Helpful Score: 10
This book started out really slow for me. I had to kind of slog through the first 100 pages or so. It just wasn't grabbing me. Then I stayed up all night reading the rest of it. Figures.
What also figures is that the ending confused me and made me crazy. I realize the author does that to make you interpret it how you will, but in the meantime, those last 2 little paragraphs are driving me crazy even though I finished the book several days ago.
I know what *I* think happened, but after 400+ pages, I want the author to tell me if I'm right or wrong, dag-nab-it! :-)
Another well written book. Good for Ms. Picoult.
Now, write a book with an ending I can understand, you make me feel stupid! ;)
What also figures is that the ending confused me and made me crazy. I realize the author does that to make you interpret it how you will, but in the meantime, those last 2 little paragraphs are driving me crazy even though I finished the book several days ago.
I know what *I* think happened, but after 400+ pages, I want the author to tell me if I'm right or wrong, dag-nab-it! :-)
Another well written book. Good for Ms. Picoult.
Now, write a book with an ending I can understand, you make me feel stupid! ;)
Helpful Score: 9
Although I tolerated this Picoult title better than THE TENTH CIRCLE, it was another one that I could have lived without. I just never connected to the characters, and couldn't get involved in the story like I did with MY SISTER'S KEEPER and NINETEEN MINUTES.
I know others have read this book and loved it, and I totally appreciate their opinions! For me, though, this one just wasn't a winner.
I know others have read this book and loved it, and I totally appreciate their opinions! For me, though, this one just wasn't a winner.
Helpful Score: 5
Faith, a child with no religious background, begins to hear divine voices, starts recitating biblical passages, and develops stigmata. All this starts happening after a rapid divorce between her parents. A custody battle insues and what little stability the family has left is threatened.
A good, interesting book. I was especially intriqued by the ending.
A good, interesting book. I was especially intriqued by the ending.
Helpful Score: 5
She is just incredible. Her books aren't easy to read, but they're not easy to put down either. This one was hard because being about a woman and her little girl, it struck a little too close too home, but it's such an intense book, I couldn't put it down. She puts you through the wringer!
Helpful Score: 5
I was hooked within the first page of this book! Picoult has completely grasped the feelings of motherhood. This goes to the top of my favorite books by this author...right next to My Sister's Keeper. It's an amazing story of a mother's love for her child and incredible strength to protect her. It leaves you wondering a lot about your own Faith!
Helpful Score: 4
I really like Jodi Picoult. This book made you think about why do you believe in God, and if having faith in something is the same as being religious. What if something you thought your whole life was fact, but then someone who you love and trust tells you differently, who do you believe?
Helpful Score: 4
I thought that this was a really good book, but I thought that it lacked a good ending. A lot of Jodi Picoult's books have some sort of shocker or unbelievable ending. This one really didn't have it. I took me about a week to read this book because I wasn't that excited about it. I recommed this book for all Jodi Picoult fans, but I don't think that this book will be their favorite.
Helpful Score: 4
Not sure how I feel about this one. The story of a girl who, with her mom, walks in on her dad with another woman. The little girl starts seeing visions of God, can quote scripture, even though she has never been taught it, can heal, raise from the dead and has stigmata. The story weaves in an atheist television host, the grandmother, the Catholic church, Jewish priests and the firestorm that is created when people hear of the girl Faith. I did enjoy reading the book, taking it for what it is fiction. I know there are some controversial things in it, but Jodi Picoult can tell a good story and she always makes you think.
Helpful Score: 3
This is my first Jodi Picoult book and I loved the story line and characters -- I read this book in a few days, and I am on to her next book. She has a very descriptive style of writing, and it was hard to put down -- I highly recommend!
Helpful Score: 3
At its heart, this story IS about faith. Do you have faith in yourself? Do you have faith in the people that you love? And it is about how you use your faith in yourself and others close to you to meet the challenges of your life, and the lives of those close to you.
