it's a letter saying 'Goodbye' as he travels off to college where she has to accept this. It talks about her fear, love, and warmth for his next chapter in life.
Third piece - Ritz - Where a mother leaves her children and husband behind and checks herself into a hotel where she doesn't have to lift a finger. While the story has an over light feel about it I kinda thought it was arrogant for the mother to just up and leave..I understand why she did it but it still bugged me.
July 18, 2012
Leaving Home is a collection of three previously published short pieces by Jodi Picoult with the theme of leaving home, in audiobook form read by the author. The first piece, An Open Letter To My Son, is written to her eldest son Kyle on his leaving home for college. In it she recalls his arrival into the world and talks of lessons of the heart: things that can only be learned through living life, and her hopes for his life.
The second piece, Weights and Measures, describes the heartache of the parents who lose their 7-year-old daughter to illness; how the mother and the father say goodbye; the kindness of a stranger at the funeral; how the loss diminishes one whilst enlarging the other; how they lose the measure of their lives without her.
The last piece, Ritz, is narrated by 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton, whose mother, Charlotte, leaves home to go to San Francisco for a break. As Jenna, her father, Ian, and her brother, Devon, puzzle over the reasons, they realise they have not appreciated her role in their lives and they discover that their mother and wife is a person in her own right. They also come to understand the importance of their family unit.
These short pieces are beautifully constructed and read by Picoult, with emotion and feeling.
The second piece, Weights and Measures, describes the heartache of the parents who lose their 7-year-old daughter to illness; how the mother and the father say goodbye; the kindness of a stranger at the funeral; how the loss diminishes one whilst enlarging the other; how they lose the measure of their lives without her.
The last piece, Ritz, is narrated by 15-year-old Jenna Hamilton, whose mother, Charlotte, leaves home to go to San Francisco for a break. As Jenna, her father, Ian, and her brother, Devon, puzzle over the reasons, they realise they have not appreciated her role in their lives and they discover that their mother and wife is a person in her own right. They also come to understand the importance of their family unit.
These short pieces are beautifully constructed and read by Picoult, with emotion and feeling.
May 13, 2013
I've had this ebook for awhile and I finally read it. Here are my separate reviews on each of the sections:
Weights and Measures - This one was ok. A sad story about the loss of a child. An otherwise happy couple grieve over their daughter's death. This was an interesting take on how the mother and father handled the loss in their own way. An interesting ending, I must say, but overall this story was weak. Sorry (3 stars)
Letter to her son - This next piece was a letter from Jodi to her colllege bound son. This letter really touched me, as my youngest son is getting ready to graduate as well. I may be biased here, because everything she said, is how I felt and things I would like to say to my own son. Beautifully done! (5 stars)
Ritz - This is the story of a mother, who one day just up and leaves her family and travels across country to take a "vacation." It's a tale that so many mother's can relate to! Feeling overwhelmed, and underappreciated by our families' and pushed to run away from all that we love. I've never done this, myself, but don't think I haven't thought of it. A very well done and realistic look at a family, who has forgotten what's important. (4 stars)
Weights and Measures - This one was ok. A sad story about the loss of a child. An otherwise happy couple grieve over their daughter's death. This was an interesting take on how the mother and father handled the loss in their own way. An interesting ending, I must say, but overall this story was weak. Sorry (3 stars)
Letter to her son - This next piece was a letter from Jodi to her colllege bound son. This letter really touched me, as my youngest son is getting ready to graduate as well. I may be biased here, because everything she said, is how I felt and things I would like to say to my own son. Beautifully done! (5 stars)
Ritz - This is the story of a mother, who one day just up and leaves her family and travels across country to take a "vacation." It's a tale that so many mother's can relate to! Feeling overwhelmed, and underappreciated by our families' and pushed to run away from all that we love. I've never done this, myself, but don't think I haven't thought of it. A very well done and realistic look at a family, who has forgotten what's important. (4 stars)
August 7, 2017
This was a complete Hit-The-Randomiser-Button e-audiobook download from my library. All I knew was that Jodi Picoult is revered by a whole bunch of people so I thought I'd give it a whirl.
