Best Jodi Picoult Books of All Time – Reading Guide

Jodi Picoult was born on May 19, 1966, in Nesconset, Long Island, New York. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. Later, she earned a Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. Picoult’s writing career began with short stories published in various magazines before her first novel, “Songs of the Humpback Whale,” was released in 1992.

best-jodi-picoult

Over the years, Picoult has become renowned for her ability to create engaging characters and tackle controversial topics, such as euthanasia, racism, and school shootings. Her novels often involve legal battles and courtroom drama, which she meticulously researches to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

In this reading guide, we’ll explore the best Jodi Picoult books of all time and help you decide which ones to add to your reading list. So, let’s dive into the world of Jodi Picoult and discover the compelling stories that have made her a household name in contemporary fiction.

My Sister’s Keeper 

My Sister's Keeper: A Novel (Wsp Readers Club)

My Sister’s Keeper,” Jodi Picoult’s most popular novel, tells the emotional story of two sisters – one battling leukemia and the other conceived as a bone marrow donor. As Anna seeks medical emancipation, tired of her role as her sister’s keeper, the family embarks on a journey exploring sisterhood, parenting, and moral dilemmas. 

With its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes, “My Sister’s Keeper” has captured countless hearts. This compelling novel explores the intricate interplay between love, sacrifice, and familial responsibility, and challenges readers to consider the balance between personal autonomy and the obligations of family ties.

Nineteen Minutes 

Nineteen Minutes: A novel

Nineteen Minutes” is a gripping novel that delves into the aftermath of a high school shooting. Josie Cormier, the daughter of the presiding judge, should be the state’s key witness, but her memory fails her—or does it? As the trial unfolds, tensions rise between the high school and the adult community, tearing apart friendships and families. 

The novel explores what it means to be different in our society, questions who has the right to judge others, and ponders whether anyone is true as they appear. “Nineteen Minutes” masterfully captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships in the face of tragedy.

Small Great Things 

Small Great Things: A Novel

In “Small Great Things,” Jodi Picoult presents the heart-racing story of Ruth Jefferson, a black nurse with 20 years of experience, who is shocked when white supremacist parents demand she not touch their newborn. When the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery, she hesitates before administering aid, leading to her being charged with a serious crime. 

This gripping novel explores race, prejudice, and a tense trial, making it impossible to put down. Picoult masterfully delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships amidst the backdrop of a deeply divided society.

The Storyteller 

The Storyteller

Sage Singer, a baker escaping loneliness and grief from her mother’s death, finds solace in an unlikely friendship with Josef Weber, an elderly man from her support group. As they bond over their hidden scars, everything changes when Josef confesses a long-buried, shameful secret, seeking an extraordinary favor from Sage. 

Faced with moral and potential legal repercussions, Sage starts questioning her life, family, and the integrity of her closest friend. “The Storyteller” explores the complexities of forgiveness, the power of healing, and the weight of the secrets we carry.

Plain Truth 

Plain Truth: A Novel

In “Plain Truth,” Jodi Picoult masterfully weaves a tale of mystery and morality set in the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania. When an infant is found dead under suspicious circumstances, the town is shocked to learn the mother is unmarried 18-year-old Katie Fisher. High-profile defense attorney Ellie Hathaway, seeking purpose in her work, steps in to defend Katie. 

As the gripping story unfolds, Picoult delves into themes of justice, faith, and truth, expertly portraying the complexities of Amish culture and the challenges faced by both women. This captivating novel explores authenticity and redemption amidst secrets and moral dilemmas.

The Pact 

The Pact: A Love Story

A powerful story of love, loss, and the boundaries of friendship, focusing on two teenagers who enter into a suicide pact with only one surviving. In “The Pact,” the Golds and Hartes, inseparable neighbors for 18 years, face an unimaginable tragedy when Emily, just 17, dies from a gunshot wound. Her high school sweetheart, Chris, claims it was a suicide pact gone wrong, but a local detective doubts his story. 

This poignant novel delves into the anguish of both families and creates a suspenseful courtroom drama as Chris stands on a murder trial. With a compelling portrayal of family bonds, friendship, and passion, Picoult explores the fragility of relationships in the face of heart-wrenching loss and the pursuit of truth.

House Rules

House Rules: A Novel

House Rules” features Jacob Hunt, an Asperger’s teen prodigy with a passion for forensic analysis. After a brutal murder rocks his small town, the police set their sights on Jacob, citing his strange demeanor as the basis for their suspicions. The Hunt family, striving for acceptance, is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. 

