Once again, I’m linking up again with Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea who hosts a post every Tuesday for people to share the first chapter / paragraph of the book they are reading, or thinking of reading soon. In really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
Last night I started Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, one of may favourite authors. I’ve been dying to read this since I got it a couple of weeks ago and am now caught up enough on my reading that I can crack the spine. Here’s what it’s about…
Ruth Jefferson is a labour and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine check-up on a new born, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.
And here’s how it starts…
Ruth
The miracle happened on West Seventy-fourth Street, in the home where Mama worked. It was a big brownstone encircled by a wrought iron fence, and overlooking either side of the ornate door were gargoyles, their granite faces caved from my nightmares. They terrified me, so I didn’t mind the fact that we always entered through the less impressive side door, whose keys Mama kept on a ribbon in her purse.
What do you think – it doesn’t give much away on what might be to come does it? Would you keep on reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
Loved this book, I’m a huge fan of Jodi Picoult but thought her last couple of books weren’t as good as previous books, but this one reminded me why I liked her style of writing. Looking forward to your review Emma x
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Good to know…it does seem to be one that tackles difficult subjects which she always does well I feel.
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I’d continue reading! But I would with most Picoult novels anyway! I hope you enjoy – I hear this is a good one.
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Me too! I can’t resist her books.
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I like this author so I would keep reading. Enjoy!
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Me too..a lot. So far so good, though I haven’t gotten much read today.
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I’ve not read anything by this author before, but based on the intro (and the summary) I’d keep reading 🙂
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You should definitely give her a go. I always find her books leave me asking myself lots of questions about how I would behave in the same situations.
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I just started reading this one, too, and I loving it already. No surprise, since Picoult is one of my favorite authors, too. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “COME AND FIND ME”
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Oops….meant to say “I am loving it already.” lol
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Good to know. I have such high hopes!
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The book starts off nicely as if we are being invited to walk in the door with them. I’d read more.
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It is welcoming isn’t it. Though may be being lulled into a false sense of security?
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It’s been awhile since a Picoult novel last appealed to me. This one does. I will have to look for this one. I hope you enjoy it!
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I just can’t resist them. This one does sound good though.
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Oh yes, yes, read more. I really liked this one a lot.
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I think I remember your review, though have been avoiding all since I got my own copy. Don’t want any preconceived ideas.
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How brave to plunge into such a difficult subject – but she does these books so well. I need to track this one down… Thank you for sharing, Emma!
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She really does manage to tackle difficult subjects doesn’t she? And make me think.
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[…] plus side is that, whilst I work on the train on the mornings, I read on the way home so I got my Tuesday intro, Small Great Things finished and started on my next book, Dark Water by Robert Bryndza which I was […]
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