Status
Available
Series
Genres
Description
A woman and her husband admitted to a hospital to have a baby requests that their nurse be reassigned -- they are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is black, to touch their baby. The hospital complies, but the baby later goes into cardiac distress when Ruth is on duty. She hesitates before rushing in to perform CPR. When her indecision ends in tragedy, Ruth finds herself on trial, represented by a white public defender who warns against bringing race into a courtroom. As the two come to develop a truer understanding of each other's lives, they begin to doubt the beliefs they each hold most dear.
User reviews
LibraryThing member CarmenMilligan
Like the other Picoult books I have read, this one had me hooked from the beginning. The writing is so compelling and the subject of current-day racism is so relevant.
I jumped right in, hating Turk, pulling for Ruth, wary of Adisa, and cheering for Kennedy. Living in the deep south, where the
With that said, it was very difficult to read some of the sections, and made me put the book down so I could consider the text. I didn't read this book lightly, and am glad of the conversations that I feel it will inspire. Conversations that need to happen.
Then I got to the end. I am not going to spoil it for you, but the ending of the book left me completely deflated. I wanted the situation to be handled realistically. I wanted a real-world outcome, with all of its consequences. I wanted commentary on how the struggle for racial equity continues. I wanted evidence of small steps making a difference. I wanted to see how people changed perspectives from both sides of the color wheel. This struggle is not a tidy one, and that's what I expected to see reflected here.
Instead, I felt robbed of all of that. Instead, I got theatrics. And not even realistic, at that. The ending is out of left field, and so out of any realm of remote possibility that it almost ruined the rest of the story for me. If it were not for the strong social commentary throughout, I would have put this at a rating of two, but I think Picoult had more to offer than that rating would indicate. However, she also had a great opportunity to shine a spotlight while holding a mirror up to her readers. That opportunity was squandered.
Recommended, but prepare to be disappointed.
This book is available October 11, 2016.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy of this prerelease in exchange for my honest opinion.
I jumped right in, hating Turk, pulling for Ruth, wary of Adisa, and cheering for Kennedy. Living in the deep south, where the
Show More
most heinous acts occurred during the civil rights era, I have a different perspective than I think people in other regions of the US may have. Like Kennedy's mother, I don't tend to look at how far we have yet to go, but how far we've come.With that said, it was very difficult to read some of the sections, and made me put the book down so I could consider the text. I didn't read this book lightly, and am glad of the conversations that I feel it will inspire. Conversations that need to happen.
Then I got to the end. I am not going to spoil it for you, but the ending of the book left me completely deflated. I wanted the situation to be handled realistically. I wanted a real-world outcome, with all of its consequences. I wanted commentary on how the struggle for racial equity continues. I wanted evidence of small steps making a difference. I wanted to see how people changed perspectives from both sides of the color wheel. This struggle is not a tidy one, and that's what I expected to see reflected here.
Instead, I felt robbed of all of that. Instead, I got theatrics. And not even realistic, at that. The ending is out of left field, and so out of any realm of remote possibility that it almost ruined the rest of the story for me. If it were not for the strong social commentary throughout, I would have put this at a rating of two, but I think Picoult had more to offer than that rating would indicate. However, she also had a great opportunity to shine a spotlight while holding a mirror up to her readers. That opportunity was squandered.
Recommended, but prepare to be disappointed.
This book is available October 11, 2016.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy of this prerelease in exchange for my honest opinion.
Show Less
LibraryThing member setnahkt
Jodi Picoult writes popular novels, often centered around complicated legal cases: “mercy” killings, custody battles, frozen embryos, parental kidnappings. In Small Great Things, it’s about implicit and explicit racism; the focus character is a black nurse accused of medical neglect of the
However…
They also often hit home. I’m not going to paraphrase the whole novel – read it yourself. But it did find one little part that hit home; one of the protagonists is the white public defender for the black nurse. In the course of confronting her own possible bias, she remembers an uncle – always a little drunk at family gatherings, always a little too huggy with the girls, and when the time came to crack a bowl of nuts for Christmas, always calling Brazil nuts “niggertoes”. Well, I had a relative who called them that, and I never said anything about it – I was probably 8 or 10 years old and deferential to my elders and who was I to say anything? But now, decades later, it agitates me to think about it. I suppose I shouldn’t look back – something might be gaining on me.
Show More
child of white supremacists. Picoult’s characters often seem stereotyped – there to illustrate some current cause or another – and the novels frequently end with a deus ex machina as some hitherto ignored evidence comes to light in the courtroom.However…
They also often hit home. I’m not going to paraphrase the whole novel – read it yourself. But it did find one little part that hit home; one of the protagonists is the white public defender for the black nurse. In the course of confronting her own possible bias, she remembers an uncle – always a little drunk at family gatherings, always a little too huggy with the girls, and when the time came to crack a bowl of nuts for Christmas, always calling Brazil nuts “niggertoes”. Well, I had a relative who called them that, and I never said anything about it – I was probably 8 or 10 years old and deferential to my elders and who was I to say anything? But now, decades later, it agitates me to think about it. I suppose I shouldn’t look back – something might be gaining on me.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Bellettres
An amazing book! I devoured all 464 pages in two days. Small Great Things is right up there with My Sister's Keeper when it comes to sympathetic characters, legal and ethical dilemmas, and page-turning suspense.