It was pretty good. It's only a short audiobook with three short stories that had been previously published in other publications. It's narrated by Jodi Picoult and I always like it when authors read their own books because you get to know the exact voice and intonation they intended for everything.
The first story, an openletter to Picoult's son as he leaves for college, was very sweet and almost had me in tears (although I was fairly hungover when I listened to it, so that might have had something to do with the tears).
The second story, about a couple whose daughter dies, was good but pretty depressing. The ending is appropriate, but unsettling.
The third story, about a stay at home mum who is taken for granted and finally just leaves, is pretty interesting, and I think something that all stay at home parents have fantasised about. A lot.
All three stories have the theme of leaving home, hence the title. If you get the chance to read or listen to this, I'd definitely recommend it.
It was pretty good. It's only a short audiobook with three short stories that had been previously published in other publications. It's narrated by Jodi Picoult and I always like it when authors read their own books because you get to know the exact voice and intonation they intended for everything.
The first story, an openletter to Picoult's son as he leaves for college, was very sweet and almost had me in tears (although I was fairly hungover when I listened to it, so that might have had something to do with the tears).
The second story, about a couple whose daughter dies, was good but pretty depressing. The ending is appropriate, but unsettling.
The third story, about a stay at home mum who is taken for granted and finally just leaves, is pretty interesting, and I think something that all stay at home parents have fantasised about. A lot.
All three stories have the theme of leaving home, hence the title. If you get the chance to read or listen to this, I'd definitely recommend it.
January 27, 2011
This was an interesting book for me to read. I'm a fan of Picoult's books, although I consider them fairly light. They deal with heavier subjects, but the writing rarely gets deep into character study or anything like that. When I saw there were some new "short" stories to read out by her, I grabbed them and immediate read them.
They are fairly short. On Kindle, it's less than 800 locations for all three stories. I thought this would be enough for the author to get her point across, but I was both disappointed and elated at the same time.
The first story is a story about the loss of a child. Something that I consider the absolute worst thing that can happen to a parent. I cannot pretend to understand what they go through. The fact that she tackled this difficult subject, I think, is commendable. I think she lost me a bit in some of the symbolism. I got it, but I think it was unneeded. I think this may have been a bit of an experiment for her. I don't think it failed, but for what she was doing, it needed more length (even though it took up the first half of this short story collection).
The second piece is a letter she wrote to her son as he left for college. I will admit this chocked me up a bit. What a beautiful letter to prepare for your child that tells them so much. I'm sure as a mother, she must be so proud and I loved her voice here, the "cheering on" without a lot of preaching was really well done. I think I'll just xerox this to give to my kids when they go off into the world (they are still in Elementary school)... I'll just cross out her name and put mine there. *laughing* Seriously, this was very well done and I loved getting a look into her "real" life.
The third story is a story about a mom that takes a vacation, she just up and leaves the family to fend for themselves. I think all of us have had that urge to get in the car and get away from those people that keep yelling "Mom!!!" so I was sitting here cheering for the mom a few times. However, I think there was more going on and with the length, it was simply not able to be explored. While I am not sure it could be a whole book, I would like to see more about what was going on, the father mentioned a few things that made me think there was more to it. Having said that, I took away a little message from this piece about my own "hurry up and work work work" attitude. Sometimes you just need to leave it.
Overall, a decent undertaking by this author. I liked the format and it gave me something to read of hers while waiting for a new novel to be released.
Recommended for Picoult fans and other who enjoy short stories.
They are fairly short. On Kindle, it's less than 800 locations for all three stories. I thought this would be enough for the author to get her point across, but I was both disappointed and elated at the same time.
The first story is a story about the loss of a child. Something that I consider the absolute worst thing that can happen to a parent. I cannot pretend to understand what they go through. The fact that she tackled this difficult subject, I think, is commendable. I think she lost me a bit in some of the symbolism. I got it, but I think it was unneeded. I think this may have been a bit of an experiment for her. I don't think it failed, but for what she was doing, it needed more length (even though it took up the first half of this short story collection).
