C 2016 Pages 510
Goodreads Rating: 4.34
This is the first Jodi Picoult book I have read, and I was very surprised at her brutal honesty throughout her writing. Ruth Jefferson, an experienced labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital, loves her work with expectant families. Until one day a young, white supremacists couple request she be reassigned because of her African American ethnicity. The hospital and Ruth comply with the request, although there are concerns. Later, the newborn goes into cardiac distress when Ruth is left alone in the nursery due to another emergency. She is faced with a choice; does she obey orders and not touch the child, or does she follow her nursing oath and intervene to save life?
Even after Ruth’s choice, the baby does not survive, and she is charged with a serious crime. Not only is her life beginning a spiral descent, but we also learn of the effects it has on her teenage son, an honor student at a private school; her mother, a domestic for a prominent family; and even the young parents dealing with the loss of their child. We also meet Kennedy, the white public defender assigned to Ruth’s case, who most might identify with due to the societal beliefs and ignorance instilled throughout her life.
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Jodi Picoult tackles issues of race, privilege, prejudice, and justice in a story that will have you captivated from the first page. Not all questions are answered; not all issues are resolved. Although it may give the reader a different perspective on what others experience and how they handle or are forced to handle certain situations. It made me stop and think of my own actions and what I could do within myself to make this a better world for all. I hope those that read “Small Great Things” will have a similar experience. Enjoy reading!
Author Info: Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-six novels, including several #1 New York Times bestsellers. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Visit her website for a list of her books and more info. Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