Another lovely book by Jodi Picoult.
Another lovely book by Jodi Picoult.
Helpful Score: 3
A great novel by Jodi Picoult. This was my first book from her...and it will not be my last!!
Helpful Score: 3
Another classic Picoult. I really enjoyed this one and could not put it down. Ian Fletcher kept me guessing until the very end...I was just not sure about him.
This was an excellent book. I found this book abandoned at a gym and decided to read it. Good thing I did. I hadn't previously read anything from Jodi Picoult. I now plan to read all of her other books.
Helpful Score: 3
Picoult is an amazing author who writes about very vivid characters with real problems.
Helpful Score: 3
I am in the process of reading every book Jodi Picoult has written, I LOVE her books - except this one. I tried two or three times to get into this book and I just can't read it. There were events that were a bit far fetched, but otherwise, I was just bored.
Really good book, it kept me second guessing who's side to be on.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! Another book that I just can't put down by Jodi Picoult. She captivates my attention from the very beginning with every book of hers that I have read. The issues about stigmata, religion, relationships, and other controversial topics are well covered by Jodi in this book. Really makes a person think...
Helpful Score: 2
Jodi Picoult never ceases to make a person think while reading her novels. She includes enough real information to make her stories believable. She is an incredible author! This said, the ending to this particular nevel was predictable, and a disappointment, but, the emotional ride you take to get there makes it well worth reading.
Helpful Score: 2
LOVED the book. I've read 2 Picoult books and found both endings to be a little weak, but I could not put them down until then.
Helpful Score: 2
So far, I've read just one other book by Jodi Picoult. But she is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her books, the plots, the characters. She make you feel as if you are right there watching each even unfold right in front of you. This book spoke of a lot of religion and of the fate of a child being torn apart by her parents sudden divorce. I loved how Jodi Picoult, refered to so many different religions in just one book, and the knowledge that she had about each one amazes me. I give this book a two thumbs up, and would recommend it to anyone that loves to read, and wouldn't mind reading about religious topics.
Helpful Score: 2
This was an interesting read; as a person who has no real interest in religious affairs, I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't bore me! Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of Picoult's other works I would recommend it to her fans.
Helpful Score: 1
Picoult is such a talented author. I'm working on reading all of her books. I haven't read one yet that I didn't love/hate/not put down!
Helpful Score: 1
Powerful; you'll remember this one.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It had a great plot and was fast reading
Helpful Score: 1
Another amazing Jodi Picoult book. Here she delves into a more spiritual theme. I enjoy all her books.
Helpful Score: 1
Jodi Picoult never disappoints. Keeping Faith examines belief, miracles and the complex core of family.
Helpful Score: 1
Gripping read! A recently divorced woman discovers that her young daughter may be seeing God and doing acts of martydom... or is she? You won't be able to put this down!
Helpful Score: 1
Probably the most interesting story of all her novels, you can appreciate the amount of research that went in to making this novel believable.
Helpful Score: 1
I've read two other books by Jodi Picoult - Vanishing Acts & My Sister's Keeper. While I liked Keeping Faith, I didn't think it was as strong or compelling as the other two. Still, it was hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 1
.......naahhh. The story is at times interesting, mostly a SSSSLLLLLOOOoowww story that could have been writen much more efficiently and believeably. It unfolds as a little girl's imaginary playmate could either be stress-induced by her parents break-up, psychiatric problems, child abuse,attention-seeking, or (gasp) she is talking to God. Could we narrow this down a little? True-this is a fictional story, but the reader is not reading a fairy tale, but is supposed to think "hey, this COULD happen". The ending is unbeleveable-mom falls in love with an athesist reporter who she spent little time with before her poor untrusting, broken little spirited self jumped into bed with, then lived happily ever after, and her daughter? Oh, she end up talking to herself in her bed as mom and "friend" rustle about in the downstairs........naaahhh.