Ruth Jefferson is an African-American woman has worked in the same hospital for 20
Ruth Jefferson is an African-American woman has worked in the same hospital for 20
Show More
years, as a nurse in the neonatal unit. When she is dismissed from a case because white supremacist parents do not want her anywhere near their newborn son, she is hurt and angry. The two-day old infant dies following complications with his circumcision, and Ruth is accused of murder. Three narrators (Ruth, the father of the baby, and the public defender who takes Ruth's case) tell the story as it develops: from family backgrounds to current attitudes toward race in America. As in many of Picoult's books, medicine and the law come into play. In an Afterword, the author expresses her concern that she, as a white woman, may not have the right to explain what a black defendant feels and experiences. It's a valid concern, but I think she has done remarkably well. My only quibble: the upper case "B" was used often (but not always) when "Black" was used to designate a person of color. It was distracting, but perhaps I just don't understand what she was trying to convey. Show Less
LibraryThing member hubblegal
This book tackles a very controversial subject – racism. A white supremacist couple have requested that the hospital where their son was just born reassign their nurse from Ruth, who is a person of color, to a white nurse. They don’t want Ruth to touch their baby. The nurse tells Ruth she
Ms. Picoult has chosen a very tricky subject and has done a great job describing the every-day indignities that people of color experience. Ruth’s lawyer is white and thinks that she is unbiased and understands the plight of black Americans . Yet as she and Ruth get closer and create a tenuous bond between them, she is shocked at how little she did understand. This will be an eye-opening book for many. There are no easy answers for this moral dilemma.
Please note that this quote is from an ARC of this book and may be changed in the final edition but it struck such a chord with me that I had to include it in this review: “Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” The author goes on to give an example. Giving a printed test to two kids is equal but not if one of them is blind.
At one point, I was going to give this book 4 stars as there were some parts of it I found quite a bit slanted. Ruth blamed so many things on her being a person of color when some of those things could just have easily happened to a white person. But as was mentioned in the book, a white person hasn’t lived the life of a person of color so they don’t have a good understanding of that life and the resentment that builds over time. Those moments of doubt that I had at the beginning of the book dissolved as the book went on. The trial is amazingly suspenseful, interesting and unpredictable. Kennedy and Ruth’s relationship was written so true and honestly. There is also a twist near the end that I never saw coming. And the ending was absolutely beautiful and made me cry.
People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
Nelson Mendela - “Long Walk to Freedom”
This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
Show More
isn’t allowed to treat this baby. But then an emergency comes up and the tragic outcome lands Ruth on trial for murder.Ms. Picoult has chosen a very tricky subject and has done a great job describing the every-day indignities that people of color experience. Ruth’s lawyer is white and thinks that she is unbiased and understands the plight of black Americans . Yet as she and Ruth get closer and create a tenuous bond between them, she is shocked at how little she did understand. This will be an eye-opening book for many. There are no easy answers for this moral dilemma.
Please note that this quote is from an ARC of this book and may be changed in the final edition but it struck such a chord with me that I had to include it in this review: “Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” The author goes on to give an example. Giving a printed test to two kids is equal but not if one of them is blind.
At one point, I was going to give this book 4 stars as there were some parts of it I found quite a bit slanted. Ruth blamed so many things on her being a person of color when some of those things could just have easily happened to a white person. But as was mentioned in the book, a white person hasn’t lived the life of a person of color so they don’t have a good understanding of that life and the resentment that builds over time. Those moments of doubt that I had at the beginning of the book dissolved as the book went on. The trial is amazingly suspenseful, interesting and unpredictable. Kennedy and Ruth’s relationship was written so true and honestly. There is also a twist near the end that I never saw coming. And the ending was absolutely beautiful and made me cry.
People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
Nelson Mendela - “Long Walk to Freedom”
This book was given to me by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Neftzger
This was one of those books that I had trouble putting down and when I had to take a break I couldn't wait to get back to it. The plot centers around a black woman named Ruth is an OB nurse who is accused of murder when a white supremacist's baby dies shortly after birth. The book addresses
This may be my top book of 2016 - it is definitely one of the top reads of the year.
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Show More
prejudice and racism in a variety of forms and exposes the injustices buried within our current system. Rarely has a book touched me this deeply. Picoult has written this well and created some wonderful characters that evoke strong empathy from the reader. This may be my top book of 2016 - it is definitely one of the top reads of the year.
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rolyat
captivating from the beginning! in true Jodi Picoult fashion, there are twist and turns. she truly captured the essence of each character. I am not sure I find the ending believable, but it is possible.
LibraryThing member mtlkch
I received an Early Reviewers copy from LibraryThing of small great things. Typical of Jodi Picoult’s effect on me, I had a hard time functioning in real life because all I wanted to do was read. Typical of her writing: multiple narrators whom I was able to differentiate; a controversial issue I read her Author’s Note. Don’t read it first or it will spoil the book for you! The only part of the story I didn’t like was Brittany’s surprise; I can understand its purpose, but it left me with too many questions about how that could have been hidden her whole life. Overall, it’s a very good Jodi Picoult book.
