Books

a tuesday book review

I read this entire book on my flight from San Francisco to Austin last week. Being a huge Jodi Picoult fan, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it right when it came out.

The book was great, but not my favorite. Still, it was definitely one of those “can’t put down” type of reads, and I’d recommend it to someone looking for a page turning novel to take on vacation. Jodi has a way of grasping the reader from the first page on and doesn’t shy away from super controversial hot topics.

What are you reading now? I’ll be honest, there’s a chance that today was starred in my google calendar, not only because it’s Adam’s and my first anniversary, but because of the release of this!

Don’t judge.

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  • megan @ blackberries for jam
    March 22, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    I’m reading The Adults by Alison Espach right now and I am HOOKED.

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove
    March 22, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Congrats on the Anniversary!!

    I just finished “Come Back” by Mia and Claire Fontaine, it was good! I have a thing for gut wrenching, drug addicted memiors!

  • Becki @ Bites 'n Brews
    March 22, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    I’m finally reading Jane Eyre all the way through. I started it so many times when I was younger and never got past the first few chapters, but now, with a glass of red wine, I’m ready to blaze through it!

    • Jen
      March 23, 2011 at 7:54 am

      I’m finally reading Jane Eyre as well. I’m about half way and just love it!

  • Robin
    March 22, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I’m a huge Jodi Picoult too! I just finished up ‘A Reliable Wife’ and highly recommend it. Now just picked up Life of Pi. Then next up is a Jodi Picoult for sure!!! What’s your favorite of hers? I’ve read 19 minutes last month so need another recommendation.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
    March 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    I’ve heard this book was incredible. I LOVE Jodi Picoult. Thanks for the review!

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog)
    March 22, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    Happy anniversary!!

    I’m reading too many books at once right now: The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek and Anthem by Ayn Rand.

    • Baking 'n' Books
      March 22, 2011 at 3:36 pm

      I am always juggling 2 books at once…it’s a bad habit – but I can never decide what to start with first!

      I’ve only ever read one Jodi Picoult book – “My Sister’s Keeper” – I ended it bawling in tears. I never thought I would have done that!

      I just finished “The Frugalista Files” and “The Path To Prosperity”…notice a pattern? Now I have no idea what to start with next – something inspirational, fiction, or a book on writing…and how to start (gulp).

  • Lauren at Keep It Sweet
    March 22, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    I used to love her books but have stopped reading them after a few too many depressing books in a row! I just finished the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and LOVED it! Now I am onto Hunger Games.

    • Lucy @ The Sweet Touch
      March 23, 2011 at 7:07 am

      I am a few chapters into the first Dragon Tattoo book. I hope it picks up the pace soon! And I’ve heard the Hunger Games are great too!

      • Amanda
        March 23, 2011 at 10:38 pm

        Dragon Tattoo picks up about half way through, and its worth it! And the next two are unreal.

    • Jen
      March 23, 2011 at 7:55 am

      The Hunger Games is AWESOME!

    • Susan
      March 23, 2011 at 8:34 am

      Stayed up until 2:30 the other night finishing the second book in the Hunger Games. Can’t wait until I get to the third one!

  • Kristin Murdock
    March 22, 2011 at 2:05 pm

    I have been trying to figure out some new books to read for an upcoming trip… might have to add BOTH of these to my list. 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers
    March 22, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Jodi Picoult is my all time favorite author. I’ve had that book on reserve at the library since the day I heard about it- can’t wait to read it!

  • Laura
    March 22, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    No judging here…I just did a silent happy dance in class when I clicked the link and found out it was released today! Love those books!!!

