My Sister's Keeper : A Novel

by Jodi Picoult | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0743454537 Global Overview for this book
Registered by amymaew of Worland, Wyoming USA on 9/7/2005
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This book is in the wild! This Book is Currently in the Wild!
17 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by amymaew from Worland, Wyoming USA on Wednesday, September 7, 2005
From the back - "Can a parent love too much? Or is too much never enough? 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 childhood. 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 challenged... until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her 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. A provocative novel that raises some important ethical issues, My Sister's Keeper is the story of one family's struggle for survival at all human costs and a stunning moral parable for all time."

Journal Entry 2 by amymaew from Worland, Wyoming USA on Thursday, September 8, 2005
This is up there in the list of my all time favorite books. I never thought I could cry as much as I did about a book!

Journal Entry 3 by amymaew from Worland, Wyoming USA on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Bookring time! This book is going out in a bookring. Please try to read it as soon as you get it (it's fine if you need to finish something else first, but please don't put it on the bottom of a 500 book high TBR pile!!). Once you're almost done, pm the person after you for their address so you can ship it out when you finish. Finally, enjoy! It's a good book :). If you'd like to join the bookring and you're not listed here, just pm me and I'll fit you in. Thanks! Here's the list:

1. Brendalc57 - US, int'l OK
2. wareagle78 - US, US only
3. wistroll - US, US only
4. candieb - US, US only
5. bunzrun - US, US only
6. sabeena29 - US, int'l OK
7. snowy652 - US, US only
8. melydia - US, US only
9. cyber-librarian - US, US/Canada ok
10. lil-snoo - US, US/Canada OK
11. Heaven150 - Canada, int'l OK
12. Antheras - Canada, int'l OK
13. CynthiaA - Canada, int'l OK
14. Jesmondgirl - UK, int'l OK
15. ruthwater - UK, int'l OK
16. piemunga - Australia, int'l OK
17. stoxasths - Greece, int'l OK
18. angellica - UK, int'l OK
19. AMarie - US, US only
20. moops - US, int'l OK
21. AtHomeGoddess - US, int'l OK
22. wandering - The Netherlands, Europe preferred

Journal Entry 4 by amymaew at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, September 15, 2005

Released 18 yrs ago (9/16/2005 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

sending to brendalc57 for a bookring - enjoy!

Journal Entry 5 by Brendalc57 from Sacramento, California USA on Friday, September 30, 2005
I just opened this book package as I just came home from my own sister's funeral...I am sort of scared to read it now, but it might be the right time. I will be brave and go ahead and read it.

I have a book that is 3/4 read that I need to finish and I will start this, sorry if I held this up, but my circumstances were totally unforseen. By the way, I am doing ok now. My sister is in the best place she can be now...of that I am sure. Brendalc57

Journal Entry 6 by Brendalc57 from Sacramento, California USA on Thursday, October 13, 2005
I am in the middle of the book and am so hooked on it. It is a fascinating story, such a heart wrenching and controversial subject. The writing so far is magnificent...the characters I find are fascinating. I think I will finish the book by the weekend. I will be emailing melydia for her address so I can get it out to her as soon as I am finished with it. I will journal my thoughts once I am done...just thought I would report in.

Journal Entry 7 by Brendalc57 from Sacramento, California USA on Monday, October 17, 2005
Wow what a book. The story is amazing! I am amazed at Jodi Picoult's fantastic way of weaving together this novel. How you start with a tragic event in a family with a very sick child and how they are so desperate and come to that point of conceiving a child in order to save another.

The story is one that happens in real life and this book will take you through all the different events in the lives of every member in this family and how they are affected by this illness that threatens to take the life of the oldest daughter Kate and how the parents lives rotate around Kate and how the other two children suffer each in their own way.

