Picoult, Jodi. Nineteen Minutes. New York: Atria, 2007.
We all usually rush through our days, taking time for granted. We neglect to think about how much we could get done in only nineteen minutes. But nineteen minutes is all it took for Peter Houghton to kill nine students and a teacher. Although Peter killed ten, the entire student body in Sterling, New Hampshire was wounded physically and emotionally. Judge Alex Cormier is coincidentally appointed to Peter Houghton's trial. Josie Cormier, Alex’s daughter used to be Peter’s best friend but grew up and left him for the popular crowd. And now with everything a mess, the community must learn how to heal, and is awakened to the results of violent bullying.
Picoult writes this novel in a series of flashbacks, switching from each character to give insight and point of view. This helps the reader better understand each character and gives the story complexity. Also, the element of reality in the story helps the reader relate to the plot. The setting also makes the scenario more realistic. Picoult uses this aspect to make the reader think about individual experiences with bullying.
I have read many of Jodi Picoult's books, and this is a favorite. I like how she uses reality to make the reader think. It made me think about something I may have said that could have influenced somebody’s decisions. I think that a good writer can make the reader feel sorry for the villain no matter what harm they've caused and Picoult does this. I recommend this book, especially if you've ever bullied some one. It will make you think twice the next time you put somebody down.
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6 comments:
I really want to read this book. I have heard from a lot people that it is a really good book. I really liked the quote you put in the beginning of the blog. It seems like it sums up what the story will be about really well.
I have heard many great things about the author, Jodi Piccolt. The book attracted me becasue it is a common threat we face going to school everyday. With the events that have happened this year, the book really ties in well.
I have heard a lot about this author and I'm curious to experience her writing style myself. I like that the author includes various viewpoints so the reader isn't stuck in one character, but can experience the story from multiple angles. The book seems very suspensfull, which I also like.
I want to read this book because I heard that Jodi Piccolt is a great author. I like the fact that it deals with something that could really happen to anybodys school. Its realistic and thats what makes it intersting to me. I also like the fact that there are flashbacks and that they switch the characters to give the different view points. What appealed to me was the quote at the begining of the blog and also the fact that people rave about Jodi Piccolt books.
This is my favorite Piccoult novel!
This is my favorite Piccoult novel!
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