The second piece is a letter she wrote to her son as he left for college. I will admit this chocked me up a bit. What a beautiful letter to prepare for your child that tells them so much. I'm sure as a mother, she must be so proud and I loved her voice here, the "cheering on" without a lot of preaching was really well done. I think I'll just xerox this to give to my kids when they go off into the world (they are still in Elementary school)... I'll just cross out her name and put mine there. *laughing* Seriously, this was very well done and I loved getting a look into her "real" life.
The third story is a story about a mom that takes a vacation, she just up and leaves the family to fend for themselves. I think all of us have had that urge to get in the car and get away from those people that keep yelling "Mom!!!" so I was sitting here cheering for the mom a few times. However, I think there was more going on and with the length, it was simply not able to be explored. While I am not sure it could be a whole book, I would like to see more about what was going on, the father mentioned a few things that made me think there was more to it. Having said that, I took away a little message from this piece about my own "hurry up and work work work" attitude. Sometimes you just need to leave it.
Overall, a decent undertaking by this author. I liked the format and it gave me something to read of hers while waiting for a new novel to be released.
Recommended for Picoult fans and other who enjoy short stories.
May 8, 2015
Leaving Home packs a big emotional punch for such a small package. Three short pieces on the theme of leaving home in one way or another. At just 1hr and 25mins, it's a super quick listen beautifully narrated by the author.
Weights and Measures: opens with "The loudest sound in the world is the absence of a child." This could not be more true. Parents grieving the loss of their child, there is no worse pain. I was in tears for much of this story, the loss of my daughter forever changed me. I thought the symbolism of growing from or being reduced by loss, interesting but with or without it, the pain resonated.
Jodi Picoult's letter to her son as he left home for college was beautiful and very touching ... I shed a few more tears. She recalls his arrival in the world, her love, fears, hopes and dreams for him, advice and life lessons. You raise a child to send them off into the world but I don't think I was quite so brave when my youngest son moved out of home.
Ritz: the story of a mother whoruns away from home takes a vacation on her own, told from the perspective of her 15 year old daughter. I understood the overwhelmed, unappreciated feeling, wanting to escape responsibilities but the way this mother just upped and left was not a 'vacation' it was a little cruel. Everyone needs 'me' time and yes the family coped with her unplanned absence but for me the end didn't justify the means. And the father mentioned things that had me thinking there was more going on but the length of the story prevented exploration of it.
Weights and Measures: opens with "The loudest sound in the world is the absence of a child." This could not be more true. Parents grieving the loss of their child, there is no worse pain. I was in tears for much of this story, the loss of my daughter forever changed me. I thought the symbolism of growing from or being reduced by loss, interesting but with or without it, the pain resonated.
Jodi Picoult's letter to her son as he left home for college was beautiful and very touching ... I shed a few more tears. She recalls his arrival in the world, her love, fears, hopes and dreams for him, advice and life lessons. You raise a child to send them off into the world but I don't think I was quite so brave when my youngest son moved out of home.
Ritz: the story of a mother who
January 30, 2011
I am a HUGE Jodi Picoult fans. I love that in the beginning she writes the readers a letter saying that she knows the waiting from year to year can be just awful (which is SO true), so she's given us a little taste of her fantastic writing with these three short stories. These short stories were incredible, and it makes me want to go back and read all of her books over again, just because she is such an amazing storyteller.
The first story is about a husband and wife that have lost their daughter, and the struggle to survive without her. Throughout the entire story you can feel the pain that the family is going through.
The second short is a letter to a son leaving for college. Also, such an emotional roller coaster! You could just feel the love pouring out in each word, but you could also hear the heartache. The author goes on to describe how parents know that their job is to raise a child so that they can send them off into the world, but once you actually get to that point it is so much harder to let go then you could have ever imagined.
The last story is about a family dealing with the mother running away. She just needs a break from all of the housework and everything else that is involved in being a mother, and I can't say I blame her. This too was a heart warming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The first story is about a husband and wife that have lost their daughter, and the struggle to survive without her. Throughout the entire story you can feel the pain that the family is going through.