The story is very well written and I had to take little breaks to stop and literally put the book down and cry as it was so enormously emotionally gripping. This is a tremendous subject and after having lost my younger sister just one month ago today it was almost heart wrenching for me to read and yet somehow therapeutic. Thank you Amymaew for starting this bookring. It is now on it's way to Wareagle78. Will be well wrapped since it is raining out here. Happy traveling little book.

Journal Entry 8 by WarEagle78 from Opelika, Alabama USA on Tuesday, October 25, 2005
This book was waiting on me when I returned from a business trip. It looks great and I'll put it at the top of my list. Thanks for sharing!

Journal Entry 9 by WarEagle78 from Opelika, Alabama USA on Monday, October 31, 2005
Wow, this is such a powerful story. The issue is provocative and current, but the emotions timeless. I can see why Jodi Picoult keeps showing up on everybody's "want to read" list.

Brendal57, the bookmark is lovely and touching. I'm praying for you and your family.

This one will be on its way the next time I get to the post office.

Journal Entry 10 by WarEagle78 from Opelika, Alabama USA on Saturday, November 12, 2005
Mailed to wistroll in WI this afternoon.

Journal Entry 11 by Wistroll from Centuria, Wisconsin USA on Thursday, November 17, 2005
Arrived safely today. Shouldn`t take too long to read, I`ve started it already. I will contact next person in line right away so I`m ready to send off when finished.
Thanks for including me!

Journal Entry 12 by Wistroll from Centuria, Wisconsin USA on Tuesday, November 29, 2005
This is the second book by this author that I`ve read and I have to say I wasn`t in the least disappointed!

She may just be my new favorite author this year!!

I liked it so much that my daughter was disappointed knowing this was a ring, so she ordered it in through the library to read.

Sending out in Thursdays mail. Thanks for including me!!

Journal Entry 13 by Wistroll at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in Milltown, Wisconsin USA on Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Released 18 yrs ago (12/1/2005 UTC) at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK in Milltown, Wisconsin USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Sending to next person in line.
Enjoy!!

Journal Entry 14 by candieb from Austin, Texas USA on Thursday, December 15, 2005
This arrived today. It's next up when I finish my current read.

Journal Entry 15 by candieb from Austin, Texas USA on Monday, December 19, 2005
Okay, the book came. I read the touching bookmark and cried. And yes, I called my sisters to touch base and see how they are doing.

This is one of the more touching books I've read in a long time. It's a story about an impossible situation. I felt for Anna, deeply - even more so after her revelation of what was truly going on. But most of all, I felt for the mother. What do you do? You have one child who needs this from their sibling and a sibling that wants the right to say no to someone removing parts of their body.

I cried. I cried a lot. I probably cried every fifty pages or so. As a mother, this is one of the scariest things to consider. Do you put both children at risk to save the other? I don't know.

The ending... my goodness, the ending. I never expected that, not in a million years. Soo... I cried some more.

This was my first Picoult novel and I hope to read more by this author. I loved the writing style, how it took time to describe things, but didn't get too wrapped up in that. I told the story and told it well.

If you're looking for a good book with a little bit of controversy in it, this is a wonderful choice... just grab the Kleenex.

I have PM'd the next person in the ring and will send it on when they reply.

Journal Entry 16 by candieb at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, December 19, 2005

Released 18 yrs ago (12/20/2005 UTC) at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Mailing to bunzrun

Journal Entry 17 by bunzrun from Wirtz, Virginia USA on Wednesday, January 4, 2006
This book came in the mail today as a bookring. This has been on my wishlist for a while, having an interest in the ehtical issues involved.

I have a cozy mystery to complete before going on to My Sister's Keeper, but just thumbing through it is getting me drawn in.

More later when I have read a bit.

Journal Entry 18 by bunzrun from Wirtz, Virginia USA on Friday, January 20, 2006
As someone else mentioned, this is an impossible situation. All solutions would miss the mark in one area or another.

Jodi Picoult is a new author to me and I want to revisit her. The topic is relevant and controversial today. It was facinating to experience each character's viewpoint as the chapters alternate narrators.

