If you'v ever read a Jodi Picoult book before then you'll know what I mean when I say this feels like it was written by her. This is not a good or bad thing, simply an acknowledgement that all of her books have a particular style and formula they follow.
Ultimately this book feels exactly what it is, an intro to modern racism for white people. Which is important and has a place, but if you're someone who is actually aware that racism exists(and I don't just mean KKK style racism, but more subtle bias and institutional racism), you'll probably feel bored and annoyed by the main character's journey and insights/revelations.

I started this book and then put it down. for a long time. It's long. It's slow and quite drawn out.

The blurb had very much pulled me in depicting a black labor and delivery nurse being accused of murdering an infant by a white supremacist couple.

I have only ever read My Sister's Keeper and was ready to take this book on because I had enjoyed Picoult in the past. However, this book just wasn't for me. It's obvious most people have liked this book and it holds a great message and the writing is great.... but that's the extent of the positives for me.

When I pick up a book by Jodi Picoult, I have certain expectations. I want to be challenged by a moral dilemma and I expect a thoughtful, well written novel. I have these high expectations because more times than not that's what I'm given. Small Great Things is no exception. An exceptional novel about race, family, and justice. The character of Ruth rang true. I was skeptical at first, but Picoult nailed it.

I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult's writing, but this one was hard for me to become interested in. Once I had read a few chapters, the pace picked up and I was invested in the story and the lives of the characters. One thing I love and could always count on in Jodi's books are the surprise endings. Unfortunately, I was able to figure out what was coming in this book. I have never been able to do that in one of her books previously.
Ruth was one of the most likable characters and she was "real". She did not pull any punches. She is an excellent nurse, according to all her colleagues and former patients, and she takes pride in her work. So when she was pulled from nursing duty for a couple who had just delivered their firstborn, a son, she is furious. The father makes no attempt to hide his racist tattoos and his rude behavior. Ruth is raising her teenage son alone and she is worried how this will effect him and she wants him to stay on path towards college. Ruth and her attorney, Kennedy, are not too sure about each other. They butt heads quite a few times, but Ruth has to trust Kennedy to save her from a prison sentence. Kennedy doesn't want race to be brought into the case at all, as she insists that it has nothing to do with the case and will poison the jury against Ruth. So will they come to an agreement? Is Ruth headed for prison? Who will care for her son if she's locked up? He just has to go to college, and Ruth insists on this.
It is truly shocking to think that there are actually people still behaving as though we still have slavery and hating people of different races, cultures, religions, and sexual orientation. It is also shocking that these racist people hate enough to hurt and kill to express their hatred. Jodi did bring attention to issues that we are still dealing with and need desperately to end.
I rated this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to readers.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Would you follow the rules or break them and do what's right? Don't miss another page turner that is sure to keep you in your seat till the last page!

Loved this book! It deals with a very hard subject; racism. The story of Ruth, a black nurse, Turk, a white supremacist and Kennedy a white defense lawyer. I think that Jodi Picoult dealt with the subject with as much respect and dignity as possible. She opens up a topic that people don't like to talk to or even address. It is very thought provoking and I hope it helps to open up conversation between people.

Ruth Jefferson, a labor and delivery nurse with 20 years experience is accused of murdering a baby after performing emergency CPR to the infant by overwrought parents, Turk and Brit Bauer. Events are further complicated because Ruth happens to be black and the parents are white supremacists that had requested that Ruth not be allowed to care for their son. Kennedy McQuarrie is the naive, white attorney defending Ruth's case. What ensues is one emotional roller-coaster ride as we discover people's hidden bias and how hard it is for them to acknowledge it. Will they have the ability to let it go or will they continue to live in denial?

Jodi Picoult has tackled one monster of a topic within this novel and I believe it will serve as a wake-up call for many, especially those with privilege. Picoult acknowledges in her author's note that she anticipates backlash from this novel, however she felt compelled to write it and I do feel that she did thorough research regarding the perspective of others. Many readers will be surprised to learn that while they may not consider themselves to be prejudiced, they do have bias. Everyone does. Don't believe me? Click <a href="http://www.tolerance.org/activity/test-yourself-hidden-bias">here</a> and answer honestly to discover yours.

So many emotions swirled through my brain while I was reading this novel, frustration, empathy, confusion (regarding character's actions). I experienced all of these emotions as Picoult weaved her story. I felt Ruth's pain, didn't understand her indignance. As a white woman, I identified with Kennedy's ignorance regarding her white privilege. I do feel that the ending would have been stronger without events regarding Brit's mother. It felt like a little too much of a cliche thrown into an otherwise powerful novel on human nature, upbringing, and circumstance. There isn't always such a defining reason into people's actions. A little too much bow-wrapping. However with that said, I feel this is a powerful novel that I would recommend to just about everyone.

