I am going to do my best to do this book the justice it deserves. This is going to be less of a review of the book and more about what this book taught me…
Author: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Contemporary
Version: eBook
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine
Source: NetGalley
Book Synopsis:
Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.
With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn’t offer easy answers. Small Great Things is a remarkable achievement from a writer at the top of her game.
My Thoughts:
I know fans of Jodi Picoult have been disappointed in some of her more recent works, but I’m here to tell you that Jodi is back! I’ve read a few of Picoult’s books: My Sister’s Keeper, Plain Truth, and Nineteen Minutes, all of which I loved, but Small Great Things is my favorite Picoult book thus far.
I actually read Small Great Things coming off of my shock at reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. In The Underground Railroad, we are really shown the horrific truths about the history of slavery in America. In contrast, Small Great Things tackles modern day racism and white privilege. I learned so much from both of these books.
In Small Great Things, Picoult fleshes out three very distinct voices in Ruth, Turk, and Kennedy. Ruth, a L&D nurse and woman of color; Turk, a white supremist active in “the movement”; Kennedy, a white defense attorney. The three different perspectives here work so well together. Honestly, I don’t think this book would have worked as well as it did with only one or two perspectives, they are all needed to get the message across.
Ruth was such an amazing character; she’s hardworking, proud, and smart. She has worked hard for everything in her life, never receiving a hand out. Ruth is put into a situation where she really is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t. Does she help the baby and go against the parent’s wishes, or does she respect the parents wishes and go against her oath as a nurse? I really admired her strength and courage throughout the book.
“Comments like this feel like paper cuts…White people don’t mean half the offensive things that come out of their mouths, and so I try not to let myself get rubbed the wrong way.”
Kennedy goes through the most growth in this book, thanks to Ruth of course. Often I would read a scene from Kennedy’s point of view and no red flags would go up, but once we see the same situation through Ruth’s eyes, I would see how problematic it was. Kennedy claims that she does not see people in relation to their race, or “color-blindness” as she liked to say, but Ruth really shows her that this is dismissing her experiences as a woman of color. This is why the multiple perspectives were so important for this book, Picoult uses Kennedy to show white people how ignorant we can be to the privileges we enjoy.
“I don’t think about being white. I told you the first time we sat down – I don’t see color.”
“Not all of us have that privilege.”
Turk’s perspective was hard to endure, but necessary as well. Picoult really showed how white supremacy groups are almost cult like. These people recruit impressionable people who need something to believe in and fill them with hate. I am not defending him or his actions, but I can understand the circumstances in his life that molded him into what he became.
“There is a hierarchy to hate, and it’s different for everyone. Personally, I hate spics more than I hate Asians, I hate Jews more than that, and at the very top of the chart, I despise blacks. But even more than any of these groups, the people you hate the most are antiracist White folks. Because they are turncoats.”
Small Great things really opened up my eyes to the fact that racism is still embedded into our society… When flipping through a magazine, how did I never notice that the ads (for makeup, shampoo, etc) were all products geared towards white people? Why didn’t it ever bother me that some of my favorite TV shows growing up had a predominantly white cast? The simple answer is that I didn’t have to. Being born white in the United States is like hitting the race jackpot. I can go to a bookstore and find thousands of books that I can see myself in. I can flip on the TV and go through channel after channel and see the same. I can walk into a drug store and see the shelves lined with products that are geared towards me. Basically, I am living in a country tailored to white people.
“How incredibly easy it is to hide behind white skin…”
I strongly encourage you to read the author’s note at the end of this book. Picoult shares that she was very intimidated by writing this book (putting it off for 20 years), but that she felt compelled to write this story. It is clear that she did a tremendous about of research in order to compile this novel. I am so glad that she wrote this book, not only because I got so much out of it, but because she has such a loyal band of followers that will read this book. Many of her followers may not typically pick up books that tackle race issues and white privilege, so these issues will get the exposure they deserve.
Picoult really made me think about some of my own words and actions (or lack of) and how I didn’t even realize I have been passively racist in my life. By not actively participating to put a stop to racism, I am passively racist. I am a bystander, and this needs to change.