Helpful Score: 1
What a great story. A young girl "talks" to God and the troubles begin for her and her mother. Keeps you reading till the end.
Helpful Score: 1
I love jodi picoult! some of her books seem to be the same but this one took me by surprise. A must read! It was great! I couldnt put the book down, i couldnt wait to see what happened next. I have recommened this book to everyone. It talks about god, children, marriage and athiests. I felt sorry for the little girl and mom. I dont think that is a life for either one of them. I know that the mom really struggled with her daughter and love.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this story to be an interesting quick read. Like most Picoult is it unique in story line and I would recommend. I enjoyed reading Keeping Faith more than My Sister's Keeper only because MSK was such a difficult topic (MSK was was more emotional to me - you might like that more but not me). Plain Truth is my favorite Picoult book so far. Nineteen Minutes was very interesting to me as well though a horrible topic that no one likes to think about. Keeping Faith feels lighter to me. In that way, it makes it a more enjoyable read.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was very good. I couldn't put it down. It talks a little bit too much about religion at times, but it is not overwhelming. Very touching book.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the book that made me fall in love with the author, Jodi Picoult's writing. This is an amazing book about a little girl who is magical yet ordinary at the same. Everyone should read this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Very similar story line to her newest - Change of Heart, but a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
not my favorite Jodi Picoult book but it's worth reading
Helpful Score: 1
A Jodi Picoult book is always good, this is no exception!!
Helpful Score: 1
Having read most of Picoult's novels, this one isn't her best. So much of the story gets lost among the faiths, the believers and the non. I did fall in love with Millie though, for me, she's the hero in this book.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoy reading Piccoult books. Sometimes I need to take a break and read another author before I go onto the next Piccoult book. This one is tought provoking and makes you question your beliefs.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm a huge fan of Jodi Picoult, but in my opinion, this book was not up to her normal standards. I love when Jodi weaves a web of legality and morality while keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. The ending of this novel wasn't as strong as others. Still a good read, but there are many other books of hers I would recommend reading prior to Keeping Faith.
Helpful Score: 1
Yet another powerful, page turner from this wonderful author! This time touching on the possibility of of a 7 year old girl talking to God, suffering stigmata, and able to heal, while having to deal with the divorce of her parents.
Helpful Score: 1
Had me pulled in immediately! I couldn't put it down and finished it over a weekend. Like usual, Jodi Picoult makes you think about the topic at hand. Loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome book. I could not put this down. It is hands down the best book I have read in a long time. I hated to finish it. Very thought provoking.
The beginning caught my interest and then I lost it for awhile before gaining it back again. This book took me awhile to read, but finally towards the end I could not put it down. Jodi Picoult is a fantastic writer, but this, in my opinion, is not her best work. It is an earlier book of hers. In her books she takes difficult issues and tries to persuade the reader to look at both sides. I felt like she geared the reader to one side immediately in this book though. The book is ok, but don't stop at this one of Jodi's if it is the only one you have read. She has some wonderful books that are aces above this one.
A very good book. It will most definitely keep you turning the pages until the very end, which I found quite complexing to say the least. I loved the book as a whole, the characters, the storylines, except the very last page. I did not understand the ending nor did I like it from the conclusion I came to. It was perplexing, but you gotta read it.
While it was worth reading, this was not one of Picoult's better books. It felt a little too after-school-special and formulaic. Her usual twisty endings felt forced and weak in this story. I still enjoyed it, but after reading some of her other works, this one left me a little disappointed and didn't have me asking as many questions of myself afterwards.
A bit fanciful for my taste, but an engrossing story all the same. Had this not been a Picoult novel, I probably would not have read it based on the summary on the back cover...but overall, I'm glad I did.
Mariah, who is treated badly by her cheating husband, finds inner strength and self esteem as a single parent as she protects her child from a media circus. Faith, her 7-year-old daughter, draws national attention when she suddenly begins talking to God, develops stigmata and heals others. A custody battle ensues, and even those closest to Mariah wonder if she is using her daughter to get attention.
