Blog Book Review

I read a review of Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult in the Washington Post archives. I felt that this review described the book very well and gave it proper praise. I agreed with the point that the novel "presents a character who is a child instead of a disability personified". Jodi Picoult always does a remarkable job with characterization. After reading one of her books I always feel that she has brought a character to life. I loved how this review touched on that fact, and how it tied together Picoult's excellent way of describing the character's disease while not allowing it to override her personality. I also agree with the fact that "it's sometimes hard to feel much sympathy for [Charlotte]" based on her controversial decisions to continue with a wrongful birth suit. Due to Picoult's deep development of the characters, the reader usually finds themself caught in the conflict along with them. My mind would change along with the characters' minds as to sympathize with Charlotte or to accuse her of wrongdoings. In the end, I felt bad for her because though I did not agree with her decision to go through with the wrongful birth suit, she was truly trying to do what was best for her daughter. I thoroughly agree with this book review, as it highlighted all of Picoult's strengths and encouraged people to read this excellent novel.

All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown

I began reading this book after abandoning a different book. I finished Pride and Prejudice and was not grasped by the next book I chose. I simply picked this book up at the library, knowing nothing about it. After reading the blurb it sounded like an interesting story and I noticed that it is a national bestseller so I decided to give it a try.

I have just began the book so the plot is still developing. So far, Janice, a housewife enjoying upper class life, has just been informed that her husband filed for divorce. In the following chapter, the reader finds out that Janice's daughter, Margaret, recently suffered a break up with her boyfriend. Both women are also victims of money troubles, as well. Janice's husband just achieved a major goal with his business that would have landed her a fortune, but after the divorce she will be left on her own. Similarly, Margaret is struggling to pay her bills because of her underpaying job. Also, her pride won't allow her to ask her family for any help with the money situation.

I found the parallels between this mother and daughter pair very intriguing. They are at completely different points in their lives, yet going through the same issues. Janice and Margaret don't seem to have gotten along well in the past few years, but I think they will bond over their problems. I am very close to my mother and love knowing that she is always there for me to rely on when I have a dilemma. I can't wait to see how the relationship between Janice and Margaret, and even Janice's other daughter, Lizzie, evolves. Maybe I will even recommend this book to my mom so when can discuss the mother-daughter story together!