One item in the readers' guide suggest not judging the Mother too harshly. That is true, at least in my case. I started with anger at Sara, yet the anger softened as her character took on more "flesh" in the book.

Though I do not have any sisters, it brought back memories to me of when I cared for my Mother after a massive stroke. It is hard to understand but these ambivilent thoughts/feelings (love yet wishing it were over and you could go on with your life, let's just try this one more thing because it may be THE thing that works, etc.) do occur.

One last thought: Did Campbell Alexander remind anyone else of the doctor on "House"? I could imagine the doctor coming out with some of the same remarks as Campbell, especially his quips concerning his dog.

Would love to say more but don't want to give anything away!

Journal Entry 19 by bunzrun from Wirtz, Virginia USA on Saturday, February 25, 2006
Just to let people know that this was sent on its way Friday, February 24th.

Journal Entry 20 by sabeena29 from not specified, not specified not specified on Wednesday, March 1, 2006
received today- am finishing up another ring and then will start this. This topic of one child being born to save another facinates me - especially the moral aspect of it- I look forward to reading this soon and will journal again when I finish it- thanks amymaew for organizing this ring and to all the participants for sending it around :)

Journal Entry 21 by sabeena29 from not specified, not specified not specified on Thursday, March 9, 2006
This was such a thought - provoking book about an important topic that will no doubt come up again and again in the years to come as more research is done with stem-cells and alternative treatments. Although this book is fiction it could easily be thought as non-fiction/memoir. It was so hard to put down and not as predictable as you might think. This is my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books. Thanks anymaew for sharing this excellent read - sending off to melydia today as snowy652 wanted to be skipped. I look forward to reading the future journal entries as this book continues its travels.

Journal Entry 22 by wingMelydiawing from Rockville, Maryland USA on Friday, March 17, 2006
This arrived in the mail today. Thanks so much! I'll start reading it ASAP.

Journal Entry 23 by wingMelydiawing from Rockville, Maryland USA on Friday, March 24, 2006
I finished this book on an airplane, all hunched over in seat 16D, hoping my hair would disguise the fact that I was totally bawling. I haven't cried at a book in many years, though I knew this one would probably be a tear-jerker from the beginning. After all, it's a premise straight from a Lifetime Original Movie: Kate is diagnosed with a rare and particularly nasty form of leukemia at age 2, and after much deliberation her parents decide to concieve a genetically engineered child to be a perfect match for their sick daughter. And so Anna is born for her umbilical cord, her blood, her bone marrow. As the story begins, Anna is 13 years old and has decided that she doesn't want to be an automatic donor anymore.

It's a brilliantly written book, but very hard to take sometimes. Picoult did an excellent job of portraying the heartache of being part of a family wiuth a sick child without getting too sappy, too outrageous, or too grandiose. Make no mistake, this is a book full of Big Questions about the sanctity of life versus control over one's own body, but it doesn't beat you over the head with it or force the reader to take a certain side. It's one of those rare stories that put me in the shoes of several characters that are (fortunately) completely alien to me while still allowing me to make up my own mind about their actions. It gave me quite a bit to think about, and that's some of the highest praise I can give any book.

I won't promise that everyone will like this book. A lot of people will see it as nothing more than a weepy family drama and dismiss it out of hand. But it does raise some serious issues, issues most of us - especially with the continued advances in medical technology - will have to face someday: when is it time to stop trying and start saying goodbye?

Thanks for sharing this one. I'll mail it out this weekend.

Edit: I mailed it Saturday, 25 March 2006.

