Journal Entry 1 by Firegirl from Annandale, Virginia USA on Wednesday, January 04, 2006

From back cover: Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhoof. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challened, until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to questions who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of his sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

My thoughts: WOW, was that a good book. I'm so glad I had the free time to read it as quickly as I did -- I didn't want to put it down. I really liked hearing the story in so many voices and am very impressed that the author managed to move back and forth in time and change narrators so often and still not lose the reader. Excellent writing. I liked all the characters and felt sympathy for all of them; it's interesting to read something that has no real "bad guys". I really liked the whole concept too; very, very though-provoking. And what a twist at the end! All in all, definitely an excellent read. 

Journal Entry 2 by Firegirl from Annandale, Virginia USA on Monday, January 09, 2006

Journal Entry 3 by morsecode from Buffalo, New York USA on Thursday, January 19, 2006

I am happy to report that this book arrived safe and sound in Buffalo, NY today. 

Journal Entry 4 by morsecode from Buffalo, New York USA on Friday, January 20, 2006

Jodi Picoult is such an interesting author. This is the 4th book of hers that I've read and I've liked them all.
This one is particularly engaging and thought-provoking.
The characters are well-developed and believable. I'm happy that Picoult included an epilogue because I became so invested in the characters during the course of the book that I really wanted to know how things turned out.
Thanks so much for sharing this Firegirl.

I'll be sending this out to wolfprincess tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 5 by wolfprincess from Newton Falls, Ohio USA on Monday, January 30, 2006

Book arrived today. I will get on this as soon as I am done with the ring I am reading right now. 

Journal Entry 6 by collectorkerri from Springfield, Illinois USA on Wednesday, February 22, 2006

My first bookring book! I will read as soon as I finish another book I owe to another bookcrosser. 

Journal Entry 7 by collectorkerri from Springfield, Illinois USA on Tuesday, March 14, 2006

I, too, liked that this book had no "bad guys." Shifting the point of view and using flashbacks were a clever way to look at the issues from all sides. The final plot twist completely threw me for a loop, even though I knew a plot twist was coming from reading other reviews.

I much enjoyed this book, and am glad I read it. I'll definitely read more by this author.

Thanks for sharing, Firegirl! I sent to esperanza03 today. 

Journal Entry 8 by esperanza03 from Murfreesboro, Tennessee USA on Friday, March 17, 2006

The book arrived today! I've heard a lot of good reviews for this one, so I'm excited about getting started. 

Journal Entry 9 by esperanza03 from Murfreesboro, Tennessee USA on Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Oh, my! I can't believe I forgot to do a journal entry for this book! I sent the book off on March 25th, so it is on its way to c-a-m.

Now about the book...I loved this one! It was very emotional and I liked how the point of view changed with each section. It really helped me connect with all the characters. This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. 

Journal Entry 10 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, June 08, 2006

Recieved today. thankyou so much. 

Journal Entry 11 by c-a-m from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Sending on to cat207 and reading after azuki
thankyou for understanding my situation Firegirl.

<3 

Journal Entry 12 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Friday, August 11, 2006

Arrived in today's mail. Thank you c-a-m. And thanks, Firegirl, for sharing. 

Journal Entry 13 by cat207 from Gladstone, Queensland Australia on Sunday, August 13, 2006

I have to agree with all previous readers. This book was brilliant. Very thought provoking.

Now off to samulli in Germany. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 14 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Wednesday, August 23, 2006

The book arrived safe and sound in Germany today. I just finished another bookring book, so I can start this one immediately. I'll try not to keep it too long.
It's gonna be my first Jodi Picoult, so I'm very much looking forward to read it. 

