Helpful Score: 8
Picture Perfect was the first novel I've read by Picoult. I'm willing to try again. The story begins with the main character, Cassie, having amnesia and shifts from the present to a very lengthy flashback of how she 'got from there to here' and back to the present.
Only Picoult could probably weave such a compelling tale involving anthropology, Hollywood, the culture of the Lakota Sioux Indians and a troubled marriage. I thoroughly enjoyed the last third of the book when the story hits its emotional peak and the events (and the characters) are the most believable.
Only Picoult could probably weave such a compelling tale involving anthropology, Hollywood, the culture of the Lakota Sioux Indians and a troubled marriage. I thoroughly enjoyed the last third of the book when the story hits its emotional peak and the events (and the characters) are the most believable.
Helpful Score: 7
Another gritty book by Picoult, who looks unflinchingly at life and her characters. In this story an archeologist meets and falls in love with a movie god. They are the perfect match - but not in a healthy way. How she copes with spousal abuse is well-done indeed.
Helpful Score: 6
I love Jodi Picoult, but this was definitely not a favorite of mine. I liked the theme but it was so unbelievable and I hated the ending. I almost didn't finish the book but I kept thinking it would get better. It was a love story, but a strange one.
Helpful Score: 4
Aperfect marriage, or not? What it looks like from the outside is different from what is real. She loves him. He loves her. Something terrible keeps them from true happiness. This is somewhat suspensfull, but I guessed the truth early on. Chilling and horific it is, but more for what is acceptable than for what is not.
Helpful Score: 3
It's amazing that Picoult can evoke sympathy in her readers for even the most unsympathetic of characters in "real life" - a husband who beats his wife, a wife who stays. In spite of that ability, this book still falls short. She didn't really know how to end it (obviously), so it kind of just stops abruptly without a satisfying sense of closure. As fiction, this novel is far from "Picture Perfect."
Helpful Score: 2
I read my first Jodi book about a year ago, and since then, I've been slowly working my way through all of them. I think everyone knows by now that she writes beautifully, hits on controversial themes, and doesn't ever write a story in black and white.
Though I haven't yet read all of them, I thought this one was very different from a lot of her others. Many of the stories I've read so far end in a trial of some sort, so it was nice to read something a little different. My only criticism is that I thought the role of the actor was a bit romanticized and dramatized, but I still really liked it.
I am also fascinating by native american culture, so this was truly a pleasure to read.
Though I haven't yet read all of them, I thought this one was very different from a lot of her others. Many of the stories I've read so far end in a trial of some sort, so it was nice to read something a little different. My only criticism is that I thought the role of the actor was a bit romanticized and dramatized, but I still really liked it.
I am also fascinating by native american culture, so this was truly a pleasure to read.
Helpful Score: 2
Given we've just moved to LA this was a lot of fun about the potential superficiality of the film industrty. Picoult always writes very readable books and this doesn't disappoint.
Helpful Score: 2
As always, Picoult educates while she entertains the reader. This time about physical abuse and native American Sioux traditions.
Helpful Score: 1
I love Picoult's books, but I'm glad I didn't read this one first. I may never have picked up another. I did not find the characters interesting or believable. I kept reading in hopes it would get better, but by the end I didn't care what happened to any of the characters. Picoult usually brings a new perspective to an important topic, but she did not shed any new light on the problem of domestic violence.
Helpful Score: 1
Hmm...I liked this book, but it seemed to be a cobbling together of two batches of research. It's as if Picoult researched spousal abuse, then researched Indian culture and gave up trying to marry the two together in a meaningful way and just settled for the most tenuous of links between the two subjects.
Helpful Score: 1
I just love Jodi Picoult. This isn't my favorite book of hers, but it is still great. She does a great job making you feel compassion for characters that you normally wouldn't feel compassion towards.
Helpful Score: 1
I really like Jodi Picoult's writing. I've read a handful of her books now and some are definitely better than others--this is not one of the better ones. While the story is good, there were times where it started to drag on and get a little boring. I did not find it to be a quick read. The book as a whole is somber and depressing for the most part and I found myself getting irritated with Cassie--I thought she was weak and had her head in the clouds too much.
I do like that it is a little different than most other J.P books--no court room scenes or lawyers. And the story is mostly told in Cassie's voice rather than 4 or 5 different people's. A nice change from her other books.
I do like that it is a little different than most other J.P books--no court room scenes or lawyers. And the story is mostly told in Cassie's voice rather than 4 or 5 different people's. A nice change from her other books.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting reading, but not one of my favorite's of Picoult's writings. I found it unrealistic that a highly educated (PhD in anthropology!) woman such as Cassie would turn into a big pile of mush at the sight of a gorgeous man & allow herself to be demeaned and abused. I was disappointed in her lack of self esteem. She totally lost her sense of self upon entering this relationship. Her redemption came too late, in my opinion.