  • Kristin Murdock
    March 22, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    I have been dying for some good book recommendations for some upcoming trips. Since I just discovered your site yesterday and I’ve decided we have similar views on most things, I think I’ll add these to my book list! Thanks mucho! Oh, and happy anniversary – I LOVE anniversaries, and any reason to celebrate, really. 🙂

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence
    March 22, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I love Jodi, and didn’t know this book was out until a few weeks ago! What’s your favorite of hers? I think mine is 19 minutes:)

  • betty@runbetty
    March 22, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Congratulations! Happy Anniversary 🙂

  • Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
    March 22, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Are you a part of the Baxter fan club? I get her books automatically now with an extra chapter in my email 🙂

    And LOVE Jodi – I have yet to read this one

    ?- Katrina

  • piper.
    March 22, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    read the hunger games series – you will not be sorry (nor will you be able to interact socially until you are done). i finished the third last week. finishing the third dragon tattoo book now….good stuff.

    • nevernotdreaming
      March 22, 2011 at 4:31 pm

      The Hunger Games series was amazing amazing. I got them all at the library and had to keep waiting on wait lists in between…some day I’d like to own my own copies.

      • Emily
        March 22, 2011 at 6:02 pm

        I’m just starting the 3rd Hunger Games book–amazing! I didn’t think these were the type of books I’d get hooked on, but I’m literally unable to put them down!

  • Jen
    March 22, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Oooh, I love Jodi Picoult and will have to check this one out! I just finished Emma Donoghue’s ROOM. I read it in two days and literally couldn’t put it down! Before that was Little Bee which was also an amazing (and extremely well written) read! Check them both out, if you haven’t already:)

  • Missy
    March 22, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Congrats on your anniversary!

    I am reading the Jodi Picoult book right now and I LOOOOVE it. If I didn’t have a job I would read the thing from start to end. She has such a way of pulling you into the story.

    I also LOVED the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury but haven’t followed…I didn’t know Bailey was getting her own series! Can’t wait to hear all about it.

    PS – I work at the Mall of America part-time at a retail store and a girl came up to the counter and I SWORE it was you. And her name was Jenna. But it wasn’t you. Funny ;o)

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy
    March 22, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    in regards to your facebook poll: I say go out or in (whatever makes you happiest and most relaxed). But, I just had to add that I miss the blog posts where you and the boy go to some fancy schmancy restaurant and have lots of wine and cheese and you document it and I drool over how amazing it all looks. Or when those famous chefs came to town and made you all kinds of crazy good food. Hmm…

    Have fun and happy anniversary!

  • Debbie B (DebaRooRoo)
    March 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Congrats on the anniversary!! I love Jodi P. …. her books always lock me in!

  • Marci
    March 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    where’s the review part? i am reading this book now too. I love everything by Jodi P. but try to savor them since they’re only one per year! I read today that Ellen Degeneres is a producer in this movie. What’s your favorite of hers? Mine is 19 Minutes.

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday)
    March 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    I’m reading the Other Boleyn Girl–finally! i have only read one Picoult book–My Sisters Keeper, and it scarred me for life (my lil sis had cancer)

  • Ruth
    March 22, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Thanks Jenna, I think you’ve just helped me decide what to read next!

  • Heather @ Heather's Dish
    March 22, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Right now I’m in the process of reading about 12 books, my favorite of which is Farm City! Hilarious…

    • liz
      March 24, 2011 at 3:32 pm

      Farm City is fantastic! I loved it. I want to go see her farm in Oakland.

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy
    March 22, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I’ve read one Jodi Picoult book and it was definitely a page turner, but also pretty sad. I’m kinda nervous to pick up another one :/

  • shutupandrun
    March 22, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    I am reading the Kitchen House right now. Sort of has a Gone with the Wind flavor to it. I love books from that time period.

    Just curious, what is your favorite Jodi Piccoult book?

    I just started “Running On Empty” by ultra runner Marshall Ulrich.

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    March 22, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Yay for finished books, reading lists, and anniversaries 🙂
    I haven’t read anything by Karen Kingsbury yet and I’m in need of a new book. I guess I better head to the library!

  • Jen H
    March 22, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Happy Anniversary! I love your book reviews. I just started Their Eyes Were Watching God, for my book club. We usually read more current books, but decided to change it up for next month.

