Nineteen Minutes (↑)

I've finished another Jodi Picoult book, this one being Nineteen Minutes. It's an amazing book, and truly thought provoking. It delves into the social hierarchy of teenagers and children, and what kind of psychological damage it can cause to the unlucky folk who are considered the social outcasts. When I went to school, I wasn't bullied, but I definitely wasn't popular. People liked me yes, but I was one of those weird kids. I had a few friends, but none who I could call my 'best friend'. I think back on it, and honestly, all I remember from high school was the work, I don't remember the fun I had with friends, I remember the feelings of being left out when we had to work in partners, and how I didn't want to work with the weird kid in our class because I didn't want it to seem like I actually LIKED him (even though I did consider him a friend). I'm just as bad as they were for teasing him. While reading this book, I ran into a girl I worked with and knew from high school, and it seems that she has changed. She actually stopped me in the grocery store to ask how I was doing, what I was up to and whatnot. I was amazed that I was the one fidgeting and trying to escape, while she was fine with talking to me. It almost seemed as if she cared about what I was saying and doing, which is a change from high school.

I also wonder if this has changed from high school. As in, in the real world, does this social hierarchy still occur? Only instead of being popular, it's your job that allows you to stay at the top of the chain? I almost feel like attempting to write a story about it, and see how it turns out. We'll see if that occurs.

This novel follows the aftermath of a school shooting in New Hampshire. Exploring the secrets that each of the characters harbour, and trying to see how it might play a part in the shooting. The one thing I didn't really enjoy about the novel is that, Picoult mentions the shooter's older brother being killed by drunk driver, but that's about all. She doesn't explore the idea that perhaps the older brother played a part in the fatal accident, but of course, this might actually draw away from the story itself, so I suppose it's better left undiscovered. Of course, there is a twist at the end of this novel, but for me, it's one I was actually expecting. I kind of had a feeling that it was leading up to this conclusion. Either way, it was another novel by Picoult that I just couldn't put down. Well done!

I'm trying to decide whether I should start another one of her novels, if it would be better if I moved on to something else. But honestly, I think I want to read the last new novel I have of hers, and then move onwards to another author. Until next time, Happy Reading!