Helpful Score: 7
This was my first Jodi Picoult. I'd always thought her books were tear-jerkers and that's not a genre I enjoy. I did not cry while reading this book. My heart beat fast at times and I was on the edge of my seat, trying to fathom where it would all lead and how it would end. The first 50 pages had me skeptical, I have to admit, because it seemed like it was going to be a story about a woman in a not-so-great marriage with stresses, particularly the stress of not being able to get pregnant. Soon, though, as additional aspects of the plot caused it to deepen, I found myself very intrigued by the thought-provoking ideals of the characters in the story. At first, I didn't care for the fact that each chapter was told from a different character's point of view (and in a different font!), but I started to appreciate the voice of each character when each change occurred. Once finished, I found myself researching Jodi Picoult and reading some of her interviews and info about Sing You Home. I am an advocate for marriage being the love and relationship between two people who care deeply for each other and want to share their lives together, regardless of their gender. I also am challenged in comprehending with totality the fact that many religions press upon their congregation in (what sometimes appears to me) as a manipulative way. This book touched upon so many controversial topics, as well as the line between church and state and I highly recommend it as a thought-provoking and conversation-starting read!
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of the books by Jodi that I really loved. I find it sad that other reviewers couldn't put away their homophobia and see the beauty of the story. As always Jodi makes us think, and examine not only what we think and feel but what others with different views might think and feel about an issues. And as is always true with a Picoult book, there is a nice plot twist.
I was going to say if you dont want a gay character as a big part of the story , skip this book, but if your mind is still open, you might want to read it anyway.
Five Stars.
I was going to say if you dont want a gay character as a big part of the story , skip this book, but if your mind is still open, you might want to read it anyway.
Five Stars.
Helpful Score: 4
This book deals with so many topics:
Music therapy
Infertility and its treatments
Loss of a child
Divorce
Alcoholism
Suicidal teens
Cancer
Same-sex relationships and marriage
Discrimination
Evangelical religious beliefs
Definition of when life starts - a child v. an embryo
Definition of a family
Exploitation by special interests of a family situation
Infidelity
The characters and the writing is compelling. I wanted to know what happened, and the book did elicit emotion in unexpected places. However, I wish there weren't quite so many topics touched upon. Any one topic in and of itself could have made a compelling story. It was a little difficult and overwhelming to find them all in one. Some situations reached a resolution at the end of the book, and some (one in particular but I don't want to put in a spolier) were left hanging.
Music therapy
Infertility and its treatments
Loss of a child
Divorce
Alcoholism
Suicidal teens
Cancer
Same-sex relationships and marriage
Discrimination
Evangelical religious beliefs
Definition of when life starts - a child v. an embryo
Definition of a family
Exploitation by special interests of a family situation
Infidelity
The characters and the writing is compelling. I wanted to know what happened, and the book did elicit emotion in unexpected places. However, I wish there weren't quite so many topics touched upon. Any one topic in and of itself could have made a compelling story. It was a little difficult and overwhelming to find them all in one. Some situations reached a resolution at the end of the book, and some (one in particular but I don't want to put in a spolier) were left hanging.
Helpful Score: 4
From my blog:
I don't know how she continues to do it, time and time again. Picoult just has a knack for creating characters that you love (and hate!) and storylines that are chock full of so much depth and emotion that you can't stop reading until you know what the outcome is. Sing You Home will probably be one of the most controversial books she's ever written. There are so many questions that she explores in this book (from her website):
* What does it mean to be gay in today's world?
* How reproductive science has outstripped the legal system
* Are embryos people or property?
* What challenges do same-sex couples face when it comes to marriage and adoption?
* What happens when religion and sexual orientation - two issues that are supposed to be justice-blind - enter the courtroom?
* What constitutes a "traditional family" in this day and age?
I'm sure just reading through those thought-provoking questions, you had a knee-jerk, strong response to one or more of them. I think we all do. And that's the point of this book. To explore those questions. Picoult isn't afraid to tackle the tough social issues. But she does it in a way that is honest, really capturing the essence of each side of the argument. Of course, she throws in a couple of characters that you loathe - the stereotypical "crazy" religious lawyer and the pastor with his own agenda who is pushing Max to do some things he is not entirely comfortable with. But, with those characters aside, I think Picoult did an excellent job capturing both sides and laying out the story the way she did.
The story is told from 3 perspectives - Zoe, Max, and Vanessa. At the beginning of each section, the reader is told who will be narrating and the font-type is different for each character, which is a fantastic idea! Each character is developed extremely well. Picoult is able to capture the essence of each character, with appropriate backstory and supplemental characters, to really give the reader a true picture of who Zoe, Max and Vanessa really are.
The narrative flowed like a movie in my mind. Hollywood - are you reading this? I could seriously picture this movie on the big screen. Picoult takes the reader step by step through each phase of the book. There are no odd time shifts or parts of the narrative that seemed out of line to me. The only thing that I took issue with is how quickly Zoe and Vanessa's relationship developed. I'm not sure, after being with Max for nine years, that someone could realistically work through all of that and fall in love with another person that quickly.
