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Perfect Match
What would push you to commit a crime? Assistant District Attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters, and in the course of her everyday work she endures the frustration of seeing too many criminals slip through the system and walk free. So when she receives the awful news that her son Nathaniel has been sexually abused and is so traumatised that he is now mute, she takes justice into her own hands as she enters the courtroom with a gun. She may have killed the man who hurt her son, but has she destroyed her family in the process? And whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?
In Perfect Match, Jodi Picoult again weaves a heart-wrenching story which explores the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. Part thriller, part courtroom drama and part family portrait, this is a disturbing novel of a family torn apart, with the drama of its riveting courtroom conclusion maintaining suspense until the final verdict is handed down.
In Perfect Match, Jodi Picoult again weaves a heart-wrenching story which explores the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. Part thriller, part courtroom drama and part family portrait, this is a disturbing novel of a family torn apart, with the drama of its riveting courtroom conclusion maintaining suspense until the final verdict is handed down.
426 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
2936 people are currently reading
36813 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Picoult
113 books95.1k followersJodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, including Wish You Were Here, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, and My Sister’s Keeper, and, with daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Picoult lives in New Hampshire.
MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.
Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult
MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.
Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,278 reviews
December 28, 2017
Consider this:
What would you do in the name of justice? What would you do if someone harmed your child? And what would you do to protect them?
These are the questions Nina Frost was faced with after she found out that her son, Nathaniel, was sexually abused. Nina made a living as an assistant district attorney. Her job was to prosecute the child molestors and rapists that preyed on little girls and boys. In her subconscious, she reasoned with herself that through this line of work, her perfect world could never be touched by the poison that she had locked away on a daily basis.
How could Nina be so wrong?
When I pick up a book by Jodi Picoult, I know I am being placed in capable hands. She is an expert at the art of the written word. She is unafraid to approach controversial and sensitive topics and does so with grace and refinement. If I could use one word to describe this book.. it would simply be exceptional.
What would you do in the name of justice? What would you do if someone harmed your child? And what would you do to protect them?
These are the questions Nina Frost was faced with after she found out that her son, Nathaniel, was sexually abused. Nina made a living as an assistant district attorney. Her job was to prosecute the child molestors and rapists that preyed on little girls and boys. In her subconscious, she reasoned with herself that through this line of work, her perfect world could never be touched by the poison that she had locked away on a daily basis.
How could Nina be so wrong?
When I pick up a book by Jodi Picoult, I know I am being placed in capable hands. She is an expert at the art of the written word. She is unafraid to approach controversial and sensitive topics and does so with grace and refinement. If I could use one word to describe this book.. it would simply be exceptional.
May 10, 2016
I read this avidly – JP is a good writer – she draws characters well, pitches a story, and does her research. But there is a flaw in this book – Nina, commits murder in order to “protect” her sexually abused son from his abuser, and in doing so severely compounds the trauma suffered by him with the possibility that she may go to prison. Nina goes for the quick fix, the self-serving impassioned unthinking response – but, isn’t maternal instinct actually much stronger, much tougher, than that? I can remember absolute terror engulfing me one night when faced with the realisation that my young children could be left motherless should anything happen to me. I remember willing myself to ... keep well...stay alive ...above all BE THERE....
So, as I read, and admittedly read somewhat compulsively, Nina became more and more infuriating. She didn't behave like a mother behaves, she is arrogant, she is selfish, she is a know all, and by the end of the book I thoroughly disliked her – in fact come the court room summing up my sympathies lay squarely with the prosecution. At one point Nina reflects that in a “perfect world, love should be the only excuse one needs” ....uhhhh....no... loving is never an excuse for despicable appalling behaviour, loving is never "an excuse" for anything – and now I am getting as judgemental as Nina.
That’s probably enough Jodie Picoult for while.
So, as I read, and admittedly read somewhat compulsively, Nina became more and more infuriating. She didn't behave like a mother behaves, she is arrogant, she is selfish, she is a know all, and by the end of the book I thoroughly disliked her – in fact come the court room summing up my sympathies lay squarely with the prosecution. At one point Nina reflects that in a “perfect world, love should be the only excuse one needs” ....uhhhh....no... loving is never an excuse for despicable appalling behaviour, loving is never "an excuse" for anything – and now I am getting as judgemental as Nina.
That’s probably enough Jodie Picoult for while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
“Envy, after all, comes from wanting something that isn't yours. But grief comes from losing something you've already had.”