Helpful Score: 1
My first J. Picoult book...and it got me hooked.She does a phenomenal job of making a reader feel like they're right there in the middle of the book. This was a great read...a troubling story of domestic violence and the resulting amnesia from the trauma. I recommend any of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
Another wonderful, complex human story from a terrific writer. I have totally enjoyed everything I have read by this author and recommend her highly to others.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book. Lacks the surprise ending of most of Picoult's books.
Helpful Score: 1
Fairly new to Jodi Picoult books....I like her writing style. This book was "okay" compared to The Tenth Circle. Still a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
First, I think Jodi Picoult is a well versed writer who gives readers options, and shows two sides of an issue so passionately that a reader may find themselves on the opposite side of an issue than what they normally would be. This book however was not one of her best, in my opinion. I found myself skimming paragraphs in the last 2/3 of the book when it should be the most enticing. I think the issue she wrote about could have been a page turner, but I became bored with the Native American references and life on the reservation. (For the record I do have a Native American heritage and ancestors). I guess I couldn't tie it in enough in my mind to the topic at hand. Please know if you did read this book and it was your first Jodi Picoult novel, there are so many of her books that are worth reading and will keep you, the reader, wanting more. This just isn't one of them in my opinion.
Helpful Score: 1
Only my second Jodi Picoult book. The first I read My Sister's Keeper was great, but this one I could not get into.
It seemed to jump around and I could not figure out if she was narrating present or past.
May be if I stuck with it it would have picked up. But when I start to skip paragraph I give up
It seemed to jump around and I could not figure out if she was narrating present or past.
May be if I stuck with it it would have picked up. But when I start to skip paragraph I give up
Helpful Score: 1
I know there are many Jodi Picoult fans are out there...I discovered I'm not one of them. This is the only book of hers I've read...it wasn't hard to get through, but I found myself not really caring about the characters. The main character, Cassie, is physically abused, but some parts of the story don't ring true. She never even brings up the subject of getting help to her soulmate, "other half" husband. I could see how it would be difficult to leave, but never ask him to get help?!?!? There are other far-fetched points, but I don't want to spoil it for fans. I'm sure many will still enjoy, just not me.
Helpful Score: 1
Sorry, Charlie- didn't like it. Couldn't even finish it. Tried, really really hard, but only made it about three chapters- then sneaked a peek at the ending.
What was it? too complicated? too many names? Unlikeable characters? Too many sex details? Not sure- but this one didn't strike any chords with me.
What was it? too complicated? too many names? Unlikeable characters? Too many sex details? Not sure- but this one didn't strike any chords with me.
This was not one of my favorite of her books. I was good but I expected the ending to be different. It felt like it was cut short. I did like the little twist at the end. But Second Glance was better done for the twists and revelations in the end.
This book grew on me as I read it. I am a true Piccoult fan, but have found her early books a bit too simplistic. This one took me by surprise. She nailed the complexity of personalities and relationships once again on the head. The entanglements of abusive relationships shines through. There are no easy answers and Piccoult slowly brings this to the surface.
Slow start, but as USUAL, GREAT STORY!
Another great book by my favorite author. It was hard to get into at first and it somewhat brought me a little reminder of 50 shades of grey, but loved it overall
This was one of my favorite Jodi Picoult books! I didn't want it to end! Loved it!
As with most of Picoult's books, predictable, but an enjoyable vacation read.
This is also a very good one. The Hollywood aspect and the subject matter make an interesting combination. I think that _Harvesting the Heart_ is more emotional, but this one is probably slightly more realistic. Interestingly, this book also mentions Chicago - making it the third book in a row of hers that does. This one is also the most like a Lifetime movie (so far).
And the Native American aspect that had slowed down the book for me the first time I read it, was much more interesting this time around. I think this one is a faster read than _Harvesting the Heart_ because it sticks closer to the main characters' P.O.V.
And the Native American aspect that had slowed down the book for me the first time I read it, was much more interesting this time around. I think this one is a faster read than _Harvesting the Heart_ because it sticks closer to the main characters' P.O.V.
Originally storyline. The pefect couple who seem to have it all. If a picture has worth a thousand words...the picture in this case is not what is seems to be.
I enjoyed this book very much. I am rarely disappointed by anything by Jodi Picoult. I agree with some other reviewers that it was a bit of a stretch to switch back and forth between the superficiality of Hollywood culture and the difficult but spiritual life of a Native American reservation; nevertheless, I found the characters believable and compelling. As a psychologist, I am familiar with the complex emotions and motivations involved for survivors of spousal abuse and felt that Ms. Picoult tuned in to these very well.
Like the other books I have read by this author, this book is about marital strife. I am thinking this seems to be the theme of her books and not exactly what I enjoy reading.
I particularly liked this book by Jodi Picoult because she did not jump around with the charactors so much as in some of her other books.
