Nobody can write a book that makes me *feel* like Jodi Picoult. She never, ever disappoints and her new read "A Spark of Light" is another example. As usual, the plot is something that is happening in today's society which makes her books completely relevant. With her usual tremendous dialogue and fast moving plot, Picoult has stunned us again! Five stars and two thumbs WAY up!

Picoult takes on abortion in this book in a timely and sensitive manner presenting all sides of this controversial topic. A timeline that works backward that honestly confused me initially until I realized what was happening.

In A Spark of Light Jodi Picoult tackles the highly controversial topic of abortion. She brings us to an abortion clinic with an active shooter and an emotionally involved hostage negotiator. I loved the way the story developed slowly, going back and fort in time and between characters. This gives the reader time to get to know the characters. And, once you know them, you are more fully invested in the outcome. I will definitely be recommending A Spark of Light to my book clubs.

This will probably be one of my least favorite Jodi Picoult books; partly because of the topic and partly because of how it was told. Picoult again challenges beliefs by telling the story of an abortion clinic shooting and forcing the reader into each character ‘s perspective. My complaint is that the story began at the end of the day, then time slowly turns back, each chapter turning back one hour at a time. I would have rather had the story chronologically and got the characters story from beginning to end. The abortion themes got a bit political/heavy-handed at times as well.

If it were possible to give more then 5 stars to the books by Jodi Picoult I would do that for ever book of hers I have read. This one is certainly no exception.

Ms. Picoult takes on the abortion issue in her new work and all the baggage that comes along with. An angry father takes revenge on a Mississippi abortion clinic with a gun and hostages. What follows is told with the eloquence and exquisite storytelling this author is knowledgeable for. She is a thinking person’s writer bringing to life one of life’s current emotional issues and leaves a resounding effect on the reader long after the last page is read.

This is one you don’t want to miss. This book is due out in October, 2018.

I love Jodi Picoult and her willingness to tackle incredibly difficult and mentally challenging subjects, and she always does a phenomenal and well researched job. I have my opinions around the subject of abortion, and yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic to characters I did not expect to.

I did find that the choppy nature of the book and backward story telling made it somewhat difficult to truly immerse myself in the experience and become emotionally connected. I suspect that the perspective shift confusion may be alleviated in the final version, considering that there are typically font or format shifts to go along in the printed books. Without that I had a hard time keeping up at times, and keeping everyone straight.

Overall I enjoyed the book, and I think that this is an incredibly important topic, presented in a cohesive and identifiable manner. Definitely a must read.

I got about 30% of the way through and decided to skip ahead to the end. I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult, but I may not have been in the right frame of mind for this novel. Partially, I wanted to know how the situation was resolved, so I did read the ending, but I found myself uninterested in all of the "in between" story. Between the graphic abortion descriptions and the active shooter situations, there are 2 very heavy topics in this book that may be triggers for people. The story alternated between present/past and there were several alternating character viewpoints which really made you have to pay attention (it was sort of confusing I thought). If these 2 topics don't bother you, I would say definitely get your mind right & give this one a try. Just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it's not a great novel.

Jodi Picoult takes readers on another emotional journey, this time exploring the issue of abortion through the eyes of characters involved in a shooting at a women's health clinic. Navigating the landscape in a reverse timeline provides a deeper examination of the characters' stories. One always expects a twist at the end of a Picoult novel, but this one came with a powerful punch that will leave readers talking long after the book ends. A Spark of Light deserves a spot on every book club's reading list.

For years, I have described Jodi Picoult's writing as "thought provoking" and this is no exception. Always one to write about a timely "hot button" topic, this novel takes place in a busy abortion clinic in the deep south. The entire novel takes place over the course of a day but Picoult mixes it up because it is told in reverse order. So, the book opens in the midst of an active shooter situation happening in an abortion clinic. We meet the main characters and as the story unfolds - backwards - we learn about why they are in that place at that time. I think it was brilliantly executed, filled with facts that accurately represent both sides of the abortion controversy. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. I will happily recommend this title to patrons in my library.

A great writing that brings light to the many different angles of a controversial and difficult topic. Well researched, and written with broad empathy. Only downside for me was the timing scheme of the book--it took a bit away from what was otherwise and engaging read.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

Of course, the writing and research were excellent, the story just didn't draw me in.
In starting out it felt like being thrown into the middle of the book; originally I thought that the perhaps the chapters were mixed up. However, eventually I realized that this was the way the story was play out. Can't say that I am a fan of this type of story telling, I never did get connected to the characters and felt like the "message" was the main focus of the book, not the characters story.

Her Sister's Keeper had a much subtler approach and as the story evolved we got to know the characters, circumstances, and the message had more of an impact. I usually look for this kind of novel from Ms Picoult.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

What a sensational book, from an author who never disappoints. This book as always is filled with excellent research and humanity. The flawed, beautiful characters are living and breathing, and the two reveals at the end, I never saw coming. You have another major bestseller on your hands in the fall. Bravo!

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House/Ballantine for an electronic advance of this title in exchange for my honest review. This book is timely, as they usually are with Jodi Picoult. This book takes readers through a period time, backward, over a day, with multiple characters and narrators. You might go into this book with one opinion, but you have an opportunity to see the point of view, the feelings and beliefs of all sides and characters in the book. The book propelled me into some anxiety, because you really can't tell who lives, who dies and how that comes about. I was on the edge of my seat (well, in my bed) and didn't want to put it down.
Once again, Picoult has risen to the occasion, and I highly recommend this title. Read the book. It will make you think, and thinking is something that is sorely needed in the world.

