Helpful Score: 3
In her usual style, Jodi Picoult tells a compelling story about a convicted murderer, Shay Bourne, from four very different points of view - that of June Nealon, suffering mother and wife of Shay's victims; Father Michael Wright, Shay's spiritually conflicted spiritual advisor; Lucius DuFresne, Shay's fellow inmate on I-tier; and Maggie Bloom, Shay's athiest lawyer, whose father is a rabbi. This story centers around religion in an impressively unbiased manner, being neither pro-religion nor anti-religion, about love, sacrifice, and redemption, touching base with the social issues surrounding capitol punishment. It was very strange to read my exact thoughts and feelings regarding my struggles with religion expressed so well in words when I have struggled to put them in words myself. Change of Heart is my favorite Picoult read to date. The story, particularly the 'miracles' performed at the prison, reminded me of The Green Mile by Stephen King. One of the prisoners, Calloway, even hides his beloved bird, Batman the Robin, inside a copy of The Stand, so I have to wonder if Picoult is a fan of King because he is mentioned in the book as well. I did have a few minor qualms with the realism of the plot, specifically when it came to Maggie's argument against lethal injection, but the argument was interesting. Also, I was not surprised by the plot twists surrounding Shay's character, saw them coming. However, just when I feared a predictable ending, I was completely caught off-guard by the outcome of it all, a thought-provoking, satisfying conclusion to an overall great story. I loved this book!
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