Picture Perfect

There is WAY TOO MUCH going on in this story..Hollywood glamour, Indian mythology, Anthropology, Domestic violence...rates down with romance novels. This is definately not the author's best. I am thinking of giving up on it. A BIG disappointment!

Being a Jodi Picoult fan (as in, I devour her books one after another), I bought this book at a used bookstore in my town. After sitting on the shelf for awhile, I thought I'd add it to my summer reading list. I love her writing, but I really think it's developed throughout the years. I have not read all of her books, but can definitely see an improvement and difference between this one and, say, My Sister's Keeper.

Just like all her books, this one kept my attention. I like how it wandered back and forth between the past and present. I didn't quite understand Will's role in the book, as he seems to be forgotten throughout the whole second part ("1989-1993"). I wasn't sure if he would have a police role or more of a savior role, and it turned out to be the latter.

It is obvious that she did her research on the celebrity lifestyle and also on anthropology. I like how she gives her women characters highly-esteemed occupations. Even if the book wasn't her best, I am still encouraged by Cassie's profession as a professor of anthropology.

It was still a good read and I don't regret spending a few hours in all reading it. But now I will be on to bigger and better things from this beautiful and talented author... The Tenth Circle.

I am a HUGE Jodi Picoult fan, who has happily worked my way through everything she has written. My Sisters Keeper is especially dear to me. Picture Perfect was for me interesting though the subject matter made me uncomfortable I pushed through and read what turned out to be a very believable portrayal of the cycle of domestic violence. It is accurate in the thoughts and ideas that inspire someone to stay in a relationship that isn't healthy, in more ways than one, and I found myself equally disgusted with Alex as I was understanding of his characters flaws. He was someone whose first person account would have aided in the understanding of women everywhere, of the thought process of the person who abuses. Though at points I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at some points that were simply to unbelievable, I walked away understanding the point of view of many women I have heard of and pitied instead of applauding for there strength.

This is my third Jodi Picoult book, the first was "Plain Truth" which I found completely amazing and engrossing. It's difficult for me to explain exactly why I love this author so much - because it's sometimes an inner battle to even read her stories, because the topics are often painful or disturbing. But that's what makes her so good - and although I am admittedly an "escapist" reader who usually reads just for entertainment - reading this was still pure pleasure. A few other reviewers complained about implausibility in this story; I enjoyed the presentation of characters who were very diverse and accomplished, yet still flawed in such basic ways. I also enjoyed the method she uses in this story, the piecing together of the character's past in flashbacks. Good imagery, interesting characters, a great ending. Definitely worth reading, in my opinion.

My husband bought this book for me and I have to say it is not a book I would normally pick up. I also have to say...I loved it! It was a very entertaining story with several plot twists along the way. I enjoyed the writing style and would highly recommend this book for taking on a relaxing trip this summer.