― Jodi Picoult, Perfect Match
More juicy dilemma drama from the Queen! A mother (she's an Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes child molesters) and her husband ae convinced of that a certain individual molested their so, so using all the experience and knowledge she has gained in her career she seeks a way of exacting real revenge! Not one of Picoult's best, but still a thought provoker that kept me glued to the pages! 6 out of 12, Three Star read.
2006 read
― Jodi Picoult, Perfect Match
More juicy dilemma drama from the Queen! A mother (she's an Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes child molesters) and her husband ae convinced of that a certain individual molested their so, so using all the experience and knowledge she has gained in her career she seeks a way of exacting real revenge! Not one of Picoult's best, but still a thought provoker that kept me glued to the pages! 6 out of 12, Three Star read.
2006 read
August 16, 2014
I hated this book, but I can't decide if it was the lame plot, overwrought characters or the horrible narrator. I can't believe I stuck with it till the end. I'm not going to waste anymore time on this book except to say that people do not smell like caramel or taste like sugar unless they just ate a donut.
February 7, 2018
Trigger: the sexual assault of a child.
This was a gut wrenching novel to read. Like many of Jodi Picoult’s novels you will have an internal debate on if justice through the court system is the best route. Though most of us would agree we should never take the law into our hand, we are also not blind to the injustices of our judicial system and corrections system. This powerful novel has twists and turns right up into the last couple pages. I was very engrossed in the plot. I did struggle with Nina’s character; because I found her to be a bit obnoxious and arrogant (know it all for sure). However, as a group the characters were intriguing.
My quick and simple overall: be prepared that this is an emotionally powerful novel. You’ll be entertained but you will have internal struggles of debate.
This was a gut wrenching novel to read. Like many of Jodi Picoult’s novels you will have an internal debate on if justice through the court system is the best route. Though most of us would agree we should never take the law into our hand, we are also not blind to the injustices of our judicial system and corrections system. This powerful novel has twists and turns right up into the last couple pages. I was very engrossed in the plot. I did struggle with Nina’s character; because I found her to be a bit obnoxious and arrogant (know it all for sure). However, as a group the characters were intriguing.
My quick and simple overall: be prepared that this is an emotionally powerful novel. You’ll be entertained but you will have internal struggles of debate.
May 25, 2007
I read this entire book in one night - no easy feat at over 400 pages, but it was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down. Picoult does such an incredible amount of research for every one of her books that, even if you don't like the story, you are guarenteed to come away with knowledge that could help you win "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". Reading too many Picoult books can get kind of annoying, as they all follow the same basic formula - even though the end is supposed to surprise you, after awhile, you know what to expect. Plus, the characters always get away with what they have done. Even though I become attached to the characters and don't want them to go to jail, in the back of my mind, I want one to get put away, just to mix things up!
February 7, 2008
reading the contents of my shampoo bottle was more riveting.
November 8, 2017
I firmly believe everyone should read what they want. What makes them happy. Be that shameless smut, or bad horror, or rapey bodice rippers. Read it all! I don't care!
But I, as a reader, have a guilty secret.
I'm a bit of a book snob.
This trait emerged without warning when I was recently discussing reading with a friend. She likes to read Jodi Picoult, as does her husband, and I have always sneered at Picoult books because they sound like Lifetime movies. We were trying to find books in common, so she gave me three Picoult books to read, which I reluctantly took. (I, in turn, plan on giving her 90s teen romance, so I guess we'll be on equal ground after that.)
So, I wasn't wrong about Picoult books. It was exactly like a Lifetime movie. Admittedly, I've only seen one, which was in high school, when I tried one afternoon to see what the big deal about Lifetime movies was. I freaking HATED it.
And I hated this book.
I've read legal thrillers before, and I've read books dealing with child molestation before. I've read books about motherhood before. Somehow Picoult manages to handle none of these topics well or with any originality. The legal aspect was stale, the molestation didn't move me to sympathy, and the motherhood parts dripped with excessive sentimentality, and I wanted to kill them with fire. Everything sucked. The characters sucked, especially Nina. She was a prosecutor who seemed to have only a casual understanding and respect for the law. She made no logical choices. She was one-dimensional. All the characters were one-dimensional.
Everything was so BORING and STUPID. This book was a perfect example of why I never read Picoult. The writing was pretty basic, but with odd moments of attempted poetry. For example, how does someone chewing wintergreen mints give off green sparks? WTF? I also hated the religious aspect.
And to top it all off, this was written in first person present tense. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
So now I have to return this book to my friend and figure out how to politely tell her what I thought. I still have the two other Picoult books she gave me, but I definitely need to cleanse my reading palate thoroughly before I pick them up.
But I, as a reader, have a guilty secret.
