Reviews with content warning for Mass/school shootings - A Spark of Light

Reviews tagging 'Mass/school shootings'

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

20 reviews

macneill___rae's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

Another great one by Jodi Picoult.
What I love about Jodi's books is that typically, they touch very controversial subjects and make you think. This one was no different.

The storyline of this book is about a shooting that takes place at an abortion clinic. It follows many of the different background stories of those involved with the shooting/victims, etc.

So well written and captivating.

HOWEVER many triggers so not for everybody ✨️✨️✨️

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chireadsandchill's review

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challenging dark emotional informative 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? No

4.25

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kzwally's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
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

4.0

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bellaroseh's review

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informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Picoult finds a way to turn real world issues into fictional stories that you want to read and yet find yourself learning so much from. The unconventional writing style takes a bit of getting used to but is overall really well done.

It's sad that since this book was published, women's rights have further been challenged in America. Comments in the book like "as long as Roe v Wade stands..." are a reminder of how times have changed in the short time since 2018.

I think Picoult effectively considers multiple arguments and points of view from the controversial pro-life / pro-choice movements. She also addresses intertwined issues such as race, poverty and gun violence. Picoult writes based on research, making you consider the issues facing society in America and globally.

The book is quite slow paced which I at times found difficult to engage with. That being said, the differing perspectives of individually explored characters helped guide the story. I enjoyed how the final two paragraphs brought together some of the characters, giving them a wider context; as well as providing a conclusion to the overriding plot - which was beginning to feel neglected in latter chapters.

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