"I'm not racist." or "I don't see color." is a phrase many say, even I have said it before. What I didn't understand before reading Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was that I was awarded certain privileges b/c I am white.
I appreciated the way Picoult wrote about racism and this sensitive topic. I appreciate the fact that she didn't try to write as if she understood what it was like to be black. Instead she allowed the reader to have their eyes opened about white privileges along side Kennedy, the white lawyer for Ruth.
This page turner received 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. This book is fabulous. The story keeps you thinking, grabs your emotionally, and not only entertains but enlightens and inspires. "We may not all be able to do great things, but we can do small things in a great way."
I loved the character development both Ruth and Kennedy experienced throughout the story. These two main characters grew and became not only stronger but a better version of themselves. I loved how strong both of the women characters were and became.
To be honest, I didn't realize how much hate white supremacists have for blacks; I was definitely naive in this area. I didn't realize people could hate another so much without even knowing them, but strictly on their beliefs or color of skin. I didn't realize the privileges that come with being white; privileges like not be followed in a store, or having my bag checked when I leave a store. In some ways I felt Small Great Things was a Racism 101 class. It is definitely a tough subject to write about, but Picoult wrote it like a champion.
Small Great Things lost half a star b/c there were a few parts of the story that were unrealistic. There was a surprising twist near the end that allowed the story to work out far too perfectly. As well as that perfect twist, the ending had far too much of a Happily Ever After to really make this book seem unrealistic in major parts.
Overall, Small Great Things is a fantastic book, and Picoult again delivers another great read. I have really enjoyed most of the Jodi Picoult books I've read. If you are like me, then check out these reviews, this book, and this one was unique; definitely check out this book list for Picoult fans as well.
Amazon has the following book description just to give you a little more background of the story:
"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."
Happy Eyeopening Adult Contemporary Fiction reading!
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: Adults, Young Adults and College Students
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: I say no, but if you are an avid Picoult fan you probably already own it.
Read Aloud: Not so much, unless you are a high school English teacher, or want to discuss a sensititve topic with you teenage kiddo.
Lesson Ideas: Racial Awareness, Racism, White Privilege,
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SPOILER ALERT
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Seriously, did you see Brittany being half black? OMG!
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