Show More
that made me think, this one probably more than any other; and a surprise ending. A big difference from other books of hers that I’ve read - I didn’t buy into the ending until Show Less
LibraryThing member AliciaClark23
I am a huge fan of Jodi so I knew I would probably enjoy this book. The theme of the story is racism and it is told from three different perspectives. The chapters from Turk's point of view (he is a white supremacist) were really hard to read. It is difficult to imagine anyone having the ability to
Show More
hate so many people that much, but sadly what Jodi is portraying is a reality. This book certainly had its intended affect. It made me stop and think about my own privileges and participation in systems that are clearly stacked against some people. I think it was courageous and timely for Jodi to write this book and I think we would all be better off as a society if we read more books like this and had honest discussions about race. I think the characters were great in this book. I especially liked Edison and Kennedy. As usual Jodi throws in a twist at the end and although much of the book is disturbing it is also hopeful. I would certainly recommend this one to anyone. Show Less
LibraryThing member KMT01
I received this from NetGalley to read and review. This is a good book, that addresses a difficult subject that is very current today. However, this book just did not do anything for me. I found parts of it slow moving and tough to get through, as the story dragged on and on. I personally prefer a
Once again, Jodi Piccoult has tackled an area in our culture that can and does cause difficulty for most people. She displays the candor, empathy and intelligence readers have come to know, while also bringing out many social/cultural norms, racial and other common prejudices and privileges that are present in our society. The story is interesting, though, as I said, tended to be a bit too long for me. Still, it is about real people, and will stay on with readers long after they finish the book. This is a book people will read, digest and talk about for a long time. For me, it is not her best work, but it is well worth reading. I think any socially aware reader will enjoy it, especially if he/she enjoys Jodi Piccoult’s other books.
Show More
shorter book, and, to me, cannot understand why authors belabor stories way beyond what I think is necessary. Back to the story. Ruth has been a labor room nurse for twenty years, and has never had any problems. She is the only African American labor room nurse on the staff. One day, a couple has a child at the hospital, and, after encountering her in the care of their young child, asks that she never again be assigned to care for their child. They are avowed white supremacists and cannot abide by a person of color taking care of or handling their child. This works okay until, one day, the child experiences a life threatening episode, which Ruth takes care of. Then, she is dragged into court by the court by the couple, accused of a serious crime. Ruth’s white public defender recommends a trial strategy Ruth really does not like or want to follow. This is Ruth’s story and her experiences throughout this horrific episode.Once again, Jodi Piccoult has tackled an area in our culture that can and does cause difficulty for most people. She displays the candor, empathy and intelligence readers have come to know, while also bringing out many social/cultural norms, racial and other common prejudices and privileges that are present in our society. The story is interesting, though, as I said, tended to be a bit too long for me. Still, it is about real people, and will stay on with readers long after they finish the book. This is a book people will read, digest and talk about for a long time. For me, it is not her best work, but it is well worth reading. I think any socially aware reader will enjoy it, especially if he/she enjoys Jodi Piccoult’s other books.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ReadingGrrl
Timely and powerful I found this book really distressing to read but also fabulous and informative. Tackling the issues of privilege, racism, race bias, etc in a way that I think will open many eyes and lead to some really great discussions. While people may think that the story line is not
Turk's story reminds me a little of the movie American History X with Edward Norton in that you get to see through the eyes of a white supremacist. Its scary how people can be taught to hate so much, that history can be twisted in such a way, but its not a problem of yesterday, this is something that continues, and is systemic in the American culture and seems to be growing again.
Picoult's book couldn't have come at a better time and hopefully will get people talking and really thinking about racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias. Was Ruth guilty? Was she just following orders? What would you have done? And why did the hospital put her in this situation? Like all Picoult's books there is no easy answer, but maybe thats the point, there is no easy answer and fixing this is not going to be easy or comfortable for many.
Show More
something that would actually happen in America unfortunately it does happen in real life. Turk's story reminds me a little of the movie American History X with Edward Norton in that you get to see through the eyes of a white supremacist. Its scary how people can be taught to hate so much, that history can be twisted in such a way, but its not a problem of yesterday, this is something that continues, and is systemic in the American culture and seems to be growing again.
Picoult's book couldn't have come at a better time and hopefully will get people talking and really thinking about racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias. Was Ruth guilty? Was she just following orders? What would you have done? And why did the hospital put her in this situation? Like all Picoult's books there is no easy answer, but maybe thats the point, there is no easy answer and fixing this is not going to be easy or comfortable for many.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ALoyacano
In true Jodi Picoult fashion, this book made me cry (in class during silent reading). Racism is something that is talked about everyday, but is still somehow swept under the rug. This book does not cover it up.
The main characters consist of a black nurse, a white supremacist new dad, and a white
While the book seemed to speed up towards the end I thought it was very well written and poignant. This is one of those times where I kept thinking to myself "this should be a movie" because it is so timely and well done.
The main characters consist of a black nurse, a white supremacist new dad, and a white
Show More
"non-racist" public defender. Often times this book is difficult to read because you are forced to feel sympathy for a man who spends every moment of his life hating most of humanity, but it is worth it.While the book seemed to speed up towards the end I thought it was very well written and poignant. This is one of those times where I kept thinking to myself "this should be a movie" because it is so timely and well done.
Show Less
LibraryThing member hellonicole
If you've read any Jodi Picoult before, nothing I'm about to say is news to you. Small Great Things is gut-wrenching, thorough, and just all around engrossing.
If blatant racism makes you uncomfortable, then get ready to be very uncomfortable. But that alone should not stop you from reading Small
There were times when it felt like Picoult did a little TOO much research, medical terms being thrown in that I eventually skimmed over because it was taking too long for me to try and pronounce them all in my head, especially when it was obvious many of them had no bearing on the outcome of the story. The courtroom scenes were just detailed enough, without dragging over that line into too long.