I'm a bit of a book snob.
This trait emerged without warning when I was recently discussing reading with a friend. She likes to read Jodi Picoult, as does her husband, and I have always sneered at Picoult books because they sound like Lifetime movies. We were trying to find books in common, so she gave me three Picoult books to read, which I reluctantly took. (I, in turn, plan on giving her 90s teen romance, so I guess we'll be on equal ground after that.)
So, I wasn't wrong about Picoult books. It was exactly like a Lifetime movie. Admittedly, I've only seen one, which was in high school, when I tried one afternoon to see what the big deal about Lifetime movies was. I freaking HATED it.
And I hated this book.
I've read legal thrillers before, and I've read books dealing with child molestation before. I've read books about motherhood before. Somehow Picoult manages to handle none of these topics well or with any originality. The legal aspect was stale, the molestation didn't move me to sympathy, and the motherhood parts dripped with excessive sentimentality, and I wanted to kill them with fire. Everything sucked. The characters sucked, especially Nina. She was a prosecutor who seemed to have only a casual understanding and respect for the law. She made no logical choices. She was one-dimensional. All the characters were one-dimensional.
Everything was so BORING and STUPID. This book was a perfect example of why I never read Picoult. The writing was pretty basic, but with odd moments of attempted poetry. For example, how does someone chewing wintergreen mints give off green sparks? WTF? I also hated the religious aspect.
And to top it all off, this was written in first person present tense. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
So now I have to return this book to my friend and figure out how to politely tell her what I thought. I still have the two other Picoult books she gave me, but I definitely need to cleanse my reading palate thoroughly before I pick them up.
April 16, 2025
Books read & reviewed: 1️⃣7️⃣4️⃣🥖4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Word Count: 125k Words, WORTH ITTT
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ My 25th read this month (^-^ )
5️⃣🌟, WHEN YOU READ THIS BOOK, THE TITLE WOULD MAKE SENSE
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
1 out 3 read of Today's my graduation and its honestly one of the most boring moments of my life instead of a memorable one since we were like forced to sit in a chair for 5 hours straight and its illegal to bring your phone but somehow when I bought 3 literal big hardcover books its eh (great logic there, a phone is literally less noticable in the recording than 3 big hardcover books)
What happens when you do all the wrong things for all the right reasons?
Perfect Match is a book that talks about Nina (a lawyer) and her son Nathaniel who have been sexually abused. This book talks about the female rage in the lengths that it would take for a mother to fully protect, love and cherish her son from all the dangers and troubles of this world.
THE GENRE OF THIS BOOK SHOULD NOT BE CHICK LIT 😭😭😭 THIS IS A DAMN THRILLER. She's over here getting crazy over her son which is.. This reminds me so much of another book named "elena knows" because that also talks about a mother trying to discover the person who did the crime to her child but this one it's more of raw and intense. We follow through Nina and primarily focuses on her and her (very much deteriorating mental health) as what she thought is the only "correct" justice served in result of her son being assaulted. Its a good boooook, it was SUUUUPER intense (more than Freida McFadden can ever do in her entire career) in the ending is such a perfect conclusion to this story about female parent rage.
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Word Count: 125k Words, WORTH ITTT
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡ My 25th read this month (^-^ )
5️⃣🌟, WHEN YOU READ THIS BOOK, THE TITLE WOULD MAKE SENSE
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
1 out 3 read of Today's my graduation and its honestly one of the most boring moments of my life instead of a memorable one since we were like forced to sit in a chair for 5 hours straight and its illegal to bring your phone but somehow when I bought 3 literal big hardcover books its eh (great logic there, a phone is literally less noticable in the recording than 3 big hardcover books)
What happens when you do all the wrong things for all the right reasons?
Perfect Match is a book that talks about Nina (a lawyer) and her son Nathaniel who have been sexually abused. This book talks about the female rage in the lengths that it would take for a mother to fully protect, love and cherish her son from all the dangers and troubles of this world.
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love -- and justice?
THE GENRE OF THIS BOOK SHOULD NOT BE CHICK LIT 😭😭😭 THIS IS A DAMN THRILLER. She's over here getting crazy over her son which is.. This reminds me so much of another book named "elena knows" because that also talks about a mother trying to discover the person who did the crime to her child but this one it's more of raw and intense. We follow through Nina and primarily focuses on her and her (very much deteriorating mental health) as what she thought is the only "correct" justice served in result of her son being assaulted. Its a good boooook, it was SUUUUPER intense (more than Freida McFadden can ever do in her entire career) in the ending is such a perfect conclusion to this story about female parent rage.