Still fuzzy on what passive racism is? I’m going to share a personal story with you all. This is a perfect example of passive racism…
A few months ago, I was standing at the bus stop waiting for my son to get picked up for school. There was another mother with her daughter, and a grandmother with her grandchildren. We were chatting about Trick-or-Treating, as Halloween had been the night before, and how thankful we were that the weather had been so nice. This got us talking about Halloweens in the past that had been terrible because of bad weather. One year in particular, Beggar’s Night had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. It was moved to a weekend night that year, and we were talking about how many trick-or-treaters it had brought to our neighborhood that year when we typically do not have many at all. At this point, the grandmother said something along the lines of “It brought a lot of people here that you don’t want here…darks, if you know what I mean.” I was shocked at this statement. I couldn’t believe this woman would say something so horrible. I was absolutely speechless. Thankfully the kids were all running around and didn’t hear this blatantly racist comment. I knew I should say something, but what? Did I really want to start a confrontation with a woman that I see 5 mornings a week? Instead I adverted my eyes and ignored the comment. This decision to not act haunted me the rest of the day as I played the scenario over and over in my mind. I thought about it for the days and weeks the followed. Why did I feel so guilty? It isn’t like I made the comment… “I’m not racist, that woman is!” is how I justified my inaction. After reading Small Great Things, it made me realize that by not speaking up, I was just as guilty as the woman who made the racist comment.
Why am I sharing this story? While it is true that I may receive some backlash from this personal story, I feel it is something that needs to be shared. How else are things going to change if we don’t start talking about these problems? How are people like me, who enjoy privileges simply because I was born white, going to learn if we don’t have these uncomfortable conversations?
“It is a good question, one that I feel all the way to my own core. Is it better not knowing the ugly truth, and pretending it doesn’t exist? Or is it better to confront it, even though that knowledge may be a weight you carry around forever?”
This book was not without a few small issues. Personally, I did not care for how things wrapped up so neatly in the end, particularly for Turk. I just don’t think it was believable. Sure, I would like to think this is how things would have panned out, but I just don’t think it was realistic. Furthermore, I felt like some of the side plots, particularly those that involved Edison, were a tad distracting to the main storyline. I feel the book could have been simplified, thus making this book less busy.
Bottom line, this is an important book. I learned so much from it, and it really opened up my eyes to things I have said and done (or not done) that are problematic. Things that I need to change and improve on. Most importantly I think this book will get people talking and having conversations that need to be had.
My Rating:
*Big thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Your story actually resonates with me because I experienced something very similar once at my children’s bus stop. The woman never ceased to make hurtful remarks that I would sort of “avoid” because I was not looking for a fight. But then one day I snapped and picked one. I proclaimed loudly that her behaviour was completely unacceptable and she needed to refrain from her remarks in front of the children. I let her know that some of strive to teach better. It was awkward for the remainder of the year as she began waiting silently across the street instead of with the group. But looking back I am okay with my outburst 😉
I also have a bad habit of being passive. Well it is not always bad, but another topic recently reminded me that a silent voice can be as damaging as the wrong voice. Sorry for rambling, I am just saying I understand ❤
I enjoyed this review a lot.
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Thank you for sharing that! I am so glad you “snapped” and was able to put a stop to harmful remarks! I would like to think that if my children had heard her comment, I would have said something. I definitely know that if she says something like that again I will not be remaining silent.
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Oh I have no doubt that if you were put in the position where the kids could hear, you would have done the same. That is what drove me over the brink. I can tolerate ignorance to an extent myself, but never around my kids. You know how it is ❤
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I do. Unfortunately I’ve had to do this to a family member. Coincidently I have no problem speaking my mind when the person is a friend or family member.
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Haha, funny how that works 😉
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Wow Amanda, this review is awesome! This book has been on my TBR for a while now and I keep pushing it out (don’t ask me why)… Based solely on your review it’s been moved back to the top of my list!! Thank you for that!!! (oh and your pictures are phenomenal too BTW, I love them!)
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Thank you so much, it really means a lot to me. I hope you get as much out of it as I did. Also, thank you for complimenting my pictures! A lot of behind the scenes work goes into them, so I feel validated now lol
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Your welcome, they’re perfect! 😍
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Fabulous review! I have a copy from BEA that’s been sitting on the shelf since May. I will be working it in somewhere this year after reading this review.
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Thanks Ann Marie! I hope you get as much out of it as I did. I learned so much about our society, and also myself.
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I hope you don’t receive any backlash for sharing your story. Racism is rife in the US but much if it these days is passive. The important thing now is to be aware of it and try to change.