One of the most thought-provoking stories I have read in ages. The book, the story, the characters... all of them will stay in my heart and mind for a very long time. A must read that absolutely everyone should experience.

When I first began to read this, I almost stopped because it was too real. I kept going, though, and I'm glad I did. I'm glad a prominent white author has taken such a stand and made a statement to other white people about how to be a true advocate to people of color. The story was heartbreaking, enthralling and sometimes upsetting, but it needed to be told.

This is an amazing book that fully relates to today's race relations in the United States. I've read most of Jodi's books and must say this is one of my favorites. The book has three different narrators - a black woman, a white woman and a white supremacist. It's eye opening reading their thoughts. The white woman happens to be the defendant in the case and she comes full circle in her feelings for blacks. As a white privileged American it really made me think and question my beliefs. Although the book is lengthy it does keep your attention. She has some great twists in the book. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!

This is my favorite of Picoult's books so far! I was absolutely impressed with how directly and sensitively she handled such a complicated, straight-from-the-news topic. Her multiple narrator preference was maintained in a very successful way, but I felt that her characteristic twist ending was appropriately muted. I greatly appreciated the author's note at the end of the book as well. I will recommend this book widely.

Literature highlighting the latent racism hidden amongst even the most liberal of the white population in the United States is especially relevant during a time when the slogan "Make America Great Again" appears to be code for "Make America White Again". With a self proclaimed white supremacist stashed near President Trump's ear, the rest of us, no matter which way we voted, need to be vigilant against any attempts to reinstitute laws which are discriminatory. Already there is a cry out against what is referred to as the "New Jim Crow Laws" as our citizens of color march under the banner "Black Lives Matter".

Small Great Things by Jodi Piccoult examines the life of Ruth Anderson, a maternity nurse who lives a comfortable life style in an upscale neighborhood in Connecticut, the widow of an American war veteran and the mother of an outstanding sophomore attending a prestigious high school. (Did I mention that she is black?)

Her entire life changes when a young couple is horrified that a black woman is touching their newborn son and she is asked to step away and refrain from interacting with the tiny babe. Yet, shit happens, and Ruth finds herself alone with the infant when he stops breathing, choosing to resuscitate the limp form but stepping back as soon as she hears help arriving. Asked to start chest compressions while the doctor does his due diligence, little Davis still dies. The parents threaten to sue for negligence, but the hospital lawyer sees Ruth as an easy target and redirects their energies in her direction.

It's at this point Ruth's life becomes surreal as she is relieved of her duties at the hospital, loses her nursing license, and finds herself being dragged off to jail in the middle of the night wearing nothing but a nightgown. Out of a job and refusing to touch Edison's College Fund, Ruth relies on a public defender to plead her case as she slings burgers at McDonalds to make ends meet. Her lawyer, Kennedy McQuarrie, a white woman, pursues the case for altruistic motives but discovers her own hidden biases as she becomes aware of the subtle (and not so subtle) forms discrimination takes in a society geared towards the needs of a white clientele.

Moving back and forth between the points of view of the three main characters - Turk (Davis' father), Kennedy, and Ruth - the plot advances through the trial and its aftermath with an epilogue that also hints at future events.

Jodi Piccoult takes on a heavy topic which is made more difficult since she is white and can only empathize with the black community through second hand experiences. Yet Piccoult's popularity provides a vehicle to explore a sensitive issue which has been ignored for way too long. Based on some real experiences, the author takes a few liberties and at times stretches our sense of credibility, although this longish story is absolutely readable and engrossing on many levels, despite the too convenient ending. Its almost instant popularity guarantees a wide readership and will perhaps open some eyes to many of the daily mishaps experienced by our neighbors who were not lucky enough to be born into a life of privilege based simply on skin color. Of equal importance is a glance into the white supremacist movement, analyzing the various motivations and strategies used by an ever present segment of our society.

Four stars and a thank you to both Netgalley and the author, through Goodreads, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.

Jodi Picoult is one of the authors at the top of my reading list. I was pleased when I was granted the chance to read this book through NetGalley because I didn't think I had enough reviews on my profile to qualify. That being said, I had no idea how intense this book would be to read. I have always enjoyed stories that incorporated medical settings and also court ones, as a result of my legal background. This has both and more.