November 30, 2009
Precis: The story follows the reaction of a family to finding out their child has been abused.
I found this book quite disturbing, for all the wrong reasons. I mean for reasons probably not intended by the author.
First, the US judicial system and it's disadvantages for children victims of abuse, was detailed. It sounds medieval. Modern technology, used to help these children in Britain is not used at all in America. Children have to give evidence like adults. I found myself repelled by the method in America, and thankful that I am raising my children elsewhere.
Then, the main character, is not at all nice. She is overbearing, rude, short tempered, lacking any patience, lives a double standard (she seems to encourage parents to put their children through the court system by omitting to inform them about the negative effects, when she knows full well she would not put her child through that same system). This unpleasant woman has a fabulous husband who adores her, though he is irritated by her, (which is okay) and a best friend/adorer who thinks she is a goddess, and can do no wrong. Quite simply he is totally unbelievable, and doesn't even seem that necessary to the story.
The main character jumps to conclusions about who has abused her child and kills that person. She does this so fast, that she can have no regard for the sanctity of human life at all, and deserves to be flung into jail for the rest of her life. Her son does not deserve that, but he does not deserve such a minging mother anyway. I do not think the woman is a good mum. She isn't there much, she puts him into school when she supposes he is unwell (without trying to discover if he is or not) after dosing him up. In every description of her spending time with him, she is forcing him to do things that suit her needs, and have nothing to do with his, even when he has been abused, and is traumatised. She has a lot of memories of cute times with him, but they seem unreal. How can this monster of a mother have those recollections? Besides, they are the recollections of a stay at home mum, not a full on working mum.
There was so little evidence that this guy was the one who had hurt her son that the fact that she killed him was truly amazing. If she had but waited, the DNA report would have come back. She didn't, although later in court, the fact that the DNA testing showed a match was held in her favour as proof that she had reasonably thought the abuser was the man she murdered. This woman is changed very little by having committed murder. She can trade witty comments the same, can give a great summing up the same, it made me want the world to be rid of her.
Why kill him in court? She could easily have done it on the night she watched him through his lounge window, why do it in court?
The conclusion, where it is revealed that her husband has murdered the true abuser is simply terrifying. It more or less says, if you live in America, and your child is abused, the only recourse you have to justice that will not harm your child is to kill the abuser. And if you get it wrong, you are not a bad person as you were trying to get it right. You should get away with it.
I dread the future for that boy, living with two murderers (they are a perfect match after all), denied the chance to participate in justice for his abuser. Thank God he is not real.
I found this book quite disturbing, for all the wrong reasons. I mean for reasons probably not intended by the author.
First, the US judicial system and it's disadvantages for children victims of abuse, was detailed. It sounds medieval. Modern technology, used to help these children in Britain is not used at all in America. Children have to give evidence like adults. I found myself repelled by the method in America, and thankful that I am raising my children elsewhere.
Then, the main character, is not at all nice. She is overbearing, rude, short tempered, lacking any patience, lives a double standard (she seems to encourage parents to put their children through the court system by omitting to inform them about the negative effects, when she knows full well she would not put her child through that same system). This unpleasant woman has a fabulous husband who adores her, though he is irritated by her, (which is okay) and a best friend/adorer who thinks she is a goddess, and can do no wrong. Quite simply he is totally unbelievable, and doesn't even seem that necessary to the story.
The main character jumps to conclusions about who has abused her child and kills that person. She does this so fast, that she can have no regard for the sanctity of human life at all, and deserves to be flung into jail for the rest of her life. Her son does not deserve that, but he does not deserve such a minging mother anyway. I do not think the woman is a good mum. She isn't there much, she puts him into school when she supposes he is unwell (without trying to discover if he is or not) after dosing him up. In every description of her spending time with him, she is forcing him to do things that suit her needs, and have nothing to do with his, even when he has been abused, and is traumatised. She has a lot of memories of cute times with him, but they seem unreal. How can this monster of a mother have those recollections? Besides, they are the recollections of a stay at home mum, not a full on working mum.
There was so little evidence that this guy was the one who had hurt her son that the fact that she killed him was truly amazing. If she had but waited, the DNA report would have come back. She didn't, although later in court, the fact that the DNA testing showed a match was held in her favour as proof that she had reasonably thought the abuser was the man she murdered. This woman is changed very little by having committed murder. She can trade witty comments the same, can give a great summing up the same, it made me want the world to be rid of her.
Why kill him in court? She could easily have done it on the night she watched him through his lounge window, why do it in court?