  • Lynne
    March 22, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Sing You Home is next in my to-read pile!! I’ll probably start it tomorrow!

  • cathy b.
    March 22, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    thanks for the heads-up…I’m pedaling right over to amazon and loading up my kindle with the newest KK novel 😉
    cathy b.

  • Blog is the New Black
    March 22, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I really want to read this, as JP is my fav author, but her more recent books have been disappointing. I am almost done with Changes in Altitude by Anita Shreve and I’m def enjoying it.

  • Elizabeth
    March 22, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    OK question – how did you and Adam decide the day of your anniversary? My boyfriend and I can never agree – is it the first date you went on, or the day you officially become boyfriend/girlfriend (if that even happens anymore?), or some other day? Dating anniversaries are harder to figure out than wedding anniversaries!

    • Susan
      March 23, 2011 at 8:37 am

      We use our first official date. We had a few unofficial dates the week before, but we don’t count them.

  • Chase
    March 22, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    I have a bunch of Jodi Picoult books but haven’t read any of them… what’s my deal!?

  • Britton
    March 22, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    I am reading The Adults and it is so wonderful! I have to hold myself back from devouring it because I don’t want it to end!

  • Sarah
    March 22, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Reading “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian. About 3/4 of the way through it and it is pretty good!

  • sarah (sarah learns)
    March 22, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    happy anniversary! 🙂

  • Laura
    March 22, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    jenna, it’s the weirdest thing. i just came looking on your blog for book ideas yesterday. i was like i need some new books & i’ve ordered a few from your amazon list & now here you are giving us two new books to read.
    thanks.

    i’m currently reading ‘The Slap’ by Christos Tsiolkas – i’m half-way through & i’m loving it.

    Ohhhh, happy anniversary.

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    March 22, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I love Jodi Picoult! I’ve read quite a few of her books, and I’m always impressed by her storylines and how they just pull me in.

    I’m currently reading my Psych Statistics book. 😉 Unfortunately as a college student, I don’t have the time to read outside of schoolwork, but I have a growing list for summer and breaks!

  • Michelle
    March 22, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    I just finished Jodi’s “Handle With Care” and when I got to the end, I wanted to throw the book across the room because the ending pissed me off that much. Grr.

    • megan @ blackberries for jam
      March 23, 2011 at 10:36 am

      I had the same reaction to that book! So abrupt! Ever since reading it, I’ve been hesitant to pick up another Jodi Picoult book.

  • Daisy
    March 22, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    awwww Happy 1 year! I hope you are having a nice celebratory dinner. I adore Jodi Picoult, especially because she is from and her stores are set (often times) in New England

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    March 22, 2011 at 3:44 pm

    As a matter of fact, I am reading THIS right now! Im about 100 pages away from being done. It is so good!

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please
    March 22, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I’m close to finishing up The Pillars of the Earth. I’ve had it sitting on my bookshelf for the past two years and could never get into it. I forced myself to get through the first 50 pages on Friday and I was hooked! I’m 700 pages deep now and CAN’T put it down!

  • never not dreaming
    March 22, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    I have a lot of different ones to start now and a bit perplexed about which to tackle first.

    I read Picoult’s “Perfect Match” last fall,…have you read it? Good book. I didn’t think I’d like it because her books are not typically my “thing”…but it was good, I couldn’t put it down.

  • Lindsey @ One Sweet World
    March 22, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    I’m reading Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt from your recommendation! I just finished one that went on and on and on so I’m taking a small break…I’m one chapter in. But have a few trips coming up including one to London so I have lots of reading time!

    I’ve always wanted to read a Jodi Picoult book but never knew which one to start with…thanks for the suggestion!

    PS I *love* your blog 🙂

  • Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day
    March 22, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    I’m reading this and can’t put it down
    http://www.amazon.com/Whiskeys-Children-J-Erdmann/dp/1575663058

    Powderful, sad and just so good.

