Small Great Things: A Novel

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.

Enjoyed this book which was sensitively written about a difficult subject. Some parts were heartbreaking to read as the author opens your eyes to the challenges that have been faced by people of colour, which a lot of people will know but the story makes you think about experiencing that yourself. Would recommend.

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.

Better than I expected. I was worried the story might be a bit too contrived but I really got into it right away and loved the characters.

the book Small Great Things presents a different perspective than what many readers may be accustomed to, focusing on a criminal case that involves a black nurse and a white supremacist family. While the author, Jodi Picoult, attempts to portray the black experience, the narrative often emphasizes themes of pain and grief. As a result, the characters of color face challenges that predominantly highlight their struggles rather than moments of growth. Although they eventually overcome these obstacles, the depiction can feel disheartening and may not provide the uplifting representation some readers might hope for. Due to its difficult and potentially triggering content, this book may not be suitable for everyone, and it's important for prospective readers to approach it with awareness of these themes.