Second Glance: A Novel

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It's a hit!

My third Jodi Picoult book, and very different from the others that I’ve read, the subject matter being of ghosts and unbelievable happenings in th... (show more)

My third Jodi Picoult book, and very different from the others that I’ve read, the subject matter being of ghosts and unbelievable happenings in the town of Comtosook, Vermont. The story dives backwards and forwards from the 1930s to present day, and centres on the investigation of a 70 year old murder, the story of the Abenaki people and their treatment by the townspeople , and a piece of land, said to be a burial ground, and sold to a property developer to build a shopping mall. The characters are beautifully drawn and the plot, twists and turns taking the reader on an unbelievable journey . At times light hearted, but always in the background the sinister Eugenics programme of the first half of the 20th century, and it’s devastating effect on the Native Americans and other ethnic minorities in the town.
I would highly recommend this book – a super read, but it does need time and patience in the early chapters. (show less)

 

 

by Gillian Margaret Poxon

No, it's a flop!

Not really finished. Couldn't make it through the first two chapters, too confusing and jumps from one character to the other way too much. Just co... (show more)

Not really finished. Couldn't make it through the first two chapters, too confusing and jumps from one character to the other way too much. Just couldn't get into it so am starting another one of hers and will come back to this one later, maybe. (show less)

 

 

by Carissa Palmiter Smith

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  I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Jodi Picoult. I read Plain Truth a few years back and it was and remains my favourite of her novels. I've read a lot of her stuff because I keep on expecting to find another Plain Truth and so far it hasn't happened, but Second Glance was almost there.
  It was a good page turner in that I really wanted to know how the issues would be resolved, but Idid lose inberest a bit in the very last part of the book when I should have been gaining interest in my o... (show more)

  I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Jodi Picoult. I read Plain Truth a few years back and it was and remains my favourite of her novels. I've read a lot of her stuff because I keep on expecting to find another Plain Truth and so far it hasn't happened, but Second Glance was almost there.
  It was a good page turner in that I really wanted to know how the issues would be resolved, but Idid lose inberest a bit in the very last part of the book when I should have been gaining interest in my opinion.
  For me her characters sometimes let her down. They start of okay but quickly become very irritating. In this book , Ross, who should have had all my sympathy, just got on my nerves. Her male protaganists are sometimes just too much. Too good, too sensitive, too feeling, whatever. You end up wanting to shake them. They are just not real enough.
  I liked the sub plot around Shelby and Eli and I found their interaction moving and gently amusing.

  On the whole a good page turner with a good, story line. I knew absolutely nothing about the role of eugenics in pre 1940 America and was shocked but not totally surprised by the facts bought to light here. (show less)

   

  by Lesley Southgate on Sep 18, 2009 at 07:18AM

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  As usual tis is a great book by Picoult, but I would NOT reccomend it for a first time Picoult reader. This book weaves together many different characters and storylines to a beautiful ending, but getting there can be VERY confusing at first. But if you like Jodi, you'll love this book. it has her usual - emotionally challenging story, incredible research, characters who you actually care about and are interested in, and so much more. This book may be about the supernatural world, but it'... (show more)

  As usual tis is a great book by Picoult, but I would NOT reccomend it for a first time Picoult reader. This book weaves together many different characters and storylines to a beautiful ending, but getting there can be VERY confusing at first. But if you like Jodi, you'll love this book. it has her usual - emotionally challenging story, incredible research, characters who you actually care about and are interested in, and so much more. This book may be about the supernatural world, but it's not necessary to believe in the supernatural to enjoy the story. Although, I can admit, that it probably doesn't hurt either.
  If you have read a couple of her novels and really enjoyed them I think you should probably give this one a chance. I admit even I had a very hard time getting through all the various character introductions and such, but once that is all finished and you can move on to just enjoying the story - it's a great one. (show less)

   

   

  by Syndie Toth on Sep 08, 2009 at 09:40AM

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