The Pact - Lost Bookring
13 journalers for this copy...
This book is auto-catagorized as Literature and Fiction, but it could just as accurately be described as a mystery, or a thriller. I recently finished reading The Last Juror by John Grisham, and I have to say, The Pact was WAY better. I've read two other Jodi Picoult books, and I have to say this one follows a very similar theme as Mercy (how much would you do, how far would you go, for someone you love?) Kind of disturbing.
The story line synopsis, in my own words...
Chris and Emily have known each other their whole lives, literally. Their parents are the best of friends, and the two families spend almost all of their free time together. As Chris and Emily grow up, they are as close as brother and sister, and they eventually fall in love. So when Emily ends up dead and Chris says it was to have been a mutual suicide, their parents, friends and the whole town are in shock.
There are many twists and turns to this story line. I have to admit, I didnt' see the ending coming the way it did.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. I'm going to let my hubby read it, then I may just make it into a book ring.
The story line synopsis, in my own words...
Chris and Emily have known each other their whole lives, literally. Their parents are the best of friends, and the two families spend almost all of their free time together. As Chris and Emily grow up, they are as close as brother and sister, and they eventually fall in love. So when Emily ends up dead and Chris says it was to have been a mutual suicide, their parents, friends and the whole town are in shock.
There are many twists and turns to this story line. I have to admit, I didnt' see the ending coming the way it did.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. I'm going to let my hubby read it, then I may just make it into a book ring.
OK, hubby is done with it and now I'm going to make this a book ring. Please PM me with your details (your BC screen name, state/country, and your availibility to ship overseas if need be) and I'll add you to the list.
Here is the list of book ring participants:
tabby 90, NC, US only
three104, WI, US only
nvangel2073, NV, US only
cait017, OH, will ship
jarrett622, VA,
legs, MO
mysteryfan03, MO, Ship anywhere
neena11, Canada
lv2crop, IL
jinnayah, MI, will ship
Sweetpea0678, FL
SCA2003, FL/OH (moving), US Only,
Michalie, TX
Sherri5762, TX
roelina, Australia, Will ship
tabby 90, NC, US only
three104, WI, US only
nvangel2073, NV, US only
cait017, OH, will ship
jarrett622, VA,
legs, MO
mysteryfan03, MO, Ship anywhere
neena11, Canada
lv2crop, IL
jinnayah, MI, will ship
Sweetpea0678, FL
SCA2003, FL/OH (moving), US Only,
Michalie, TX
Sherri5762, TX
roelina, Australia, Will ship
Got in the mail today, thanks!
I knew the description of this book sounded in intriguing, but when I got it and saw on the cover that it would soon be a Lifetime original movie I was a little concerned. That is normally not my cup of tea. I was expecting a melodramatic tale of slightly unrealistic "human nature." Well, it did have a fair share of melodrama, but overall it was mostly engrossing. There were several parts of the book where I did not want to put it down. Had that lasted all the way through, it would have been a much higher rating. As is, I'm not sure if it is a love story. I think it is a story about how our perceptions of a person can be soooo very different from the person themselves. A story of how a belief, with enough time, can sometimes become a sort of truth. No matter how I look at it, I see Emily as a victim here, but I don't think Chris is to blame. I really don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil it, but in the end, it still doesn't feel like justice was done. I don't know what should/could have been done, but it isn't neatly wrapped up with a bow on top.
But really, what is?
But really, what is?
Journal Entry 6 by tabby90 at To a bookcrosser in By mail / post / courier, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Monday, April 19, 2004
Release planned for Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at To another Bookcrossing member in By Post, By Post Controlled Releases.
Off to three104
Got this in the mail today. Will start right away.
Ok--Done.
I loved it. Started it yesterday and done by this afternoon. I couldn't stop. I had to find out what happend. I agree with Tabby90, that Emily was the victim here. She should have reached out, told someone.......I want to talk about this but don't want to give it away! As far as how the parents handled it, who could say how they would act in such a situation themselves? I was extremely angry with Emily's mom, Melanie, when she found Emily's Journal though and didn't do anything about it. Choose to ignore what she found--made her own little reality. I wasn't too shocked at the ending -- I didn't feel like it wasn't finished. I can't think of anything else to say that won't give it away.
Will send on to next reader nvangel via UPSP 4-27-04.
