a spark of light

a spark of light by Jodi Picoult.  Ballantine Books, 2018. 384 pages. *****+

Jodi Picoult chooses to write about divisive topics in today's society and this one is no exception. I expect that a spark of light will be discussed and dissected by all who read it. The story opens with a typical day at a women's health center; protestors outside and patients inside nervously sitting in a waiting room. Not all who wait are there for an abortion, however, the man who enters and begins shooting doesn't care. Picoult takes us back from that moment to what happened hourly leading up to the shooting.

Capturing my attention from the very beginning, it was a tough and haunting read. Picoult's gift is to transport the reader into the midst of the action. I was in that waiting room watching and listening. My sympathies went back and forth as she unfolds each person's life and purpose in being there, from the doctor and nurse to the patients and the police negotiator. The shooter has a mission and is seeking revenge for what happened to his daughter and while not a sympathetic character, I felt compassion for him. Did it change my mind on what I believe about abortion? No, but it did make me pause and think. The way the situation unfolds in this book will make it a good choice for a Book Club. This book is Jodi Picoult at her best; her passionate writing and knowledge of the topic are what makes her characters come alive. I have read all of her books and each one stands alone in its complexity and ability to challenge preconceived thoughts on a given issue.

I received an advanced reading copy for a review.

Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-three novels. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband. To connect or learn more about Jodi...Website: jodipicoult.com, Facebook.com/jodipicoult, Twitter:@jodipicoult, Instagram: @jodipicoult

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