In case you couldn't tell, I thought this book was amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good story, with lots of controversy! No matter which side of the issue you fall on, this book will give you something to talk about.
Conclusion:
This is a moving, heartfelt, emotionally-packed novel that will keep you riveted until its stunning conclusion!
I don't know how she continues to do it, time and time again. Picoult just has a knack for creating characters that you love (and hate!) and storylines that are chock full of so much depth and emotion that you can't stop reading until you know what the outcome is. Sing You Home will probably be one of the most controversial books she's ever written. There are so many questions that she explores in this book (from her website):
* What does it mean to be gay in today's world?
* How reproductive science has outstripped the legal system
* Are embryos people or property?
* What challenges do same-sex couples face when it comes to marriage and adoption?
* What happens when religion and sexual orientation - two issues that are supposed to be justice-blind - enter the courtroom?
* What constitutes a "traditional family" in this day and age?
I'm sure just reading through those thought-provoking questions, you had a knee-jerk, strong response to one or more of them. I think we all do. And that's the point of this book. To explore those questions. Picoult isn't afraid to tackle the tough social issues. But she does it in a way that is honest, really capturing the essence of each side of the argument. Of course, she throws in a couple of characters that you loathe - the stereotypical "crazy" religious lawyer and the pastor with his own agenda who is pushing Max to do some things he is not entirely comfortable with. But, with those characters aside, I think Picoult did an excellent job capturing both sides and laying out the story the way she did.
The story is told from 3 perspectives - Zoe, Max, and Vanessa. At the beginning of each section, the reader is told who will be narrating and the font-type is different for each character, which is a fantastic idea! Each character is developed extremely well. Picoult is able to capture the essence of each character, with appropriate backstory and supplemental characters, to really give the reader a true picture of who Zoe, Max and Vanessa really are.
The narrative flowed like a movie in my mind. Hollywood - are you reading this? I could seriously picture this movie on the big screen. Picoult takes the reader step by step through each phase of the book. There are no odd time shifts or parts of the narrative that seemed out of line to me. The only thing that I took issue with is how quickly Zoe and Vanessa's relationship developed. I'm not sure, after being with Max for nine years, that someone could realistically work through all of that and fall in love with another person that quickly.
In case you couldn't tell, I thought this book was amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good story, with lots of controversy! No matter which side of the issue you fall on, this book will give you something to talk about.
Conclusion:
This is a moving, heartfelt, emotionally-packed novel that will keep you riveted until its stunning conclusion!
Helpful Score: 3
I just finished reading this book tonight and I thought it was wonderful. It keep you on a rollercoaster ride throughout. Homosexuality is something that is coming more and more into the public limelight. This book helps you understand it is not a choice, it is something genetic and people need to be more tolerant. The story was touching and I couldn't have asked for a better ending. My only criticism was the bashing of conservatives, which I considered author intrusion. It became annoying after the first few times. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book
Helpful Score: 2
I have read some of the other reviews and found some that trash the book because of the controversial nature of the subject matter.
Interesting. I think that precisely BECAUSE the book is provocative and thought provoking that I would give the book 5 stars irrespective of whether I agree with the author's stated position or not.
This is the first Picoult book I have read, and I selected it because it seemed less bland than some of her others. I'm glad I read it.
Interesting. I think that precisely BECAUSE the book is provocative and thought provoking that I would give the book 5 stars irrespective of whether I agree with the author's stated position or not.
This is the first Picoult book I have read, and I selected it because it seemed less bland than some of her others. I'm glad I read it.
Helpful Score: 2
This book sat on my To-Be-Read shelf way too long and I am kicking myself. What a fantastic story! Picoult again shines as she takes on several hot topics, gay rights, alcoholism, Evangelical Christian beliefs, divorce, troubled teens and more. Same-sex marriage/definition of family was the main issue and the author showed all sides. This book came out in early 2011 and people's views on the main premise of the story continue to evolve and had the outcome of the election been different this evolution may have stopped and took a giant step backward.
Zoe Baxter battle with infertility was heartbreaking and after 10 years of in vitro fertilization, several miscarriages, and a stillborn baby, her marriage just crumbles. Her husband, Max, is ready to give up on having a child and Zoe just can't.
This story took me on a emotional roller coaster which is what this author's stories always do. I become heavily invested in these character's lives. I really wanted to hate Max but couldn't. I hated the bigotry of the people around him and the way they used him to promote their own agenda at a time in his life when he was weak and needing guidance. Zoe's life from her music therapy clients to her life with Vanessa warmed by heart. After all she had been through to be strong enough to still put other people's needs first was so inspiring.
Sadly the accompanying CD did not come with my copy but it was not necessary to have music for me to be moved by this story. I devoured the almost 500 pages very quickly. I am sure many excellent book club discussions have taken place about this book as people's feeling on these issues will run the gambit.
