63 pages • 2 hours read
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528
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult follows Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse, accused of murder by white supremacist parents, Turk and Brittany Bauer, after their baby dies under her care. The story explores themes of systemic racism as Ruth's court-appointed attorney, Kennedy; Turk; and Ruth navigate the ensuing legal battle. Sensitive topics addressed include racism, radicalization, and suicide.
Challenging
Emotional
Heartwarming
Informative
492,103 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things delves into complex social issues with compelling characters and immersive storytelling. Praised for its thought-provoking themes on race and prejudice, it has been criticized for occasionally oversimplifying the nuanced topics it aims to explore. Overall, it is lauded for sparking important conversations and its emotional depth.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult will captivate readers who value thought-provoking, socially conscious fiction. Fans of The Help by Kathryn Stockett or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will appreciate its exploration of race, prejudice, and moral dilemmas. This novel is perfect for those who enjoy intense, character-driven narratives.
492,103 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Adisa/Rachel
Ruth’s sister who embraces her African heritage by adopting a new name, representing a different approach to coping with racial identity and societal expectations.
Edison Jefferson
Ruth’s teenage son, who experiences the complexities of fitting in both white and black communities while learning to adapt to different social environments.
Lou Brooks
Ruth and Adisa’s mother, who works as a domestic and tries to instill gratitude and awareness of societal inequalities in her daughters.
Turk Bauer
A character linked to white supremacy who undergoes a significant personal transformation throughout the narrative.
Brittany Bauer
Turk’s wife, who struggles with grief and hatred following a personal tragedy, leading to complex revelations about her family background.
Francis Mitchum
Brittany’s father, representing an older generation of white supremacists who adapts his beliefs over time.
Kennedy McQuarrie
A public defender dedicated to her work, who grapples with understanding her own privileges and biases while striving to improve and advocate for justice.
Wallace Mercy
A media personality reminiscent of real-life activists, who speaks out on racial issues and resonates with some characters’ suppressed emotions.
528
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
HL800L
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