If you're a fan of Picoult's, then you won't be disappointed.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
If blatant racism makes you uncomfortable, then get ready to be very uncomfortable. But that alone should not stop you from reading Small
Show More
Great Things. Picoult's characters travel these rollercoasters of emotion, dragging you along for the ride, with just enough twists and turns to keep you from getting too comfortable.There were times when it felt like Picoult did a little TOO much research, medical terms being thrown in that I eventually skimmed over because it was taking too long for me to try and pronounce them all in my head, especially when it was obvious many of them had no bearing on the outcome of the story. The courtroom scenes were just detailed enough, without dragging over that line into too long.
If you're a fan of Picoult's, then you won't be disappointed.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I like books that make you think and this was one of those books. This book deal with racism at all levels. I went through a wide range of feelings while reading this book. The story at the heart of the book seemed like it could have been pulled from current headlines. This was a story that I
This story is told from 3 points of view. Ruth, a labor and delivery nurse, is at the center of the story. She has been working as a nurse for the past 20 years and likes her job. Her other main focus is on her teenage son, who is an honor student and an all around good kid. When Ruth is assigned to work with the Bauer family, things take a turn and she is pulled from the case. The problem is not with her actions but the color of her skin. She is told not to care for the baby and when she is left alone with him and he has an emergency things go wrong. As a result, Ruth finds herself in the middle of a nightmare, charged with a crime and unable to work.
Turk is a white supremacist. His character made me angry and the parts of the book that were from his parts where hard to read. He is also a grieving father who wants to find some reason for his son's death. The blame is firmly placed on Ruth as the only African American nurse on duty and the individual who was there when the baby died. His hatred of anyone different that himself was extreme and often violent.
Kennedy was the lawyer assigned to work Ruth's case. Ruth's case is the first big case that she has worked and she really does work hard on it. She learns a lot about how racism can slip in to our daily lives without most of us realizing it. She knows that racism shouldn't be brought into the trial because that is just not how cases are worked. But it is a part of this case.
I thought that all three points of view brought a lot to the story. Sometimes they made me sad and other times they made me angry. Through Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk we learn about a lot of other people. Ruth's son goes through a lot as a result of the trial and must deal with issues from racism in his life. Ruth's mother and sister also play an important role in the story. Turk's wife and father-in-law were a large part of the story. Their belief system and history was difficult to think about but it helped illustrate their extreme thoughts. There were a few twists in the story that surprised me and I thought were well executed.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought this was a thought provoking page turner that I think many readers will enjoy. I applaud Jodi Picoult taking on such a relevant topic in this book.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via First to Read.
Show More
couldn't get out of my head and when I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it. I wasn't sure if this was a book that I would want to read when I first saw it but decided to give it a chance anyway and am very glad that I did.This story is told from 3 points of view. Ruth, a labor and delivery nurse, is at the center of the story. She has been working as a nurse for the past 20 years and likes her job. Her other main focus is on her teenage son, who is an honor student and an all around good kid. When Ruth is assigned to work with the Bauer family, things take a turn and she is pulled from the case. The problem is not with her actions but the color of her skin. She is told not to care for the baby and when she is left alone with him and he has an emergency things go wrong. As a result, Ruth finds herself in the middle of a nightmare, charged with a crime and unable to work.
Turk is a white supremacist. His character made me angry and the parts of the book that were from his parts where hard to read. He is also a grieving father who wants to find some reason for his son's death. The blame is firmly placed on Ruth as the only African American nurse on duty and the individual who was there when the baby died. His hatred of anyone different that himself was extreme and often violent.
Kennedy was the lawyer assigned to work Ruth's case. Ruth's case is the first big case that she has worked and she really does work hard on it. She learns a lot about how racism can slip in to our daily lives without most of us realizing it. She knows that racism shouldn't be brought into the trial because that is just not how cases are worked. But it is a part of this case.
I thought that all three points of view brought a lot to the story. Sometimes they made me sad and other times they made me angry. Through Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk we learn about a lot of other people. Ruth's son goes through a lot as a result of the trial and must deal with issues from racism in his life. Ruth's mother and sister also play an important role in the story. Turk's wife and father-in-law were a large part of the story. Their belief system and history was difficult to think about but it helped illustrate their extreme thoughts. There were a few twists in the story that surprised me and I thought were well executed.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought this was a thought provoking page turner that I think many readers will enjoy. I applaud Jodi Picoult taking on such a relevant topic in this book.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via First to Read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member pegmcdaniel
I was given an e-ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
Jodi Picoult must have put in lots of time on research in order to write this sensitive novel. Her comments at the end of the story are almost as important as the novel itself.
The subject of Ms.
I think this novel will be discussed for a long time. It's about a subject that affects all of us, one way or another. I highly recommend it with 5 Stars.
Jodi Picoult must have put in lots of time on research in order to write this sensitive novel. Her comments at the end of the story are almost as important as the novel itself.
The subject of Ms.
Show More
Picoult's latest book is racism in America. This story is also about hospitals, labor and delivery nurses, tragedy, white supremacists, the judicial system, and family relationships. The author has many well-developed main characters who carry the novel, but some of her secondary characters are significant to the story as well.I think this novel will be discussed for a long time. It's about a subject that affects all of us, one way or another. I highly recommend it with 5 Stars.
Show Less
LibraryThing member nicx27
Jodi Picoult is one of those hit and miss authors for me. She's written what I think are brilliant books (The Storyteller, Leaving Time) but some of her others don't grab me in the same way.
