The other day, I met up with my aunt and uncle in Framingham, MA to see Jodi Picoult for a reading and book signing.
We all purchased her new book, which came out that day (Feb 26), without really knowing what it would be about, but Jodi did what we figured she would, and gave us an overview of the book and also read a chapter.
The Storyteller (which I haven’t read yet but plan on doing soon) is about a woman, Sage, who is asked by a well-respected member of society if she will euthanize him. He also tells her a deep, dark secret of his former life as a Nazi, so he believes he deserves to die. Sage’s grandmother was in a concentration camp.
Jodi’s reading was beautiful, poignant, and very well-researched.
After, she spoke to the audience about a few Holocaust survivors she had met. One was about a woman who was freed from a concentration camp by Americans. An American held
the door for her, and she said, don’t you know I’m Jewish? He said he was, too, and that was the beginning of their relationship, which later turned into marriage.
Jodi also discussed the reasons why she wrote the novel, and talked about a man who is currently “hunting” Nazis, tracking them down and with the help of the government, forcing them out of the U.S.
Then she took audience questions, talked some more, and finally autographed the novels. I got my picture taken with her, gave her one of my cards, and she even said she liked the name of my blog!
Jodi Picoult seemed real, genuine, and someone I’d want to be friends with. In addition to being a fabulous author who tackles the tough issues of course! I can’t wait to read The Storyteller.
What do you think about the storyline to the book?
Thanks for reading,
Ah! Jodi PIcoult was one of my favourite authors after highschool 🙂 So jealous that you get to take pictures with her 😉
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At first, the girl said no, but then apparently Jodi said it was fine for pictures. I was like, “I promise I won’t touch her or anything!!!” 🙂
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LOL, that’s silly 🙂
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Wow! Sounds like such a fantastic time 🙂 I’ve read some Picoult books and have always enjoyed them, except for one or two. This one sounds really good, that I’m definitely going to be kindling it and reading it soon. I love that you gave her one of your cards – how cool! And she is totally right – the name of your blog is great 🙂 Can’t wait to find out what you think of the book!
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I agree with you on Picoult’s book! My favorites have been some of the older ones, and I’ve slowed down on some of the newer reads. But this one seems to have a very intriguing plot! I’m interested to read it soon.
Thanks for all of those kind words! 🙂
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I love the premise of this book, can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Love the pic girl!
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Thanks! I know, the premise sounds really good! I have a few NetGalley books and TLC books and Classics Spin and all that are taking priority at the moment, but hopefully I can get to The Storyteller SOON!
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With what you’ve said about her talk, the storyline sounds quite compelling – her discussion brings extra possibilities and plotlines.
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She always does stuff like that, which makes her novels fun to read!
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Thanks again for coming, Rebecca. I hope you and your readers get a chance to enjoy my new novel!
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I will be enjoying it shortly, and I know that many of my readers are fans! Although, I won’t lend them my signed copy so they’ll just have to buy their own! 🙂
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And thank you so much for stopping by my blog! It means a lot!
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I am very interested in this story to see if she gives us insight into this dark secret of his. Will we be told the story from his POV? Cannot wait to see your review.
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I will be reading it shortly so I’ll let you know!
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Jodi has an amazingly elegant way of tackling tough issues; her books are a joy to read. The Storyteller sounds fantastic!
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I’ll let you know my thoughts on it soon! I have a few more “pressing” books (like ones I promised to read authors or publishers by a certain date) but I’ll pick it up soon!
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I’m glad you knew her and you had a really great time! I know the author but I still haven’t read any of her books. This week I got “House rules” (in Spanish) and this will be the first book I’m going to read by her, and perhaps the next will be The storyteller in English!
About the plot, sounds really really interesting, so I’m sure you will enjoy the reading!
And how nice she told you that!!
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House Rules was good, I enjoyed it. But if you want what I believe to be her BEST work so far, check out My Sister’s Keeper. Even if you saw the movie (delete it from your mind, please!), the book was outstanding and had lots of twists and turns. I cried at the end of it like someone I knew had passed away. It’s a must read and I bet they have it in Spanish, too.