This provocative novel explores the challenges of understanding and accepting loved ones while questioning whether Jacob committed murder. Picoult masterfully reminds us that truth often hides in disguise, as she delves into themes of intolerance, misunderstanding, and family dynamics.

Leaving Time 

Leaving Time (with bonus novella Larger Than Life): A Novel

A blend of mystery, family drama, and a touch of the supernatural, “Leaving Time” follows Jenna Metcalf who is haunted by her mother Alice’s disappearance after a car accident ten years ago. 

Convinced that Alice didn’t abandon her, Jenna embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about that fateful night. As she retraces the events, Jenna discovers answers she never anticipated. This captivating novel explores themes of loss, determination, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and child, while masterfully weaving a tale of mystery and self-discovery.

Songs of the Humpback Whale

Songs of the Humpback Whale: A Novel in Five Voices (Wsp Readers Club)

Jodi Picoult’s debut novel, “Songs of the Humpback Whale,” follows Jane, a woman seeking to escape her abusive husband. Accompanied by her daughter and a mysterious stranger, Jane embarks on a transformative cross-country journey. 

This emotionally charged tale explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the power of choice. As Jane searches for a new life, she learns to navigate both the physical and emotional landscapes that define her. “Songs of the Humpback Whale” offers a compelling narrative that showcases Picoult’s signature storytelling and marks the beginning of her illustrious writing career.

Handle with Care 

Handle with Care: A Novel

A story of a family dealing with the challenges of raising a child with a rare bone disorder, testing the limits of love and loyalty. In “Handle with Care” Charlotte and Sean’s world is turned upside down when their daughter is born with osteogenesis imperfections. As they navigate the challenges of raising a child with this condition, a series of events lead them to confront difficult questions and wonder if anything could have changed their lives outcome. 

This compelling novel delves into themes of parenthood, love, and resilience, as the family faces heart-wrenching decisions and seeks to understand the true meaning of unconditional love.

Change of Heart 

Change of Heart: A Novel (Wsp Readers Club)

A convicted murderer on death row offers his heart to the sister of his victim, forcing characters to confront questions of redemption, forgiveness, and the nature of the soul.

Shay Bourne’s senseless act devastates the Nealon family, leaving June Nealon widowed and caring for her daughter, Claire. As Shay awaits execution on death row, he makes a final request: to donate his heart to save Claire’s life. June faces an agonizing decision—accepting the offer means keeping Shay in their lives forever while refusing the risks of losing her only remaining family. 

The “Change of Heart,” explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexities of human emotions as June grapples with her impossible choice.

Mercy 

Mercy

In Mercy, love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas intertwine as small-town Police Chief Cameron McDonald confronts an assisted suicide case involving his cousin Jamie, who admits to ending his terminally ill wife’s life out of love. 

The contentious trial not only divides the town but also tests Cameron’s marriage to Allie, who becomes captivated by the notion of a love that defies moral constraints. Facing a stunning betrayal, Allie must examine the boundaries of love and responsibility. Poignant and thought-provoking, Mercy will lead on an unforgettable journey through the intricate labyrinth of love and morality.

Vanishing Acts 

Vanishing Acts

Vanishing Acts follows Delia Hopkins as she uncovers a shocking truth about her past, forcing her to question her identity and the people she loves. As she grapples with her newfound reality, Delia realizes that fulfilling her deepest wishes may require sacrificing what she’s always taken for granted. 

Picoult masterfully explores the complexities of life and memory, revealing how doing the right thing can sometimes mean doing the wrong thing. With understanding, insight, and compassion, this novel delves into the consequences of confronting our past and the intricate nature of human relationships.

Salem Falls 

Salem Falls

Jack St. Bride reinvents himself after a false accusation ruins his reputation as a teacher and soccer coach. Working at Addie Peabody’s diner, the two cautiously form a healing bond. However, when a group of teenage girls targets Jack with a new shattering allegation, history repeats itself, and the town’s secrets unravel. Addie must search her heart and uncover Jack’s lies to determine if he is innocent or guilty. 

Salem Falls explores the complexities of truth, love, and redemption in a small town filled with hidden pasts and uncertain futures.

Lone Wolf 

Lone Wolf: A Novel

Lone Wolf tells an unforgettable story about family secrets, love, and sacrifice. Luke Warren, a wolf researcher, faces a life-threatening accident, forcing his estranged children, Edward and Cara, to confront their broken relationship with him. As they decide their father’s fate, they uncover hidden motives and painful memories. 

This emotional journey explores the complexities of family dynamics, the sacrifices required for survival, and the power of love, protection, and strength. Lone Wolf is a compelling reminder that, like a wolf pack, every family member plays a crucial role in supporting one another.

