Sing You Home in Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group.

Jan 10, 2011 Joanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, spring-challenge-2011, 2011

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 (crying already ...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Teresa rated it it was amazing

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 therapist, her hu
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 therapist, her husband Max, a landscape gardener and Vanessa Shaw, a high school guidance counsellor who enlists the services of Zoe to use music therapy with one of her students. Somehow these three fairly ordinary individuals become enmeshed in a legal battle involving the three frozen embryos which were left in storage after Zoe and Max’s many failed attempts at IVF. As in many of Jodi’s novels, there are difficult social issues but in Sing You Home, I think she’s done her best work and topics as diverse as infertility, gay rights, music therapy, Christian beliefs, discrimination, the role of the family, relationship choices are seamlessly woven together.

It’s not all black and white though – whilst it is clear that the author doesn’t hold much “faith” with extreme religious fanaticism, we do see a more subtle, multi-tonal representation of those who have been “saved”. I learned a lot about the difficulties faced by those undergoing IVF, the dashing of hopes and dreams. I was made more aware of the hardship faced by those in same sex marriages in what we would assume to be a more liberal 21st century. I realised how hard it must be to leave the supportive community of fellow Christians if you feel you can’t make it on your own. Yes, indeed, my mind was truly boggling after reading this book, in a good way!

This review is based on an advance electronic version provided by www.simonandschuster.com. It’s definitely a sign of a great book that I was willing to stay up to the wee small hours reading this on my laptop! I eagerly await the publication of the “real” book, 1st March in the US and 12th April in the UK when I will also be able to listen to the cd which accompanies the ten tracks/chapters of the novel. I’ve been interested in music therapy for a while and I look forward to hearing the voice of Jodi’s friend, Ellen Wilber who will be Zoe’s voice. Picoult fans, you are in for a treat!

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Jul 11, 2011 Kathy McC rated it liked it

I had a difficult time with the rating. This is a Picoult novel and I love Jodi Picoult. On the other hand, if this had been the first novel of hers that I had read, I'm not sure it would have made me a fan. It would have made me want to read more of her books, but I didn't find this the page turner, complete immersion book that I have come to expect. The thorough research, the controversial issue (perhaps the most controversial topic yet), the courtroom drama, the well-developed characters were ...more

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Jun 20, 2011 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2011

I always love Jodi for her fast paced (I have read ALL her books) stories and unpredictable endings. In the first few chapters my jaw literally dropped from how cliche the characters lives evolved. It breaks my heart to read about women who have trouble getting pregnant, as half of my married girlfriends are struggling with this now. But to divorce and become gay in the blink of an eye?! I know it happens but in the book it was just so damn quick!
I do enjoy the courtroom scenes though. Some of ...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Sue Seligman rated it really liked it

So far I am on p. 100 of Jodi Picoult's latest novel.I didnt know what to expect because the reviews and comments that I have read on this site and others have been mixed. After seeing her at t book-signing/brunch in March, I was excited to dive into this book. I have read almost 100 pages in a couple of hours, and I know it's going to get even more intense. This novel concerns many topical and important issues, including infertility, relationships, fundamentalist religion, homosexuality, gay ma ...more

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Jul 08, 2010 Kelly Lamb rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, jodi-picoult

Jodi Picoult has been my favorite author for a while, though that doesn't mean that I always love her stuff. I was a bit disappointed in last year's House Rules, and was hoping for some redemption in this year's release.

Well, I got what I wanted. This was good Jodi Picoult. The scenario was realistic, emotional, politically charged. She manages to make you feel at least a *little* sympathetic for both sides of the case, no matter what your political beliefs are. The twist at the end (cuz there a ...more

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Dec 06, 2010 Ashley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jodi-picoult-books, 2011-book-challenge

This book was awesome and has become one of my favorites. I had high expectations for this novel and Jodi Picoult met them. At times I worried that it wouldn't end in a positive way. But it did and Jodi did a great job of giving fair voice to both sides of the debate with the issues involved in this novel. I look forward to Jodi's next novel. ...more

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May 25, 2010 Ashley rated it really liked it

Shelves: women-s-lit, 2011

I really really liked this book. The characters were great as always and I liked the story. That being said I am glad that I read it this year and not last year while pregnant with my daughter.

I was pulled into the story from the very first page and kept interested until the very last word.

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Dec 20, 2010 alisonwonderland (Alison) rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-with-soundtrack, 2011-publication-date

Typical Jodi Picoult for me - which means I had a hard time putting it down and I cried several times. I haven't yet listened to the accompanying CD ... ...more

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