Ruth is a labor and delivery nurse with 20 years' experience and is also a mother of a young man ready to graduate high school and go to college. She is also black and this is what brings so much to the story. There are lessons to be learned from this book. It is strong and important and I'm so glad I read it. I've grown up in a very different life than Ruth did and have traveled and lived many places and had a lot of friends from different backgrounds and yet there is so much that I couldn't relate to since I am not black. The world is not a kind place to those who are different even if they seem like and me.

A timely novel to make us reaxamine race and prejudices, even those we don't recognize in ourselves. Picoult once again opens the door to great discussions.

A heart wrenching story of rampant racism, deceit and heartbreak. This is a captivating story of a set of circumstances surrounding a baby that impacts many different lives.

This was a beautifully written and powerful read about a pertinent issue (race relations). Jodi Picoult basically ripped my heart out several times throughout this book, and it has been a long time since I have read a novel that has affected me so much. This book is definitely worth a read-just make sure you're in the mood for something heavy.

For some reason I couldn't get past the baby dying and finish the book. It was too sad.

A fan of Jodi Picoult but have found one or two of her books a little lacking; this one however is not one of them. A brilliantly written story of an impossible situation and a rather surprising ending. A most intriguing read and definitely worth adding to your reading list. Pulls at the heart strings!

oult always manages to focus on topics critical in today's times, and in 2016/2017 race is front and center. Small Great Things captures the tensions surrounding race and privilege in a way few fictional accounts are able to do. In addition, Picoult addresses her own race and context at the end of the book, acknowledging how her whiteness was a factor when constructing and writing it.

Ruth is a black nurse in present time, who is presented with a no win situation. The baby she has been charged to watch is white, and the parents want her not to be anywhere near him, never mind touch or tend to him. When Ruth is in a no-win situation - noticing that the baby is in dire straits and needing immediate medical attention - she is at a loss. Her decisions and actions from that point on, create the basis for the story, a legal he said, she said. Ruth's attorney Kennedy is white and chooses to not acknowledge how race played a part in the course of events leading up to Ruth's behaviors as well as those of the baby's parents.

Similar to other books by Picoult there are red herrings, derailments that take the reader off course a bit, and a twist or two that shake up the core of the story. It is a little reminiscent of Change of Heart, from 2007, in the way the characters have to examine their moral fiber and beliefs, as preconceived notions are challenged frequently, on many levels.

For those looking for a chance to challenge their own perceptions, to see more than meets the eye, and to open their minds to new possibilities, Small Great Things is an excellent option. It is fictional, but like earlier books, much of her inspiration is from real life circumstances and as such, can have a substantial impact.

I know fans of Jodi Picoult have been disappointed in some of her more recent works, but I’m here to tell you that Jodi is back!  I’ve read a few of Picoult’s books: My Sister’s Keeper, Plain Truth, and Nineteen Minutes, all of which I loved, but Small Great Things is my favorite Picoult book thus far.

I actually read Small Great Things coming off of my shock at reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.  In The Underground Railroad, we are really shown the horrific truths about the history of slavery in America.  In contrast, Small Great Things tackles modern day racism and white privilege.  I learned so much from both of these books.

In Small Great Things, Picoult fleshes out three very distinct voices in Ruth, Turk, and Kennedy.  Ruth, a L&D nurse and woman of color; Turk, a white supremist active in “the movement”; Kennedy, a white defense attorney.  The three different perspectives here work so well together.   Honestly, I don’t think this book would have worked as well as it did with only one or two perspectives, they are all needed to get the message across.

Ruth was such an amazing character; she’s hardworking, proud, and smart.  She has worked hard for everything in her life, never receiving a hand out.  Ruth is put into a situation where she really is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t.  Does she help the baby and go against the parent’s wishes, or does she respect the parents wishes and go against her oath as a nurse?  I really admired her strength and courage throughout the book.

“Comments like this feel like paper cuts…White people don’t mean half the offensive things that come out of their mouths, and so I try not to let myself get rubbed the wrong way.”

Kennedy goes through the most growth in this book, thanks to Ruth of course.  Often I would read a scene from Kennedy’s point of view and no red flags would go up, but once we see the same situation through Ruth’s eyes, I would see how problematic it was.  Kennedy claims that she does not see people in relation to their race, or “color-blindness” as she liked to say, but Ruth really shows her that this is dismissing her experiences as a woman of color.  This is why the multiple perspectives were so important for this book, Picoult uses Kennedy to show white people how ignorant we can be to the privileges we enjoy.

