Small Great Things

By Jodi Picoult

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - In "the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written" (The Washington Post), the acclaimed author tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion--and doesn't offer easy answers.

"A gripping courtroom drama . . . Given the current political climate it is quite prescient and worthwhile. . . . This is a writer who understands her characters inside and out."--Roxane Gay, The New York Times Book Review

Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is Black, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family--especially her teenage son--as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other's trust, and come to see that what they've been taught their whole lives about others--and themselves--might be wrong.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345544978
• ISBN13: 9780345544971
• Release Date: February 2018
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.4" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Ignorant blather

Do not bother with this trash. The author is using typical conservative stereotypes and falsehoods. She also is ignorant of Christian ideology. It is definitely a leftist propaganda trope. If I could give it a zero, I would.

Loved loved loved!

Very gripping and thought provoking. The author has really studied how a colored person would feel and the kind of situations they would go through. Talks about racism in an open thoughtful and honest way. Couldn’t put it down.

One of my favorites

I experienced so many emotions reading this book. I hope if they make it a movie they stay true to the book.

3/5

I don’t really read fiction so maybe that’s why Small Great Things is kinda corny to me - especially the ending, which seems unrealistic, and some of the dialogue. Some scenes feel unnecessary however it is an interesting read ! You can tell the author really did her research on medicine and laws in court. I found it very entertaining until the last couple chapters.

good book!!

picoult has a way of telling us a story without a set, defined ending. Life happens and goes on and we do too, or it leaves us behind.

Makes you think!!!

I have not read a Jodi Picoult book before but I am now a fan!! This book makes you think about how things can become twisted. I am in the medical field too so I could relate to a lot!! I cried with sadness & joy while reading this.

Loved this book!

This was my first read by Jodi Picoult and I've got to say I am now a great fan of her writing! What an inspiring & thought provoking story on a difficult subject. One of the best books I've read in a long while. I'm hooked!

So important.

This is seriously the most important novel I have ever read. I highly encourage anyone with an “All Lives Matter” mindset to read this book.

Very thought provoking!

This book was just the best and loved the ending!!! It certainly made you stop and think about our world today and all of the discriminations that exist!!! She was totally innocent but became a victim of today's society!

Intriguing

I work in the social justice field and very much enjoyed it. Highlighted the disparities that exist in the US.

Small, Great Things

Jodi Picoult is now one of my favorite authors. She has so well-researched her material, you can picture yourself in the situations. Everything blends well and the end is very surprising! I highly recommend this book!

Eye opening story

I loved this book from beginning to end.

Tough subject told greatly by Jodi

This book is so relevant to the time in our country. It isnt a story just about race. It's a story about coming to terms with the blindness in the lives of so many. It's a page turning read told in a way only Jodi could tell it.

The story told as only Jodi Picoult can tell. Stunning, jaw dropping twists that I never saw coming!

Story is drilled down in a reality that you think people have finally accepted, but the truth, as a Registered Nurse would know, you've taken an oath and there are to be many times you question your moral and ethical dilemmas. But this one was a huge stunner. A must read...And if you know or are a healthcare provider, ask... what would they have done?

Eye opening, and pure honesty! I wouldn't expect anything less from her books! This was not disappointing at all!