The second short is a letter to a son leaving for college. Also, such an emotional roller coaster! You could just feel the love pouring out in each word, but you could also hear the heartache. The author goes on to describe how parents know that their job is to raise a child so that they can send them off into the world, but once you actually get to that point it is so much harder to let go then you could have ever imagined.
The last story is about a family dealing with the mother running away. She just needs a break from all of the housework and everything else that is involved in being a mother, and I can't say I blame her. This too was a heart warming story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
March 8, 2011
I have read EVERYTHING by Jodi Picoult and these short pieces are a wonderful snippet to her style of writing. If you know someone who has a Kindle and wants to read a little of Picoult's writing, this is a great intro.
May 13, 2017
ehhh this wasn't great.
Read
September 19, 2019Three short pieces, none of which feature spaceships.
May 9, 2016
“Be history, instead of just watching it happen from the sidelines. Try something new, even if it scares you to death. Learn because you love to learn, not because you’re being tested. Don’t whine – there is always someone who’s having a worse day than you are. Be honest with yourself, and you’ll never have anything to hide."
Leaving Home is a collection of three very short pieces by Jodi Picoult on the theme of leaving home. When I say short, I mean it. Have an hour this afternoon? You can finish this. And you'll be glad you did.
First piece: Weights and Measures
This piece gutted me completely. I cried through the rest of the book, because this was first. It's about the loss of a child, and hit way, way too close to home for me. This is a very real look at the aftermath in a family of child loss, and I can vouch only too sadly for it's accuracy.
Second piece: Letter to her Son
A sweet and almost too personal letter to her son as he departs for college. This gives some insight into Picoult's personal life, which for me was the best part of this piece. I feel like I know much more about her as a person after this little glimpse into her brain. Also, her son sounds pretty awesome.
Third piece: Ritz
Sometimes, mom needs a break. This time? Mom runs away to the Ritz. I think this piece came out of some of the frustration every woman who tries to "do it all" has sometimes. It's funny and sweet, but is definitely the least powerful of the three pieces.
February 8, 2011
This collection is two short stories and one letter (to her oldest child, who is at college).
The first story is about a couple whose only child (a seven-year-old girl) has died in a car accident. It's not a spoiler to say that I cried. The other story is about a mom who takes a vacation without her husband and two children (and without warning them ahead of time). But the letter is fantastic. It's all the advice I wish I had gotten 12 years ago, when I was starting college.*
It's 43 pages, so you'll have to decide for yourself if you think it's worth $3. But I love Jodi Picoult and I thought this little collection was absolutely worth the money. (If only I didn't have to wait until next year for a new novel. But this year's offering is very good!)
* = Holy crap, TWELVE YEARS AGO?! *sigh*
The first story is about a couple whose only child (a seven-year-old girl) has died in a car accident. It's not a spoiler to say that I cried. The other story is about a mom who takes a vacation without her husband and two children (and without warning them ahead of time). But the letter is fantastic. It's all the advice I wish I had gotten 12 years ago, when I was starting college.*
It's 43 pages, so you'll have to decide for yourself if you think it's worth $3. But I love Jodi Picoult and I thought this little collection was absolutely worth the money. (If only I didn't have to wait until next year for a new novel. But this year's offering is very good!)
* = Holy crap, TWELVE YEARS AGO?! *sigh*
April 23, 2011
Well written three stories, all dealing with leaving home. The first opens with: "The loudest sound in the world is the absence of a child." It's about the torment of a couple dealing with the loss of a child. A sad tale of profound loss. The second is a note that a mom, the author, gave to her son when he left for school. A poignant message of love and lesson that we all can appreciate. The third is about another mom that feels so empty in her own life that she leaves her family. It's about her family finding her and about love and renewal. All are short reads and worth the time to take a look.
April 10, 2019
Loved these stories. Jodi is my favorite author, and these short stories show me why. The letter to her son was my favorite, because she wrote it as a personal letter to her son before he went to college. You can feel the emotion and feeling behind the letter. It wasn't written with a large audience in mind, it was written from her heart as an ode to Kyle's life up to that point.