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OK; after a long search in wikipedia I’ve discovered My sister’s keeper is available in Spanish, indeed, but it has another title (The most difficult decision), and the film has another (Anne’s decision). This is insane. But I haven’t watched the film!! good!
So, OK, I’ll read my book first, of course, and then I will come back here to see the book I have to read next 😉
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Sounds good! The movie is well worth it, and that’s a good title, too, for it. But yeah, movie. . . skip!!!!! Jodi Picoult even mentioned that at the reading, how it was out of her hands and she tried to get them to change it to the book ending, but the production company didn’t listen.
Isi, if there is one book that I MUST read (in English) what would that be?
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Are you asking for recommendations?? 🙂
well, one of my favourites ever is The princess bride, but I think that perhaps you have already read it. The other I always think of when somebody ask me is The frozen heart (Almudena Grandes). It is an amazing story that makes you be so involved that you can’t believe that the characters are not real.
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Yup, I sometimes feel like I get recs that go in one ear and out the other, so I wanted to make sure I got to hear what I MUST read from you! I wrote them both down (haven’t read either) and I’ll start searching!
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Haven’t you read The princess bride? It is the kind of book that makes you feel extremely happy. You read it with a smile permanently on your face and life is wonderful during and after reading it 😉
I’m looking forward to re-read it, perhaps in English this time!
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I haven’t but I will!!!
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Who is it by?
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William Goldman
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Ok thanks!
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I’m excited about this one because I’ve read all of her books so far. How cool that you met her AND she commented on your blog!
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I know! I was super excited! It was not only a great compliment, but also a huge energy boost! I was like a kid jumping around my house b/c of excitement!
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I am tempted already.
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I’ll be reading it soon so I’ll let you know!
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Oh my. Another interesting book by Jodi. I cried a river afetr reading My Sister’s Keeper. The premise of the book is good and since I like historical fiction, the guy being a former Nazi is also interesting
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I agree! I am excited to pick it up soon!
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I am really looking forward to reading this book. Issues concerning terminal illness, death and dying are the primary part of my work as a Hospice Social Worker. Even though euthanasia is illegal in PA as it is in almost every state, there are still a handful of patients who will ask about it and even request it. Of course we would never honor such a request, we feel deep empathy and aching hearts for them and their families, and do the best we can to help them through their journey. The main character of her book having been a Nazi adds an interesting twist that I am very curious about. My youngest sister, I know will be all over this book as she will read anything having anything to do with WWII and the Nazi Regime. Thanks so much for this post, and I’m so glad for you having the opportunity to meet Jodi Picoult. I have to figure out how to go about finding authors doing signings and or presentations in my area. Any words of advice on that? ~ Ilene
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I googled it! If you have a big bookstore (even a B&N, they hosted the Jodi Picoult one), they might have events. I also checked the library (no luck for my local one) and some of the major bookstore events in my area. Your newspaper or the big newspaper nearby might have book events listed.
I googled things like book events in city, author signing in city, author reading in city (although “city” was my city)! Good luck!
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Thank you Rebecca. I’ll follow your advise. I just have to be more proactive. ~Ilene
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I’ll be looking forward to reading your thoughts when you read it. It sounds really interesting with lots of possibilities to investigate heavy emotions. I’ve read two of her books, My Sister’s Keeper and Nineteen Minutes, and particularly enjoyed the first one.
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My Sister’s Keeper is my favorite! I actually had my husband read Nineteen Minutes, too, because I thought it was a “less girlie” book. Of course she can appeal to broad audiences, but my husband wouldn’t normally be a fan. I’ll let you know when I read it!!!
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I most definitely like the storyline of the book. I’m fascinated with that time period in our history, and of course I’m fascinated with Jodi Picoult. Can’t wait to read it!
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
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Me too!!! I still haven’t read it yet, but it’s high up on my list. . . I just have a list that is too long at the moment. I need some self-imposed read-a-thons!
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