Journal Entry 24 by ReadingGal79 from Antioch, Illinois USA on Friday, March 31, 2006
I picked this up at the post office today from melydia in VA ... as part of this bookring. I read another book (Plain Truth) by Picoult and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to read others that she's written.

c. 2004 -- 423 pages -- Trade Paperback -- #34 on BookCrossing 2008 Favorites list -- 5 weeks on the USA Today top-10 Bestseller list:
#2 on 5/31/09 and 7/5
#5 on 7/19/09
#8 on 5/24/09 and 7/26

Journal Entry 25 by ReadingGal79 from Antioch, Illinois USA on Wednesday, April 12, 2006
I finished reading this an hour ago ... and think maybe I have stopped crying enough to write this. My heart goes out to Brendalc57 with the loss of her sister. {{{HUGS}}} I spent my father's last two weeks with him last October in Hospice Care ... and some issues are still so soft (and aching) that tears come easily when prompted.

This book is absolutely incredible! I fully understand why it appeared on Bookcrossing's Favorite Reads of 2005 compiled by WhiteRaven13 (http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/9/3408323/subj_-Book-Crossing-Top-Reads-for-2005). I added it to my top Favorites list in the #2 slot. I knew it would be a 10 as soon as I started reading it ... and I don't give 10s away easily (normally only 3-4 a year). My DH and DD both want to find a copy to read, after hearing me say so much about it.

At first I would get disgusted with Anna for bringing the lawsuit ... although at the same time understanding her feelings. In the same way I would get disgusted with the mother, Sara ... although at the same time (as a mother) know I would do the exact same thing. As a mother I would think Anna's timing (with Kate dieing) really sucked .... but at the end ... understood why the timing had to be the way it was. The relationship between Campbell and Julia ... as well as the father, Brian and his son, Jesse ... were adding bonuses ... more dimensions to the story. The mystery behind Campbell and his service dog, Judge kept the sleuth in me wondering until the very end. And yes, I agree with bunzrun that Campbell reminds me of the TV doctor House! =) I especially loved the relationship between Kate and Taylor and really cried through those touching chapters. I could go on and say so much, but don't want to give anything away for the other readers. This book was fabulous!!!!!!!

Released 17 yrs ago (4/14/2006 UTC) at book ring in a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

I'm mailing this today to Lil-Snoo in MI ... to continue the bookring.
DC#0305-0830-0003-5122-8523

Journal Entry 27 by Lil-Snoo from Aurora, Illinois USA on Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Received this today...the first book to be received at my new home in MI since my move Mar 31st. :) Great timing - I finished my other book last night, so I'll be starting this one tonight.

Journal Entry 28 by Lil-Snoo from Aurora, Illinois USA on Friday, May 12, 2006
This was my second Picoult book (my first being The Pact), and wow...I loved it! Each and every character was well written and brought a lot to the story. I especially loved Campbell and his dog! What a twist at the end!

Since Heaven150 asked to be skipped, I will send it on to Antheras as soon as I receive an address.

Journal Entry 29 by Antheras from Kitchener, Ontario Canada on Thursday, May 18, 2006
arrived today, can't wait to read it.

Journal Entry 30 by Antheras from Kitchener, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, July 12, 2006
I'm not even positive I know what to say. I finally got to this (sorry for holding up the ring) and stayed up late a second night reading this. I just finished (it's 3:10 am) and came straight to the computer.

I totally did not expect the ending, I managed not to cry and when I got to the last few pages I suddenly could see what was coming and the tears started.

The style Picoult chose to write this story worked so well. All the viewpoints helped give a depth to the characters and it helped make them all such sympathetic characters. The competing viewpoints help the reader feel just confusing the reality of the situation must be.

I understand now why so many people recommend this book. I'm sending it off to CynthiaA in the next few days.

Journal Entry 31 by CynthiaA from Brantford, Ontario Canada on Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Arrived today! Love Picoult's work and have heard a lot about this. Shouldn't take me long to get through it!

Journal Entry 32 by CynthiaA from Brantford, Ontario Canada on Tuesday, August 22, 2006
I LOVED this book. It was a compelling and powerful story with fabulous characters that were easy to relate to. The ending -- oh my God. I don't want to spoil it, but I was sobbing!