Zoe Baxter battle with infertility was heartbreaking and after 10 years of in vitro fertilization, several miscarriages, and a stillborn baby, her marriage just crumbles. Her husband, Max, is ready to give up on having a child and Zoe just can't.
This story took me on a emotional roller coaster which is what this author's stories always do. I become heavily invested in these character's lives. I really wanted to hate Max but couldn't. I hated the bigotry of the people around him and the way they used him to promote their own agenda at a time in his life when he was weak and needing guidance. Zoe's life from her music therapy clients to her life with Vanessa warmed by heart. After all she had been through to be strong enough to still put other people's needs first was so inspiring.
Sadly the accompanying CD did not come with my copy but it was not necessary to have music for me to be moved by this story. I devoured the almost 500 pages very quickly. I am sure many excellent book club discussions have taken place about this book as people's feeling on these issues will run the gambit.
Helpful Score: 1
Jodi is one of my favorite authors and she does it again with Sing You Home. It is a nice story that grabs you right away and keeps your interest through to the end. If you like her writing or want to give it a try this is a great book to start off with.
Helpful Score: 1
I was prepared to love this book, as I am a JP fan, but found it only somewhat satisfying. The subjects of lesbian love, custody of frozen embryos and religious homophobia were handled tastefully but sometimes seemed stereotyped. She has received wide publicity for handling this material sensitively. Picoult's son revealed that he was gay while she was writing this novel.
Helpful Score: 1
Sing You Home was another great book by Jodi Picoult! Zoe was my favorite character of the three, but they were all really likable. Jodi never fails to have controversial topics as the subjects of her books. This one covers everything from in-vitro, extreme Christianity (In my opinion) and sexual orientation. I love that with her books you can relate to them directly, or through someone you know and that's what make them great as well.
Helpful Score: 1
Have read all of Picoult's books and thoroughly enjoyed them. This one is the exception. Way too heavy on the religion and homosexuality side. Will be waiting for her next one though.
Helpful Score: 1
As always, Jodi Picoult hits another home run! She does such a fantastic job of being empathic to the characters...you feel like the story is happening to you. Love Jodi Picoult and loved this book!!
Helpful Score: 1
The main character of this book is Zoe Baxter who has been married for nine years and has been unable to have a child. After her divorce she falls in love with another woman. In this book Jodi Picoult tries to make a strong case for the gay life style and portrays the evangelical Christians in the book as narrow-minded bigots.
A great read and really unique to have an original song to accompany each chapter. Highly recommended!
Loved this one! Jodi hits another home run with "Sing You Home." Honest and poignant tale of how we can hurt each other when love ends and how much we can rejoice when new love is found. Opens our eyes to how easy it is to stereotype each other and how much pain that can cause. Yet if we open our eyes to who the person is, we can see past the framework to the real person.
Another fabulous tale from Jodi!
Jodi Picoult always tugs at your heart and Sing You Home gave me a different perspective of the struggles that women can have getting pregnant and the many challenges they face when making head/heart decisions. I enjoyed this book and would give me 3 1/2
A very thought provoking book. Sometimes difficult to read, but beautifully written.
It was OK. Didn't care for the story, but that's personal preference. Took on some very controversial subjects; religion, homosexuality. Just not up to Jodi's speed. Definitely not my favorite.
If you like Jodi Picoult this book does not disappoint. She is a great author and if you like her style you will not want to miss this book.
As a big fan of Jodi Picoult, this book was outstanding. She has an amazing way of reaching out to your heart, to your soul. I don't think she portrayed Christians in a negative light, just in a different light. When it comes to homosexuality it tends to be a very hot topic for Christians. For me, and I think for many others, this book opened up the eyes of a same sex relationship and really helped to see it from a different perceptive. Yes, the singing was "okay" for me regarding the CD, I think it could have been better with a better singer. But I will continue to buy every single one of her books--she is an outstanding author and goes where many authors choose not to.
Overall it was a good read. Somewhat predictable and covered a lot of controversial issues.
Not my favorite Jodi Picoult book, but I still enjoyed it.
I have read all of her books and this one is terrible. I have read 170 pp and am stopping. Horrid. So glad I didn't buy it.
this book deals with a music therapist and her partner and their struggle as homosexuals as well as trying to use frozen embryos to have babies. Very interesting to watch the legal drama between the two parties the ex-husband Max and the person with the embryos Zoe. Well written and realistic. A good read.
Another Picoult gem. Current issue, dealt with using her standard different viewpoint/different chapter style. I enjoyed it a lot. It was too quick a read...
The book was very slow moving in the beginning and it took me several attempts to pick it back up and read on. I might add that this is very unusual for me when reading a Jodi Picoult novel. She is definitely one of my favorite authors. However, the book picked up about 1/3 of the way in, and it became very difficult for me to put it down. It was not one of my favorite books, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it.
