Keeping Faith: A Novel (P.S.)
by Jodi Picoult
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Book Reviews of Keeping Faith: A Novel (P.S.)
Book Review: Really makes you think!
Summary: 4 Stars
Jodi Picoult has truly mastered the art of writing addictive, thought-provoking, interesting fiction. "Keeping Faith" proves that she's getting even better at it. The book centers around a young girl who, after going through a traumatic experience and her parents' separation, starts having visions....or does she? Religious fanatics come from all over the world to camp on her doorstep in the hopes of being "cured" and her mother must deal with protecting her daughter, whether or not to doubt or believe her, and dealing with various characters, many of whom do not have their best interests in mind.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, this book is fascinating and extremely thought-provoking. One could perhaps teach an entire human studies or religion course around this book. It touches upon some very interesting and important themes, and ultimately will leave an impact on the reader.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and think it would also be ideal for a book club. Its one of those books you'll really want to discuss and hear others' thoughts/opinions! I also highly recommend "Nineteen Minutes," "The Pact," "My Sisters Keeper" and "Plain Truth," all by Jodi Picoult.
Book Review: Vacation Reading
Summary: 3 Stars
Jodi Picoult is a great story teller, but this book is not as good as My Sister's Keeper. It's a fun vacation read....you can't put it down.
Mariah White and her ex-husband Colin have a custody battle over their child, because Colin believes that Faith, their child, is in danger. Faith has started seeing and communicating with God. She seems to have miraculously healed several people and has developed stigmata, wounds that correspond to those of Christ crucified. All of this brings a circus of media attention which in turn introduces other interesting characters and events.
There are a few things about Picoult's writing that do drive me crazy. She overuses the phrase, "She/he stared at him/her, willing him/her to look at him/her." Also, she includes unnecessary information that lengthens the book and adds nothing to the story. In this particular novel, the sections about the priests and rabbis interviewing Faith White are too lengthy and occur too much. However, Picoult is great at making the reader detest lawyers and the media.
Although I gave it only 3 stars, I do recommend this book
Book Review: Keeping Faith and faith
Summary: 5 Stars
Since Faith has been having difficulties accepting her parents' divorce, everyone thought that her new imaginary friend, "her guard", was merely a coping mechanism. "Her guard" teaches Faith things about religion that she had no way of knowing otherwise. When her grandmother dies, Faith brings her back to life. That's when things become difficult. A religious following gathers outside of Faith's house. This crowd includes Ian Fletcher, a man who makes a living by investigating religious phenomenon and usually proving them to be hoaxes. The situation intensifies, leading Faith's father to begin fighting for custody. Faith's mother, Mariah, fights to keep her daughter, Faith, as well as to keep faith in her daughter and herself. Therefore the title is actually a very clever double-entendre.
The characters are very well-developed, making this unlikely story seem to be very plausible. The vivid settings also add realism to the story. This absolutely enthralling story of Faith is almost impossible to put down. Congratulations to Jodi Picoult on her masterpiece, my favorite of all her books that I have read so far!
Book Review: A Great Exploration of Faith
Summary: 5 Stars
Jodi Picoult has another winner in KEEPING FAITH. I have read many of Ms. Picoult's books and I appreciate her rich writing style and her willingness to explore difficult issues and how regular people face them.
In this novel, she explores the topic of faith - both faith in God and faith in the people we love. It was really ambitious to delve into the religious concepts she addresses here - a young girl starts to speak with God, who appears to her as a woman, and the girl both experiences the elements of religious ecstasy, including stigmata, and becomes a healer. Picoult handles all of these topics with respect, and she encourages the reader to come along on the journey of questioning, doubt, and eventually, faith.
Setting these religious questions against the backdrop of a divorce and custody battle, Picoult grounds the story in the real drama and turmoil of a family. Ultimately, it is that love of a family that restores everyone's faith in each other.
Book Review: Not for Everyone
Summary: 3 Stars
I love Jodi Picoult's work. I really do. I was looking forward to reading this novel, scince I'd heard such great things about it.
However, I just could not get into it. The writing was fine, but the characters were just so unlikeable and static throughout much of the novel. Miriah continues to deny that her daughter is hearing God. For some reason, this made me hate Miriah. (I guess this shows what a talant Picoult has- she can make readers feel such strong emotions toward a character.) Then there was Ian Fletcher- the teleatheist who denies the existance of God and is out to prove that Miriah is lying so that his show's ratings will increase. I hated Ian- he was a sneaky, cold, arrogant jerk- and I hated Miriah for falling for his [..]
I wouldn't say this book is terrible, but it is not for everyone. There's nothing wrong with the story, but some of the main characters are just too horrible to spend time on.