Andrea Hunter
I think I am the only person on the planet who did not love this book. I have even heard people remark this was “the best book they have ever read”. Although it was interesting and I was drawn to the characters and I admire the author for taking on such heavy ethical material, for me, personally, it was too gruesome and violent and ultimately, I felt I lost more by reading it than anything I could have gained from it. I don't think I will tackle the next two titles.
I love Jodi Picoult, but this one felt rushed. Key points to the story were thrown in as minor details in the end and characters lost their defining characteristics. Although I appreciate how bravely she approached the content material and how beautifully she dealt with loss and grief, it didn't come together for me, in the end. And the cd...oh, Jodi. I applaud you taking creative risks, , but writing books is where you belong. I mean no offense to the woman singing on those tracks, but that was not the voice I invisioned for Zoe. I still love you, but this was not your best.
This was a unique experience, re-reading the book after watching the Netflix series. During the series, I remember thinking the book had more, I don't know, maybe integrity? I didn't remember Hannah being revengeful but I picked up on it more during the second reading. I still think the book is beautifully written and so progressive but I appreciate the portrayal of Hannah in the series more after re-reading the book. I actually think the actress brought a tenderness to the role that perhaps the original story lacked. In both creative venues, Clay was so real and heartbreaking and I applaud the author for writing a male character with such depth.