  • Michelle
    March 22, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    I LOVE her books and had no idea she had a new book out (thanks student teaching for consuming my life!) I need to go out and buy this now so I can read it on the rest of my spring break. Thanks 🙂

  • Lisa
    March 22, 2011 at 5:20 pm

    Happy anniversary!

    I need to read more on a regular basis. I can devour books laying in the sun on the beach though, so maybe I need another vacation!

  • Kelsey
    March 22, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    I’m reading (yet again) White Oleander by Janet Fitch. I read probably 8 times a year! The movie pales in comparison to the book.

  • caitlin
    March 22, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    We’ve started a blog book club and right now we are all reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. So far so good!!

  • kindra
    March 22, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    Oh I just saw Karen Kingsbury’s movie, Like Dandelion Dust, yesterday. Loved it.

    • jenna
      March 22, 2011 at 6:06 pm

      good to know!! I’m dying to see that!

  • dee
    March 22, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    ooh – I must check these books out!

    Happy Anniversary to you and Adam!

  • Amy
    March 22, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    I’ve never read any Jodi Piccoult, but my college roommates loved her! Maybe I should get some of her stuff from the library.
    I just finished Faithful Place by Tana French. She has 3 books, all mystery-thriller types, and I have read (and loved!!!!) them all! (Except this one was a little easy to guess the end of it, oh well) I started it Saturday night and finished it up this afternoon, definitely one that you can’t put down!

  • Lindsey
    March 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    I’m a big fan of Jodi Picoult too. I think it’s great that she writes about controversial topics. That’s one of the reasons I like her books so much.

  • Jen
    March 22, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    PERFECT timing! I just got my Kindle yesterday and I am looking for books to download for vacation! Thanks for the recommendation…off to look it up on Amazon! (oh, and happy anniversary!!! Hope it’s the first of many more to come!)

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    March 22, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Happy First Anniversary!!

    Thanks for the Jodi P book review.

    I am reading (well I have it but havent started it) the book you said was the best book you read all year in a recent book review post!

  • Tracy @ Commit To Fit
    March 22, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    I am reading The China Study. It is really an eye opener, just making you much more aware of what and why we eat.

  • Katie
    March 22, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    I am reading the “shadow” series by Karen Moning…..honestly, I can’t figure out what the hoopla is about! This book has way too much reflection for my tastes, and is too slow moving! I’m determined to finish it now since I’m 25% in (funny how when I switched to the Kindle, it’s not “I’m halfway done”, it’s “I’m 49% done with this book” LOL)

    Were you a Sweet Valley fan growing up?! Francine Pascal’s new book comes out next week, 5 years after they graduate – I read the first chapter, I can’t wait to read the rest! Elizabeth made me want to be a writer 🙂

    • Erin
      March 26, 2011 at 5:01 pm

      I’m excited for the SVH book to come out too! 🙂

  • kaila @ healthy helper!
    March 23, 2011 at 4:35 am

    I love Jodi Picoult! She is one of my all time favorite authors!!!!

  • Cara
    March 23, 2011 at 4:40 am

    No shame, I really want to read Leaving also!! I’m sure you will get to it much faster than I will, so let me know how it is! 🙂

  • Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
    March 23, 2011 at 4:47 am

    I LOVE Jodi Picoult books… once I start them I can never put them down until I’ve finished it. I’ll definitely have to put this on my list to read!

  • Hannah (Culture Connoisseur)
    March 23, 2011 at 5:19 am

    I’m in the middle of reading A Hundred and One Days by Asne Seierstad. It’s about her time as a journalist in Baghdad just before US invasion. A really wonderful look at the Iraqi people and their fears before the war. I highly recommend it if you’re into that sort of thing. I love culture books (you can tell by my name!)

    I’ve never read an Jodi Picoult book. Per your recommendation I’ll have to check it out.

  • Andrea
    March 23, 2011 at 6:37 am

    I am interested in Karen Kingsbury books. Any recommendations?

    • jenna
      March 23, 2011 at 9:13 am

      ALL of them! Seriously—ALL. they are all so amazing!