Small Great Things follows Ruth Jefferson, a black labour and delivery nurse. She is part of a small team and
Ultimately this is a book that is all about prejudice, looking at it from both sides. I must admit it was quite an eye-opener for me and it certainly made me think. But it was also quite a slow read and I have to say I didn't fully engage with the characters, despite the emotive subject matter. The lawyer, Kennedy McQuarrie was probably my favourite because I liked her style. I really felt for Ruth but somehow didn't quite sympathise with her in the way I think the author intended, and I think she could have been better-drawn. And the Bauers, well they were totally unlikeable as you might expect. The book ended on an unexpected note and I'm still not sure what I make of it.
There was a section that moved me to tears and Jodi Picoult certainly does have the power in her writing to pull on the heartstrings. Sometimes though, it feels like she is going through a list of controversial topics and ticking them off one by one. I wonder what will be next.
Small Great Things follows Ruth Jefferson, a black labour and delivery nurse. She is part of a small team and
Show More
is the only black member of that team. When a couple, Turk and Brit Bauer, who are white supremacists, come into the hospital to have their baby Ruth is not on duty but when she is assigned to them after the birth they ask that she does not have contact with their baby or care for him. When their baby later dies after a routine procedure Ruth finds herself being held responsible. Ultimately this is a book that is all about prejudice, looking at it from both sides. I must admit it was quite an eye-opener for me and it certainly made me think. But it was also quite a slow read and I have to say I didn't fully engage with the characters, despite the emotive subject matter. The lawyer, Kennedy McQuarrie was probably my favourite because I liked her style. I really felt for Ruth but somehow didn't quite sympathise with her in the way I think the author intended, and I think she could have been better-drawn. And the Bauers, well they were totally unlikeable as you might expect. The book ended on an unexpected note and I'm still not sure what I make of it.
There was a section that moved me to tears and Jodi Picoult certainly does have the power in her writing to pull on the heartstrings. Sometimes though, it feels like she is going through a list of controversial topics and ticking them off one by one. I wonder what will be next.
Show Less
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Some parts were excellent but the nursing stuff was a bit off. Number of nurses on a unit.
LibraryThing member RenaeMcBrian
Note: I received this advanced copy from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, influenced my opinion on the book.
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Pros:
-This book tackles a very tough -- but clearly present -- issue: racism
-The three points of view offer the perfect balance of the
-Ruth's determination to prove to her son that she is a strong person and stands for what she believes in, even if it means risking it all
-I learned a lot about both sides of racism, racial discrimination, prejudice, etc., in a way that I may not have thought about before this book
-The stark differences between Ruth and her sister, based on how they chose to live their lives, gave me a lot to think about
-The very last chapter
-"Funny, no one accused you of killing that baby." [because I was thinking this literally the entire book]
-The title is inspired by a MLK Jr quote
Cons:
-I felt like the *big twist* was a reach, even for a Jodi Picoult book
-It was hard to read because of the language, but I know that this is an important part of Turk's point of view so it was easy to overlook it for the sake of the book
-I wanted to shake some of the people in this book for being so stupid, even though it was just how they saw the situation
My Thoughts: Wow. Just... wow.
This book was a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish. With Ruth on one side of the racism issue, and Turk on the other end of the spectrum, this book was deeply emotional and realistic. Kennedy played a nice balance between the two, although sometimes I wanted to smack her in the back of the head and tell her to take a look at the big picture. But I suppose that was all part of her bigger picture.
As with every Jodi Picoult book, this book had quite the twist toward the end. However, I felt like this maybe was the easy way out. Like she didn't know how to finish it, so she went with the most extreme possibility she could think of. Don't get me wrong-- it made me take a step back and go wooooaaaah. But that was about it. I read it, I moved on, and that was that.
Despite the less-than-Picoult ending, this book really made me think about racism, about the privilege I have as a white person, and about the privelege I do not have as a woman. I learned more about white supremacists and their motives than I probably ever would have, and I gained a new perspective on the struggles that Black men and women face every day. I cannot say that I fully get it, because I know I never truly will, but this book definitely helped open my eyes a little.
One great thing about this book is how much research Jodi put into it. She obviously does her research with all of her books, and they all feature some aspect of the law, but the hours and hours she spent interviewing Black people and white supremacists and taking down their stories in order to write authentic points of view is pretty spectacular.
Goodreads shows this book as "Ruth Jefferson #1", and I'm hoping that means there's a sequel to come. I would like to see where Ruth and Edison's stories go, or maybe to even have the same story from Edison's point of view.
There really is so much more I want to say about this book, but some of it could be seen as spoiler-y and I don't want to take the chance to ruin anything about this book for anyone.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won't regret it.
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Pros:
-This book tackles a very tough -- but clearly present -- issue: racism
-The three points of view offer the perfect balance of the
Show More
racism spectrum and give realistic counts of how race affects their lives-Ruth's determination to prove to her son that she is a strong person and stands for what she believes in, even if it means risking it all
-I learned a lot about both sides of racism, racial discrimination, prejudice, etc., in a way that I may not have thought about before this book
-The stark differences between Ruth and her sister, based on how they chose to live their lives, gave me a lot to think about
-The very last chapter
-"Funny, no one accused you of killing that baby." [because I was thinking this literally the entire book]
-The title is inspired by a MLK Jr quote
Cons:
-I felt like the *big twist* was a reach, even for a Jodi Picoult book
-It was hard to read because of the language, but I know that this is an important part of Turk's point of view so it was easy to overlook it for the sake of the book
-I wanted to shake some of the people in this book for being so stupid, even though it was just how they saw the situation
My Thoughts: Wow. Just... wow.