Journal Entry 15 by samulli from Weimar, Thüringen Germany on Thursday, August 31, 2006

I have to admit, before I read the book, I was totally prepared to find it way overrated. But it took me by surprise, as it actually does deserve all the praise that is heaped on it. Jodi Picoult choose a very emotional and difficult topic and - that's the beauty about it! - totally managed to pull it off without getting soppy or one-dimensional. The book really does put you in the position of all the people involved and it doesn't point out any easy solutions, because in such a situation there just aren't any. It was painful to read in some places, because it all seemed almost too real.
This has been my first book by Jodi Picoult, but I will definitely seek out her other ones now. Thank you very much, Firegirl, for including me in this ring!
I already sent it off to the next person today. 

Journal Entry 16 by Koalabare from Fetcham, Surrey United Kingdom on Sunday, September 10, 2006

Thanks for passing on, Samulli.

I'll get to this as soon as I can. 

Journal Entry 17 by Koalabare from Fetcham, Surrey United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 04, 2006

A wonderful book that had me in tears on more than one occasion and certainly made me think about the issues involved. I especially liked the multiple povs - possibly the only way to see all sides of the arguement.

My one, tiny criticism was that Anna's true reason for her actions was maybe a bit of a cop-out by the author? I don't know and will probably have to read again to make my mind up!

Many thanks Firegirl for a wonderful read.

Contacted Conto for an address and will have this on its way asap. 

Journal Entry 18 by conto on Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Arrived today.
Thanks a lot Koalabare, for sending it my way and for the absolutely beautiful postcard. Loved it!

Will start to read it right away. 

Journal Entry 19 by conto on Monday, October 16, 2006

I'm so glad I joined this bookring!
After doing so, I've got to read "The Pact" by this same author and thought at the end I wouldn't read anything more from her, as everybody else said that one was as good as this. But having joined the ring already decided against stepping back.
After all, and contrary to the opinion of all those other readers, I liked this one much, much better than "The Pact".
And I quite agree with morsecode: "This one is particularly engaging and thought-provoking". My only but is about Anna. I liked the character a lot, but it's very difficult to believe that all those so wise statements, thoughts and reactions come from a 13 year old; some of them yes, very likely so, but others...

Anyway, I absolutely liked it and maybe I'll get to read some other thigs from Picoult before definitly decide aginst it!
Thanks a lot Firegirl, for the opportunity.

Already got Azuki's address so it will follow asap, although by surface mail, once Azuki so proposed as will be receiving a lot of books these next days. 

Journal Entry 20 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Thanks Conto, the book totally enjoyed its trans-Atlantic cruise, sipping vinho verde from its room with a balcony. And thanks Firegirl for sharing the book. I am completely hooked by the storyline, and very much look forward to reading it, after I am done with my current book. I was somewhat surprised by the thickness of it though. Hope it won't take too long to read! 

Journal Entry 21 by azuki from Miami, Florida USA on Wednesday, December 13, 2006

As Bibliocrates assured me, this is one thick book but very fast to read, because it's so un-put-down-able!
The author is very skilled in writing the story from so many viewpoints. Honestly it's the most I have seen. In some scenes, the scene continues but the first person changes from one to the another, and then it carries on to the next, like a well edited cinematography. It's my first book by Jodi Picoult, and as some of you said, definitely put her name on my radar.
Don't want to sound smug, but I do somehow imagine the ending as it. Because, truly, that is the closest to a happy ending as can be.
I have missprisy's address and this is going out tomorrow.
 

Journal Entry 22 by missprisy from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA on Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Book arrived today, I have 1 ring in front of it. 

Journal Entry 23 by missprisy from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA on Thursday, December 28, 2006

I just finished this book. I didn't think it was as good as the last couple Picoult books I've read. I found the story a little slow at times. c-a-m is passing on this book, but I've posted in the forums to continue the bookray and a few people have signed up. I'll mail this book after the new year to continue the bookray.

Please read and pass the book on within a month. You may use the cheapest means possible when mailing the book. I hope you all enjoy it. The last person in the ray may do what they want with the book.

