Author: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2007
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)
Yearly Count: 12
It took 19 minutes for Peter Houghton to kill 10 people, as well as, physically and mentally hurt a whole community. Nineteen Minutes is filled with emotions that range from love to hatred and empathy to disbelief. They are all explored from the beginning to the end in this true-to-life story.
There was a lot that I liked about this book and not much that I didn't, but I just can't bring myself to say it was "very good." Like the other two Picoult novels I have read (The Pact and My Sister's Keeper - BB: Before Blog), she writes a believable, flowing story; however, there were some incidences that I thought were stretching it a bit - nothing outrageous, but enough to catch my attention. What I liked most was the many different angles and topics that were covered. It wasn't a simple book by any means, and I think the issues were handled with respect.
I liked what Jodi Picoult says about being an author in an Amazon video, ". . . if you're really lucky, then you get to maybe open some narrow minds a little bit." I think her books succeed.
I want to read this one. It is a topic that is relevant today unfortunately. I like how the author makes the reader think. Thank you for your great review, Joy.
ReplyDeleteI read this BB and found it quite disturbing, but also very relevant, which is so sad. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHi Joy! I read this BB as well I think. I thought it was quite good too. My favorite of hers was My Sister's Keeper though. I still haven't read her new one.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one of hers. Now I can't say the same of her book last year. So very disappointing. But of course I have requested her new one from my library because she's still a fave author of mine. Just hope she goes back to the honest and powerful writing she did before the fame and $$$.
ReplyDeleteI've read all of Picoult's books and enjoyed them. This one was not as good as some other IMO. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI think I've only read 3 of her books and The Pact remains my favorite. Read it a long time ago. I'm planning on reading her new one that is about a boy with Asperger's Syndrome. We have friends whose son has that.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline ~ I haven't forgotten you - I promise! I will be by your blog soon. :) I liked that she didn't just make it about the shooting. There were other aspects to keep the book moving.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ Since all the shootings, I wonder how many people are feeling guilty about the bullying they did as a child.
Dar ~ Yay - another long lost friend stops by for a visit! It's wonderful to see you, Dar. Like I keep telling everybody - I'll be by soon. :) I'm interested in her new one, too. BTW - I'm reading Barclay's newest (arc) titled Never Look Away. I'm really enjoying it. I tell you that because you are the one that introduced me to him (I believe). He has become a steadfast favorite of mine. Thanks! :)
Staci ~ I don't know which one was last year, but which one stands out as a favorite for you? I still want to read Plain Truth.
Diane ~ ALL OF THEM!!! Wow! :) That's quite a few! Do you have a favorite?
Kay ~ I want to read House Rules, too! I know many children with Asperger's, so it'll be interesting to see where she takes it.
Joy, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying Barclay's newest. I'm going to be reading it soon as well.
ReplyDeleteI read and liked this book as well. Although it in't my favorite by this author, it is still a very interesting read!
ReplyDeleteI seem to be in the minority here... this was one of my favorites by here. Glad to see you liked it as well.
ReplyDeleteI've read three Picoult books but not this one. I'm amazed at the range of topics she is able to cover so knowledgeably.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten around to reading this one yet. It sounds like it could be a good one since I think Picoult handles social issues with a fair hand. I've read quite a few of her books and would have to say the The Pact is my favorite. Maybe because it was my first? I really liked Handle With Care, too, though.
ReplyDeleteDar ~ Enjoy! I did. :)
ReplyDeleteSamantha.1020 ~ I think her topics of choice make them interesting - whether they are great writing or not. Don't you think?
Kristie ~ I love the fact that things strike us differently. It would be so boring if they didn't.
Framed ~ I agree. I'm looking forward to the Amish one.
Les ~ I just looked up the following books in my journal. The Pact was my first as well, but I rated it a 3/5 at the time (2003). I don't have many memories of it, so apparently it didn't leave any lasting impressions. I rated My Sister's Keeper a 3.5/5 in 2006 and now Nineteen Minutes earned a 3.75/5. It appears that I have liked her writing a bit more every time, so hopefully my next one will make it into the 4s category. :) Even though they have gotten better for me, I still don't have a "favorite."