Very good read!!!
Very good read!!!
This is the first Jodi Picoult book I have read and I was less than impressed. I wanted to like it more but the whole last half of the book or so seemed very improbable to me. I especially didn't care for the ending as I thought it was not something the lead male character would have tolerated.
Normally I breeze thru Jodi Picoult novels, but this was was kind of slow. The story line was good, but back and forth from person to person, and different time frames, threw me off a bit.
But Jodi came thru in the end, and I finished the last 100 pages or so in one sitting. Keep at it, and I thing you will enjoy the book in the end!
But Jodi came thru in the end, and I finished the last 100 pages or so in one sitting. Keep at it, and I thing you will enjoy the book in the end!
This is not one of her better books but still the story is interesting even if the characters are a little predictable.
I love Jodi Picoult. I will say this wasn't one of her best, but it's still worth reading. She always does her homework and she creates highly believable characters. I enjoyed it.
Well, so far this was my least favorite of Jodi Picoult Novels. I don't know why but I wasn't as interested in it as I have been the other I have read. Maybe it was just my take on it, but it was kind of slow go trying to read it.
Picoult does a facinating job of telling a story yet once again. She hooks you right from the beginning and weaves a story that for some is much to real, yet handles a difficult situation with dignity and respect.
I enjoyed Picture Perfect. I always enjoy Jodi Picoult books.
I don't feel this is one of her best books.
This book was OK. It deals with the subject of domestic abuse. The book did not hold my interest and I found myself wandering. It is about a woman who loves a man. She feels she is the one that needs to save him. Until she needs to save herself.
I have read many of Picoults books and loved them. I am now in the process of reading her earlier works. I have not been very impressed with them. I can say they have been getting better as I progress along.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sisters Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
I have read many of Picoults books and loved them. I am now in the process of reading her earlier works. I have not been very impressed with them. I can say they have been getting better as I progress along.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sisters Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
I finished this book in just three days. Easy to read and a wonderful story line kept me turning the pages.
Very very good book. Couldn't put it down once I started it. Would recommend this is anyone.
a good novel about devotion, love and admiration....very good read.
A breath of fresh air for Jodi Picoult. So many of her books focus on the same themes in different circumstances, this book offers a whole new environment in which we learn to love and desire the characters she creates. You won't be able to put it down until every last word is completely absorbed.
Always a good story from a fine author.
Who better than Jodi Picoult?
All of Jodi Picoult's books are spellbinding and thoughtprovoking. Picture Perfect examines the fault lines of a troubled marriage.
I felt this was not one of her better novels for me but it was decently written.
another great book of picoults - couldn't put it down until i knew what happened - really gave an insight of a bad situation
Another great book by Jodi Picoult. Easy reading and the storyline definitely grabs you. I wanted a different ending, however.
Great read. This author is one of my favorites.
The best of her books that I have read so far!
Definitely not Picoult's best. But worth the read.
Jodi has once again written a great novel. If this is your first book my Jodi make sure and read the rest they're all great!
A good read - pretty interesting, but not too heavy.
To the world, they had everything. Cassie Barrett was a renowned anthropologist. Alex Rivers was a respected actor. They met on the set of a motion picture in Africa. They shared childhood tales, toasted the future, and declared their love in a fairy tale wedding. But when they returned to California, something altered the picture of their perfect marriage. A frightening pattern took shape - -a cycle of hurt, denial, and broken promises, thinly veiled by glamour. Torn between fear and compassion, Cassie wrestled with the questions she never dreamed she would face. Why did she stay? And how could she leave?
Jodi Picoult has a way of grabbing you by the heart and never letting go until you turn the last page and even then you are still thinking about the characters.
Jodi Picoult has a way of grabbing you by the heart and never letting go until you turn the last page and even then you are still thinking about the characters.
This book was a great read. Informative and suspenseful. It had twists and turns that were somewhat expected but i loved the ending.
I had a harder time getting into this book but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Not as good as other Picoult books but a worthwhile read.
Wow. At first I didn't really get into the book but by the end I couldn't put it down. Very interesting read.
I enjoy all of Picoult's books, but I can tell this is one of her first. The writing is wonderful, but it wasn't quite as flushed out as some of her newer work. Still a wonderful read!
I started it on a Sunday night and finished it by Tuesday. It was just great. Picoult can really weave a story!
This was my first Jodi Picoult book, and I thought it was good. I wasn't crazy about it, but I did think the fact that she tackled difficult subject matter. I'm hoping other Picoult books are better as I've hear great things about her work.
a riveting, unfailingly intelligent and undeniably literary psychological drama said Entertainment Weekly
Another amazing book from Jodi Picoult! You find yourself living Cassie's dreams out and then feeling her pain.
