Small Great Things

ByJodi Picoult

Release Date: 2016-10-11
Genre: Fiction & Literature

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 3,875 Ratings

Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In “the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written” (The Washington Post), the acclaimed author tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn’t offer easy answers.

“A gripping courtroom drama . . . Given the current political climate it is quite prescient and worthwhile. . . . This is a writer who understands her characters inside and out.”—Roxane Gay, The New York Times Book Review

Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is Black, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.

Reviews

Possibly the best book I’ve ever read
5
By Reeniesgrama
Powerful!
Riveting
5
By splatt14
This book made me look at my own biases and ways I’m racist to some degree. It’s introspective. Great plot with a twist at the end you don’t see coming. Highly recommended.
Fabulous!
5
By layartist
So well written. I enjoyed this book so much and especially loved the in-depth knowledge of each of the diverse characters.
Small Great Things
5
By kathywamsley
Excellent book I’m glad I have read this book. Thanks k
Wonderful
5
By Lisa2me
There is so much to love about this book! It has stirred in me a need to examine my own life and share with everyone I know. As a middle age white woman, I so relate to Kennedy and I’m humbled by the shame that stirs. Having reached the last page I want to return to the first. Please read this!
Small great things is the title of the book but by far it’s a barrier of greatness by Jodi Picoult
5
By Strawberry616
This book was a great read that I gave 5 stars for many reasons.

This master piece was written very carefully with great attention to detail from a historical standpoint related to racism. It took courage, understanding, and passion for the author to write this book. Not to mention, how she had to step outside of her comfort zone to be able to see different perspectives from the lens of African Americans. To be able to truly understand discrimination, segregation, micro aggression, oppression and racism from an African American point of view was a big great thing.

Here are my book review take aways the literary techniques that was outstanding are the analogy, the imagery, the tone, the mood but most importantly the symbolism.

Additionally, if you want to make a positive change in society this is how you used your audience or platform to do it one small step at a time which leads to small great things.
Great ending!
5
By Damaryz - R.
Amazing story of race; ultimately the human race. Must read.
Pageturner
5
By Little s d g
This book was a page turner. It delves into several
Social issues current today. It also causes one to question themselves.
Makes you think!
5
By LGowner
Interesting and controversial book. Not light reading but worth the read. Haven’t read a bad “Jodi” book yet.
Excellent!
5
By EC461OCBV
I recommend this book constantly it’s so well researched and written
One of the best books I’ve ever read ….. ever!