I wasn't a fan of the structure but the story was gripping from the onset. I could not put it down and finished it in two days.

As with most of her books. sometimes the topic is a little difficult to read. Abortion in Mississippi. Everyone has their own story, and the author shows you the stories from each character's own experiences. Yes, some parts were sad and upsetting but as the title states there is a Spark of Light at the end. The book itself is beautifully written. I loved the 2 different father / daughter stories and how they are completely different from one another: how they became single dads, how they raise their daughters, the daughters reason for being in the clinic that day and how each father reacted to the daughter being there. A fabulous twist at the end that I did not see coming, but given the nature of the story, it is fitting ! Excellent book !!!!

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an impartial review.

I have a love-hate relationship with Jodi Picoult. Her latest novel, A Spark of Light tackles one of the most politically charged topics of our time - abortion. Here Picoult takes a subject that many speak about in extreme ways and manages to personalize it so readers understand the emotional, physical, and legal difficulties women face.

First - the love part. Picoult's willingness to initiate conversation on such a polarizing issue as abortion demonstrates that such conversation is exactly what America needs. As I was reading this book, hearings for Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination were ongoing. Many of the Senators questioning this wealthy, well-educated white man were wealthy, well-educated white men. As they skirted the issue of women's reproductive rights from their seats on high, there was no advancement of understanding, no compassion, and no real attempt to address why women might need an abortion. Her inclusion of some of the "rules" regarding abortion and abortion access that were generated by those wealthy white-men quickly establishes the uneven system of women's health care across our country, especially for teens and poor women.

Picoult presents a variety of women, young and old, who find themselves at a women's health clinic. Yes, some are there for abortion services but others are there for basic health care or are employees of the clinic. There are multiple reasons for their presence but all these characters are very real with very real life problems and joys.

Furthermore, Picoult ably presents the views of anti-abortion activists with honesty and empathy. It's easy to dismiss the protestors outside women's clinics as one-sided zealots but Picoult, especially through the character of Janine, presents a viewpoint that needs to be understood and shared in order for any advancement in the dialogue concerning women's reproductive rights.

Her depiction of Dr. Ward, who actually performs abortions, is so well-done. His reasons for choosing to participate, choosing to sacrifice much of his life to travel around the country visiting various clinics, and his compassion provide a different viewpoint than what readers might expect. Much can be learned from this man.

Okay, now the hate part. Picoult never sticks to a single point of view. Usually each character's perspective is separated into chapters. Stylistically, it's predictable for Picoult but it works. In A Spark of Light, there are way too many points of view that are in a single chapter. Additionally, Picoult arranges this novel by hours so in a single hour (chapter), readers flow in and out of the large cast of characters. Additionally, she works backward in time so readers know the fate of some characters prior to really knowing anything about them. At times it can get confusing.

Picoult also provides us with her traditional penultimate chapter surprise. I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

This novel is not one that can be read in short intervals. I carry a book to get me through the wait times of life, i.e., dentist office, Home Depot parking lots, etc. A Spark of Light requires concentrated and extended read time. Read this novel no matter what your view on abortion; it truly is a learning experience. Picoult wants us to discuss, converse, share, listen. This novel is a great starting point.

I always appreciate Picoult books and her willingness to take on subjects that rankle. This is no exception despite my zero tolerance for anyone thinking they have a say over what a woman does with her body. I would have liked it better if it was told forward. Still a quick read.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest opinion. I enjoyed reading Picoult’s book that dealt with both sides of the abortion issue. I got a good understanding of prolife vs. abortion attitudes.. The story centers around a private abortion clinic in the south , the staff that runs the clinic, the women who come to the clinic for birth control and abortions., and the detective in charge of the standoff. An angry gunman takes over the clinic as the story unfolds and we get a better understanding of the people being held hostage or killed. The characters are very well described and the reader really gets to understand what brings each woman to the abortion clinic that day . I didn’t like the way the story was written in that each chapter goes back an hour to explain what happened to each character. The Epilogue ties up all the loose ends and tells how the situation gets resolved. Jodi Picoult did an excellent job developing each character.

First, I want to thank Jodi Picoult, A Ballantine Book, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult was a book that was personally hard for me to read because of the subject matter hit close to home. I am a fan of her work because she picks amazing topics that will touch your heart or make you think. However, this book I feel could trigger some emotions in people that went through some of the similar situations that these characters went through. These triggers are abortions and terrorist attacks at abortion clinics.