Not my favorite book by Jodi Picoult but I honestly cant say anything bad about her! It was just a little too intense for me in the beginning, but def loved the mid-to ending side
Oh my goodness!...Just when i think she cannot get any better....she does...I stumbled upon Jodi Picoult's books about 4 months ago, and now I cannot get enough. Picture Perfect was a great book, I finished it in 3 days!
In a story about loving someone so much that you allow them to take all comfort from you;--even while loving you until it hurts. I loved this story by Jodi Picoult. The story focuses on Cassie Barrett, an archaelogist that falls for a movie star, as she falls into the life of the famous.Many effects of a bad childhood impact Cassie's life and the life of Will,an LA police officer.In typical Picoult fashion, there are many twists and turns in a story that could belong to anyone...not just the wife of a movie star.
Jodi Picoult has done it again! With her extraordinary use of the english language, she paints word pictures that make you feel as if you are there with the characters in her books, and this book is no exception.
Cassie Rivers is the wife of an emotionally abusive , controlling man. Everyone thinks her life is "Picture Perfect", and for years she strives to keep it that way. Her journey as she begins to emerge as a person in her own right will make you cheer out loud!!
Cassie Rivers is the wife of an emotionally abusive , controlling man. Everyone thinks her life is "Picture Perfect", and for years she strives to keep it that way. Her journey as she begins to emerge as a person in her own right will make you cheer out loud!!
When anthropologist Cassie Barrett married one of Hollywood's hottest actors, Alex Rivers, they seemed to have the ideal marriage. Unknown to the outside world, Cassie was a victim of her husband's rage and physical abuse.
Good story concerning spousal abuse and the conflicting emotions that go along with it.
Good story concerning spousal abuse and the conflicting emotions that go along with it.
An addictive writer. Her imagination and charachter development is reveting. I love this author.
As always Jodi Picoult never leaves you down :) If you have read any of her other books this is a good one
Couldn't put it down. Great food for thought!!
Not the best of Jodi Picoult's books, I found myself skimming parts of it. but a good story nonetheless.
Not one of Picoult's better novels, but a decent read. I found this book a little difficult to get in to at first. It did keep my interest eventually, but I found parts of the story implausible. It was a very odd assortment of characters that just didn't quite gel. But, Picoult is a fabulous story teller so it was readable.
This book does not follow the traditional Jodi Picoult format, and really doesn't have any lawyers in it, which is atypical. I think it is one of my favorites for that reason... It's a great read and I really enjoyed it.
Well written book about wife abuse. Even though difficult to read at times the author did a great job dealing with a tough topic.
A story of abuse in a marriage that appears to outsiders as perfect.
One of my favorite Jodi Piccoult novels.
This was a good read.. a bit predictable and not nearly as engaging as The Pact.. but a good read all the same.
I usually enjoy this author's work, but not this time. The book dragged on much longer than it needed to. I forced myself to finish it, but was not rewarded with a satisfying ending.
This is apparently one of the author's early works. I'm glad to know that she got much better at her craft.
This is apparently one of the author's early works. I'm glad to know that she got much better at her craft.
Not my favorite Jodi Picoult, but really enjoyable. As usual, her characters come to life page by page!
Anthropologist Cassie Barrett, suffering from amnesia, is rescued from a church cemetery by Native American cop Will Flying Horse, only to be reclaimed by her Academy AwardR-winning husband, Alex Rivers. A positive pregnancy test triggers memories of abuse at the hand of her star husband, and Cassie turns to Will, who secrets her away in Pine Ridge with relatives for the remainder of her pregnancy term. All of the characters in this recording come from dysfunctional families and offer sad tales of childhood contrasted with details of life among Hollywood's rich and famous.
A wonderful book to read, Jodi Picoult is a wonderful writer.
By far my favorite Picoult book yet ... it was not as predictable as some of the others.
To the world, theu had everything, Cassie Barett was a renowned anthropologist. Alex Rivers was a respected actor. They met on the set of a motion picture in Africa. They shared childhood tales, toasted the future, and declared their love in a fairy-tale wedding.But when they
returned to California, something altered the picture of their perfect marriage...This is one of those books that keep you up way too late at night reading because you have to know what will happen next...
returned to California, something altered the picture of their perfect marriage...This is one of those books that keep you up way too late at night reading because you have to know what will happen next...
Enjoyed this book! One of my favorite authors. The story moved quickly and I would recommend it to any Picoult fans!
I really enjoyed this book, it is definitely one of Jodi Picoult's better books. It was a very engaging and intriguing story that I couldn't put down. Highly recommend.
Really good
They seemed to have the perfect marriage, or did they? Cassie was an anthropologist and he was Alex Rivers one of Hollywoods hottest actors. They had the dream wedding but something was wrong, something she felt was it love or something that just resembled love. Should she stay or should she leave..........
This is a great story. Picoult is the best.
another wonderful novel by a great author