Jodi's books are always a fast easy read for me and this one was no exception. I found the story enjoyable but it was predictable and not very believable. I didn't have to root too hard for my favorite character because I knew everything would end up neatly tied with a bow, just like all of Jodi's novels. Her characters rarely have to face the consequences of their actions. I continue to read her books because even though her story isn't always compelling, there are times when her writing is beautiful and sounds like it's coming from a memoir and not a fictional first person narrator. I recommend this one for anyone who likes Jodi's books.
This is a really good book. Classic Picoult. I learned about In vitro fertilization and some of the legal challenges lesbian couples face in trying to have families with children. I enjoyed the story.
Even though I do not agree with the ending I really enjoyed reading it. She is a great writer. I love her books!
This was the first book I read by this author. I fell in love! This is the best book I have ever read in my entire life! I am 55, very avid reader and had recommended it to several other readers.
To what lengths should a woman go to have a child? What kind of a toll does that take on the husband? What happens when a child is lost? What happens when life changes so dramatically for a couple?
That is what Sing You Home is all about. A woman that is obsessed with having a child and a husband who just cant bear to go through the procedures again after a child dies before birth is the central theme of the book. After a devastating loss, he turns to religion and she changes lifestyles.
After the drastic life changes, each want to use the three frozen embryos from previous chances at IVF. A custody case ensues but who will win? As always, the case becomes ugly. Dirty laundry is exposed and lives are turned upside down, lifestyles exposed, people are used, and nothing will be the same.
As with all Jodi Picoult books that I have read, there are twists. There are turns. The outcome is always surprising. I thought that the book started off a little slow but soon I was sucked in by the characters and kept me looking for the end. One character, Lucy, was a bit confusing and I felt needed a little more development but in the end, she played a major role.
I liked the book but not my favorite of Picoults. I have read several of her books but Sing You Home was not my favorite but not the least favorite either. It was a good read and didnt take long to read. I read the e-version for my NookColor and had links to music. I did not listen to the music so I cannot vouch for it.
That is what Sing You Home is all about. A woman that is obsessed with having a child and a husband who just cant bear to go through the procedures again after a child dies before birth is the central theme of the book. After a devastating loss, he turns to religion and she changes lifestyles.
After the drastic life changes, each want to use the three frozen embryos from previous chances at IVF. A custody case ensues but who will win? As always, the case becomes ugly. Dirty laundry is exposed and lives are turned upside down, lifestyles exposed, people are used, and nothing will be the same.
As with all Jodi Picoult books that I have read, there are twists. There are turns. The outcome is always surprising. I thought that the book started off a little slow but soon I was sucked in by the characters and kept me looking for the end. One character, Lucy, was a bit confusing and I felt needed a little more development but in the end, she played a major role.
I liked the book but not my favorite of Picoults. I have read several of her books but Sing You Home was not my favorite but not the least favorite either. It was a good read and didnt take long to read. I read the e-version for my NookColor and had links to music. I did not listen to the music so I cannot vouch for it.
I've never read a book that made me think in the way the novel Sing You Home, by author Jodi Picoult has. It is the story of a couple who after struggling with infertility issues for years, along with the heartbreak of a still birth breaks under the pressure. Max Zoe's husband files for divorce. While Max turns to alcohol and ends up turning to a conservative Christian Church; Zoe finds love in an unexpected friendship with Vanessa which blossoms into a love song that changes her life; when the two women decide to have children a storm begins that only faith, love and perhaps the right song can heal and bring some of these broken souls back together to form a family for the child they are all desperately fighting for.
As I read this book it was an eye opener to realize how others might view the Christian faith; and some of our beliefs. I'm glad I do not attend a church like the one Pastor Clive is head of in this book. It showed me even more that love should be the center of any faith not hate or judgement. Each character had their own struggles and even though they choose very different ways of coping with them in the end they were all just fighting for the right to live in the way that they thought was right and was the best choice for them. The soundtrack and different songs for different chapters was a wonderful addition to the book in my opinion. I connect with music on a very deep level so I loved that aspect and I thought the characters were very alive and easy to connect with. I haven't read a book by Jodi Picoult yet that I haven't loved or connected with. I'd recommend this book to anyone especially music lovers.
Cheers! Happy Reading =)
more reviews at booksalicious.blogspot.com
As I read this book it was an eye opener to realize how others might view the Christian faith; and some of our beliefs. I'm glad I do not attend a church like the one Pastor Clive is head of in this book. It showed me even more that love should be the center of any faith not hate or judgement. Each character had their own struggles and even though they choose very different ways of coping with them in the end they were all just fighting for the right to live in the way that they thought was right and was the best choice for them. The soundtrack and different songs for different chapters was a wonderful addition to the book in my opinion. I connect with music on a very deep level so I loved that aspect and I thought the characters were very alive and easy to connect with. I haven't read a book by Jodi Picoult yet that I haven't loved or connected with. I'd recommend this book to anyone especially music lovers.
Cheers! Happy Reading =)
more reviews at booksalicious.blogspot.com
I love Jodi Picoult's ability to make you think in many different directions in her novels. This book was definitely not my favorite, but it was a great read. I liked that this book showed a little bit of the exploitative powers of people. It was hard to read some of the negative comments about homosexuals, being a lesbian myself, but the journey I found most intriguing was Max's.
