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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.
kellerko's review against another edition
3.0
A book about all sides of abortion and what happens when it is restricted. I really wanted to know about each of the women and men’s lives, but I found the method of storytelling challenging since it started at the end and progressed earlier and earlier in the day to the beginning. The things you’d already read about were rehashed.
liakeller's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story - yet another told backward story. Enjoyed the characters though and wanted to know what happened.
liakeller's review against another edition
3.0
Exciting book that draws in the stories of many people and a wonderful narrative from both sides of the abortion / women's rights debate.
mizzlroy's review against another edition
3.0
This book was an interesting view into the debate between pro-choice and pro-life. I felt like it was a good portrayal on both sides, but it is obvious to the author leans pro-choice. The story was engrossing, but the ending was a bit of a let down. I felt like the entire book had a great amount of detail and it ended with very little. Were the ending more fulfilling, it would have gotten 4 stars.
itsmadzz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
4.25
actuallyshan's review against another edition
4.0
I would've enjoyed this book much more if it was written in a different way. I struggled with the fact that the book started at 5pm and finished at 8am on the same day. It would've been much more enjoyable if it was written in the order of events and not the other way round. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, themes and the obvious research that went into writing this. The twists at the end were also amazing.
logan54schmidt's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone needs to read this book. I listened on audiobook and multiple times needed to pause, rewind, and write down quotes that I found insightful and profound. This is a raw, emotional, and honest look into a very real issue in society today. The authors note at the end is just the perfect reality check at the end of a fictional story. I cannot recommend this book enough.