Change of Heart in Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group.

Jul 01, 2008 Sfdreams rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

WOW! Jodi Picoult's books always intigue me and make my mind shift, and this book was no exception.

Told from four different viewpoints, this story makes you examine your thoughts on the death penalty and religion.

One voice is that of June Nealon, whose husband, police officer Kurt Nealon, and daughter by a previous marriage, Elizabeth, were brutally murdered one day as June, 7 months pregnant, was at an OB appointment.

Another voice is Michael, a university student pulled to serve on the jury tha ...more

Like · see review

Mar 02, 2009 Rhonda Rae Baker rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

OMGoodness, this is my absolute favorite of Jodi Picoult although EVERY one of her novels has done something to me deep inside.

Why DO we believe the things we do? Is it really because we know what is right or wrong, or is it because we're afraid to know the realy truth of what is out there. I've always beleived that we all have a part of divinity within us and that it is up to us to dig deep enough to discover what that is.

I've also believed and seen though many scenerios in my life that life i OMGoodness, this is my absolute favorite of Jodi Picoult although EVERY one of her novels has done something to me deep inside.

Why DO we believe the things we do? Is it really because we know what is right or wrong, or is it because we're afraid to know the realy truth of what is out there. I've always beleived that we all have a part of divinity within us and that it is up to us to dig deep enough to discover what that is.

I've also believed and seen though many scenerios in my life that life isn't always what it seems. There are always hidden truths to uncover and there are always mysteries that we may never learn during our tenure of life on this planet. And what of the next life? Where do we go and what happens to us? With death as something that I've experienced in many ways, I've often sought to reconnect with those that have gone on before me.

Is there anything that any of us could do to change the past and what has happened or is it up to us to find a way for the future by making better choices today? I hate the phrase, "would have, could have, should have" as there is nothing we can do to change the past but we surely can make a difference for the future, for ourselves, and for our loved ones.

I understood where Shay was coming from. I understood where Michael was coming from. I understood where June was coming from. I understood where Maggie was coming from. This novel told in 'first person' the accounts of what happened to Shay and I never imagined what was the underlying issues. I was not surprised about what he was actually attempting to do...I've wanted to make restitution for some things for many years. I've been misunderstood and blamed for many things that happened which were out of my hands. I've told my accuser's that I forgive them and it made them even angrier at me. I've not quite been able to forgive myself for some things that have happened. I've had nightmares about things that I wish that I would have said, for things that I wish I would have known, for things that I wish hadn't happened.

All these emotions and more are tucked away within the pages of this novel. What an extremely deep and thought provoking story...I was rivited beyond myself into another plane. There were so many things hidden between the lines of this story and some of them I had figured out way before they were revealed yet there were others that totally surprised me. What a psychological thriller and a compassionate story.

The character of Maggie was my favorite as we are alike in many ways. From her self-image to her spiritual belief yet I feel that she taught me some things not only about myself but also about those that would be my accusers and those that needed a scapegoat to feel better about themselves.

Talk about unconditional love and relationships...a Change of Heart at the foundation of what and who we all are as human beings.

Read this novel...it is phenomenal! ...more

Like · see review

Apr 04, 2008 Stacy Matthews rated it really liked it

Jodi Picoult always come through with some zingers! This one was no different.
If you or your family member needed a heart transplant, would you take the heart of a murderer on death row?
This is the descision the mother in this book has to make. However, it is made more difficult by the fact this murderer killed her husband and first born daughter.

It is a well told story that kept me intrigued throughout the book. There is some historical/religious references that lost me part way through, but ...more

Like · see review

Nov 02, 2008 Marissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Like · see review

Sep 06, 2008 Yaya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-books, my-favorites, jodi-picoult, books-read-in-october-2008

I found myself staring at the book for quite sometimes after I finished reading it. I know inside me of is crying hard for Shay.

Yes, I watched Green Mile but for me this book is nothing like Green Mile. As usual Jodi makes me thinking hard about what life, sacrifice and love is all about.

Like · see review

Apr 30, 2008 Ashley rated it really liked it

Shelves: chick-lit, 2010

I liked this. It was a lot of Religion but it was done in a good way. I did have the Twist figured out fairly early, but it didn't take a way from the book. If you liked Keeping Faith you will like this one. ...more

Like · see review

Jul 15, 2008 Stephanie rated it really liked it

A quick read and thought provoking, although it borrows from A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Davinci Code and Law and Order SVU, and ultimately is predictable.

Like · see review