This book was a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish. With Ruth on one side of the racism issue, and Turk on the other end of the spectrum, this book was deeply emotional and realistic. Kennedy played a nice balance between the two, although sometimes I wanted to smack her in the back of the head and tell her to take a look at the big picture. But I suppose that was all part of her bigger picture.
As with every Jodi Picoult book, this book had quite the twist toward the end. However, I felt like this maybe was the easy way out. Like she didn't know how to finish it, so she went with the most extreme possibility she could think of. Don't get me wrong-- it made me take a step back and go wooooaaaah. But that was about it. I read it, I moved on, and that was that.
Despite the less-than-Picoult ending, this book really made me think about racism, about the privilege I have as a white person, and about the privelege I do not have as a woman. I learned more about white supremacists and their motives than I probably ever would have, and I gained a new perspective on the struggles that Black men and women face every day. I cannot say that I fully get it, because I know I never truly will, but this book definitely helped open my eyes a little.
One great thing about this book is how much research Jodi put into it. She obviously does her research with all of her books, and they all feature some aspect of the law, but the hours and hours she spent interviewing Black people and white supremacists and taking down their stories in order to write authentic points of view is pretty spectacular.
Goodreads shows this book as "Ruth Jefferson #1", and I'm hoping that means there's a sequel to come. I would like to see where Ruth and Edison's stories go, or maybe to even have the same story from Edison's point of view.
There really is so much more I want to say about this book, but some of it could be seen as spoiler-y and I don't want to take the chance to ruin anything about this book for anyone.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won't regret it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member msbaba
Typically, I enjoy reading Jodi Picoult; her books are page turners with believable real-life characters. In addition, virtually all her stories concern some compelling serious contemporary subject. I found the characters in this book to be fascinating and the subject matter important and
“Small Great Things” is about overt and hidden racism in America. It tells the story of an African-American maternity room deliver nurse who is accused by white-supremacist parents of being responsible for the death of their newborn within the first few days of his birth. The story is told from the first-person points of view of three of the main characters: the Afro-American nurse, Ruth; her female Caucasian attorney, Kennedy; and the father of the dead infant, Turk. The author succeeds in making all of these characters sympathetic and understandable.
I enjoyed the book quiet a lot, but the reason why I’m giving it only three stars is that the plot moved slowly and often the storytelling felt forced and wooden. If I hadn’t received this book free for review purposes, I might not have finished it. Also, there was much about what occurred in the first 90 percent of the book that felt very predictable…and although the last part of the book was a surprise, it was also a bit too melodramatic for my tastes.
Show More
absorbing. “Small Great Things” is about overt and hidden racism in America. It tells the story of an African-American maternity room deliver nurse who is accused by white-supremacist parents of being responsible for the death of their newborn within the first few days of his birth. The story is told from the first-person points of view of three of the main characters: the Afro-American nurse, Ruth; her female Caucasian attorney, Kennedy; and the father of the dead infant, Turk. The author succeeds in making all of these characters sympathetic and understandable.
I enjoyed the book quiet a lot, but the reason why I’m giving it only three stars is that the plot moved slowly and often the storytelling felt forced and wooden. If I hadn’t received this book free for review purposes, I might not have finished it. Also, there was much about what occurred in the first 90 percent of the book that felt very predictable…and although the last part of the book was a surprise, it was also a bit too melodramatic for my tastes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member JoeYee
This was my first time reading work from Jodi Picoult. When I received the book, I thought it was one of the longest Chick-Lit I have ever seen. After reading it, I understand the reasons. It did not feel long at all; it was a page turner. It is also not meaningless and/or mindless like most of the
I love Picoult's writing style, and the book was well written. It showed that she certainly did her research. The story was told in three different perspectives: Ruth, Kennedy and Turk. Even though she tried to show different perspective, I felt that this book was only targeting female Caucasians.
Racism is a big part of this book. I felt like some of the situations are exaggerated. It would also be I live in Atlanta, 50% white, 40% black, and 10% others, where the demography is a little skewed. Thus, experiences might be different. One last thing, this book is very black and white.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Received a free Advance Reader's Copy from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
Show More
other Chick-Lit books.I love Picoult's writing style, and the book was well written. It showed that she certainly did her research. The story was told in three different perspectives: Ruth, Kennedy and Turk. Even though she tried to show different perspective, I felt that this book was only targeting female Caucasians.
Racism is a big part of this book. I felt like some of the situations are exaggerated. It would also be I live in Atlanta, 50% white, 40% black, and 10% others, where the demography is a little skewed. Thus, experiences might be different. One last thing, this book is very black and white.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Received a free Advance Reader's Copy from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member maggie1961
Special thanks to goodreads, I received this book free in exchange for an honest view.
I have always been a big fan of jodi Picoult's books since the moment I first read one of her books 15 years ago. Her books are original, so emotional, honest, and packed with a punch. She isn't afraid to tackle
Ruth Jefferson has been a nurse for over 20 years and has worked hard her whole life to get what she has and be where she is. Raised by a mother who was a domestic, Ruth worked hard at school and put herself through college and went to Yale for nursing. She's an excellent nurse, so good at what she does until one day being a great nurse isn't good enough and it all comes crashing down. Why? Because of the colour of her skin. When she's told by her superior that a white supremacy couple don't want her to touch their baby because she is black, Ruth is angry and sad but complies with the order. Until the moment when she is alone with the baby, Davis, who seizes and stops breathing. What should she do? Should she disobey her orders but do what her instinct tells her and lose her job or should she do nothing, as instructed and wait for help?