It would be so strange to find the woman you loved was missing something in her life that you couldn't fill. I loved how he hit a low and picked himself back up. Even better that he found his spirituality. I think it was amazing the way that Picoult showed that you can evolve your thinking simply by thinking of your loved ones as people. Not viewing them only as a "sinner" but as a person you know. Anyway totally worth the time! Learned a lot about the lengths people sometimes have to go through to have children.
It would be so strange to find the woman you loved was missing something in her life that you couldn't fill. I loved how he hit a low and picked himself back up. Even better that he found his spirituality. I think it was amazing the way that Picoult showed that you can evolve your thinking simply by thinking of your loved ones as people. Not viewing them only as a "sinner" but as a person you know. Anyway totally worth the time! Learned a lot about the lengths people sometimes have to go through to have children.
I loved the topic of this newest Jodi Picoult book (although I read this back in March so my use of the word newest may be in question)!
Married couple, Zoe and Max, divorce after nine years of marriage and many failed pregnancies. Shortly afterward, Zoe, a music therapist, meets and falls in love with a high school guidance counselor. A guidance counselor who also happens to be a woman. Meanwhile, Max turns to alcohol to drown his sorrows and then eventually repents and finds truth and peace in the conservative Christianity practiced by his older brother.
Zoe and Max, in their attempt to make a family had frozen many embryos. Zoe and her new partner, Vanessa, want to implant the embryos into Vanessa and finally have the family Zoe has been dreaming of. Maxs new religious views lead him to believe that being gay is a sin and that gay couples should not be allowed to have children. A court battle begins as Max and Zoe fight for custody of their unborn children.
This book started just a little slow for me. The end of Zoe and Maxs relationship and the beginning of the relationship between Zoe and Vanessa felt like background (albeit necessary background) to the meat of this novel- the court battle over the frozen embryos. With that trigger, the book really took off and kept this reader completely engaged. Unfortunately, the end left me wanting a little more more resolution with the Lucy character and some mention of Zoes mom in the final chapter.
While it was clear to me that Sing You Home was thoroughly researched and well-thought out, I did think it was transparent throughout the book that Picoult is an atheist. What I did not realize until I had finished the book was that Picoults son recently came out, so I am certain this topic hit home for her.
As always, Picoults knack for portraying two sides of a very controversial issue did not disappoint. I loved the controversy in this book! All in all, a great book!
Married couple, Zoe and Max, divorce after nine years of marriage and many failed pregnancies. Shortly afterward, Zoe, a music therapist, meets and falls in love with a high school guidance counselor. A guidance counselor who also happens to be a woman. Meanwhile, Max turns to alcohol to drown his sorrows and then eventually repents and finds truth and peace in the conservative Christianity practiced by his older brother.
Zoe and Max, in their attempt to make a family had frozen many embryos. Zoe and her new partner, Vanessa, want to implant the embryos into Vanessa and finally have the family Zoe has been dreaming of. Maxs new religious views lead him to believe that being gay is a sin and that gay couples should not be allowed to have children. A court battle begins as Max and Zoe fight for custody of their unborn children.
This book started just a little slow for me. The end of Zoe and Maxs relationship and the beginning of the relationship between Zoe and Vanessa felt like background (albeit necessary background) to the meat of this novel- the court battle over the frozen embryos. With that trigger, the book really took off and kept this reader completely engaged. Unfortunately, the end left me wanting a little more more resolution with the Lucy character and some mention of Zoes mom in the final chapter.
While it was clear to me that Sing You Home was thoroughly researched and well-thought out, I did think it was transparent throughout the book that Picoult is an atheist. What I did not realize until I had finished the book was that Picoults son recently came out, so I am certain this topic hit home for her.
As always, Picoults knack for portraying two sides of a very controversial issue did not disappoint. I loved the controversy in this book! All in all, a great book!
Wow. So many thoughts. First, it's the best novel I've read in a long, long time. Second, I have not experienced as many emotions in reading one book as I have this one. A major reason for that is because of where I am at personally and how much I relate on a personal level - but I didn't expect to relate to SO much of it on a personal level. Picoult truly did her research in understanding the fundamentalist Christian views on homosexual families, as well as truly understanding the reality of life for a lesbian family. Others might connect with the major intensity of what it feels like to be a woman who so desperately wants to be a mom, but can't. Everyone should read this book - if you want a perspective on how much gay families have to fight to be a family and how many Christians have done a lot of damage to gay families, read this book.
This is freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best b-day present ever was to finish this in the middle of the night on my birthday!!!!!! I still wish it didn't end though.
