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kass99's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
5lastofhisname's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
chelseamh98's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
ajcorn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brandi_edition's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Every single person should read this book. The topic of abortion was the main plot, however it dove into soooooooooo many different points of view. It was fast paced and had me really thinking throughout the book! So so so so so so so good! Wow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Abortion, and Murder
vacantbones's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Yes, I am incredibly biased - I binged most of Picoult's (at the time) published books when I was 15 and 16, so coming back to her all these years later feels like a warm hug. But this wasn't the first time I picked up A Spark of Light. That happened back in late 2018. I checked it out from the library and, upon reading the front flap, let it sit on my bookshelf for three weeks before returning it.
At the time, the state of reproductive rights felt too fragile for me to be reading a book from an author who is known to ask her readers to see both sides of something. Frankly, it still feels raw in late 2022; Roe v. Wade has been overturned and the fear this ignites is brutal.
With that being said, I really did love this read. I won't pretend that my feelings changed or that my beliefs were shaken in some life-altering way. But I have always admired the ways in which Picoult can make you empathize with anyone and everyone. I appreciated how abortion was handled, and the characters were fascinating to me.
I didn't adore the backwards timeline, but it allowed for some twists and reveals that I liked. 5 stars, great to be reconnected with my childhood favorite author.
At the time, the state of reproductive rights felt too fragile for me to be reading a book from an author who is known to ask her readers to see both sides of something. Frankly, it still feels raw in late 2022; Roe v. Wade has been overturned and the fear this ignites is brutal.
With that being said, I really did love this read. I won't pretend that my feelings changed or that my beliefs were shaken in some life-altering way. But I have always admired the ways in which Picoult can make you empathize with anyone and everyone. I appreciated how abortion was handled, and the characters were fascinating to me.
I didn't adore the backwards timeline, but it allowed for some twists and reveals that I liked. 5 stars, great to be reconnected with my childhood favorite author.
acoops's review against another edition
4.0
I happened to be reading this book as the news of Roe vs Wade potentially being overturned was coming to light, making this read particularly poignant. I really appreciated the various perspectives of the characters in the book, and Jodi Picoult adds in research at the end which I think was so important.
I found the structure of the book a little disorienting. I always have a little difficulty switching between more than 3 characters’ perspectives, but the book also went backward in time which was hard for me to wrap my head around initially. That being said, I think that Jodi Picoult always manages to create very vibrant characters, and tackles complex ethical dilemmas. A particularly important read, in my opinion.
I found the structure of the book a little disorienting. I always have a little difficulty switching between more than 3 characters’ perspectives, but the book also went backward in time which was hard for me to wrap my head around initially. That being said, I think that Jodi Picoult always manages to create very vibrant characters, and tackles complex ethical dilemmas. A particularly important read, in my opinion.
meowbeebs's review against another edition
5.0
I am usually surprised by the twists in Jodi Picoult’s books, but I saw this one coming. Despite that, this is a very powerful book that explores every possible viewpoint of abortion. I want absolutely every human to read this.