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My Sister's Keeper
My Sister's Keeper
Author: Jodi Picoult
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role ...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9781439163856
ISBN-10: 1439163855
Publication Date: 6/2009
Pages: 500
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 173

4.3 stars, based on 173 ratings
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

paigu avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 36
OK,I'm in the minority here in thinking this book was only so-so. There were certain parts of the book that had me in tears, and then there were other parts that just didn't seem to fit into the whole book. The story is told from a bunch of different perspectives, but I almost wish they'd just kept the POV within the family and possibly the lawyer and judge. With all the different narratives, you get bits and pieces of peoples' lives, and sometimes I feel that leads to distraction. I loved the flashbacks or the pieces of family history- those, I felt, added to the whole complexity and dynamic within the family. BUT, why was there so much time spent on the lawyer and his ex? SUre, their romance was a sweet side story, but it really took up too much of the plot. Also, we have this whole mystery going on about the lawyer's medical ailment that really adds zilch (and, to be honest, pales in comparison to Kate's leukemia).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, when the story is told from the eyes of the family, it is intriguing. When narrative switches to someone outside the family, it starts to plod. Jodi Picoult is extremely good at capturing emotions and the tiny nuances within the not-so-perfect family. But this just isn't her best book.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 18
This book has so many dimensions! A true page-turner that makes you think about your life as a mother and as a sister. The last 10 pages truly make the book.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on
Helpful Score: 17
There had been so much hype around this book because of the movie that I tried to keep my expectations in check. And I'm glad I did. While I enjoyed the book, I felt like the author just kept adding more and more lines to draw things out. What was said in 50 pages could have been said in 30, in my opinion. I just kept thinking, "get to the point, already!" Scenes were drawn out when they could have been more economized, is all I'm saying. Anyway, I did enjoy the book for the most part. I was definitely ready for it to end. And boy, what an ending! IT WAS NOT BELIEVABLE, and that part stuck with me for awhile. I kept telling myself, "well, that's what fiction is all about, Tammy." But, I dunno....I came to like the ending after it settled with me. Suspension of disbelief, they say.....
Leigh avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
Emotionally jarring story of a daughter's struggle to become an individual, without comprising love for her family, especially her sister. I found the mother abhorrent and disturbing.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
This was an amazing book! I'm a new mom myself, so this book had a whole new meaning to me. I'm not usually one to cry at books and movies, but this was definitely a tear jerker. Had me crying more than once! This was a wonderfully written story about an impossible situation. It's told from multiple points of view and each one is entirely believeable. I highly recommend this one.
Read All 653 Book Reviews of "My Sisters Keeper"

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armybrat4 avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 6 more book reviews
You will NOT be able to put this book down, as you follow the lives of a family in crisis, seeing the situation from all perspectives as the author writes each chapter from a different character's point of view. An excellent read for anyone over, say, 13, due to some mature inferences.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 16 more book reviews
Man...I don't know if I have ever read a book that made me think more. While this book does bring up ethical questions in parenting it also talks about designer babies, and how far you'd go to keep your child alive. LOVED IT!!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on
I loved this book, like the other reveiwer said, do not finish it in public, very emotional! This is one of those titles that will stick with me for life and I thouroughly enjoyed the read!!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 7 more book reviews
Great book!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on
This book had an unexpected twist at the end that was heartbreaking but well worth the wait. Great read!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 9 more book reviews
I have a twin sister and cried hysterically while reading this book. Will not read hers again for this reason, but it was well written.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 39 more book reviews
This is a great book. It really brings the meaning of what a cancer family has to deal with, and how a child in that family feels. It is moving and inspiring to treasure the moments you have. By far one of my favorite books I've read in a long time.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 7 more book reviews
Very powerful story.
shorty7 avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 17 more book reviews
This book was extremely hard to put down! The ending disappointed me but none the less it was a brillant book!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 18 more book reviews
Really well written book about a family that seems believable, coping the best they can with a bad situation. The ending hits like a ton of bricks. The whole premise of the book really makes you think about the moral implications of some of the scientific advances we have today.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 118 more book reviews
First of the Jodi Picoult books I read - excellent!
4iggies avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 13 more book reviews
What a surprise. I saw the movie and enjoyed it and expected the same book. If you saw the movie, you will be totally surprised by the actual book. It's excellent and worth a second look. As usual Jodi Picoult does not disappoint.
commuter avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 6 more book reviews
Enjoyed this very much. The narrators were very good and the ending was a big surprise. It touched my heart and made me realize how fragile life can be.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 2 more book reviews
I have mixed feelings about this one. Insightful and heartbreaking look into the cruel world of cancer. Worth the time, yet I can say I have no desire to read it again. I will say it is WAY better then the movie.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 4 more book reviews
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. First, the way the book is formatted kind of makes it confusing. Each chapter is from the perspective of a character and some chapters are real short, others are long. This makes the book choppy in areas and I feel like it disrupts some important parts.