1. malagan (Netherlands, INTL)
2. kihli (Greece, Europe)
3. bookwormess (Finland, Europe)
4. lisabb2 (IA, US)
5. caridad (FL, US)
6. minerva1221 (TX, US)
7. ivylibra224 (MO, US)
8. nrw4u (PA)
9. blackadder75 (PA)
10. Moody-Blue (AZ)
11. nynjagrrrl (WI)
12. JackiSG (IL) <--Skipped for not answering PMs
13. ktbear1120 (IL) <--Didn't have time to read
14. mom2jwn (PA)
15. MicheleReads (OH, INTL) <--Asked to be skipped
16. allysther(APO, INTL)
17. meexia (Singapore, INTL)
18. KanaPoutz (France, INTL) <--Book is here
Complete 

Journal Entry 24 by missprisy at By mail in By mail, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, January 04, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (1/4/2007 UTC) at By mail in By mail, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sent on to Malagan to continue the bookray. 

Journal Entry 25 by malagan from Arnhem, Gelderland Netherlands on Thursday, January 18, 2007

The book arrived today. I am looking forward to reading it! 

Journal Entry 26 by malagan from Arnhem, Gelderland Netherlands on Sunday, February 18, 2007

Being my first Jodi Picoult, I really liked this book and I am sure I am going to read more books written by her. It kept my mind busy, I really liked the way the whole story is told from different viewpoints. The end is kind of sad, I did not expect the book would end like that...
I am going to send out the book to kihli this week. 

Journal Entry 27 by kihli from Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Greece on Friday, March 02, 2007

the book arrived today and I'm so anxious to read it...will be back with comments,thank you! 

Journal Entry 28 by kihli from Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki Greece on Thursday, March 08, 2007

what an amazing book,I cried my eyes out...I loved it. It provokes such deep feelings,it makes you think... thank you!

sending it soon to the next participant 

Journal Entry 29 by kihli at on Friday, March 09, 2007

RELEASE NOTES:

 

Journal Entry 30 by kihli at on Friday, March 09, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (3/9/2007 UTC) at

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

going to bookwormess in Finland to continue the bookring: enjoy!! It's a wonderful book... 

Journal Entry 31 by bookwormess from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Sunday, March 18, 2007

Thank you, kihli, the book arrived earlier this week but I went to post office to pick it up today. Looks thick, but good. I have couple of bookrings ahead of it, as they all arrived during this week but I'll do my best with them. As usual, I'll notify here when I start reading this one. It must be a law of nature: bookrings always arrive in bulks. :D

EDIT ON 04/23/2007:

Just a note to say that I startted to read the book on last week. So far it's extremely good. :) 

Journal Entry 32 by bookwormess from Helsinki, Uusimaa Finland on Saturday, April 28, 2007

I finished the book on Thursday night. It was really, really good. I went through different emotions while reading it: at one point I hated Sara, one point I felt bad for her, then I really felt it for Jesse and so on.. And then there was the end.

The language was quite easy even though it had a lot of medical words. I loved the way it was told by all charachters, opening their own secrets. I would totally recommend this book for every one. And I will definitely read other Picoult books too. :)

Thank you Firegirl and missprisy for sharing. I alreary have lisabb2's address and will put it in mail today. It'll take couple of weeks to arrive as I'll put it on economy mail.

*****

It's in mail now. The lady in the post office said it takes 1,5 months to arrive in economy, but their website says it's 10-15 working days... I vote for the last but we'll see. 

Journal Entry 33 by lisabb2 from Grimes, Iowa USA on Monday, May 14, 2007

Got in the mail today...will read shortly!!! Book also arrived with a cute postcard of bears (I collect bears!) and some sweets from Finland...cool!!! 

Journal Entry 34 by lisabb2 from Grimes, Iowa USA on Thursday, May 31, 2007

What a great read!!! I had a hard time letting this one go afterwards...stayed with me more than most storylines do. At times, I disliked Sara and other times I felt her pain. What a terrible situation to be in for anyone...mother, father, brother or sister. The ending was really unexpected too!!!

On its way to caridad shortly. 

Journal Entry 35 by Caridad from Miami Lakes, Florida USA on Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Thank you lisabb2. Got it today. In the soon TBR pile it goes! 

Journal Entry 36 by Caridad from Miami Lakes, Florida USA on Saturday, June 09, 2007

This story really hit home for me. I found the topic of genetics morally and ethically interesting. I am glad I got the opportunity to read this. It gave me so many things to reflect on in my own life with people who are ill and aren't even in the same state(and neither am I). I will send this out to the next person in this ray next week. Thank you for sharing, missprisy. 

Journal Entry 37 by Caridad from Miami Lakes, Florida USA on Monday, June 11, 2007

Sent to minerva1221 today. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 38 by minerva1221 from Garland, Texas USA on Sunday, June 17, 2007

Received in the mail today. I'm finishing up another book and will start this one next. Thank you for sharing! This will be my first Picoult book. 

Journal Entry 39 by minerva1221 from Garland, Texas USA on Tuesday, June 19, 2007

I started this yesterday evening and did not put it down until I was finished! What a fantastic book! As others have mentioned, the various point-of-views that the story is told from gives a great deal of insight into each character thoughts and motivation. I strongly disliked Sara, the mother, for much of the book. She seemed such an unsympathetic character towards anyone but Kate. Eventually, I came to understand her better through her POVs.

I admired Anna for her courageousness and honesty. From birth, she'd been put in very frightening situations and forced to accept what seemed to be her purpose. I think that gave her maturity beyond her years.

I felt all of the characters were extremely well developed and well written. This family's struggle affected every member. The genetic, medical, and ethical issues presented were very thought-provoking, especially in this day and age. While theirs was a most extreme situation, the perceived favoritism among siblings is a theme to which many of us could probably relate.

Picoult is definitely an author I will read more of! Thank you, again, for sharing this wonderful book with all of us!

UPDATE 6/20/2007: Dropped in the mail to ivylibra224 this evening. 

Journal Entry 40 by ivylibra224 from Kimberling City, Missouri USA on Monday, June 25, 2007

Received in the mail today. I've got a couple books going right now, and it's next in line! 

Journal Entry 41 by ivylibra224 from Kimberling City, Missouri USA on Monday, July 23, 2007

This is an incredible book!! It was emotionally difficult to read at times, and the ending was quite a big surprise! I loved it!! Sending it off to nrw4u today. 

Journal Entry 42 by nrw4u from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA on Friday, August 10, 2007

I recvd the book, read it in 2 days, was out of town at my sisters she read it in 2 days also!!!!! This book is being mailed today to blackladder75!!!!!! I really enjoyed this book! 

Journal Entry 43 by blackadder75 from Lebanon, Pennsylvania USA on Monday, August 13, 2007

I was away for the weekend and this book was here waiting for me. I have one other bookray to read before starting this one. 

Journal Entry 44 by blackadder75 from Lebanon, Pennsylvania USA on Monday, August 20, 2007

I thought this was a very thought provoking book dealing with a difficult decision. I was a little disappointed with the ending. It was sad but a little bit of a cop out on the issues that this book deals with. Will be sending it off when I get an address. 

Journal Entry 45 by Moody-Blue from McDonald, Tennessee USA on Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Book arrived today and I cracked it open right away. (I'm a poet and didn't know it!) :) 

Journal Entry 46 by Moody-Blue from McDonald, Tennessee USA on Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Wow! I admit that I've only read this one and Nineteen Minutes (which I've heard are possibly her best books) but I am blown away by this author! Both times, I was amazed at how much she must have studied to be able to write convincingly about the subject matter, the relationships, the characters' professions and hobbies. And I'm going to go ahead right now and crown her the All-Time Queen of Poignant Analogies. There were sooo many times where I had to just stop and close the book to enjoy them - like one of the handfull of times she described an astronomical phenomenon that directly paralleled the dynamic of the family.

Thank you, missprisy, for including me in this bookring -- and thanks Firegirl for setting the book free in the first place! This book will definitely be in my top picks from this year.