The conclusion, where it is revealed that her husband has murdered the true abuser is simply terrifying. It more or less says, if you live in America, and your child is abused, the only recourse you have to justice that will not harm your child is to kill the abuser. And if you get it wrong, you are not a bad person as you were trying to get it right. You should get away with it.
I dread the future for that boy, living with two murderers (they are a perfect match after all), denied the chance to participate in justice for his abuser. Thank God he is not real.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2021
We are following Nina, a district attorney who discovers her son has been sexually abused.
A lot of trigger warning in this one so you may want to check those out before picking this one up.
A lot of trigger warning in this one so you may want to check those out before picking this one up.
August 16, 2025
“ Did you just touch my ass?” “No.” “Well, damn. How many times will I have to walk by before you do?”
In general terms, Jodi Picoult’s novels could definitely be accurately accused of being formulaic and predictable. But, as a long-time fan, I’m not about to suggest fixing what definitely ain’t broke. The Picoult recipe? Pick a contentious ethical issue; create a realistic scenario in which protagonists are lined up on opposite sides of an issue for which there is no black or white resolutions, only varying shades of grey; insert a court case and trial which nominally should provide a legal if not a real-life resolution; add an exceptionally clever twist to entirely screw up the thinking of involved readers; end the novel with no ending and allow readers to chew on the issue to their heart’s content realizing that, even if they feel their mind is relatively resolved, their culture’s laws and moral compasses are anything but.
PERFECT MATCH is a perfect storm and veritable blizzard of those legal issues – the Roman Catholic clergy sex scandal and the (continuing) sexual assault of minors by Catholic priests; the inability of the legal system to convict (let alone punish) the offender without the testimony of a traumatized child that is probably not competent to render credible testimony; the extent to which a parent or guardian can use deadly force to protect their minor child in the face of the law’s inability (or unwillingness) to pursue a prosecution; the use and the limitations of DNA evidence in criminal trials; and insanity pleas as a defense for a murder charge.
PERFECT MATCH is a powerful, gripping, and utterly compelling read that has the added literary merit of offering different mindsets and perspectives by switching narrators from chapter to chapter. Picoult even manages to credibly climb inside the mind of her five year old child victim which readers must be cautioned is a horrific, dark, deeply troubled, and frightening place.
The twist ending is not quite at the same shocking level as Picoult’s fans will recall closed out MY SISTER’S KEEPER but it’s an eyebrow raiser nonetheless which the reader will contemplate for a long, long time after that final page is closed
Paul Weiss
In general terms, Jodi Picoult’s novels could definitely be accurately accused of being formulaic and predictable. But, as a long-time fan, I’m not about to suggest fixing what definitely ain’t broke. The Picoult recipe? Pick a contentious ethical issue; create a realistic scenario in which protagonists are lined up on opposite sides of an issue for which there is no black or white resolutions, only varying shades of grey; insert a court case and trial which nominally should provide a legal if not a real-life resolution; add an exceptionally clever twist to entirely screw up the thinking of involved readers; end the novel with no ending and allow readers to chew on the issue to their heart’s content realizing that, even if they feel their mind is relatively resolved, their culture’s laws and moral compasses are anything but.
PERFECT MATCH is a perfect storm and veritable blizzard of those legal issues – the Roman Catholic clergy sex scandal and the (continuing) sexual assault of minors by Catholic priests; the inability of the legal system to convict (let alone punish) the offender without the testimony of a traumatized child that is probably not competent to render credible testimony; the extent to which a parent or guardian can use deadly force to protect their minor child in the face of the law’s inability (or unwillingness) to pursue a prosecution; the use and the limitations of DNA evidence in criminal trials; and insanity pleas as a defense for a murder charge.
PERFECT MATCH is a powerful, gripping, and utterly compelling read that has the added literary merit of offering different mindsets and perspectives by switching narrators from chapter to chapter. Picoult even manages to credibly climb inside the mind of her five year old child victim which readers must be cautioned is a horrific, dark, deeply troubled, and frightening place.
The twist ending is not quite at the same shocking level as Picoult’s fans will recall closed out MY SISTER’S KEEPER but it’s an eyebrow raiser nonetheless which the reader will contemplate for a long, long time after that final page is closed
Paul Weiss
September 13, 2013
classic jodi picoult. troubled family, hot debated issue, extremelly well written metaphors, a law suit and a twist ending .
i'm at a point where i've read enough by jodi picoult to expect more or less what is going to happen next, however i still find myself devouring every paperback with her name on i can get my hands on in less then 24-hours time.
the woman ,once again, delivers.
i'm at a point where i've read enough by jodi picoult to expect more or less what is going to happen next, however i still find myself devouring every paperback with her name on i can get my hands on in less then 24-hours time.
the woman ,once again, delivers.