I made the mistake of finishing this book while on the beach. With people around me. I was crying so hard I attracted attention. I had to go for a swim in very cold water to get over the emotional shakes that this book left me with. I've recommended it to a handful of friends already!

I've PM'd the next reader (jesmondgirl)twice, but will try a third time since it is summer and folks seem to be away. If no luck, I will move on to the following reader.


Journal Entry 33 by CynthiaA from Brantford, Ontario Canada on Monday, October 2, 2006
I'm sorry -- I forgot to journal this. Due to no response to repeated PMs, I have skipped both jesmondgirl and ruthwater. The book is now on its way to piemunga in Australia. I sent in on September 22nd.


Journal Entry 34 by piemunga from Marrickville, New South Wales Australia on Monday, October 9, 2006
Arrived yesterday - just at the right moment since i finished my other book that day!

Started reading this morning and i like it already.

Journal Entry 35 by piemunga from Marrickville, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, November 2, 2006
i loved this book. so heartrenching. and the ending! i didn't see that coming at all!

Journal Entry 36 by piemunga at Postal Release in -- Controlled Release, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, November 2, 2006

Released 17 yrs ago (11/2/2006 UTC) at Postal Release in -- Controlled Release, New South Wales Australia

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

posted to Greece today!

Journal Entry 37 by Stoxasths on Monday, April 16, 2007
The book arrived just a few days ago (!!!). I didn't have the time to read it bu I will have it sent to the next bookcrosser. Good luck to the book

Journal Entry 38 by Stoxasths on Thursday, May 17, 2007
I just got the adress of the next bookcrosser and I will have it sent tomorrow.

Journal Entry 39 by angellica from Worksop, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, May 28, 2007
Wow, I have been wanting to read this book for SO long. I'm looking forward to reading it

Thanks for sharing!

Journal Entry 40 by angellica from Worksop, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Just a quick journal to let you know that I am nearly finished with this and I'm aiming to get it posted by the end of the week. I have already PMd the next on the ring and she's asked to be skipped so I'll try the next.

I am enjoying what I have read so far.

Journal Entry 41 by angellica from Worksop, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 19, 2007
Amazing! This book completely blew me away. I have several other JP books on my TBR. I'll get this in the post ASAP

Journal Entry 42 by angellica from Worksop, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Friday, November 23, 2007
Wow, What I can say that hasn't already been said. This is a great book. It blew me away.

I found the ending very hard. :(

Have already posted it to Moops.

Thanks for sharing

Journal Entry 43 by Moops from Tucson, Arizona USA on Saturday, June 7, 2008
OMG I feel just awful! This somehow was put in the wrong stack and I just discovered it two days ago. I sat down and read it right through. First book I've read from this author and it was as good as all the previous reviews above. Please, please to the next BKXer, forgive the wait. I'm surprised I didn't hear from anyone complaining. Anyway, I've sent for the next address and I will get this right out ASAP.

Journal Entry 44 by Moops from Tucson, Arizona USA on Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sent on to AtHomeGoddess.

Journal Entry 45 by AtHomeGoddess from Fresno, California USA on Friday, July 24, 2009
I had another copy of this book and forgot to ever enter this one!

I read last year and re-read it this year before the movie. Picoult wrote another winner in My Sister's Keeper. The story is sharply written with stinging emotions. I felt like I was inside the family dynamic, watching the whole story unfold. It was hard to put down, even during the second reading.

I will look for someone wishing for this book and send it on as a RABCK.


Journal Entry 46 by AtHomeGoddess at Starbucks, Herndon/Highway 99 in Fresno, California USA on Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (5/27/2010 UTC) at Starbucks, Herndon/Highway 99 in Fresno, California USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Left this at the Starbucks at Ashlan and Blythe on the counter where the napkins are.

Journal Entry 47 by AtHomeGoddess from Fresno, California USA on Wednesday, May 26, 2010
This new format isn't letting me add notes for this book that I just Wild Released.

I left it at the Starbucks at Ashlan and Blythe, here in Fresno, CA.


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