I loved it. Started it yesterday and done by this afternoon. I couldn't stop. I had to find out what happend. I agree with Tabby90, that Emily was the victim here. She should have reached out, told someone.......I want to talk about this but don't want to give it away! As far as how the parents handled it, who could say how they would act in such a situation themselves? I was extremely angry with Emily's mom, Melanie, when she found Emily's Journal though and didn't do anything about it. Choose to ignore what she found--made her own little reality. I wasn't too shocked at the ending -- I didn't feel like it wasn't finished. I can't think of anything else to say that won't give it away.
Will send on to next reader nvangel via UPSP 4-27-04.
Release planned for Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at n/a in n/a, Sent to another BookCrosser Controlled Releases.
just got this book in the mail from three104
Thank you very much I will read ASAP
Thank you very much I will read ASAP
I loved this book, once I got past the slow parts. Very intense. Emontional draining.
Going to send this book to the next person.
I hope you like too.
Going to send this book to the next person.
I hope you like too.
Journal Entry 12 by nvangel2073 at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in Cincinnati, Ohio USA on Monday, June 14, 2004
Released on Monday, June 14, 2004 at Mailing to fellow bookcrosser in Cincinnati, Ohio USA.
sending this out today
sorry the delay.
sending this out today
sorry the delay.
Received in the mail on Saturday. Luckily I've just finished a bookring, so I've started it already! It's definitely a page turner so far! Will update later... Thanks nvangel2063!
*****
Update: June 27
I stayed up late on Friday night in order to finish this. I must say, this novel is excellent, especially in terms of suspense. I could definitely see the entire plot as a Lifetime movie as I read. However, I'm embarassed to admit that I do watch the occasional Lifetime movie, so that wasn't a turn-off for me.
I don't really know what to say about the story line, writing, etc. Plus, I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. It was interesting to read the interview with Picoult at the end of the book after I finished it, especially in terms of what she thought about the way this specific story turned out. I don't think this is the best writing that I've read lately, but like I said, it is a page-turner!!
I have a couple of Picoult's other books on my bookshelf, so I'm inclined to try those out soon.
I'll ship this off to jarrett622 on Monday!
*****
Update: June 27
I stayed up late on Friday night in order to finish this. I must say, this novel is excellent, especially in terms of suspense. I could definitely see the entire plot as a Lifetime movie as I read. However, I'm embarassed to admit that I do watch the occasional Lifetime movie, so that wasn't a turn-off for me.
I don't really know what to say about the story line, writing, etc. Plus, I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. It was interesting to read the interview with Picoult at the end of the book after I finished it, especially in terms of what she thought about the way this specific story turned out. I don't think this is the best writing that I've read lately, but like I said, it is a page-turner!!
I have a couple of Picoult's other books on my bookshelf, so I'm inclined to try those out soon.
I'll ship this off to jarrett622 on Monday!
This was the PO this morning with 4 other books. Not sure what books I have yet so not sure what order I'm reading them in. :-)
July 14. This book blew me away. There's so much I'd like to comment on about this story but I don't want to spoil it for anyone coming after. Emily was the victim. Of more than just what occurred that night. And Chris was a victim as well...of their upbringin as much as Emily was. Not sure if I want to see the movie or not.
I'll be sending this on to legs as soon as I have an address! :-)
July 14. This book blew me away. There's so much I'd like to comment on about this story but I don't want to spoil it for anyone coming after. Emily was the victim. Of more than just what occurred that night. And Chris was a victim as well...of their upbringin as much as Emily was. Not sure if I want to see the movie or not.
I'll be sending this on to legs as soon as I have an address! :-)
a page turner. mailied to mysteryfan03 on 7-24-04. thanks, sherri5762 for the ring.
Could someone spread the word if you notice the movie listed on Lifetime?
Could someone spread the word if you notice the movie listed on Lifetime?
Got this in the mail today! I do have a few rings in front of it though. Thanks for sending it.
Wow! I could not put this book down once I started reading! I had a hard time relating to Emily for some reason, perhaps because she is only described thru others eyes. It is so hard to comment on the story without spoilers, so you can highlight my comments below to read them, but only if you have read the story already :+)
I was surprised that Kate seemed to be left out in the ending. The author worked hard to include her in the story, but then did not mention her at all in the last pages when Chris was found not guilty and returned to his life. I was happy that the Hartes became closer and that James finally was there for Gus. I had been thinking that maybe she would have an affair with Michael since they both needed someone to be close to and James and Melanie were in their own worlds.
I was surprised that the author believed that Chris should have been found guilty, but she wrote it to keep from making her readers angry.
I also was a little confused about the molestation incident when Emily was little. It seemed way too important to her (NOT that it is not a big thing, it is) but she reacted more as if it had happened for years or she had been raped. This storyline seemed to be the root of her problems in the beginning, but then, all of a sudden, the author tried to make the relationship of brother/sister, boyfriend/girlfriend out to be the origin of Emily's depression. So, I wasn't sure why the molestation incident was included and expanded upon.