Second, I have a problem with Anna's parents. I can somewhat understand where they are coming from but when their daughter is born as a "spare parts baby" it turned me off.

The ending really shocked me. I was not expecting it. Overall it's a decent read. I wish I would have read the book a long time ago before the movie came out.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 8 more book reviews
Wonderfully written. Great book. Was very happy with the story line.
sophiedog avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 8 more book reviews
My daughter read this for a school summer reading project. She really liked it and had a few tears to prove it.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 4 more book reviews
Could not put this down. Had to find out how it ended.
jazzysmom avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 907 more book reviews
I just had to have this so i bought a copy and snuggled down to what i knew would be a great read and was not dissappointed--it was fantastic. I have loved Ms Picoult's way with words since my first book of hers. Then i had a friend come over who had just read this novel and put it in my hands and say--"you have to read this book", i chuckled and told her i had already read it. She also liked it enough to refer it to someone else. I think if you like heartfelt stories you will enjoy this one. It is a bit of tears, alot of heart, and a beautiful story.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 77 more book reviews
I liked this book. Wasn't my favorite I've ever read, however... It presents a troubling dilemma that I haven't forgotten, PLUS I don't have the answer to. That's the mark of a good book. The twist that comes later in the book seemed a little too convenient, but did take me by surprise. #1. This book makes you think. #2. You remember the story and characters.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 81 more book reviews
Gripping and, at times, difficult to read. Couldn't put it down, though. VERY thought provoking!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 6 more book reviews
This book makes you think about your family. Made me cry.
jessicadeaton avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 34 more book reviews
I loved this book. The book is totally better than the movie. The movie is totally different. If you watched the movie you HAVE to read the book. You'll need a box of tissues.
bookgoddessme avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 106 more book reviews
This is the second book I have read by Jodi Picoult (Second Glance was the first), and I think I comprehend the Jodi PiCULT now, another PHENOMENAL book. I'm ready to read everything she has written lol... This book was divided into chapters by which character's voice she was writing in. The book flew because you felt like you we hearing a bunch of different conversations about the unenviably difficult challenge that faced this family, a child with cancer; but so much more... HIGHLY recommend!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 16 more book reviews
This book is written from each characters point of view, which adds such dimension to each person. I felt like I understood each persons reasoning. And I fell in love with the main character, Anna. I really loved this book.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 7 more book reviews
Another fabulous Picoult book that ends in a way you just weren't expecting.
escapist avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 70 more book reviews
Great book! Has a twist.
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 12 more book reviews
Easily my favorite. Was the first Jodi Picoult book I'd ever read and from then on I was hooked.
imnellen avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 246 more book reviews
This book was easy, yet engrossing reading. I thought I had it all figured out. And several times I was wrong. I'd recommend this one!
JJWH avatar reviewed My Sister's Keeper on + 32 more book reviews
Wow! What a story! Written from different character's view points, interesting and insightful! Family, life and death, choices and an ending that you'll never forget!
reviewed My Sister's Keeper on
I decided to read the book first. The book was great. It has a lot of the same characters as the movie, but I would suggest reading the book even if you have seen the movie. You may be surprised ! Thata all I can say witout giving it away.

Book Wiki

Common Title
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Anna Fitzgerald (Primary Character)
Kate Fitzgerald (Major Character)
Campbell Alexander (Major Character)
Sara Fitzgerald (Major Character)
Brian Fitzgerald (Major Character)
(Show all 7 People/Characters)
Awards and Honors

Genres: