The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

ISBN: 1-74114-693-3
Year Published: 2006

This is a novel about date rape, and also family background and relationships.
There are a few issues addressed here:
1. Date Rape
2. Childhood background/past history
3. Husband and wife relationship
4. Family relationship

The whole plot centers on this family; the Stones - Daniel (father), Laura (mother), Trixie (Daughter).

Story/Plot:Daniel had a disturbing past during his childhood and youth when he grew up in Alaska, and he was someone that Laura would never have imagined she would end up maried to one day. However, his charms won her heart and academician Laura was soon pregnant with his child.

When Trixie was born, Daniel doted on her so much that he was willing to give up his career just to take care of her at home while Laura strives to establish her career in the academics. It was perhaps his love for Trixie, or his excitement to be a father which is a new role for him, but I think it had something to do with his past whereby he wanted to make sure Trixie was brought up with love and attention.

Daniel was extremely talented in drawing and was approached by renowned comic companies to work for them. After years of pushing them away from his doorstep, he finally accepted a work-from-home job to enable him to continue to care for Trixie.

Trixie grew into a pretty and rebellious fourteen year old, who was going through a transition period following her breakup with her boyfriend, Jason Underhill.
Unable to get over the break up and how her boyfriend seemed to be moving on with another girl, Trixie took her best friend's advice to try to make him jealous at a party by seducing other guys in the school. Her plan probably succeeded and Jason seemed to still care for her as he shielded her from being taken advantage of.

The story takes a turn when Daniel found Trixie in the house at 4am, after the party and she claimed that she had been raped by Jason Underhill.
Trixie was sent to the hospital for examination, while her mother could not be contacted at that time as she was breaking up with her student boyfriend whom she spent the night with.

Trixie's accusations led to Jason Underhill losing his scholarship and was to be tried in court, but the whole school sided with Jason and nobody believed in Trixie except her own family. At the same time, her parents were undergoing a tough time with each other following the discovery of her mother's cheating on her father.

The story turned more complex when Jason's side of the story was revealed, and suddenly, there was a vague line between the truth and imagination.
The change of events also led to Daniel having to return to Alaska to confront his own past while mending his relationship with his wife and daughter.

As usual, I will not reveal too much, as there is suspense to what you will find as you read.

My opinion:Honestly, I find the story a little slow, despite the good plot. The story started slowly with Daniel and Trixie, and then climaxed a little after Trixie's party but it plummeted down again when it came to finding Trixie.
I find the whole plot intriguing but the direction of the story seemed to heading in so many different directions that it got a little more complex than entertaining.
I wouldn't say this is my favorite book from Picoult, as I preferred her other books.

I was kinda disappointed in the twist of the story, I would say, but there was a very good insight in the story which led to many thought provoking questions:
1. Does a woman take her husband for granted when he becomes a home husband while she pursues her career? Will there be pride and inferiority complex in the household?

2. Can the past truly be put behind you, just by running away from the place where you came from?

3. Will you believe and stand for your daughter, despite her reputation and disobedience, even when the whole world tells you otherwise?

4. What are the lengths that parents would take just to protect their child?

5. Giving up on career to care for a child - is it truly for the best? Does that mean that your child will not grow up on the negative side?

There are just so many issues addressed, and the above are just a few that ran through my mind when I read the book.

I may consider reading it a second time, and I do recommend it to parents who are close to their children as it explores on the changes when the child grows into a teenager and how they became strangers overnight.

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

Synopsis from book:
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love - and justice?

In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futice justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son - no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice.

My version of synopsis (Warning: may contain spoilers)
Nina Frost was a district attorney who was strong-willed and confident as she strives to put her criminals in child sexual abuse cases behind the bars. She was so intent on doing her job well that she thought she was doing the right thing for all the parents and their child victim.
Her job was taking most of her time away from home, away from her husband and their five-year old son, Nathaniel but she perceived herself doing the right thing.

When Nathaniel loses his speech ability, Nina and her husband, Caleb were worried and a visit to the psychiatrist hinted at a possibility of sexual assault. The MD soon confirmed it from his anal examination and it was then that the truth hit Nina; her son had been anally raped and nobody knew the culprit except Nathaniel himsel but he was not speaking.

Nina, following their psychiatrist's recommendations soon resorted to sign language to communicate with Nathaniel but refused to believe that her husband's accusations were true; that she was intent to use the sign language to find out the culprit.
Then Nathaniel makes some surprising progress when he signed the symbol of father in the psychiatrist's office which led everyone to believe that Nathaniel's father, Caleb was the main suspect in the case. Nina, enraged and yet confused with the sudden revelation, resorted to shutting her husband out of their lives and requested for a restraining order so that her own son would not have to go to court. She had been seeing this too many times, and she could not put her own son through the repeated times of appearing in court and traumatizing him further.

However, Nathaniel soon revealed that Caleb was not the culprit but rather, an astonishing suspect; who was the local Catholic parish priest, Father Syzsynzki. This shocking revelation tore Nina's world apart as she feared her knowledge of the legal system and the consequences it would have on her son.

On the day of the hearing, she walked straight into the courtroom and shot the priest in his seat four times in his head. She was initially relieved with her actions although she was being shunned by her own husband, and her son, Nathaniel just wants her back at home. Her best friend, Patrick had to distance himself due to his awkward position and all of a sudden, she was not sure whether what she did was right or wrong anymore.

To make matters worse, the DNA report returned and revealed surprising results which turned Nina's world upside down when she realized she had made a mistake. She had killed an innocent man, and all of a sudden, her plan to plea for an acquittal based on insanity seemed no longer important as she regretted her dreadful actions.
The hearing continues on the case as all the characters in the story reflected on their own lives and what is important to each and everyone of them.

(Not revealing the ending of the story, it is too good and you will need to read it for yourself).

My opinion:
Another gripping novel which explored a taboo and unspeakable subject of trusted and respected priests who could lurk as predators behind the curtains of the majestic church. Ironically, Jodi Picoult claimed that she wrote this story before the news of the priests involved in sexual abuse surfaced.
It was a page-turner, this one, like most of Picoult's novels, and it was just so disturbing to read that a friendly and noble guy like a priest could be capable of such a despicable act. Then again, it also explored the notion that priests were just as human as all of us and that they are not invincible to sins and crimes.
It touched my heart to read about the perspectives from most of the characters; particularly Nina and the child victim, Nathaniel. A very good and engaging read.

What I liked
How the author narrated from the main characters; Nina on her views on the right act to protect her child and her regret over her actions and also Nathaniel, the five year old victim and how he perceived the whole sexual abuse case on himself.

What I disliked
Caleb; the character who was also deemed very important and imminent in the story but somehow, Patrick Ducharme, the detective and best friend of Nina got most of the limelight instead. It would be interesting to have heard his point of view in the whole case once in a while; as he was not just another devastated parent but he was also a distraught husband. I did like how he was finally mentioned towards the end; and his sentiments towards the hearing and torment on his child.

If I were the author, I would shine the torch a little on the perpetrator and to see from his sick eyes on how he committed the action. I don't mean explicit details or anything like that, but it could be written from his eyes and how he preyed on an unsuspecting child to lead him into his trap. Just a short excerpt in the story would do the trick.

My Verdict/Conclusion
Excellent read, highly recommended! Not for extremists in religion, nor the weak-hearted if you cannot be open-minded enough to accept the idea of a priest committing a crime.

Rating:
8.5 out of 10

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

This is one novel which can haunt your mind and soul; wandering between the right and wrong or what is ethical.

The birth of a child is indeed a happy and much celebrated in every household; and it was the same for Dr David Henry and his beloved wife, Norah.
On the night of her labor, there was a heavy snowfall which led to Dr David having to deliver his baby himself in his clinic with the assistance of his nurse, Caroline Gill.
He was elated with the healthy baby boy which came out and was relieved with the safe delivery when his wife had a second contraction and he was excited with the anticipation of twins in his household.
However, his happiness was short-lived when the second baby girl came out and displayed evident signs of Down Syndrome.
(It was back in the 1960s where they did not have the luxury of such advanced technology in medicine to diagnose at an early stage).

Devastated, Dr David Henry made a move which changed his and his family's life forever. He handed the baby girl to his nurse to be sent to a special home; while lying to his wife that their daughter died.
Caroline was secretly in love with the charming Dr David and was shocked with his decision.
Understanding his concerns, she then proceeded to the home according to his directions.

Upon reaching the home, Caroline could not bear to leave the baby girl; named Phoebe in such a miserable and isolated place and thinking of the impact it will have on her upbringing, she took leave and decided to raise Phoebe on her own; without informing Dr David.

She disappeared from her hometown and her job soon after; while at the same time, Norah and David's relationship start to drift apart following the supposed-death of their newborn daughter.
Norah was devastated with the news; and while David tried to do his best to fill the emptiness, Norah still struggled with the loss of her daughter and was frustrated with the nonchalant David who did not seem to lose sleep over the death of their own daughter.
Unknown to her, David was equally as upset as he had the same experience with the loss of his sister, June, who died of heart complications since young and was trying to protect Norah from suffering the same devastation with their daughter.
Norah, on the other hand, was angered and puzzled with his behavior which seemed to be cold and distant from the rest of the family.

As Paul grew up, he turned rebellious and was closer to Norah compared to the distant David.
David also found out that Caroline had been raising Phoebe on her own and was cross but continued to provide for Phoebe's living.

At the same time, the whole family had fallen apart; with Norah falling out of love with David and getting herself involved in flings and affairs while Paul just could not bring himself to communicate with his father.
David died later; and Caroline reappeared at his funeral and brought the groundbreaking news to Norah and Paul; revealing to them about Phoebe's existence and David's hardships throughout the years.

Norah was heartbroken and Paul continued to blame his father when he met his sister, who was now living happily.
Norah and Paul reunited with Phoebe and decided to let her live the way she had been living with Caroline; and with their constant visits.

It was truly a touching story; and it had me thinking about the right or wrong; and the moral values of the story.
However, to be frank, this is not a tale made out with a fancy imagination; but sadly, it is a re-enactment of a common issue plaguing our modern society these days.

We do protest that it is wrong to do something like that; and we can hold banners or scribble profanities on message boards or forums; condemning such despicable actions.

At the same time, let's turn the picture around and look at it from a different point of view.
It is easy to say what we think is right simply because, we are not even in the picture. We are looking at it from a third person's point of view and of course, it's easy to be judgmental.

Slipping ourselves into the same shoes the person is wearing; in this case, it would be Dr David Henry, and look at the scenario from his eyes.
1. He is a doctor with a past experience/knowledge of the complications which may arise from such cases resulting from the syndrome.
2. He loved his wife and knew her well enough to know that she will not be able to accept the fact about their daughter and further anticipate her death in the future, would be too much for her to handle
3. He was afraid to suffer the same loss and pain similar to his sister's which also tore his own family apart
4. He did not know what to do at the point of a time

It is not untrue; nobody would know what to do when it comes to situations like these especially since we live in such a superficial and materialistic society which seems to focus on everything that is good and perfect in appearance and looks.
Even someone with slight imperfections would be disregarded immediately; and how would they survive and hold their heads up in the world in the future?
It was split of a second and I believed that as a father, Dr David did tell himself that would be the best thing he could do to ensure that there is happiness for the family and also at the same time, special care for the child.

Morally, what he did was of course, wrong because he is the father of the baby girl; whether she was born perfect or with a defect.
No matter what, it is not reasonable to abandon your own flesh and blood like she's just unwanted garbage. It was too cruel to a certain extent.

Secondly, he did not even make it a point to discuss with his wife and had immediately made his own decision.
His wife was right, he did not even give them a chance to decide on what is right and best for the family.

It was truly a touching and thought-provoking story and the author has written it so beautifully. It could warm your heart and soul; and I am truly touched by the whole story from the birth of Phoebe to the reunion with her mother and brother.

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult writes in a captivating manner; that's all I can say about Plain Truth.

The story of the known Amish Community in the state of Pennslyvania, United States of America, it follows the lifetsyle and strict religious beliefs practised by this enclosed community lining the outskirts of the country.
The peaceful community lives in a world of their own and make rare contacts with the outside world; unbothered by the news and happenings in the world, until one day, a newborn baby boy was found dead in the barn of an Amish family and this hailed all the outsiders including the cops and the lawyers to the closed community.

The evidence led to a shocking discovery that an unmarried 18-year old Amish girl, Katie Fisher may be the mother of the baby boy and also, the murderer of her own son.
Despite the protests of the community and the denial of the suspect herself, the law enforcers had to step in to bring justice to life.

The story then leads to the appearance of Ellie Hathaway; a lawyer who appears to have her own personal and work issues, who is brought into defending Katie against the conviction.
Thinking that it was just the same as all her other cases, Ellie suddenly finds herself being thrown into the Amish community herself as part of the deal to keep Katie in her custody during the trial.

It was rather annoying when Katie kept denying that she had given birth despite all the evidence and even medical reports that her health condition and the bleeding points to her being a recent mother.
Ellie started off annoyed with Katie's constant denial but the longer time she spends with Katie, she found herself more drawn towards her.
She discovered more and more information about Katie which continues to point towards the strong motive Katie has to kill her own baby.
During the process, Ellie has to struggle with her own past and her own relationship issues and trying her best not to be influenced by the emotional tag she has with Katie.

It was a good pace, and the way the story is unraveled is really great.
I found myself hooked onto the story, and understanding (losing that annoyance) with Katie Fisher.

Touching and definitely a recommended read.
Teaches a few things about life's lessons and it's all about perspectives!


This must be one of the best books I've ever read!