There is an interesting section in the back of the book with thought provoking questions and comments. Thanks so much for sharing this book!!
I was surprised that Kate seemed to be left out in the ending. The author worked hard to include her in the story, but then did not mention her at all in the last pages when Chris was found not guilty and returned to his life. I was happy that the Hartes became closer and that James finally was there for Gus. I had been thinking that maybe she would have an affair with Michael since they both needed someone to be close to and James and Melanie were in their own worlds.
I was surprised that the author believed that Chris should have been found guilty, but she wrote it to keep from making her readers angry.
I also was a little confused about the molestation incident when Emily was little. It seemed way too important to her (NOT that it is not a big thing, it is) but she reacted more as if it had happened for years or she had been raped. This storyline seemed to be the root of her problems in the beginning, but then, all of a sudden, the author tried to make the relationship of brother/sister, boyfriend/girlfriend out to be the origin of Emily's depression. So, I wasn't sure why the molestation incident was included and expanded upon.
There is an interesting section in the back of the book with thought provoking questions and comments. Thanks so much for sharing this book!!
This came in the mail today from mysteryfan03. Thanks. I'm working on another ring, will get to this one as soon as I can. :)
It took me awhile to get to this, but once I did, I couldn't put it down! My hubby wasn't pleased, I had my nose in the book for the whole day. One of those books that the characters stick with you for awhile.
Putting in the mail to lv2crop today.
Putting in the mail to lv2crop today.
Just got it today! Can't wait to read!
March 7, 2005 - WOW, I just finished, although I had a few books in front of this one, I read this in 2 days...I was sobbing practically throughout the whole book. Don't know if it's because I have a pre-teen daughter, or if I'm just super emotional this week ! lol. Overall an excellent book by Jodi. I love reading her commentary and research on the story afterwards. However, I don't see Emily as the victim, I see her as the problem! I think Chris was the victim in the story. Their parents, well, pretty normal to be honest. I think Emily turned out to be a selfish girl who only cared about herself.
March 11, On it's way to the next person!
March 7, 2005 - WOW, I just finished, although I had a few books in front of this one, I read this in 2 days...I was sobbing practically throughout the whole book. Don't know if it's because I have a pre-teen daughter, or if I'm just super emotional this week ! lol. Overall an excellent book by Jodi. I love reading her commentary and research on the story afterwards. However, I don't see Emily as the victim, I see her as the problem! I think Chris was the victim in the story. Their parents, well, pretty normal to be honest. I think Emily turned out to be a selfish girl who only cared about herself.
March 11, On it's way to the next person!
Received the book a week or so ago, but I wanted to knock off another of my current reads first. I promise to finish this in reasonably good time and pass it on.
Sounds kind of wrenching. I'm not certain if I'm looking forward to the book. So far (just past the first Chinese food scene) the style seems easy to follow and breezy.
Jinnayah
Sounds kind of wrenching. I'm not certain if I'm looking forward to the book. So far (just past the first Chinese food scene) the style seems easy to follow and breezy.
Jinnayah
This book isn't for me. I don't know why I signed up for it. I was a little apprehensive by the time I opened the package from lv2crop.
I can only handle four pages or so a day of this story, even in the "Then" chapters. That alone should be a tip-off I should send it on and finish the story with a library copy, since this is a bookring and we are supposed to be moving the book along. But it's not just that. I'm not enjoying this. It is affecting me, but (as I wrote earlier) only in a wrenching way. I don't want to rush through this, which would make it easier, because this kind of thing doesn't deserve easiness. I have myself spent time in a psychiatric hospital and I don't want to belittle the experience by not giving it my time.
On the other hand, I am proud of myself for predicting the first major twist of the book (revealed by Emily's autopsy report). I have a prediction for the next major twist, too, but I don't want to spoil it for the next reader.
An author with a gift for communicating her characters' horror and confusion is just too hard for me.
I'll be sending a PM to Sweetpea0678 today.
Jinnayah
I can only handle four pages or so a day of this story, even in the "Then" chapters. That alone should be a tip-off I should send it on and finish the story with a library copy, since this is a bookring and we are supposed to be moving the book along. But it's not just that. I'm not enjoying this. It is affecting me, but (as I wrote earlier) only in a wrenching way. I don't want to rush through this, which would make it easier, because this kind of thing doesn't deserve easiness. I have myself spent time in a psychiatric hospital and I don't want to belittle the experience by not giving it my time.