I also enjoyed the Ritz because it was a fun story that had a happy ending.The first story was my least favorite but even that was written well. This will never be my favorite work from her, but it's good
I also enjoyed the Ritz because it was a fun story that had a happy ending.The first story was my least favorite but even that was written well. This will never be my favorite work from her, but it's good
February 10, 2011
This was an experiment...my sister "lent" it to me from her Kindle and I was able to read it through an app on my iPad. It was only available to me for 14 days which worked for me because this is a collection of short stories. And Picault worked her magic. She is such an astute observer of the intricacies of relationships. Although I would never succumb to the urge, I resonated with the story of the unappreciated mom who runs away.
August 7, 2012
So wonderful. I don't usually like short stories but these were wonderful. Be prepared with Kleenex.
November 20, 2014
Very moving stories. At parts it left me feeling depressed. Sad.
Yes. Can feel the Jodi Picoult who wrote My Sister's Keeper is back.
Yes. Can feel the Jodi Picoult who wrote My Sister's Keeper is back.
January 18, 2019
Too short
January 21, 2018
This is the first audiobook I haven't listened to so I went for a book with 3 short stories, and boy am I glad I did! It allowed me to get into audiobooks whilst allowing me to fiddle around with the app a little.
THE STORY #1 Weights and Measures The first story deals with a couple's tragic loss of their seven year old daughter and the daily struggles they face whilst they continue to live without her. #2 As He Leave or College This second story/piece is actually a letter Jodi wrote to her son as he leaves for college. I thought it was a heart-warming letter. As they are driving him to school, she's going over things in her head and feeling like there's so many things she's forgotten to tell him. #3 Ritz This one is about a mom who is taking a vacation from her family and she effectively ran away. When Jenna and her brother Devon wake on what seems like a regular morning, they find a note in the fridge that says "I'm taking a break, don't worry about me". The story is from Jenna's point of view. They go over the list of ways they have taken advantage of her, realizing how hard she worked to make sure they were taken care of. When she calls to let them know she is ok and not to worry they demand to know where she is but all she will tell them is that she's on vacation. Stunned the family decides they will survive just fine while she's away.
MY THOUGHTS #1 Weights and Measures I found this story upsetting as it broke my heart, a parent should not outlive their child. #2 As He Leave or College My favorite quote "I have always LOVED you, but I can very distinctly remember the moment I realized how much I LIKED you as well - not just as my child, but also as a fellow human." #3 Ritz There are many overworked and underappreciated mothers (or any other care-giver for that matter). Sometimes people may need a little reminder of how lucky they are to have someone to take such good care of them.
THE STORY #1 Weights and Measures The first story deals with a couple's tragic loss of their seven year old daughter and the daily struggles they face whilst they continue to live without her. #2 As He Leave or College This second story/piece is actually a letter Jodi wrote to her son as he leaves for college. I thought it was a heart-warming letter. As they are driving him to school, she's going over things in her head and feeling like there's so many things she's forgotten to tell him. #3 Ritz This one is about a mom who is taking a vacation from her family and she effectively ran away. When Jenna and her brother Devon wake on what seems like a regular morning, they find a note in the fridge that says "I'm taking a break, don't worry about me". The story is from Jenna's point of view. They go over the list of ways they have taken advantage of her, realizing how hard she worked to make sure they were taken care of. When she calls to let them know she is ok and not to worry they demand to know where she is but all she will tell them is that she's on vacation. Stunned the family decides they will survive just fine while she's away.
MY THOUGHTS #1 Weights and Measures I found this story upsetting as it broke my heart, a parent should not outlive their child. #2 As He Leave or College My favorite quote "I have always LOVED you, but I can very distinctly remember the moment I realized how much I LIKED you as well - not just as my child, but also as a fellow human." #3 Ritz There are many overworked and underappreciated mothers (or any other care-giver for that matter). Sometimes people may need a little reminder of how lucky they are to have someone to take such good care of them.
June 14, 2020
This was on my late sister's to-read list. She started using Goodreads as a way to broaden her reading horizons; to try new things. Our local public library only had the book available as an audiobook; I've had limited experience with audiobooks, so I thought listening to this book would be a way for me to broaden my reading horizons as well!
