Discussion date: August 14, 2006

What we thought:

Jodi Picoult’s novel about a child conceived to provide tissue matches for her cancer-stricken sister is a page-turner and a compelling study of family dynamics. We talked a lot about the issues involved when one member of a family has severe special needs, but agreed that no one who hasn’t been there can really pass judgment on another’s decision. Our main complaint about the novel was its ending, which to many of us was contrived, disconcerting, and did not ring true. Still, everyone gave the book at least 4 stars as a reading experience, with several 5-star ratings.

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