Second Glance 

Second Glance: A Novel

Jodi Picoult weaves a captivating tale of love, haunting memories, and renewal in Second Glance. Set in Vermont, where supernatural events plague a town, suicidal drifter Ross Wakeman encounters the enigmatic Lia Beaumont while seeking his deceased fiancée. As they search for answers beyond life and death, Picoult delves into an obscure chapter of American history – Vermont’s eugenics project. 

This enthralling story explores love across time and the lingering consequences of our past, pushing readers to ponder the unthinkable and question the boundaries between life and death.

Keeping Faith 

Keeping Faith

In “Keeping Faith,” Jodi Picoult explores a family caught in the crossfire of media, medicine, and religion when young Faith begins talking to her “Guard,” reciting Bible passages, and performing miraculous healings. As controversy grows, Mariah, Faith’s mother, must determine if her daughter is a prophet or a troubled child. 

This novel challenges the boundaries between reality and illusion, questioning what we’re willing to believe and highlighting the power of faith as it transcends organized religion and emerges from within ourselves.

Picture Perfect 

Picture Perfect

In this emotionally charged story, Cassie, an amnesiac, struggles to piece together her past and a troubled marriage to actor Alex. As memories return, she seeks refuge with trusted policeman Will Flying Horse and contemplates her future. 

Meanwhile, Alex’s life unravels in Hollywood amidst lies and scandal. When Cassie returns with her son, she ultimately reveals a shocking secret about Alex to the world. “Picture Perfect” is a true masterpiece, brimming with captivating details, extraordinary breadth, and heartfelt emotions.

Sing You Home

Sing You Home: A Novel

Sing You Home” explores the power of music as the language of memory and love. After personal tragedies, Zoe finds solace in her career as a music therapist and discovers an unexpected love. As she plans her new life, she faces resistance from those closest to her. 

This heartfelt story delves into identity, love, marriage, and parenthood while examining the struggle between individual desires and the greater good. Ultimately, it questions the very essence of a family when confronted with external challenges.

A Spark of Light 

A Spark of Light: A Novel

A Spark of Light” is a captivating novel set in a women’s reproductive health clinic, where a desperate gunman takes everyone hostage. Police negotiator Hugh McElroy rushes to the scene, only to discover his teenage daughter, Wren, is among those inside.

In this story, we meet a diverse cast of unforgettable characters: a brave nurse, a doctor guided by faith, a pro-life protester, and a young woman seeking to terminate her pregnancy. Through a daring reverse narrative, the story explores the complex balance between pregnant women’s rights and those of the unborn.

Final Thoughts 

To sum up, this reading guide highlights the best of Jodi Picoult’s literary offerings, showcasing her ability to tackle complex moral issues with captivating narratives and memorable characters. Each novel promises an emotionally resonant journey that challenges perspectives and sparks thought-provoking discussions. 

As you explore the finest works of Jodi Picoult, be prepared for a transformative experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the human condition and a greater appreciation for the power of storytelling. 

Here is a list of some other Jodi Picoult books, categorized by sub-genre:

Family Drama:

Harvesting the Heart

The Tenth Circle

Short Story / Medical Thriller:

Mad Honey

Contemporary Fiction / Romance:

Wish You Were Here

Contemporary Fiction / Mystery:

The Book of Two Ways

Young Adult / Fantasy:

Off the Page

Between the Lines

Comic Book / Superhero:

Wonder Woman

Legal Thriller / Courtroom Drama:

Perfect Match

FAQs

What are some of Jodi Picoult’s best books?

Some of Jodi Picoult’s best books include “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Nineteen Minutes,” “The Storyteller,” “Small Great Things,” and “The Pact.”

In what order should I read Jodi Picoult’s books?

There is no specific order to read Jodi Picoult’s books, as each novel is a standalone story. You can choose to read them in the order they were published or based on your interest in the themes they cover.

Do you have to read Jodi Picoult in order?

No, you don’t have to read Jodi Picoult’s books in order. Each of her novels features unique characters and storylines, so you can enjoy them as standalone works.

What is Jodi Picoult’s writing style?

Jodi Picoult’s writing style is known for its emotional depth, multiple perspectives, and detailed research on the complex moral issues she explores in her novels.

Which Jodi Picoult book should I start with?

If you’re new to Jodi Picoult’s work, you might consider starting with one of her most popular novels, such as “My Sister’s Keeper,” “Nineteen Minutes,” or “Small Great Things.” These books are great introductions to her storytelling style and the themes she explores.

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Elvira Lagud