Small Great Things: A Novel

As a fan of Jodi Picoult I was looking forward to reading this book. Racism is a big topic to take on in a novel. I really enjoyed the first two thirds or so of the book. I can identify with Kennedy- a white woman who wants to help but is a bit naive to how deep the problem of racism runs in out country. I particularly appreciated the scene in TJ Max that illustrates how differently people are treated based on race alone. The last third of the novel started to seem like a platform for a lecture. I’m sure it’s hard to refrain from that with the topic of racism. And the ending was unrealistic. Overall I would give it 3.5 stars.

I'm still digesting this book, but found it extremely compelling. I couldn't put it down once I started it as I needed to know just what would happen. Though I felt the end was expected, there was definitely sustained tension throughout the novel as you step into the shoes of the accused black woman, the white public defender and the white supremacist. With extreme skill, Picoult weaves her tale and you can begin to understand what life is for each of the people and you become aware - as some of the characters themselves also become aware - of what biases you may hold yourself and what things you've also let go of and accepted because it was so 'normal' to you. It's one of those books that can get you to start thinking, start questioning and maybe even start changing. Highly recommended read.

December 2016 selection

Great book that shows three different experiences with racism: a white supremacist, a Black nurse, and a white lawyer. These three people have very distinct POVs and we alternate between them. I found this a powerful way to give the reader - particularly white readers - an up-close view of both micro and macro aggressions that people of color deal with many times a day.

I was totally on board with the book until close to the end when a major choice of the Black nurse seemed out of character and, after that, a couple of coincidences that pushed my ability to suspend disbelief. Luckily the rest of the book made those things totally bearable.

This was my first Picoult book but it certainly won't be my last.

I was given an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley but it took me so long to get around to reading it that I was able to use the audiobook. Which was fantastic. Audra McDonald and Cassandra Campbell were just about perfect. The gentleman who performed Turk's portion was a touch less enjoyable but part of my impression may be due to the horrible nature of the character.

I highly recommend this book.

I would give the book 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed it but am rounding up.

I wouldn't normally think of Jodi Picoult as one to write a book with much wisdom in it but I think she does in this book. A white person trying to talk about racism in America doesn't really ring true but in this case I think she does a decent job in a light novel of talking about white privilege and how hard it is to see the racism in ourselves. Just yesterday I was talking to some people about the difference between equality and equity. I thought she did a good job of explaining the difference. Certainly not the be all of explanations on racism but a pretty great job for a cheesy novel.