Exceptional Books discussion

Im afraid I must dispute this one. I found the writing very average, most of the characters one-dimensional, and the ending may be the biggest cop-out in the history of fiction. It is no plot device to set up a conflict and then resolve (or not resolve) it in such a cheap way.

I haven't read this one, but I've read 4 other Jodie Picoult novels and find her very overrated. I can't understand why she is so loved by readers. The denouments are predictable and the characters are shallow. 19 Minutes was a very poor pastiche of We Need To Talk About Kevin.

I don't find this book exceptional, but it was an easy read and had everything that most best-sellers have, in my opinion, including a surprise ending. I thought it was much like many of the best-sellers I've read.

This is a very over-rated book, and I agree that the ending is a huge cop out, one I was extremely annoyed with. The story started by setting up a modern ethical conflict which was not fully explored or resolved. I got the impression that the author was afraid of offending the religious right-wing or moral majority extremists.

Ok, please don't kill me, but I disagree with you guys. I read My Sisters Keeper for the first time probably five years ago, and I loved it. I've read it probably a dozen times since then and I still love it. I dont find the writing bad, or the characters shallow. I loved the ending, even though i hated her for making it end that way. I think it was a really powerful book and is one of my favorites. I've read most of Jodi Picoult's books and i liked almost all of them. Nineteen Minutes is actually my favorite.

Zoe wrote: "Ok, please don't kill me, but I disagree with you guys. I read My Sisters Keeper for the first time probably five years ago, and I loved it. I've read it probably a dozen times since then and I sti..."

We appreciate your imput Zoe :)

You could put me in the dispute queue. I enjoyed Picoult's books in the beginning, but they've become so formulaic that she deserves her own genre.

I read this book because it was given to me as a gift. To see it turn up in 'Exceptional Books' makes me doubt my decision to join this group.

Emma,

Someone thought it was an exceptional book, but that is what this category is for to dispute the book. Members are asked to place on the bookshelf the most exceptional book THEY have ever read. And, for them, it MIGHT BE the most excpetional book they have ever read in their reading experience. I know that early on in my reading, I used to think some books were great but as time and experience has passed I am sure if I went back and re rated those book I would rate those books very differently.

So I hope you don't regret joining our group. There are many wonderful and exceptional books that are on the bookshelf and we value your opinion and participation in our group :)

Emma,

I think Colleen makes a great point. Our reading tastes evolve over time. I read more in a week than my ex husband has in his whole life. I finally got him into "reading" with audio books by introducing to "Bloody Jack". That, for him, is now the standard by which he measures everything. For me, it's juvenile, formulaic, predictable after awhile. All the same things that could be said for Picoult. To me, Picoult deals with forbidden subjects in a way the masses seem to find more palatable than grittier authors. None of her stories haven't been told before, but she's packaged them in a way that seems work. I don't like her much either, but I commend that she's got dialogue going openly about things people don't want to deal with.