The parents witnessed some of the heart wrenching attempts to save their child while Ruth who was instructed by her superiors to now touch the baby was trying to restart the heart. They are convinced that Ruth killed their baby and Ruth finds her life turned upside down.
I have never been so affected by one of Jodi Picoult's books. They are all definitely thinkers but no one will read this book and be untouched. I am a quick reader generally but this one hit me hard, sometimes I found it difficult to keep reading and had to stop to absorb it all but by about less than halfway through I just had to devour it.
Her characters are all very real. While we can't help but feel disgust towards the white supremacy parents, we have to realize they, especially Brittany, were raised that way and that's all they know. I do find it so confusing how they think though. They are people you see every day that may live next door; they have families and jobs and seem like everyone else but are so consumed with hatred for someone that isn't white. It seemed such a contradiction to read of Turk's overwhelming love for his son and belief in God and to equate that with someone who was white suprematist. I felt more sorry for Brittany, who was strongly raised with that belief and never really had a chance to choose on her own. We can hate her, but that's all she knew, and does that make us any different than her then? That slamming surprise towards the end was a shock but I did suspect it a little as the story went on.
Ruth and her sister were portrayed very honestly. Ruth who the "lighter" sister who didn't feel as much prejudice as her sister Rachel, who was darker and became much more bitter with what life gave her. Ruth was determined to make more of herself and her son Edison while Rachel just dealt with what the injustices life gave her. Edison lived being the only or one of the only African American children in his neighbourhood and school. In his earlier years he didn't realize there was a difference between himself and his friends I felt so much sympathy for him as he struggled with what was happening to his mother.
I admired Kennedy for tackling such a tough case, by choice, that would not make her very popular. Kennedy was white and thought she knew the best way to fight the case but didn't really get it and wasn't really listening to what Ruth was saying but she ended up getting an education she hadn't expected.
Christina and Ruth were raised together, were close friends as children but there was a distinct line between two both then and now. Christina was a good person but also lived what she learned. She could be friends with Ruth, but there were still limitations to that friendship.
This book is written from three viewpoints, Ruth, Turk and Kennedy so we get narration from opposite ends of the spectrum and one in between.
This is a very bold move to write this book. I know this author will receive some negativity for the content and language, it is surely disturbing but I admire her so for putting such a situation and issue out there for all to see. It's blunt and sadly factually accurate; the injustices shocked me. So often I stopped and really thought about what I was reading and what I was feeling about what I was reading. When I was in high school, there may have been five Students of colour in the whole school. Did I ever really think about what it was like for them? And sure, I have friends whose colour puts them in a minority category but did I ever really get it? This book really made me think, and question myself and my beliefs. I think of myself as a good person and a believer in God and not a racist but this book really opened my eyes to what they face every single day. It made me think about what I think and feel, and question myself. This is not a book you will forget about after you close those pages.
Thanks you Jodi Picoult for writing such a wonderful explosive book; your storytelling is mesmerizing like no other. This is definitely my number one book this year. Thank you again to goodreads, the publisher Random House and Jodi Picoult for allowing me the privilege to read and review this book.
I have always been a big fan of jodi Picoult's books since the moment I first read one of her books 15 years ago. Her books are original, so emotional, honest, and packed with a punch. She isn't afraid to tackle
Show More
the big stuff, issues that can be controversial and debated over and this one is a biggie. Ruth Jefferson has been a nurse for over 20 years and has worked hard her whole life to get what she has and be where she is. Raised by a mother who was a domestic, Ruth worked hard at school and put herself through college and went to Yale for nursing. She's an excellent nurse, so good at what she does until one day being a great nurse isn't good enough and it all comes crashing down. Why? Because of the colour of her skin. When she's told by her superior that a white supremacy couple don't want her to touch their baby because she is black, Ruth is angry and sad but complies with the order. Until the moment when she is alone with the baby, Davis, who seizes and stops breathing. What should she do? Should she disobey her orders but do what her instinct tells her and lose her job or should she do nothing, as instructed and wait for help?
The parents witnessed some of the heart wrenching attempts to save their child while Ruth who was instructed by her superiors to now touch the baby was trying to restart the heart. They are convinced that Ruth killed their baby and Ruth finds her life turned upside down.
I have never been so affected by one of Jodi Picoult's books. They are all definitely thinkers but no one will read this book and be untouched. I am a quick reader generally but this one hit me hard, sometimes I found it difficult to keep reading and had to stop to absorb it all but by about less than halfway through I just had to devour it.
Her characters are all very real. While we can't help but feel disgust towards the white supremacy parents, we have to realize they, especially Brittany, were raised that way and that's all they know. I do find it so confusing how they think though. They are people you see every day that may live next door; they have families and jobs and seem like everyone else but are so consumed with hatred for someone that isn't white. It seemed such a contradiction to read of Turk's overwhelming love for his son and belief in God and to equate that with someone who was white suprematist. I felt more sorry for Brittany, who was strongly raised with that belief and never really had a chance to choose on her own. We can hate her, but that's all she knew, and does that make us any different than her then? That slamming surprise towards the end was a shock but I did suspect it a little as the story went on.