The beginning of the book swept you up into the story. I loved the terrorist attack on the Abortion Clinic aspect. To me that was exciting. To me my heart was going out to the girls that were aborting their babies for whatever reason they had to. It is never an easy one but in Janine’s case she had no choice.

There was one section in the book that choked me up. I must have re-read that section over and over again “What they’d taken away from his daughter she would never get back, whether she realized it now or not. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t exact a price.”

While the subject matter may have been tough for me to read I found the facts that she incorporated into the story very interesting. She really did her homework on this book.

I thought this was a solid book (with a GORGEOUS cover.) It didn't knock my socks off, but I know Picoult tends to appeal to a wide cross section of the public, so I wasn't expecting a read that hugely surprised or challenged me.

Overall, I appreciated that she tackled the topic of abortion, and did an admirable job of digging into all of the different perspectives and backing it up with so much research. I think, for some readers, this will be the first time they're really dug into this issue from different angles or had a first person viewpoint of what really goes down in an abortion clinic. So, I think from that vantage point, Picoult has done a great service to the American public by writing this book. I doubt she'll convince anyone to switch sides, but at least it will hopefully open up some conversations.

Personally, I didn't love the reserve narrative structure. While it did lead to some great reveals down the road for some characters, for others, it just gave me more questions than answers. For example, I'm still not sure why Joy and Janine were so bonded together at the beginning/end. Just that they'd been through a lot together? I didn't see much evidence of a deep friendship forming as the book progressed.)

I think of all of the characters I was least interested in Hugh. I understand why his perspective was included, but that didn't take away from the fact that it tended to bore me. I would have preferred to focus more on the people inside the clinic. Other than that, the rest of the characters were really intriguing and represented a nice cross section of perspectives/personalities/ages/opinions about abortion.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

As is the case for many of Jodi Picoult's novels, "A Spark of Light" deals with controversial and tough issues. Pro-life and pro-choice characters are able to discuss their viewpoints in a way that makes the reader really think instead of just saying, "they're wrong". Although I almost did not read it because it involved a shooting (and that subject is something that gets my anxiety going for days) I am very glad I decided to read it, as it touches on so many current issues in a beautifully written way.

This is one of the best books I have ever re@d. Not only was I entertained, but I learned a lot,

Here’s the review I put on Goodreads:

Oh my gosh! How can one author have so much talent? This is another homerun for Jodi Picoult. Not only was it riveting, surprising and enjoyable, I learned so much! She graciously handles a hot topic -abortion -with the finesse only Jodi could manage. I’m jealous of those who haven’t read it yet because I know the amazing read you have in store. Run, don’t walk, to get a copy and dig in! #ASparkofLight

Jodi Picoult, has done it again. Thought by now she would lose some of her mojo, but she has proven me wrong with this wonderful story. The creatives just come to life, with the involvement of their stories.. With her take on out current issues, she covers both sides of abortion.. Great read,great book. Can’t wait for her next book.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I know some people will automatically disregard this book because it is centered around abortion. However, I highly recommend everyone to read it regardless of which side you stand on. This is brilliantly written and a powerful story. Jodi did an alarm on showing all points of view on a very difficult subject.

It's been a little while since I've read a Picoult book but I always love them! She has a great ability to choose a controversial topic and address it head on. This book is no different- discussing abortion from all angles and showing all different viewpoints through the characters. The book is certainly thought provoking, well written, informative and powerful. No matter what your views are on this topic it is fascinating to hear about all the characters and what their thoughts are on the issue and how they arrived to that particular view-it isn't always what you may think. The story line is about an attack on an abortion clinic and those stuck inside with the gunman have various reasons for being there and a range of viewpoints on the topic of abortion. I only wish the book was not written in reverse as it made it confusing at times. I understand opening with the paragraph they did for effect and anticipation, however it could have easily gone to the very beginning after that and made it's way back to the ending. Being in reverse it was difficult at times to keep track of what happened and when. Also, I would have loved to hear more about what happens with everyone after the fact.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books and Jodi Picoult for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

It's always fascinating to delve into a Jodi Picoult book. Her books tackle big questions in a relatable way. This book does not disappoint. The premise, a gunman overtakes a women's health clinic, was written from multiple points of view, including a pro-life activist who's there to infiltrate the clinic. Interestingly, the book is written in a reverse narrative. I felt compelled to reread the first chapter after I finished the book. As a pro-choice woman, my mind wasn't changed about this timely subject, but Ms Picoult brings in all sides of the debate. I enjoyed this great read.