I listened to the audiobook on a Playaway; for those who don't know, a Playaway is an audiobook that's been loaded onto a sort of MP3 player. Its lightweight, and for me, it's a lot easier to use than a book on CDs or an audio file that needs to be downloaded.
The book is made up of three short pieces, all of which have been published elsewhere before. The first piece is a letter the author wrote to her son as he prepared to go away to college; it contains the usual motherly advice, but also includes some things every college student needs to hear but often doesn't - advice on how to treat others, how to treat yourself, how to be true to yourself and your beliefs. The second piece, the short story "Weights and Measures", is about a young couple whose daughter dies, the emotional struggles they go through, and how each of them deals with the pain of loss. The third, longer, piece is about a suburban mom who gets tired of being taken for granted and decides to take a break. She leaves her home in New York and goes to San Francisco to stay in the Ritz Carlton hotel. While the story tells a powerful message about being thankful for all the things others (especially moms) do for us, I couldn't get away from the reminders here and there that this mom was lucky - she could just up and fly to San Francisco and live in a luxury hotel - a luxury a lot of overworked mothers don't have.
I listened to the audiobook on a Playaway; for those who don't know, a Playaway is an audiobook that's been loaded onto a sort of MP3 player. Its lightweight, and for me, it's a lot easier to use than a book on CDs or an audio file that needs to be downloaded.
The book is made up of three short pieces, all of which have been published elsewhere before. The first piece is a letter the author wrote to her son as he prepared to go away to college; it contains the usual motherly advice, but also includes some things every college student needs to hear but often doesn't - advice on how to treat others, how to treat yourself, how to be true to yourself and your beliefs. The second piece, the short story "Weights and Measures", is about a young couple whose daughter dies, the emotional struggles they go through, and how each of them deals with the pain of loss. The third, longer, piece is about a suburban mom who gets tired of being taken for granted and decides to take a break. She leaves her home in New York and goes to San Francisco to stay in the Ritz Carlton hotel. While the story tells a powerful message about being thankful for all the things others (especially moms) do for us, I couldn't get away from the reminders here and there that this mom was lucky - she could just up and fly to San Francisco and live in a luxury hotel - a luxury a lot of overworked mothers don't have.
January 7, 2018
My first book for Picoult. For some reason after watching My Sister's Keeper I didn't feel the urge to read it and her books just dropped very low on my TBR. One of Kindle's Editor's pick was this collection of short stories, and I liked what I read.
Thinking back now a 1 star would be more fair. Simple stories very straightforward no twists. No extraordinary pen-ship. If it was any other writer, it wouldn't even make it to see the light for sure.
The first one of a heartbreak of burying a 7 year old daughter and living the aftermath on the couple. Really emotional and her writing was no different than any other person detailing the horrible empty feelings that a person can feel. The topic is just simply too sad.
The second story was a letter she penned to her son before he went to college. An walk through the time from birth till 18 years of her child's age. Concluding that what was lived was a just a mere sneak preview of the life ahead.
The third one about a mom fed up with life and taking a break from her 2 kids and husband. Overnight going to San Francisco from her home in New York, leaving her son 18 and daughter 15 with her career oriented husband. The unbalance that the household faces upon missing its core, and how they tried to manage. Her daughter ended up taking a bus and going to her mom, with her father and son following right after. Family was more solid after all of this.
Thinking back now a 1 star would be more fair. Simple stories very straightforward no twists. No extraordinary pen-ship. If it was any other writer, it wouldn't even make it to see the light for sure.
The first one of a heartbreak of burying a 7 year old daughter and living the aftermath on the couple. Really emotional and her writing was no different than any other person detailing the horrible empty feelings that a person can feel. The topic is just simply too sad.
The second story was a letter she penned to her son before he went to college. An walk through the time from birth till 18 years of her child's age. Concluding that what was lived was a just a mere sneak preview of the life ahead.