July 25, 2007
Got this in Costa Rica because there was nothing else remotely decent and figured that I'd enjoyed Sister's Keeper enough. However, was let down and just felt that this was hastily written and overly complicated. Plus, explored pretty much the same themes as before and did not do as good a job at exploring the shades of grey. Found myself more annoyed with the mother than anything else and not especially caring about the outcome...next!
June 3, 2011
I don't even know where to start on how terrible this book was. If I could give negative stars I would. It's laughable, the events that take place in the courtroom would never be allowed. I Could not stand any of the characters, especially the main femal character. I would actually be reading and have to stop and say outloud to myself "I can't believe how BAD this book is". Come on the ending, I would of enjoyed the book much more if her husband would of left her and she would of been sentenced to 20 years in prison that she had to serve. And then the big twist in the end, what her husband did to the other priest! (laughable)
November 26, 2022
I think this is one of best books that been written by author Jodi Picoult. It's so heartbreaking sad story. I got so emotional all the time during reading.
It's about what real justice is. Can doing something wrong be good? Or always wrong is wrong... What is really right right?
Made me think lots of things.
But this book title "Perfect Match" . Really?
At first I thought it sounded like dating site or something.
Once you start reading, you'll know what real "Perfect Match" is.
Incredible story with great writing with WOW factor.
It's about what real justice is. Can doing something wrong be good? Or always wrong is wrong... What is really right right?
Made me think lots of things.
But this book title "Perfect Match" . Really?
At first I thought it sounded like dating site or something.
Once you start reading, you'll know what real "Perfect Match" is.
Incredible story with great writing with WOW factor.
September 2, 2021
What would you do if you found out your 5 yo had been molested? I know what I did when I found out my 12 yo had been raped. But is it vengeance or justice? Can we trust the system? Read the book and you decide.
In a predictable book of just that Jodi Picoult once again addresses an issue sadly common in our world.
In a predictable book of just that Jodi Picoult once again addresses an issue sadly common in our world.
July 10, 2012
This was brutal. I had to finish it, but I have no excuse for starting it.
March 30, 2019
Dang-- until the last 50 pages or so, this book was going to get a higher star rating. However, the ending was a bit too much of a 'picture perfect super happy' ending for my tastes; ESPECIALLY considering that the book deals with such negative topics! (sexual abuse, murder, rape, the flaws in the legal system, etc).
I feel that the author took the easy way out + tried to tie things up into a pretty bow, and (by her own admission in the Author's Q+A section at the back of the book) actually went out of her way to RESEARCH LOOPHOLES in the state laws of her Maine setting in order for everything to end well. Ugh. Disappointing. For the majority of the book, Jodi Picoult was quite brave in her writing, not shying away from topics that are not tackled very often in contemporary 'chick lit'. For example, she shows how sexually abused children are often denied justice in the USA, as her District Attorney main character, Nina, had only 7 convictions for every 60 cases. Children with learning disabilities are hit hardest, as they are often unable to be 'found competent to stand witness at trial'. To have a book use 450 pages to show that the legal system is flawed for helpless victims only to throw away that good writing for 50 pages of tripe at the end really rather ruined the entire novel for me.
There are other thoughts that I have, as this is the 1st Jodi Picoult that I've read, but at the moment my emotions are hindering my writing! Bummer. --Jen from Quebec :0(
I feel that the author took the easy way out + tried to tie things up into a pretty bow, and (by her own admission in the Author's Q+A section at the back of the book) actually went out of her way to RESEARCH LOOPHOLES in the state laws of her Maine setting in order for everything to end well. Ugh. Disappointing. For the majority of the book, Jodi Picoult was quite brave in her writing, not shying away from topics that are not tackled very often in contemporary 'chick lit'. For example, she shows how sexually abused children are often denied justice in the USA, as her District Attorney main character, Nina, had only 7 convictions for every 60 cases. Children with learning disabilities are hit hardest, as they are often unable to be 'found competent to stand witness at trial'. To have a book use 450 pages to show that the legal system is flawed for helpless victims only to throw away that good writing for 50 pages of tripe at the end really rather ruined the entire novel for me.
There are other thoughts that I have, as this is the 1st Jodi Picoult that I've read, but at the moment my emotions are hindering my writing! Bummer. --Jen from Quebec :0(
May 3, 2012
Although this may not be one of Jodi Picoult's best novels, nevertheless it is still a good read. Most of Picoult's novel are about extraordinary situations that seem like they've come straight from newspaper headlines, and this one is no different – the sexual abuse of a five year old boy by a person they trusted.