This is classic Picoult. If you liked her others - you'll like this. I know, without a doubt, that if I had never heard of Jodi Picoult and I picked this up I'd fall in love with her writing immediately. (The only book of hers I wouldn't recommend someone read first is
Songs of the Humpback Whale. It's not bad but it's older, slower, and I don't she she'd reached her groove yet with that. I'd only recommend that to hardcore fans of her who need more.) Oh, a disclosure, I have yet to read Wonder Woman: Love and Murder and Over the Moon. The latter will be read soon and I've been putting off the first for quite awhile because of the comic bit. If anyone can do it she can though so I've decided to try it after all.)
I won't go into the description - it's here, it's there, it's everywhere. Picoult isn't for everyone - is any author? If you like her kid of writing, she's the master.
This is classic Picoult. If you liked her others - you'll like this. I know, without a doubt, that if I had never heard of Jodi Picoult and I picked this up I'd fall in love with her writing immediately. (The only book of hers I wouldn't recommend someone read first is
Songs of the Humpback Whale. It's not bad but it's older, slower, and I don't she she'd reached her groove yet with that. I'd only recommend that to hardcore fans of her who need more.) Oh, a disclosure, I have yet to read Wonder Woman: Love and Murder and Over the Moon. The latter will be read soon and I've been putting off the first for quite awhile because of the comic bit. If anyone can do it she can though so I've decided to try it after all.)
I won't go into the description - it's here, it's there, it's everywhere. Picoult isn't for everyone - is any author? If you like her kid of writing, she's the master.
Loved this story about a music therapist.
"Zoe and Max Baxter want desperately to have a child, but cannot because of Max's family's genetic unbalance. They turn to in vitro, and create three healthy embryos, freezing them cryogenically. One is implanted and Zoe successfully becomes pregnant, but loses the baby in late pregnancy. Zoe and Max soon divorce because Max does not want Zoe to pressure him into trying again for a child.
Some time later, Zoe, a musical therapist, still has not recovered from the shock of the divorce, and Max has moved in with his brother, Reid, and his brother's wife, Liddy. Reid and Liddy are both Christians, and are also trying to have children, and have had several miscarriages because of the Baxter family unbalance. Max originally is hostile to Reid, Liddy, and their pastor's efforts to convert him to their religion, but eventually warms up to the church and becomes a born-again Christian.
Zoe meets Vanessa Shaw, who is openly lesbian, while floating at the bottom of a pool early in the morning. Vanessa thinks Zoe is drowning and tries to save her, but Zoe asserts that she was only floating at the bottom, looking at the lights from the bottom of the pool. Zoe and Vanessa become fast friends and eventually fall in love. Zoe, at first, is unwilling to admit to her relationship with Vanessa, but when Vanessa is angry that Zoe is ashamed of her, Zoe eventually admits to Max when she sees him at a grocery store that she and Vanessa are together. Max is shocked and disgusted, and confides in his pastor, Pastor Clive, his fears: that Zoe turned to lesbianism because he was not enough of a man to satisfy her.
Zoe and Vanessa marry soon after the incident, and Zoe still wants to have a child. Vanessa suggests that she could carry one of Zoe's frozen embryos, and Zoe readily agrees. They learn that since the embryos are Max's children too, Max must agree for Zoe and Vanessa to try to use the children. Zoe asks Max if he will agree, and Max, confused and stricken, tells her he will think about it. Zoe and Vanessa, thinking that Max is surely going to agree, begin thinking of names and furnishing the baby's room. Meanwhile, Zoe is working with a rebellious teenage girl named Lucy, who is hostile and angry.
Max consults Pastor Clive, who tells him that no child should be subjected to being raised in a lesbian household. He suggests that Max sue Vanessa and Zoe for the rights to raise the embryos, which he calls 'pre-born children', and that if Max wins, he should give the children to be raised by Reid and Liddy, who cannot have children of their own. Max agrees, and serves Vanessa and Zoe with papers, suing them for the right to raise the children.
Vanessa and Zoe are angry and upset, Zoe being incredulous that Max would betray her like that. The two turn to a lawyer, Angela Moretti, who specializes in gay and lesbian cases, although she is not gay herself. In turn, Max and Pastor Clive enlist the help of Wade Preston, a Christian lawyer, and Ben Benjamin, another lawyer.
Over the course of a month or two, the case shifts gears several times, with hostility present between Max, Zoe, Angela and Wade. Initially the judge seems to be in favor of Zoe's case, but then evidence is supplied that Lucy--who is, in fact, Pastor Clive's stepdaughter--was molested by Zoe, which is an untrue allegation. Nevertheless, Zoe cracks and agrees to give up and award the case to Max.
Max eventually realizes that he is in love with Liddy, and that to sit by and watch the child be raised as Reid and Liddy's, with him playing the lesser role of uncle, would be unbearable. He agrees to give up the embryos and give them to Zoe and Vanessa to raise as their own; Zoe and Vanessa allow him to play the role of father.