The third one about a mom fed up with life and taking a break from her 2 kids and husband. Overnight going to San Francisco from her home in New York, leaving her son 18 and daughter 15 with her career oriented husband. The unbalance that the household faces upon missing its core, and how they tried to manage. Her daughter ended up taking a bus and going to her mom, with her father and son following right after. Family was more solid after all of this.
April 23, 2023
This is 2 short fiction stories with the note the author actually wrote to her son when he went to college sandwiched between them. There is a common thread to these written pieces. That thread is Leaving Home.
The first story, in my opinion, has 2 instances of leaving home. One unthinkably heart wrenching and one heartbreaking but was a choice. The ending does have me a bit confused. My tired brain(I was pretty exhausted when reading this) wondered if this was a science fiction ending. The more aware brain today sees the growing wife and shrinking husband as more of a metaphor.
The Note is what resonated the most with me. It puts to words things that I feel for my children and worry I don’t convey and wont’ be able to convey. More over, there is such great advice. Advice that is sadly missing from today’s society.
The last story is probably my favorite. Right from the start I had a really good idea what the mom was doing. I can see so many moms in today’s society feeling the way this mom feels but never doing anything to change it. Most moms today would not “go on vacation” for fear that their families just wouldn’t care. I love that this family pulled together and saw the lesson for what it was and went to “get her back”. I love MOST that in the end the family takes the time to bond and enjoy vacation instead of rushing back to “real life”.
The first story, in my opinion, has 2 instances of leaving home. One unthinkably heart wrenching and one heartbreaking but was a choice. The ending does have me a bit confused. My tired brain(I was pretty exhausted when reading this) wondered if this was a science fiction ending. The more aware brain today sees the growing wife and shrinking husband as more of a metaphor.
The Note is what resonated the most with me. It puts to words things that I feel for my children and worry I don’t convey and wont’ be able to convey. More over, there is such great advice. Advice that is sadly missing from today’s society.
The last story is probably my favorite. Right from the start I had a really good idea what the mom was doing. I can see so many moms in today’s society feeling the way this mom feels but never doing anything to change it. Most moms today would not “go on vacation” for fear that their families just wouldn’t care. I love that this family pulled together and saw the lesson for what it was and went to “get her back”. I love MOST that in the end the family takes the time to bond and enjoy vacation instead of rushing back to “real life”.
February 17, 2022
3 short stories about leaving home.
-Open Letter to my Son as he leaves for college
About a mother sending her son to college. Talks about adulting and the things a mother can say and cannot say to his son.
Probably the most tied up story amongst the other two. Heart warming and definitely relatable especially to me as someone who is transitioning to adulthood.
-Weights and Measure
Centers on a married couple who lost their daughter of seven years old. The heartbreak of parents who has to deal with a tremendous loss that change them both in different ways. One gains weight and the other lost it.
Remarkable story telling and one for easy tears. I like all the metaphors of weights and how people deal with grief in different ways.
-Ritz
On the point of view of the Hamilton family’s children and father when they discover that their mother is taking a vacation in the Ritz.
Definitely my favorite. It holds dear to my heart since adulthood made me understand the hardships and sacrifices of my mother. Talks about how motherhood is a full-time job without a vacation. And how it can steal someone’s identity and push a woman to exhaustion.
-Open Letter to my Son as he leaves for college
About a mother sending her son to college. Talks about adulting and the things a mother can say and cannot say to his son.
Probably the most tied up story amongst the other two. Heart warming and definitely relatable especially to me as someone who is transitioning to adulthood.
-Weights and Measure
Centers on a married couple who lost their daughter of seven years old. The heartbreak of parents who has to deal with a tremendous loss that change them both in different ways. One gains weight and the other lost it.
Remarkable story telling and one for easy tears. I like all the metaphors of weights and how people deal with grief in different ways.
-Ritz
On the point of view of the Hamilton family’s children and father when they discover that their mother is taking a vacation in the Ritz.
Definitely my favorite. It holds dear to my heart since adulthood made me understand the hardships and sacrifices of my mother. Talks about how motherhood is a full-time job without a vacation. And how it can steal someone’s identity and push a woman to exhaustion.