Perfect Match is well-written, with multiple narrators so the reader feels like they get to observe all sides of the story. The characters are engaging, intricately flawed and realistic. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but the author does raise some interesting questions in the novel regarding the issue of 'an eye for an eye' and just how far is too far to go when a parent is seeking protection and justice for their child.
There were some things in this book that I didn't like. Again I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I didn't like the ending of the novel. I felt that the verdict of the trial should have gone the other way.
Four stars.
Perfect Match is well-written, with multiple narrators so the reader feels like they get to observe all sides of the story. The characters are engaging, intricately flawed and realistic. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but the author does raise some interesting questions in the novel regarding the issue of 'an eye for an eye' and just how far is too far to go when a parent is seeking protection and justice for their child.
There were some things in this book that I didn't like. Again I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I didn't like the ending of the novel. I felt that the verdict of the trial should have gone the other way.
Four stars.
January 29, 2008
Excellent thought provoking book by an excellent author. Couldn't put it down.
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love -- and justice?
In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year-old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband, Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futile justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son -- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice.
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love -- and justice?
In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year-old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband, Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futile justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son -- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice.
June 14, 2008
Characters: Nina, Caleb, and Nathaniel Frost
Patrick
Not my favorite JP book. The scenario didn't seem so plausible to me--I believe that sex abuse does happen; however, the scene described seem too contrived. The twist at the end reminded me of a really old Nancy Rosenberg (I think) novel. In her book the mom (also an attorney) murdered the man she believed raped she and her daughter in a home invasion. Later it was revealed that she murdered the wrong person who is a vile individual. In that book the mom felt horrible due to the murder. In JP books the mom doesn't see overly upset when a wrong occurs that leads to a positive--Perfect Match, Change of Heart, The Tenth Circle.
Does that represent human nature???
Patrick
Not my favorite JP book. The scenario didn't seem so plausible to me--I believe that sex abuse does happen; however, the scene described seem too contrived. The twist at the end reminded me of a really old Nancy Rosenberg (I think) novel. In her book the mom (also an attorney) murdered the man she believed raped she and her daughter in a home invasion. Later it was revealed that she murdered the wrong person who is a vile individual. In that book the mom felt horrible due to the murder. In JP books the mom doesn't see overly upset when a wrong occurs that leads to a positive--Perfect Match, Change of Heart, The Tenth Circle.
Does that represent human nature???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2018
If you've read one of Jodi Picoult's book then you've read "Perfect Match". My friend gave me this book and its been staring at me for the last three months. I decided to give the book a read and I don't know how I made it to the end. It was such a classic Picoult read, filled with adultery, messy family drama, moral questions... everything you could possibly think of was in this book.
For me, the book felt over-written and just TOO much. I mean, just how many topics can we cover in 450 pages?
Regardless, its clear that you either love this book or detest it. I think I was more annoyed.
For me, the book felt over-written and just TOO much. I mean, just how many topics can we cover in 450 pages?
Regardless, its clear that you either love this book or detest it. I think I was more annoyed.
February 26, 2021
‘Yap Boz’ Jodi Picoult ile tanışma kitabım oldu ve çok sevdim. Oğlunun başına gelenleri çözmeye çalışan bir savcının eylemlerini okuyoruz kitapta. İlk 100-150 sayfasını soluksuz okuduktan sonra nasıl bağlanacağını merakla ve sabırla bekledim. Öyle çarpıcı bir finalle bitti ki şoka girdim kitabı bitirdiğimde. Her sayfada “Acaba ben ne yapardım?” diye düşündürten, adaleti ve intikamı sorgulatan inanılmaz akıcı bir kitaptı. Yazara mutlaka devam edeceğim...
September 22, 2014
Not a likeable character in this book. Lame story
January 29, 2025
Aw man Jodi does it again. Another one that reminds me why she’s my fave. Heavy subject matter but as per usual the characters offer so many sides and different viewpoints.
While some books offer unlikeable characters this book goes a step further in making each one very human i.e. equal parts likeable & unlikeable characteristics.
Fave Quote: There’s a gulf as wide as an ocean between should and want and I am drowning in it.
While some books offer unlikeable characters this book goes a step further in making each one very human i.e. equal parts likeable & unlikeable characteristics.
Fave Quote: There’s a gulf as wide as an ocean between should and want and I am drowning in it.
