Books : Change of Heart: A Novel

Rating: - Jodi Fan Review
Intriguing and fast paced, I couldn't put it down. As always, Jodi's characters are amazing and the twists in the storyline are excellent. I always feel like I learned something new after reading her books.

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Rating: - Thought Provoking, Meaningful, and Hard to Put Down!
I thought this was one of Picoult's best books. I have loved reading every novel she has. This one was no exception. I stayed up late into the night trying to make sense of it all...wondering why he did it, why he had special powers?, why the death row inmate was like Jesus, and if he would get his final wish--even though he had so many people against him. I only wish I could have learned more about his past, and more about the main character's past. It was meaningful, suspenceful, and thought provoking. I often just sat thinking and pondering, with the book resting on my lap, and then reading and rereading sections again. I would recommend this to any reader, especially those who like to be surprised, enjoy legal thrillers, or dramas! Great Read, I would pass on to any friend! Keep an open mind while reading it though...

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Rating: - Deja Vu
I entitled this review "Deja Vu" because I really thought I had already read the Green Mile! Many reviewers have noted this as well so I won't elaborate on it except to say that I'm amazed this made it past the editor. I wonder what Steven King thinks?

What I find so discouraging about this author is that she writes really well, but the plots are completely implausible. Someone asked why Ms. Picoult seems to hate cops. Well, I'd like to know why she hates mothers? The mother characters in most of her books are usually clueless and/or irresponsible and completely unsympathetic. In "Change of Heart," the character of Shay is supposed to be completely inarticulate to the point of not being able to string a complete sentence together, yet there he is debating the meaning of God with Father Michael and seems pretty darn articulate to me. I loved "My Sister's Keeper," but every book of Ms. Picoult's that I've read since then has gone steadily downhill. Every time I ready one of her books I tell myself "never again," and then find myself roped into reading another one. I guess hope springs eternal!

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Rating: - Finding Love (and God) In All the Wrong Places
A book, at its essence, about God, faith and how faith finds and manifests itself...Can one find God outside the the bounds of organized religion? What about the God Within? The Spark of the Devine within all mankind?

Is it real? Is it fantasy? Why do most organized religions deny that possibility? And there is a difference in "faith" and "religion" as this book so pointedly and poignantly points out...

The context and setting are a bit extreme at times, but the questions raised are no less real and invigorating. Has Christian orthodoxy--the "required" beliefs of the church--become a hinderance to real faith?

A great read that goes far beyond the normal beach read, chick lit, novel. This one has the ability to make one think, perhaps even ponder....and that's always good!!

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Rating: - Most will find it riveting
Jodi Picoult's novel Change of Heart is a bit of a change from what we're use to from this fabulous author. This time around we meet Shay, a convicted murderer, who is not guilty of the crime he is charged with. The title Change of Heart is appropriate in that Shay's only wish is to donate his heart to his victim's sister who desperately needs it. Long time Picoult may be disappointed at the speed of this book, but most will find it riveting. Especially with the religious overtones.