annebrooke's review against another edition
3.0
I quite enjoyed the structure of this one - where the book starts with the end and works back to the beginning - though it does force the reader to work hard. As usual with Picoult, it's a page-turner, but I do wish she would write character-led stories and not issue-led one as it would lead to far more satisfying books - and the issue-approach does get terribly wearing ...
I also thought the epilogue was far too short - we don't get any information on what happens to any of the characters after this dreadful day they've just been through and that's very frustrating indeed. I needed a far better thought-out ending.
I also thought the epilogue was far too short - we don't get any information on what happens to any of the characters after this dreadful day they've just been through and that's very frustrating indeed. I needed a far better thought-out ending.
meaks91's review against another edition
5.0
Can always count on Jodi to write a beautiful book. This book is phenomenal! The various points of view are excellent and it gives a lot of food for thought. The backwards narration gets some time to get used to, but you could re-read the book backwards!!!
joey1914's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimdw's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly not my favourite Jodi Picoult book, but still a good read! It was a little difficult to read for two reasons: 1) the format/timing of the book - it is written backward, each chapter starting an hour before the last, and 2) the topic: abortions. With each chapter starting an hour before the last, it was a book that you really needed to pay attention to, and remember details from the past. Often, I'd forget who a character was or what'd already happened. In part, that was due to the pace in which I read it (I started in December and finished in April). Perhaps if I'd read it faster/in less time, I would've enjoyed it more. I may try to read it and re-review it sometime in the future. The topic of abortions was approached from various points of view, which I appreciated but at times it was just hard to read because of the details (especially coming from the doctor's POV). As usual, there was a plot twist of sorts, though I'd call it more of a side-story twist. It wasn't as huge as her other plot twists, but she still threw me for a loop. As always.
thebookconfessions's review against another edition
4.0
I'm yet to read a Jodi Picoult book that doesn't leave me with so many thoughts and feels.
christinasgobletofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I am a little torn because I love Jodi Picoult's books. I think I understand why she wrote the book in a backwards timeline, but it didn't fully sit right with me. I kept just wanting to know what was going to happen at 6pm. I did enjoy the overall book and am happy she brought up this controversial topic. I loved the end where she talks about statistics of unsafe abortions performed due to policy restrictions, etc.
leannaaker's review against another edition
2.0
Y'all. I love Jodi Picoult. I have passionate feelings about this issue. I love how Jodi Picoult always presents both sides of an issue with empathy and interest. However, this wasn't really a fiction book....too much textbook and not enough character connection. I found it really tough to connect with the characters (on both sides) and I wanted to. I actually abandoned the audiobook at about 80% when the clinical details of body parts during an abortion was the focal point. I wasn't grossed out or turned off....it just wasn't a fiction book.
karimorton33's review against another edition
4.0
I’ll read anything Jodi Picoult writes...I’m pretty sure I’ve read all of her books actually! I love how she weaves two sides of an issue into one story, and they are often very timely. The only thing I didn’t find appealing about this one was the timeline, that it went back in time throughout the day rather than in a linear fashion. I felt I knew too much each time it went back so got confused. Otherwise, a great read to make you think about both sides of the abortion debate.
kcoccia's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the story but I HATE it when a book starts at the end... tells you what's going to happen... leaves out one important detail that you really want to know... and then for the next 300 pages goes backwards in time. If I wanted to start at the end of the book I would read the last few pages and then go back to the beginning.
I get it's artistic and blah blah but I don't like it.
I get it's artistic and blah blah but I don't like it.