The epilogue is seen seven or so years later, through Samantha 'Sammy' Baxter's eyes. Sammy is six years old, has a dog named Ollie, and calls her mothers 'Mama Ness' and 'Mommy Zoe'. She knows that Vanessa is the tooth fairy, because she peeked, and often defends her two mothers against bullying comments made by other children. She reveals that Liddy and Max are together and are getting married shortly. She considers it normal, and even better, to have two mothers and a father, and knows that all three of her parents care about her equally. In the end she asserts that she is a very happy child, and is, really, the luckiest girl in the world."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sing_You_Home_(novel)
my star ratin' reflects the story line...not the writin' quality
when a plot reflects peace and love for one another, i support it
--h
Some time later, Zoe, a musical therapist, still has not recovered from the shock of the divorce, and Max has moved in with his brother, Reid, and his brother's wife, Liddy. Reid and Liddy are both Christians, and are also trying to have children, and have had several miscarriages because of the Baxter family unbalance. Max originally is hostile to Reid, Liddy, and their pastor's efforts to convert him to their religion, but eventually warms up to the church and becomes a born-again Christian.
Zoe meets Vanessa Shaw, who is openly lesbian, while floating at the bottom of a pool early in the morning. Vanessa thinks Zoe is drowning and tries to save her, but Zoe asserts that she was only floating at the bottom, looking at the lights from the bottom of the pool. Zoe and Vanessa become fast friends and eventually fall in love. Zoe, at first, is unwilling to admit to her relationship with Vanessa, but when Vanessa is angry that Zoe is ashamed of her, Zoe eventually admits to Max when she sees him at a grocery store that she and Vanessa are together. Max is shocked and disgusted, and confides in his pastor, Pastor Clive, his fears: that Zoe turned to lesbianism because he was not enough of a man to satisfy her.
Zoe and Vanessa marry soon after the incident, and Zoe still wants to have a child. Vanessa suggests that she could carry one of Zoe's frozen embryos, and Zoe readily agrees. They learn that since the embryos are Max's children too, Max must agree for Zoe and Vanessa to try to use the children. Zoe asks Max if he will agree, and Max, confused and stricken, tells her he will think about it. Zoe and Vanessa, thinking that Max is surely going to agree, begin thinking of names and furnishing the baby's room. Meanwhile, Zoe is working with a rebellious teenage girl named Lucy, who is hostile and angry.
Max consults Pastor Clive, who tells him that no child should be subjected to being raised in a lesbian household. He suggests that Max sue Vanessa and Zoe for the rights to raise the embryos, which he calls 'pre-born children', and that if Max wins, he should give the children to be raised by Reid and Liddy, who cannot have children of their own. Max agrees, and serves Vanessa and Zoe with papers, suing them for the right to raise the children.
Vanessa and Zoe are angry and upset, Zoe being incredulous that Max would betray her like that. The two turn to a lawyer, Angela Moretti, who specializes in gay and lesbian cases, although she is not gay herself. In turn, Max and Pastor Clive enlist the help of Wade Preston, a Christian lawyer, and Ben Benjamin, another lawyer.
Over the course of a month or two, the case shifts gears several times, with hostility present between Max, Zoe, Angela and Wade. Initially the judge seems to be in favor of Zoe's case, but then evidence is supplied that Lucy--who is, in fact, Pastor Clive's stepdaughter--was molested by Zoe, which is an untrue allegation. Nevertheless, Zoe cracks and agrees to give up and award the case to Max.
Max eventually realizes that he is in love with Liddy, and that to sit by and watch the child be raised as Reid and Liddy's, with him playing the lesser role of uncle, would be unbearable. He agrees to give up the embryos and give them to Zoe and Vanessa to raise as their own; Zoe and Vanessa allow him to play the role of father.
The epilogue is seen seven or so years later, through Samantha 'Sammy' Baxter's eyes. Sammy is six years old, has a dog named Ollie, and calls her mothers 'Mama Ness' and 'Mommy Zoe'. She knows that Vanessa is the tooth fairy, because she peeked, and often defends her two mothers against bullying comments made by other children. She reveals that Liddy and Max are together and are getting married shortly. She considers it normal, and even better, to have two mothers and a father, and knows that all three of her parents care about her equally. In the end she asserts that she is a very happy child, and is, really, the luckiest girl in the world."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sing_You_Home_(novel)
my star ratin' reflects the story line...not the writin' quality
when a plot reflects peace and love for one another, i support it
--h
I have always been a fan of Jodi Picoult books. I have never read one I didn't like. Her books always make you ponder what you read long after you have read the last page. And you won't be disappointed. I always have a hard time putting her books down they are so good! And this one is no different. Great story line. Don't want to ruin the story for anyone who hasn't read it. If you haven't read this, I strongly recommend you read this one!
This has to be my most favorite book by Jodi Picoult. I truly loved it. It wasn't as dark and difficult to read as some of her past novels have been. It kept my attention the whole way through it and I was sad when it ended. This book examines infertility, gay rights, religious freedom and depression. Jodi Picoult's extensive research from all points of view on this topic creates a story that helps connect with characters from views similar to your own, but also open your mind to characters who hold your opposing view.
