Hollow Bones - by Jodi Picoult (Hardcover)

Molly Fitzgerald is an enigma, a get-things-done leader of the Department of Emergency Preparedness in Rhode Island, the survivor of a mom who died at the World Trade Center in NYC, a wife and a woman about to have her world turned upside down by the tiny being growing inside her. Her husband Jesse is a top polygraph expert who works hard and wants his wife to be a wife, not just always preparing for the next emergency. This book is filled with emotional ups and downs, which caused me to have conflicting emotions as I read. At times, I didn’t know whether I should be cheering or crying because not all that happens in the novel was cause for a celebration. As usual, the author presents a plot that begs to be thought about and discussed, not rushed through and done. The characters are as multi-layered as the plot, with a complexity that was at first hard for me to comprehend but as I got more into the story and saw how they were developing, I appreciated their layers and their complicated relationships. I enjoyed the story and was not surprised by the author’s tendency to weave her political beliefs into the fabric of the plot as I had anticipated it. I enjoyed the entertainment and the compelling story with its sensitivity for victims of life-changing events. The plot is deeply immersive and included authentic details that led to a strong story with a lot of depth. With a high degree of believability and sharp writing, this book is a must-read for fans of Picoult and those looking for an addictive and relevant book. This novel is remarkably written with some truth built into the fiction so it was hard to discern the difference as I was reading. In fact, I had to continue to remind myself that the story is fiction. A satisfying read with strong imagery and a very poignant story. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

This is a powerful book that stirs the soul. Jodi Picoult has a way of taking you right into a story with emotional burdens and unexpected twists. This story relayed how parents can cause years of therapy for their adult children with emotional and physical abuse. Also, it showed how genetics plays a role with mental illness. It made you feel for the stepmom and her father with heavy grieving. Much was about family drama, relationships and love. Each part was well-crafted, gripping and unforgettable. It would be an excellent choice for book clubs.