  • Carlee
    March 23, 2011 at 6:49 am

    I recently had to give up my television so I find myself doing a lot more reading – which is totally awesome. Some of my friends think I am crazy for not having a TV but I am starting to really enjoy it. I just finished reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and Room by Emma Donoghue. Both of them were excellent. Room is a very difficult book to read because of the subject matter but I really enjoyed it. I am about half way through Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I am finding this one a little harder to get into but I am about half way through and it is starting to suck me in.

    • Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan)
      March 23, 2011 at 7:28 am

      I just finished “Room” too! I was kind of disappointed at the ending though!
      And my sister let me borrow “Little Bee” a while back, that one is also a dark one. Some parts made me cringe, but it is a story unlike any other. I feel like the writer did a really good job with it. And “Water for Elephants” is great too! Have you read her new book “Ape House”?

  • Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan)
    March 23, 2011 at 7:26 am

    I’ve read some of Jodi’s stuff. My favorite is probably “The Pact” or “My Sisters Keeper”! I started to read her book “Mercy” but couldn’t get through it. I find her books to be hit-and-miss. Some of them I really like, others not so much.

    Right now I’m reading “Interview with the Vampire” 🙂

  • Jen
    March 23, 2011 at 7:52 am

    I’m currently reading Jane Eyre. I love the classics, but somehow have never gotten around to this one. I love it though and am kicking myself that it has taken this long for me to read it!

  • Carrie
    March 23, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I love Karen Kingsbury and I can’t wait to read all about Baylee’s adventures!!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston
    March 23, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I love Jodi Picoult — this must be her newest since I haven’t read it, ha! Anyway, one of the last one’s she wrote — the one about the boy with Asperger’s syndrome (drawing a blank on the name) wasn’t my favorite either. I called the ending and normally I’m still guessing or surprised by the ending.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    March 23, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Happy Anniversary! I’m re-reading the Shopaholic series right now before I buy the newest one.

  • natalie (the sweets life)
    March 23, 2011 at 9:45 am

    aw congrats! you two are the cutest!

    I was on vacation last week and did some reading (and I’m 50 pages into My Antonia right now!). Another good “page turner” that’s perfect for vaca is “I’d know you anywhere” by Laura Lippman http://www.amazon.com/Id-Know-You-Anywhere-Novel/dp/0061706558

    Also recently read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and found it so stinking inspiring! http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Harnessed-Wind-Electricity/dp/0061730335/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300898746&sr=1-1

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    March 23, 2011 at 10:56 am

    I just finished Shanghai Girls. I noticed you have it on your shelf to read…do it now! It’s so good! Not warm and fuzzy, but still a great read 🙂 Hope you enjoy.

  • Alison
    March 23, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I’m reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Love this book!!

  • Jenna
    March 23, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen! Read it!

  • Liz
    March 23, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Happy Anniversary!

    What’s your favorite Jodi Picoult book?

  • Amanda
    March 23, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    I love your book reviews even though I’m not a Jodi Picoult fan ; ) But I do enjoy the ‘Dexter’ novels (so clever) and David Sedaris…. reading through the comments though, I think I’ll have to download a sample of hunger games! Always looking for another book : )

  • Shelley @ Pink House
    March 24, 2011 at 7:28 am

    I think the most interesting part of this book is Jodi’s reason to write and the process she went through to research the back story. I’ve found her interviews about writing the book to be fascinating. And we have something in common…we both have gay sons.

  • Lori
    March 24, 2011 at 7:54 am

    The only Jodi Picoult book I’ve read is My Sister’s Keeper. I have a bunch of her books on my bookshelf, I just haven’t been tempted to pick any of them up.

    I just finished Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman and it was fantastic! If you liked The Help, you’ll like this book, too. I’m just starting The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen.

  • Erin W.
    March 26, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    Jenna, I just finished “American Wife” and must say THANK YOU for the recommendation! This was the BEST book I have read in a long time. I absolutely loved it.