December 7, 2007
"When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard; I am sure we should - so hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again." ~Charlotte Bronte
"[He] puts his big hands on my shoulders. I fell in love with [him] because of those hands, which can touch me as if I am a soap bubble certain to burst, yet are powerful enough to hold me together when I am in danger of falling to pieces."
"You are only as invincible as your smallest weakness, and those are tiny indeed - the length of a sleeping baby's eyelash, the span of a child's hand. Life turns on a dime, and - it turns out - so does one's conscience."
"Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most ebtraordinary thing about motherhood - finding a piece of yourself seperate and apart that all the same you could not live without."
"Justification is a remarkable thing - takes all those solid lines and blurs them, so that honor becomes as supple as a willow, and ethics burst like soap bubbles."
"It's not what you do with a child that brings you together... it is the fact that you are lucky enough to do it at all."
"[He] puts his big hands on my shoulders. I fell in love with [him] because of those hands, which can touch me as if I am a soap bubble certain to burst, yet are powerful enough to hold me together when I am in danger of falling to pieces."
"You are only as invincible as your smallest weakness, and those are tiny indeed - the length of a sleeping baby's eyelash, the span of a child's hand. Life turns on a dime, and - it turns out - so does one's conscience."
"Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of his neck. This is the most ebtraordinary thing about motherhood - finding a piece of yourself seperate and apart that all the same you could not live without."
"Justification is a remarkable thing - takes all those solid lines and blurs them, so that honor becomes as supple as a willow, and ethics burst like soap bubbles."
"It's not what you do with a child that brings you together... it is the fact that you are lucky enough to do it at all."
February 7, 2020
3,5 / 5
Yine akıcı ve güzeldi ama bu kadar sinir bozucu konuda olan bir kitabı okumaya değer miydi emin değilim.
Bu kadar Jodi Picoult yeter 😊
Yine akıcı ve güzeldi ama bu kadar sinir bozucu konuda olan bir kitabı okumaya değer miydi emin değilim.
Bu kadar Jodi Picoult yeter 😊
June 1, 2014
I'm embarrassed by my not only enjoying Jodi Picoult in the beginning, but by how I seem to continue enjoying it even when she churns out stuff like this. Perfect Match is contradictory and angsty and ridiculous. Adultery, murder, child abuse... it is so crammed with controversial topics that it runs the whole gauntlet of shocking and comes back round to boring. Which is exactly what the book club readers like, no? A little of nitty gritty to discuss over the tea and biscuits, but not so much that it's distasteful.
Believe me, I'm not saying "Give me distasteful!" But I am saying "Stop giving me trite!" The books hinges on a coincidence that would barely ever ever happen in real life, but that's not what bothered me. (Fair play to Picoult for thinking of it.) What really riled me is this:
I gave this 2.5 stars but I know it won't put me off reading her others - if there are more to read. Blimey, have I read them all yet? I can't seem to help it: she is mindlessly addictive.
Believe me, I'm not saying "Give me distasteful!" But I am saying "Stop giving me trite!" The books hinges on a coincidence that would barely ever ever happen in real life, but that's not what bothered me. (Fair play to Picoult for thinking of it.) What really riled me is this:
I gave this 2.5 stars but I know it won't put me off reading her others - if there are more to read. Blimey, have I read them all yet? I can't seem to help it: she is mindlessly addictive.
April 26, 2015
There was too much self justification in all of the characters for me to like this book. The main character barely missed a beat when it turns out she murdered the wrong person. She convinces her son that people who molest young boys are "bad" but it fails to register in her head that people who murder are also bad.
I'd like to know that all professionals take their job seriously and treat each case as if it happened to a family member. The fact that her son was too special to endure what she had put other children through was obnoxious. The fact that every person involved with her trial bent over backwards to get her off was unsettling. It didn't make me want to ever have to rely on the legal system because apparently it is only on your side when you work for it. I realize this is fiction, but the story was just too terrible to enjoy.
It was also quite obvious that the husband had something to do with the murder of the real molester. The fact that both he and the cat turned up dead at the same time led you to believe someone in the story did it.
I normally enjoy Jodi Picoult, but not this one.....
I'd like to know that all professionals take their job seriously and treat each case as if it happened to a family member. The fact that her son was too special to endure what she had put other children through was obnoxious. The fact that every person involved with her trial bent over backwards to get her off was unsettling. It didn't make me want to ever have to rely on the legal system because apparently it is only on your side when you work for it. I realize this is fiction, but the story was just too terrible to enjoy.
It was also quite obvious that the husband had something to do with the murder of the real molester. The fact that both he and the cat turned up dead at the same time led you to believe someone in the story did it.
I normally enjoy Jodi Picoult, but not this one.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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