As for Picoult, I’ve never before read her books but I like what you’ve shared here so I’d like to give it a try.
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Thank you so much! Honestly I wouldn’t blame anyone for calling me a coward because I was one. I hope you do read it! I would love to know what you think.
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I think you did a great job reviewing Small Great Things! And I loved that you were brave enough to share a personal story. It’s so easy to not get just how subtle racism can be. I agree that it was an extremely important book and feel like anyone would learn (and should learn) so much from reading it. That being said, the ending prevented me from giving it the five stars you did. I dislike neat and tidy endings anyway, and it seemed especially annoying for Turk to get one!
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Thank you! I really went back and forth with how many starts to give this book. I also did not agree with the ending, BUT I got so much out of this book that I felt that the 5 stars was still deserved.
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I thoroughly enjoyed your review Amanda!!! In making it personal, you are making changes for personal growth. I am really looking forward to this book & like that it’s told in multiple PIV’s because as you’ve pointed out, it’s necessary to have each side in order for this book to work. I know I will feel a range of emotions reading this book but I’m ready for it. Discussion is being had all over the country & although we will all feel discomfort at some point or another, it IS necessary. Great job <3! 🙌🏼💜🙌🏼
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Thank you so much Lilly. I got so much out of this book and really think it has helped me see things in a whole new light. I think there are so many white people who, like me, didn’t really understand how much privilege we still have in today’ society. It also showed me at how by not actively trying to change this fact, I am contributing to the problem.
I would love to see what you think of it since I know you bought your copy already.
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😃 these are my fave types of books, the ones that although uncomfortable…will make you grow as a person🙌🏼 life is once again settling down for me and this one is at the top of my list to read this year 😉
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Praise this review! You did a wonderful job. I struggled with my review of this book because I didn’t want to offend anyone in the process. This is flawless! Great job and I agree with you 1000%.
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Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. I think the key to writing a review for this one is to be completely honest and write what this book taught you. Most people at going to appreciate honesty.
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I agree.
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Glad you loved it. A well researched novel is a pleasure to read
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Loooooved this review and also reading your personal experience and what you learned from it as well. Thank you so much for sharing that experience with us. I cannot wait to read this book and the multiple POVs has caught even more of attention because of the themes of this book. Much love! ❤
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Thank you so much Gretchen. I was so nervous posting this one as I was afraid you all would think less of me. My hope was to show people how much I got out of this book and maybe open just one other person’s eyes.
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And you excelled on that!!
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This was a fantastic review.Thank you for all of your personal insight!!
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Thank you so much!
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Fantastic review! I really loved this book for the story and for the way it challenged me about passive racism in my own life as well.
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Thank you so much! I’m so happy this book challenged you as it did me. These are some of my favorite types of books.
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I’ve read a couple of Picoult’s books before and have enjoyed them, so I’m interested in reading this book especially since it tackles some prominent issues in today’s society. Though I’m so comfortable with reading everyday fiction or fantasy novels, I’ve found myself taking a break every once in a while to read a lot more non-fiction/fiction books like Picoult’s that address race among other issues. Sometimes they can be hard to read, but I agree with what you say about needing to be exposed to books like these so we can be more aware and knowledgeable about issues such as these. I also like that you tied in your own personal experiences with this review. Thank you for sharing Amanda!
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If you are a Picoult fan, then I’m sure you will find this will be one of your favorites! Thank you so much. Sharing personal stories where you are not portrayed in the best light is not easy, but it was something I was compelled to do as I felt it could teach others.
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Excellent review! You have just convinced me I need to pick up my copy no matter what happens this month… I enjoy Picoult’s work in general, but this one sounds without doubt like a true gem.
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If you are a Picoult fan, I think you will find this will be one of her favorite books of hers. I hope you get as much out of it as I did 🙂
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You’ve got me itching to pick this up now! I went through a phase about 6 years ago of reading loads of Piccoult but I did find her newer stuff lacked something. This sounds right up my alley though something to really get me thinking!
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You must! I heard many of her fans say that they felt she was losing her edge, but she definitely has her edge back.
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I used a credit and got it on audiuble yesterday 😊
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I’ve just finished the book, and your review is spot on. I think the story will stay with me for a long, long time.
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The mark of a good book I would say! Thank you so much 🙂
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