By age thirteen, Anna has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate – a life and a role that she has never questioned… until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister – and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable… a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves. [official synopsis]
Chan very thoughtfully sent me My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult when I expressed an interest in reading it on her blog post. I had no trouble getting into the book and am now anticipating seeing the movie. I finished it about a week ago and probably shouldn’t have waited so long to write up a review.
With books like this, you always expect it to either end up happy, or completely depressing. While I did cry at the end (which my boyfriend made fun of) it definitely was an unexpected twist. I won’t give any spoilers, but I thought the three kids (Anna, Kate and Jesse) were my favourite characters. They all had such a unique dynamic with each other that I guess only a family tragedy could bring together.
I thought that the plot was very direct, and I like how the narrative switched characters and years to provide flashbacks and additional insights. I definitely don’t think that the book would be as compelling without making you compassionate for all the characters involved.
I really enjoyed the book — it was a quick and compelling read. Check out an excerpt (entire first chapter) at the publisher’s website!
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10 Comments
I cried too, loud enough that my daughter’s came to see what was wrong. Then DTE immediately said, “I get it next” and she cried too. DTY teared up but had to keep from crying too much as she was in a van full of people (of course she knew there was a chance by then!). Hubband said he teared up, but I did warn him first. (I forgot when he read The Notebook and he was on an airplane.)
I actually cried earlier and more the second time I read it; anticipation gets me every time!I have heard the movie changes the ending…..
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. You know I thought it was hard to put down, but I didn’t like the ending, not one bit.
I do want to see the movie though…
This was my first Jody Picoult book and I really liked it as well. I cried so hard at the end. I haven’t decided if I want to see this movie in the theater.
I’m adding this to the TBR list – for after the movie.
I just can’t bring myself to read the tear-jerker type books. Sounds good, though.
I haven’t read this, but I’d really like to. Need to hurry up and read it before I see the movie!
I loved this book!!! :)
i listened to the audio version of this on my commute a few years ago and the different narrators really gave the story and extra dimension. i kind of fell out of jodi picoult because her books a tad formulaic for me, but i did have the chance to meet her at my local library a few summers ago–she was a great storyteller and had serious charisma.
Howdy!
I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I’m hosting a giveaway of the Soundtrack for the movie My Sister’s Keeper this upcoming Thursday. It should be good!
Also, I wanted to let you know that my feed address has changed in case I fell off your reader into nowhere land. It’s now http://anovelmenagerie.com/feed/
I hope to see you at the contest (if you’re the music-lovin’ type!).
Sher
Also my first Picoult and now wondering what else I’m missing. Love this multi-pov style of writing and the ending…not at all what I expected which is a great thing.
Thanks for passing this along – was a great read!