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November 9, 2004

My Sister's Keeper -- Jodi Picoult ****+

Somebody recommended at some point that I read Jodi Picoult, so I listened to My Sister's Keeper (audible.com, downloaded to my ipod). I liked this novel a lot; it was engaging, thoughtful, very well written, and dealt with a number of explosive issues with a subtle insight that is rare. And beyond that, the reading was really superior -- as this story is told by a series of first person narrators, each character was read by a different voice actor.

I've said many times I'm not a huge fan of first person narratives, but here's the exception: when you have alternating characters in first person, the issue which concerns me -- the restricted POV of first person -- is no longer a problem.

There is quite a shocking ending here, and for a while I wasn't sure I liked it, or if it was too manipulative. I believe that eventually I'll come to the conclusion that it was the right ending, and successful. But it will take a while.