I loved this book, I have read all Ms. Picoults books and I believe this is her best one yet. This book tackles the always controversial topic of abortion and the way it can change lives and divide families. As in all her books Ms Picoult shows both sides of a difficult subject with grace and heart. Do yourself a favor and read this book, you will not be disappointed.

Jodi Picoult has done it again. She's written a wonderful book about a really tough subject that has been in our headlines for years. Hopefully, instead of negativity and censorship, people will use this book to start conversations and hopefully create understanding.

The characters in this book are people that we can all identify with on some level. They are so well written that the reader feels like they're friends. Wren, 15 years old, goes to the women's health care clinic with her aunt. While she is there, a man with a gun comes in and starts shooting and then holds the rest of the patients and the doctor hostage while he decides what to do next. The next few hours are terrible and Wren shares them with several memorable people - Olive an older lady, a nurse who is pregnant with problems of her own, a woman who has just had an abortion and the doctor who performed the abortion along with an under-cover anti-abortion person who was trying to get inside information on the clinic. All of these people have a story that brought them to this place at this time.

This is a fantastic book and needs to go on everyone's TBR list because I can promise you, it will be a major topic of discussion once it is published.

Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Finished this novel yesterday. My eyes were red rimmed, my emotions were up and down ans my mind was opened. This story while dealing with a polarizing subject makes you think, love and care. @jodipicoult is so talented in that she takes circumstances that pull peoole apart and makes people talk about them. This novel deals with abortion and abortion clinics itself which may also provide other care. Picoult breaks from her traditional style of court room/medical and multiple voices in a linear fashion to bring a story from the voice of a Dr who has a moral compass that is tested daily, a young nurse who has now seen circumstances from both sides" a young woman experiencing first love, a negotiator who has to fight to keep all safe and emotions in check and a shooter who isnt necessarily crazy or a bad person but is looking for someone or something to blame. One of the things i loved best was the different format of the novel. Told first in real time than backward throughout life changing hours.
I am scared to do this book at a full bookclub because of the passion surrounding the issue but cant wait to hear other perspectives. I also loves Picoult's author note and the chatacters she has created. @jodipicoult thank you for voicing things others are scared to broach. Thank you for giving me novels that allow me to escape and think at the same time. Ive read and reread every Picoult book and theyve all stayed with me long after the last page has turned. Spark of light is no exception and in my opinion the authors best.


Thanks to @penguinrandomhouse @jodipicoult @bookexpo @netgalley for the early read. Releases 10/2.

It seems like everyone else really loved this book, and I can see why. The storyline is very well executed and the pacing is on point. This book is hard to put down and even after you finally do, it stays with you in your head.

I was really invested in the characters, as well. Picoult did a great job capturing the nuances of choice and what would lead a woman to an abortion. She did a nice job, too, of portraying the mindset of people on both sides of a complex, emotional debate.

Here’s the thing, though: I’m a liberal. Like a big one. I’m so far left that.... I don’t even know where to go with that, but you get my point. I’m telling you this only so that you see this isn’t bias speaking. I didn’t like how heavy handed Picoult was with the pro-choice rhetoric in this one, not because I, personally don’t agree 100%, but because sometimes the character’s internal dialogue sounded like it was a script of slogans from some sort of campaign poster. It took me out of the moment and didn’t feel authentic.

Still, there were things I capital-L-loved: how the stories all came together in the end, the plot twist, the theme of letting go.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for my arc of this book, given in exchange for an honest review. A more detailed review will be coming to my book blog.

This was another well written, thought provoking read from Jodi Picoult.

She certainly has a way of bringing tough issues to the forefront. I loved the style that it is written in. It is a timeline of events that goes backward.

It is an awesome book and my thanks goes to Netgalley and Ballentine books for this advanced readers copy.

As always, Jodi Picoult knows how to hit you right in all the feels. While she has been on of my favorite authors since my teenage years, I feel each new book she comes out with is even more important. I love that she tackles the difficult topics instead of shying away from the controversial issues that face our world today.

The cover is gorgeous, but the content is beyond amazing. I got a little thrown off by the backwards timeline at first, but in the end I thought it added so much to the story. You meet the people involved, and slowly learn more about how they ended up in the position they are in. Jodi please keep up the amazing work, and continue to write the topics most wont touch!

Finished this book with tears in my eyes and cannot wait for it to come out so I can gift it to my Grandma who is a huge supporter of planned parenthood. Thank you to NetGalley, Jodi Picoult, and Ballantine Books for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

What begins as a normal day at the Center, a women’s reproductive health services clinic, becomes a nightmare when a gunman bursts in and takes everyone, medical staff and patient hostage. A police negotiator, Hugh McElroy arrives and works on a strategy to get everyone out safely, a task that becomes even more important when he realizes his teenage daughter is inside. What follows are the stories of the hostages, doctors dedicated to helping women and making sure they have access to all the care they are guaranteed by law, patients making desperate choices and the gunman himself, a disturbed man with an agenda. This book couldn’t have come at a better time, and while it makes my blood run cold, it’s a reality that women are fighting every day to retain the freedom to control their own bodies and their own choices