“I don’t think about being white.  I told you the first time we sat down – I don’t see color.”
“Not all of us have that privilege.”

Turk’s perspective was hard to endure, but necessary as well.  Picoult really showed how white supremacy groups are almost cult like.  These people recruit impressionable people who need something to believe in and fill them with hate.  I am not defending him or his actions, but I can understand the circumstances in his life that molded him into what he became.

“There is a hierarchy to hate, and it’s different for everyone.  Personally, I hate spics more than I hate Asians, I hate Jews more than that, and at the very top of the chart, I despise blacks.  But even more than any of these groups, the people you hate the most are antiracist White folks. Because they are turncoats.”

Small Great things really opened up my eyes to the fact that racism is still embedded into our society…  When flipping through a magazine, how did I never notice that the ads (for makeup, shampoo, etc) were all products geared towards white people?  Why didn’t it ever bother me that some of my favorite TV shows growing up had a predominantly white cast?  The simple answer is that I didn’t have to.  Being born white in the United States is like hitting the race jackpot.  I can go to a bookstore and find thousands of books that I can see myself in.  I can flip on the TV and go through channel after channel and see the same.   I can walk into a drug store and see the shelves lined with products that are geared towards me.  Basically, I am living in a country tailored to white people.

“How incredibly easy it is to hide behind white skin…”

I strongly encourage you to read the author’s note at the end of this book.  Picoult shares that she was very intimidated by writing this book (putting it off for 20 years), but that she felt compelled to write this story.  It is clear that she did a tremendous about of research in order to compile this novel.  I am so glad that she wrote this book, not only because I got so much out of it, but because she has such a loyal band of followers that will read this book.  Many of her followers may not typically pick up books that tackle race issues and white privilege, so these issues will get the exposure they deserve.

Picoult really made me think about some of my own words and actions (or lack of) and how I didn’t even realize I have been passively racist in my life.  By not actively participating to put a stop to racism, I am passively racist.  I am a bystander, and this needs to change.

Still fuzzy on what passive racism is?  I’m going to share a personal story with you all.  This is a perfect example of passive racism…

A few months ago, I was standing at the bus stop waiting for my son to get picked up for school.  There was another mother with her daughter, and a grandmother with her grandchildren.  We were chatting about Trick-or-Treating, as Halloween had been the night before, and how thankful we were that the weather had been so nice.  This got us talking about Halloweens in the past that had been terrible because of bad weather.  One year in particular, Beggar’s Night had to be rescheduled due to bad weather.  It was moved to a weekend night that year, and we were talking about how many trick-or-treaters it had brought to our neighborhood that year when we typically do not have many at all.  At this point, the grandmother said something along the lines of “It brought a lot of people here that you don’t want here…darks, if you know what I mean.”  I was shocked at this statement.  I couldn’t believe this woman would say something so horrible.  I was absolutely speechless.  Thankfully the kids were all running around and didn’t hear this blatantly racist comment.  I knew I should say something, but what?  Did I really want to start a confrontation with a woman that I see 5 mornings a week?  Instead I adverted my eyes and ignored the comment. This decision to not act haunted me the rest of the day as I played the scenario over and over in my mind.  I thought about it for the days and weeks the followed.  Why did I feel so guilty?  It isn’t like I made the comment…  “I’m not racist, that woman is!” is how I justified my inaction.  After reading Small Great Things, it made me realize that by not speaking up, I was just as guilty as the woman who made the racist comment.

Why am I sharing this story?  While it is true that I may receive some backlash from this personal story, I feel it is something that needs to be shared.  How else are things going to change if we don’t start talking about these problems?  How are people like me, who enjoy privileges simply because I was born white, going to learn if we don’t have these uncomfortable conversations?

“It is a good question, one that I feel all the way to my own core.  Is it better not knowing the ugly truth, and pretending it doesn’t exist? Or is it better to confront it, even though that knowledge may be a weight you carry around forever?”

This book was not without a few small issues.  Personally, I did not care for how things wrapped up so neatly in the end, particularly for Turk.  I just don’t think it was believable.  Sure, I would like to think this is how things would have panned out, but I just don’t think it was realistic.  Furthermore, I felt like some of the side plots, particularly those that involved Edison, were a tad distracting to the main storyline.  I feel the book could have been simplified, thus making this book less busy.

Bottom line, this is an important book.  I learned so much from it, and it really opened up my eyes to things I have said and done (or not done) that are problematic.  Things that I need to change and improve on.  Most importantly I think this book will get people talking and having conversations that need to be had.