On the other hand, I am proud of myself for predicting the first major twist of the book (revealed by Emily's autopsy report). I have a prediction for the next major twist, too, but I don't want to spoil it for the next reader.
An author with a gift for communicating her characters' horror and confusion is just too hard for me.
I'll be sending a PM to Sweetpea0678 today.
Jinnayah
The book's out of my hands. I did read it eventually, while I was waiting to hear back from the next person. And I've been debating ever since whether I want to post honestly on it.
"It had to end before everyone around her hurt as much as she did." That's not a direct quote--I don't have the book in front of me anymore, and I couldn't bear looking it up again even if I did, but you'll know when you get to that part. That was a moment of astonishing clarity. I've felt that. I knew it. It was so hard. (I'm not going to be fully coherent through this; I apologize, but I won't be able to bear revising it.)
Two years ago, I sent my boyfriend a message telling him I was certain that in the long run I was going to hurt him, and it would be better if he could let me go before we got to that point. Within the next few days I had an amazing depth experience where I lost myself and then found my elements given back to me again by God, and so my boyfriend and I were not alienated, but it was a very hard time. The point is, in depression, a person does feel like a universal source and sink of suffering. The bad feeling does seem contagious. It's ridiculous in its own way, but that's how the world seems to work. As a depressed person, you do feel you have the power to ruin the lives of those who care for you, and it seems imminent.
And you don't want to feel better. You just want to stop feeling. And that's death, be it spiritual or physical.
"It had to end before everyone around her hurt as much as she did." That's not a direct quote--I don't have the book in front of me anymore, and I couldn't bear looking it up again even if I did, but you'll know when you get to that part. That was a moment of astonishing clarity. I've felt that. I knew it. It was so hard. (I'm not going to be fully coherent through this; I apologize, but I won't be able to bear revising it.)
Two years ago, I sent my boyfriend a message telling him I was certain that in the long run I was going to hurt him, and it would be better if he could let me go before we got to that point. Within the next few days I had an amazing depth experience where I lost myself and then found my elements given back to me again by God, and so my boyfriend and I were not alienated, but it was a very hard time. The point is, in depression, a person does feel like a universal source and sink of suffering. The bad feeling does seem contagious. It's ridiculous in its own way, but that's how the world seems to work. As a depressed person, you do feel you have the power to ruin the lives of those who care for you, and it seems imminent.
And you don't want to feel better. You just want to stop feeling. And that's death, be it spiritual or physical.
Sorry I didn't journal this earlier, I thought I had. I've just finished the book today, and want to gather my thoughts before journaling the thoughts.
Be back in a few to get my thoughts out. Meanwhile will PM SCA2003 for address.
Be back in a few to get my thoughts out. Meanwhile will PM SCA2003 for address.
Sorry I didn't come back sooner to post my thoughts on this book.
I really liked this book. I was shocked by the ending, I thought for sure the verdict would be different. I was happy it was the way it was. Not sure if this is fair or not, but life is never black and white. I felt for Chris the entire book.
I don't want to go into details, I wish I could really make a posting here, but I hate putting too many details into journal entries, cause I do not want to ruin it for others.
Thanks so much for letting me read this book, rating it a nine out of ten.
Got SCA2003 address and will mail out tomorrow.
I really liked this book. I was shocked by the ending, I thought for sure the verdict would be different. I was happy it was the way it was. Not sure if this is fair or not, but life is never black and white. I felt for Chris the entire book.
I don't want to go into details, I wish I could really make a posting here, but I hate putting too many details into journal entries, cause I do not want to ruin it for others.
Thanks so much for letting me read this book, rating it a nine out of ten.
Got SCA2003 address and will mail out tomorrow.
Journal Entry 26 by sweetpea0678 at Book Ring in book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, June 2, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (6/2/2005 UTC) at Book Ring in book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Wow, my first book at my new house! I'll be ready to read this in about a week. Thanks!
This book really made me hope that my 2 little girls and I will stay very close forever and that they REALLY do think that they can tell me everything, This book was so hard to put down. I was also very upset at Emily's mom for burning the journal and keeping her findings a secret, she could have spoken up and stopped everything from going to far. I won't say anything more and spoil it but the ending was just right!!
Sorry to say this bookring appears to be dead. SCA2003 definitely remembers mailing it on to the next in line. And the next in line said, "I'd swear I got that and mailed it on." BUT, the next in line was a friend of mine and I'm after her in line, so if she'd mailed it on, I'd have gotten it. So I'm marking it dead and moving on... At least it got most of the way through the line.