Best. Picoult. Ever. What a wonderful story - marriage, moms, friends, husbands, divorce, love, infertility, IVF, alcoholism, gay rights, gay love, narrow minded right wing extremism, music, music therapy....WONDERFUL!
I have read almost all of her books, but there just sseemed to be something missing in this story. The story line was fine, but I kept finding myself putting the book down to watch TV! It just didn't grab me so that I don't want to put it down. Still, her books are worth the read.
Enjoyed this story a lot - once I read the first page I literally couldn't put it down. Love the character development she achieves by giving each person a "voice" by having them narrate their own chapters. You see the same story from multiple points of view. Nobody is right or wrong, it's all based on your belief system. Even if you don't agree with the "other" point of view, you can empathize and understand where they are coming from.
A wonderful read, one you don't want to put down!
Author never disappoints! Excellent book!
This was not my favorite Jodi Picoult book, though I certainly did enjoy it and became pretty wrapped up in it by the end. There were too many issues tied up in it that she tried to address in her usual comprehensive way. Fewer issues would have made for a stronger, more impactful novel.
But- always a good read.
But- always a good read.
sing you home....really love this story wonderful book of life & so believable loved it
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Issues were very current to today's times. It is just sad that this story is an accurate picture of how are world is today. People can view an issue from so many sides with each side feeling justified in their beliefs. The various interpretations of the Bible verses quoted are ones you hear all the time. Who is right? Do the verses from the Old Testament apply sometimes but not in others? A very thought provoking book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this literary effort of Jodi Picoult. I have read several other of her books and she continues to choose timely, emotional topics and treats them well!
This book is centered around another controversial topic as Picoult's books all seem to be......It begins with a couple divorcing after years of infertility problems but there are still three fertilized eggs waiting for implanation......she falls becomes close friends with another woman, finds out she has uterine cancer and has to have a hysterectomy......then they become more than friends and get married......now we have a battle for those fertilized ovum.....the exwife wants them to implant into her partner.....the exhusband wants to give them to his brother and sister in law who also have not been able to have children......How does it end?
Good read
If you know this authors writing then you will figure out where this book is going from the beginning. I do not want to write a review that gives away the whole story so I am going to try to keep it vague. I did not read any reviews about this book and was so glad I didnt because I liked to be surprised about the subject.
As you start to read the book knowing the writer you already start to form ideas about what the book is about. I thought the book was going to be very close to me since it talked about infertility and I have many friends who have dealt with varying degrees of infertility. But then the book takes a turn, as soon as that turn came I knew where she was going with the book. It was like being on a wooden roller coaster. The beginning is on the way up the steep hill, then she hits you with what the book is about and you start twisting and turning till the end. Even though I knew where she was going I could not put the book down, I had to see what happens.
Some people will not like the book because of the subject matter. I have a very open mind and Picoult is fair to both sides of the story.
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 Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
As you start to read the book knowing the writer you already start to form ideas about what the book is about. I thought the book was going to be very close to me since it talked about infertility and I have many friends who have dealt with varying degrees of infertility. But then the book takes a turn, as soon as that turn came I knew where she was going with the book. It was like being on a wooden roller coaster. The beginning is on the way up the steep hill, then she hits you with what the book is about and you start twisting and turning till the end. Even though I knew where she was going I could not put the book down, I had to see what happens.
Some people will not like the book because of the subject matter. I have a very open mind and Picoult is fair to both sides of the story.
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 Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
As a Picoult fan this book was a disappointment. It started out with a great plot and I was excited to see how she would handle this hot topic. I was very sad to see that she was not up to the task. Jodi has in the past, written her stories with more balance and multidimensional characters. This book seemed to be a commentary on her own political agenda. I am a fairly conservative Catholic who believes gays have a right to civil unions and have known many wonderful lesbian parents. However,to stereotype gays as saints and Christians as closed minded haters is ridiculous. Shame on you Jodi - we expect better from you!! The music was awful, the singer mediocre. I can see that when someone achieves success in their career they start to believe that they can do "anything". My advice to Jodi is to reassess her writing and stop churing out the books, put in a little more effort. Your fans deserve your best or they will no longer buy your books.
This is the last time I order a Jodi Picoult book without having any idea what it is. I thought that though I do not like country western music that that was the scene of the story. I could live with that.
I knew there was a lesbian woman in the story, but I did not know that was the main story line. I feel marriage is between a man and a woman, and that propaganda is not something I want to read about.
How you are made is how you ARE. What you do is the SIN. I know we all sin, but I do not want to advocate it. May God bless you. (Oh, I did not finish the book. I skipped to the end and was really not surprised how it ended. Not a usual exciting Picoult ~ just contrived for her message.)
I knew there was a lesbian woman in the story, but I did not know that was the main story line. I feel marriage is between a man and a woman, and that propaganda is not something I want to read about.
How you are made is how you ARE. What you do is the SIN. I know we all sin, but I do not want to advocate it. May God bless you. (Oh, I did not finish the book. I skipped to the end and was really not surprised how it ended. Not a usual exciting Picoult ~ just contrived for her message.)
