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August 21, 2007 10:26 AM
BOOK REVIEW: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Despite finding Jodi Picoult's books a bit hit and miss, I was keen to read this book from the minute I heard about it. The idea of the Queen of morally difficult issues taking on the subject of school shootings ... how could you not want to read it?
From his very first day at school Peter Houghton is bullied. He's pushed, hit, shoved into his locker, verbally abused and horribly humiliated. And when it all becomes too much he takes four guns into school and starts shooting. It's hard to say anything else about the plot, because the way Picoult writes is so involved and intricate, that I'm not sure what happened when, at one point important information was learned, and I don't want to give anything away.
Along with a subplot about domestic abuse, Picoult asks difficult questions without giving any easy answers. I was a bit concerned that I found myself sympathising too much with Houghton (even, at one point, feeling that the bullies got what they deserved), but that's the great thing about Picoult's books (I'm primarily thinking of My Sister's Keeper), she makes you feel the uncomfortable feelings and leaves you questioning your own morals.
This is an involving and thought-provoking novel. I couldn't put it down.
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
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Posted by Keris on August 21, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink
Comments
I usually just lurk and read but had to stop and comment on this one. I read it and loved it. I hate that so many people get caught up on little details or "misdetails" in the book and let those little details take them away from how amazing this story really was. I fell in love with the characters, even when I hated them because I felt like they were crafted amazingly well.
I love the UK cover, too. Was the name of the shooter changed for the UK version as well?
Posted by: JenniferDawn | August 21, 2007 11:49 AM
Thanks, JenniferDawn and lovely to hear from you. I read a comment about critical reviews and then decided not to read any other reviews as I'd just get wound up (reading that a so-called reviewer had listed better ways to spend 19 minutes other than reading this book was enough for me!).
And, no, the name wasn't changed. I'm an idiot. Brian Houghton is a football manager. I'll change it now. (Isn't it funny how the mind - or at least my mind - works?)
Posted by: Keris | August 21, 2007 2:22 PM
I haven't read the book yet but I am interested that Jodi Picoult is portraying the role that bullying can play in such an event, as my own family has been hugely affected by adolescent bullying recently. Most teenagers turn their distress inwards and articulate it through anger, addiction, self harm or even suicide...the rapid increase in child and adolescent mental health problems is in part due to the bullying culture. It is all too easy to see how such a terrible massacre could occur.
I can't wait to read Nineteen Minutes, as I am a big fan of the way Jodi Picoult tackles contemporary moral issues.
Posted by: Cathy | August 21, 2007 2:32 PM
I haven't read this as I've never really taken a fancy to Jodi Picoult's books although now I'll definitely have to read one.
My 15-year-old sister absolutely LOVES Picoult - her summer quest was to read each and every one of her books - so I'll have to get her this one too! :)
Posted by: Danielle | August 22, 2007 10:45 AM
I LOVE all of Jodi Picoult's books and I have read them all. I need a suggestion on another author that cmpares to Picoult. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Bridget | November 7, 2007 6:07 AM
I know I'm late posting about this but I just wanted to add something. After searching for this book I finally found it in a charity shop this weekend for £2 (bargain!) and since starting it on Saturday I haven't managed to put it down. I'm only half way through but already my feelings are torn over who is right and who is to blame for what happened. I feel uncomfortable reading it, as If I'm partly responsible for Peters actions but this is all down to Jodi's fantastic writing at making you ask questions about yor actions that you wouldn't normally consider. I just wish I could take time off this week to finish it!
Posted by: Helen | March 3, 2008 10:27 AM
Just wanted to say that I have now finished reading Nineteen minutes and I thought it was amazing. Definitely the best from Jodi yet.
Posted by: Helen | March 7, 2008 2:02 PM
I read this book a few months ago and i thought it was great. It shows what happens when children push other children over the edge. People say, kids can be cruel, its a horrible thought but its true. The things that can come out of kids mouth is shocking and disgusting. This world that we live in can change right before our eyes. Simple things like going to school can turn into a disaster. Being a high school student myself it made me think. It made me go into school and look around, at the all people ive never talked to before. I wondered if they ever talk to anyone. Its sad the things that happen, but they do. The only people who can stop it or change it are the ones that are causing it. They make school as safe as they can and from the outside. From the outside it looks like nothing can happen. But when you step inside those doors the actions of everyone changes. I like to think that im safe at school, but am i? The thought scares me. So i think every high school student should read this book. It shows what can happen when people stop thinking about others and only about themselves.
Posted by: Braylin | May 6, 2008 3:54 PM
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