Ruth and her sister were portrayed very honestly. Ruth who the "lighter" sister who didn't feel as much prejudice as her sister Rachel, who was darker and became much more bitter with what life gave her. Ruth was determined to make more of herself and her son Edison while Rachel just dealt with what the injustices life gave her. Edison lived being the only or one of the only African American children in his neighbourhood and school. In his earlier years he didn't realize there was a difference between himself and his friends I felt so much sympathy for him as he struggled with what was happening to his mother.
I admired Kennedy for tackling such a tough case, by choice, that would not make her very popular. Kennedy was white and thought she knew the best way to fight the case but didn't really get it and wasn't really listening to what Ruth was saying but she ended up getting an education she hadn't expected.
Christina and Ruth were raised together, were close friends as children but there was a distinct line between two both then and now. Christina was a good person but also lived what she learned. She could be friends with Ruth, but there were still limitations to that friendship.
This book is written from three viewpoints, Ruth, Turk and Kennedy so we get narration from opposite ends of the spectrum and one in between.
This is a very bold move to write this book. I know this author will receive some negativity for the content and language, it is surely disturbing but I admire her so for putting such a situation and issue out there for all to see. It's blunt and sadly factually accurate; the injustices shocked me. So often I stopped and really thought about what I was reading and what I was feeling about what I was reading. When I was in high school, there may have been five Students of colour in the whole school. Did I ever really think about what it was like for them? And sure, I have friends whose colour puts them in a minority category but did I ever really get it? This book really made me think, and question myself and my beliefs. I think of myself as a good person and a believer in God and not a racist but this book really opened my eyes to what they face every single day. It made me think about what I think and feel, and question myself. This is not a book you will forget about after you close those pages.
Thanks you Jodi Picoult for writing such a wonderful explosive book; your storytelling is mesmerizing like no other. This is definitely my number one book this year. Thank you again to goodreads, the publisher Random House and Jodi Picoult for allowing me the privilege to read and review this book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
Ruth, a nurse with more than 20 years of experience, finds herself in the middle of a disaster she did nothing to create. One day she is assigned to care for a newborn, but after going into the room and doing her job, is told by her supervisor that she was taken off the case because the white
Show More
parents do not want a black woman caring for their child. Ruth accepts this and moves on. However, as fate would have it, emergencies within her department leave her the only one on the floor when that child develops respiratory issues and despite the valiant efforts of the entire floor, dies. The parents, understandably upset, blame Ruth. What follows is a nightmare. This is another brilliant effort by one of my favorite authors. It is not only a great story, but one that makes the reader think, my favorite kind of book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Loriel143
This book is a powerful, thought provoking novel. As long as it is, it is a fairly quick read because of the way she writes. I found the book interesting, and thought about it when I as not reading it. It sends a powerful message to everyone, regardless of race. I wasn't too thrilled with the
Show More
ending at first. I thought it was unrealistic. You must read the author's notes to "get" the epilogue. Great book, which will lead to a wonderful discussion in my book club. Show Less
LibraryThing member terran
I am a Jodi Picoult fan, so I knew I would like this book. I didn't necessarily expect it to grip me so completely. There are criticisms about the cliches and stereotypes, but we need to be slapped upside the head sometimes with the obvious.
LibraryThing member AudrieClifford
This book is beyond improvement; it simply could not be better. Thank you, Jodi, for having the courage to write it.
LibraryThing member CInacio
I have read a few of Jodi Picoult’s novel and she never ceases to amaze me. With Small Great Things, Picoult creates an extremely relevant and plausible story exploring race, privilege, and prejudice. With so many stories currently in the news about racial injustice, this is a timely book, just
The shifting perspectives throughout the book were key to the authenticity of this novel. Going from a chapter from Turk’s white supremacist perspective to a chapter from Ruth’s point of view is what made this book relevant. Had the novel been told entirely from the viewpoint of one narrator, it would’ve been biased. Capturing the emotions and beliefs of each of the characters provided the opportunity for this dialogue in a way that our own society has yet to manage.
The African American nurse Ruth who was embroiled in the legal battle was incredibly fascinating, particularly because she did everything “right” in the racial/societal sense. She studied hard, graduated college, became a nurse, and even lived in a white neighborhood. Yet, when all was said and done it came down to the color of her skin and while it is a reality of our world, it was still surprising.
Jodi Picoult did an amazing job capturing this critical issue and in this case, it was also quite clear what the underlying problems were. However, I do hope that cases stop being lumped together and people start to see each individual scenario for what it is.
Show More
released on October 11th, that really explores the depth of our prejudices and how ingrained they might be.The shifting perspectives throughout the book were key to the authenticity of this novel. Going from a chapter from Turk’s white supremacist perspective to a chapter from Ruth’s point of view is what made this book relevant. Had the novel been told entirely from the viewpoint of one narrator, it would’ve been biased. Capturing the emotions and beliefs of each of the characters provided the opportunity for this dialogue in a way that our own society has yet to manage.
The African American nurse Ruth who was embroiled in the legal battle was incredibly fascinating, particularly because she did everything “right” in the racial/societal sense. She studied hard, graduated college, became a nurse, and even lived in a white neighborhood. Yet, when all was said and done it came down to the color of her skin and while it is a reality of our world, it was still surprising.
Jodi Picoult did an amazing job capturing this critical issue and in this case, it was also quite clear what the underlying problems were. However, I do hope that cases stop being lumped together and people start to see each individual scenario for what it is.
Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2017)
Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction (Nominee — 2017)
Booklist Editor's Choice: Adult Books (Fiction — 2016)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — October 2016)