Picoult never shies away from the most topical issues and addresses them in a format that captivates and entrances. I enjoyed the reverse timeline plot device and in true Picoult fashion, there were lots of surprise twists I did not see coming!

Increasingly tense and full of emotion, A Spark of Light masterfully tells the story of an active shooter at a women's center from many points of view - the shooter, the police hostage negotiator, the staff of the clinic, and the patients in the clinic. Ms. Picoult deftly intertwines the lives of these people together. I loved the way the plot steps back, an hour or two at a time, adding more details and understanding to what the reader has already experienced. A Spark of Light, like all of Jodi Picoult's books, is pulled from today's headlines. This makes the read that much more intense and personal. This is a book that begs to be discussed and shared with others.

I love Picoult's writing. I am always impressed that she takes on controversial topics and is able to show both sides of the issue. You can tell she always does so much research and I have connected with so many of her books because of this. Not only do they make you think about your own bias and beliefs but it always inspires really great conversations which I think is a sign of a great book. The subject matter of this book was heavy and I was interested to see how she would take it on...

I enjoyed reading about the timely issues she brought forward in this book but I really struggled with the timeline. The story goes backward in time which really threw me off and I had a hard time following the events and also really connecting with the characters because of this. I would have loved to read this from start to finish because it was a powerful web of stories. I have been very moved by a lot of her previous writing and this one just didn't connect with me in the same way because of the confusing backward presentation of the storyline.

I love Picoult’s books so much. She does her research so well and it shows on every page of all of her books including this one. I love how she shows both sides of a debate and inspires so much conversation. I really like that she is willing to tackle the tough subjects. She makes you think hard about the issues she writes about. I think women and men both should read this one. I am so grateful to have read an advanced copy of this one. I will still purchase a copy for my collection.

Jodi Picoult is an author who needs no introduction, and in her recent novels is proving that she is unafraid to tackle some of the biggest issues in our country. A Spark of Light takes on the issue of abortion, and Jodi Picoult takes on the challenge of writing about this issue with nuance and sensitivity.
This book is a little challenging to read as it is told in reverse chronological order (it’s told in sections of an hour at a time, with each section going back one hour earlier in the day). While it was not my favorite, I think that it was effective in allowing some of the inciting issues that led everyone who is at the clinic that day (both the shooter and the patients) to be revealed later.
The most heartbreaking story in this book took place outside the clinic, in a hospital room where a teenage girl lies in a hospital bed, finding out that she is facing criminal charges following her abortion (the exact circumstances of which are revealed in the story). Her pain, her isolation, her role in what is happening in the clinic were all devastating. The thought of stories like hers becoming more common as further restrictions are placed on women’s rights to safe abortions and healthcare? Terrifying.

4 and 1 / 2 stars

Lieutenant Hugh McElroy responds to a shooting and hostage negotiation at the local (and only), women’s health services clinic left in the state. His job turns to horror when he learns that his daughter, Wren, is one of the hostages. The hostage taker then releases all the hostages, some injured and some okay. Those left in the clinic are the gunman, Wren and a dead woman. They know the name of the gunman; it is George Goddard.

Hugh knows Goddard from before the incident. He offers himself in place of Wren. Goddard doesn’t go for it. Hugh walks toward the clinic. He convinces Goddard to reluctantly let Wren go.

So begins an excellent story.

Ms. Picoult has written a timely and powerful story about abortion; a woman’s right to choose on one hand and the life of the baby on the other. She presents both sides in a compelling and interesting way. As we get into the story, the reader learns the backstory of the various individuals caught up in the drama. We are not overwhelmed with information, but rather it enhances the story; it does not intrude. This is a very well written, plotted and thought-out novel. I recommend it to everyone, regardless of their stance on the subject. This is my first Jodi Picoult novel, and I immediately went to Amazon to look at others of her books.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing – Ballantine/Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this most thought-provoking book for me to read, enjoy and review.

A Spark of Light was a captivating story regarding the controversial and emotional topic of abortion. The story took place within a time frame of several agonizing hours, but in reverse order. The reader already knew that a distraught father took the lives of several innocent people at the Center while keeping several hostages. As the story enfolded, we learned the reasoning for his violent actions as well as the background story of the rest of the people whose lives were forever changed by entering the Center on that fateful day.
The author, through her characters, argued in favor of both pro life and pro choice. She created an interesting complex set of characters that pulled you into their stories and what eventually brought them to the Center. This was an engaging read and highly recommended.