BTW, if anyone has read another Jodi Picoult that they recommend as highly, please let me know! 

Journal Entry 47 by nynjagrrrl from Elkhorn, Wisconsin USA on Monday, September 17, 2007

I got this in the mail a few days ago. This book lives up to its great reputation. I couldn't put it down. There will be more books by this author on my wishlist! The author deals with a tough issue in a thought provoking way. I recommend this book. 

Journal Entry 48 by mom2jwn from East Freedom, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Received this book today & have already read 3 chapters. very good book, hard to put down. 

Journal Entry 49 by mom2jwn from East Freedom, Pennsylvania USA on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Getting this ready to send off to allysther. Will be in the mail tomorrow.
 

Journal Entry 50 by allysther from Waipahu, Hawaii USA on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Whooooo.....the book has finally arrived at my door. Sorry it took so long to get here, we've had a hiccup in our mail delivery lately.

Thank you for sending the book this way. I'm looking forward to reading it! 

Journal Entry 51 by allysther from Waipahu, Hawaii USA on Tuesday, March 11, 2008

I finished this book yesterday, and it will be in the mail tomorrow. I will pack it well and wish it a good journey, and then I will rid my shelves of the two other Jodi Picoult books on my shelf. This is not the first Picoult book I've read, but it will be the last.

I was willing to forgive so many things about this book. I looked the other way when the characters did not quite come alive for me. I wrote down a few lines which caught me as especially telling, and I looked forward to writing them here in my favorable review....and then I finished the book.

I can't really say more. No spoilers here from me, just a bitter disappointment.

Thanks for sharing this book. I'm sorry I could not give it a better review. I hope that the next readers enjoy it more than I did. 

Journal Entry 52 by meexia from Punchbowl, New South Wales Australia on Monday, March 24, 2008

I got the package from allysther yesterday. What a well travelled book! Thanks allysther for sending the book, the cute Korean postcard, and an extra surprise book from my wish list! I've started to read it. Even though it's thick, I think it'd be a light reading. I should be able to finish it soon. 

Journal Entry 53 by meexia from Punchbowl, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, April 03, 2008

Sent the book to France yesterday. Have to use surface mail, so it may take a while. Hopefully it'll arrive safe and sound!

I think I'm on the same page as allysther. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Wasn't my first Picoult book but could very well be my last (or close to last). I don't like how all the characters are so goody-goody and dramatic, storyline predictable.

My complete take on it

 

Journal Entry 54 by rborowski from Wheaton, Illinois USA on Thursday, May 22, 2008

This is by far my favorite book, of all time. I cried at the end because I became so attached to all the characters, and I wasn't expecting what happened. I love how the author changed the points of view, because I was able to understand where everyone was coming from.
I don't know anything about being a parent, but Sarah disappointed me as a mother. She had a tunnel vision, because her main concern was keeping Kate alive and well. I know she only did everything out of love, but is that an okay reason to forget your other children? 

Journal Entry 55 by KanaPoutz from Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur France on Thursday, May 29, 2008

Waow, a long trip from Singapore! :-)

This is a well-travelled book, it's amazing. Thanks for the book. 

Journal Entry 56 by KanaPoutz from Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur France on Saturday, March 21, 2009

Really enjoyed this book! I don't know what to add to all your comments, I liked the characters and the story, and could not let go of the book. Of course the writing is a bit over dramatic, but to me it suited the story and the emotions involved. I was close to tears on more than one occasion.
I'm glad I did not read your journal entries before reading the book, as I was not expecting such an end!

Thanks a lot for the book, this was my first Jodi Picoult, if I get the chance I will read some more. 

Journal Entry 57 by KanaPoutz at by hand, to a friend and fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, March 21, 2009

Released 3 yrs ago (3/20/2009 UTC) at by hand, to a friend and fellow bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

I finished the book on my way to Paris, and gave it to my BC friend bacicoline!