62 pages • 2 hours read
Ordinary People
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Book Brief
263
Novel • Fiction
Suburban Chicago • 1970s
1976
Adult
15-18 years
600L
Super Short Summary
Ordinary People by Judith Guest follows the Jarrett family after two traumatic events: the death of their eldest son, Buck, in a sailing accident, and the younger son, Conrad's, suicide attempt. The story focuses on their struggle to cope with grief and rebuild their lives. Conrad grapples with his emotions, seeking solace in therapy, while his parents, Cal and Beth, navigate their own complex grief and relationship dynamics. The book depicts sensitive topics including suicide, self-harm, and controversial mental health treatments such as electroshock therapy.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
23,478 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ordinary People by Judith Guest receives praise for its emotional depth, authentic portrayal of grief, and well-developed characters. However, some critics find its pacing slow and the narrative overly somber. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of family dynamics and personal healing, though its tone may not suit all readers.
Who Should Read Ordinary People?
Readers who appreciate Ordinary People by Judith Guest are often intrigued by emotionally nuanced family dramas. Fans of novels like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or A Separate Peace by John Knowles will find this book compelling, as it delves deeply into themes of grief, guilt, and the complexities of human relationships.
23,478 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cal Jarrett
Cal Jarrett
A tax attorney and father who struggles to balance his roles within the family while coping with past and present emotional burdens.
Beth Jarrett
Beth Jarrett
The image-conscious matriarch of the Jarrett family whose relationship with her son is strained following a family tragedy.
Dr. Berger
Dr. Berger
An unconventional psychiatrist who provides critical emotional support and guidance to Conrad as he recovers from his mental health crisis.
Joe Lazenby
Joe Lazenby
Conrad’s loyal friend from the swim team who remains supportive throughout Conrad's struggles and plays a vital role in his process of healing.
Jeanine Pratt
Jeanine Pratt
A new student and talented singer who becomes an important source of emotional connection and understanding for Conrad.
Jordan “Buck” Jarrett
Jordan “Buck” Jarrett
Conrad’s older brother, whose vibrant personality and untimely death profoundly affect the family dynamics and Conrad’s sense of identity.
Karen
Karen
A friend Conrad met during his hospital stay who shares a similar background of struggling with mental health, representing both connection and complexity in recovery.
263
Novel • Fiction
Suburban Chicago • 1970s
1976
Adult
15-18 years
600L
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