July 18, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is quite an emotional audio book read by Jodi Picoult herself! I really enjoyed listening to this and I almost cried in several parts - particularly during the short works of fiction.
It was quite insightful to listen to the letter Jodi wrote for her son as he departed to college. There are lots of little snippets of golden wisdom among those beautiful words and I found just listening to that piece alone definitely made picking this collection up worth it!
I got to meet Jodi at work late last year for an event through work for her latest novel Small Great Things and I do feel that having met Jodi has really given me a greater love for her work, which I've now been reading for over 10 years!
This is quite an emotional audio book read by Jodi Picoult herself! I really enjoyed listening to this and I almost cried in several parts - particularly during the short works of fiction.
It was quite insightful to listen to the letter Jodi wrote for her son as he departed to college. There are lots of little snippets of golden wisdom among those beautiful words and I found just listening to that piece alone definitely made picking this collection up worth it!
I got to meet Jodi at work late last year for an event through work for her latest novel Small Great Things and I do feel that having met Jodi has really given me a greater love for her work, which I've now been reading for over 10 years!
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed these three short pieces by Jodi. She has been my favourite author for years and I find that reading something by her is always so comforting. The language she uses, the way she writes, everything about her work makes me happy.
I find that she really conveys human emotions in a really unique way and she makes characters act in ways that we may not expect - or even, that we may expect. She doesn't shy from showing all sides of a person. What I really appreciate about her is that she is unapologetic in how she brings her characters to life. They are not perfect, they are flawed - just like real actual people. They are always dynamic and vibrant people that really are three-dimensional. You don't have to like her characters, but they are who they are.
I find that she really conveys human emotions in a really unique way and she makes characters act in ways that we may not expect - or even, that we may expect. She doesn't shy from showing all sides of a person. What I really appreciate about her is that she is unapologetic in how she brings her characters to life. They are not perfect, they are flawed - just like real actual people. They are always dynamic and vibrant people that really are three-dimensional. You don't have to like her characters, but they are who they are.
February 13, 2020
Three short pieces: (1) Picoult gives the letter she wrote to her son when he left home for college. I wasn’t sure I’d like this, but it is heartwarming - bursting with love, pride and hope. (2) A couple who have lost their young daughter to illness, attempt to cope with their emptiness - relatable and moving. (3) a mother takes an unannounced vacation, leaving her daughter, son and husband to ponder their own actions and struggle on without her - lovely, quirky and warm. I enjoyed these pieces a lot. I saw them less about leaving home and more about family bonds: their strength and fragility.
February 27, 2022
Jodi Picoult narrates two short stories and a letter she wrote to her oldest on the topic of LEAVING HOME.
In the letter to her son, I wanted to give Jodi a big hug and ask her to be my mom. Kyle is so lucky to have a mom as who doesn’t just love him, but also likes the person he became. Every child should have a parent write a similar letter.
The story of the parents who lost a daughter WEIGHTS AND MEASURES touched me, more for the father’s grief than the moms.
I didn’t enjoy RITZ the runaway mom story as much, though I liked the voice of the daughter who narrated the story.
Picoult is a pretty good narrator, for someone not trained.
In the letter to her son, I wanted to give Jodi a big hug and ask her to be my mom. Kyle is so lucky to have a mom as who doesn’t just love him, but also likes the person he became. Every child should have a parent write a similar letter.
The story of the parents who lost a daughter WEIGHTS AND MEASURES touched me, more for the father’s grief than the moms.
I didn’t enjoy RITZ the runaway mom story as much, though I liked the voice of the daughter who narrated the story.
Picoult is a pretty good narrator, for someone not trained.
September 13, 2017
I love the way this author writes. This is only my second work of hers, but again, it won't be my last. These three pieces were all good. Nice quick reads which showcase "leaving home" scenarios.
The non-fiction piece, a letter she wrote to her son, left me wondering if my own mother thought these things when I left home and what her wishes for me might have been and whether I had fulfilled them.
The non-fiction piece, a letter she wrote to her son, left me wondering if my own mother thought these things when I left home and what her wishes for me might have been and whether I had fulfilled them.
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