I question my faith and other unshakable faith all the time, so I was interested in a book by Picoult about faith. No matter where you are in your life, this book will make you ask some serious questions and maybe let you open your mind to other possibilities. I would recommend this to anyone. It is a wonderful book.
Interesting book. Slightly predictable when it comes to the relationships but the twists of the plot will most definitely keep you interested
This is the 12th Jodi Picoult book I've read and it's one of the best. Very interesting ending.
Love this book as I do many of Jodi Picoult's books. She has a way of writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat and you never know what the ending will be.
At first I did really understand this book until I learned that everyone has their way of believing and understanding that belief. This book is somewhat baffling at times.
More far-fetched than her typical book.
-you are able to let all responsibilities go until you've covered first to last page of this book.
the plot is spell binding. even the bizarre situations most of us haven't experienced (and probably never will- eg. stigmata) are understandable and more convincing when laced with such vividly realistic characters & raw emotions. i loved it, found myself thrown into so many shoes and mentalities, a GREAT READ! :)
however, you be warned, it's a book you cannot put down & will want to talk about once finished.
the plot is spell binding. even the bizarre situations most of us haven't experienced (and probably never will- eg. stigmata) are understandable and more convincing when laced with such vividly realistic characters & raw emotions. i loved it, found myself thrown into so many shoes and mentalities, a GREAT READ! :)
however, you be warned, it's a book you cannot put down & will want to talk about once finished.
Great book! Jodi Picoult keeps you turning pages!
Picoult does a good job on taking on the topic of religion and faith without being too alleluia preachy or cynical atheistic. Interesting novel that shows the mother daughter bond over three generations and the lengths that motherly love will go to protect her child.
It was not as good as her other books
Another great book by Jodi Picoult!
This book will keep you guessing till the end! It's very cute, a little over the top somtimes, but that's Jodi's style. The title is fits the book very well.
I forgot how much I enjoyed this one. It's definitely one of my favorites - it still makes me tear up... especially the part with Ian & Michael. Of course, I am predisposed to crying over that sort of thing, but I really like the miracles that happen it it. It's a very great book and many things that occur in it foreshadow another one of my favorites of hers... which I will be reading fairly soon!
The book also follows the court-case-ending formula that she so loves. And the drama of it all certainly works.
The book also follows the court-case-ending formula that she so loves. And the drama of it all certainly works.
Another great Picoult book. The story of a family's struggle.
A little odd, but very good. All of Picoult's books are very emotional and very good.
This was a nice summer read. Everyone is always looking for a miracle but when it appears that one is happening everyone wants to prove it's a fake.
As always, a deep and thought provoking book, with a controversial subject and gripping emotional saga. Worth the read. Whether you are a believer or not, it makes you think. AND, if someone who reviews this could shed some light on the last three paragraphs or so - what was that supposed to tell us? I read them five times and couldn't tell.
Jodi Picoult is up to her usual level of excellence! Whether you are religious or not, this novel will question your belief in God. When 7 year old Faith White begins having conversations with God, the repercussions ripple out into her community making her a spectacle. Her mother, Mariah, is challenged to deal with the media displays in her front yard plus an ex-husband who is suing her for custody of Faith. I absolutely tore through this book unable to put it down.
I HAVE LOVED NEARLY EVERYTHING I HAVE READ OF JODIE'S THIS ONE WAS A GOOD ONE....IT MAKES A PERSON THINK ABOUT HOW THEY FEEL WHEN SOMEONE THEY LOVE HAS A SPECIAL GIFT AND IS SO YOUNG THAT YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TO BE PROTECTIVE OF THEM SO THE GIFT IS NOT USED IN A HARMFUL WAY.
Loved this book...good read and also makes you think about your beliefs.
Interesting characters and storyline--not many books show you what a media circus looks like from the inside.
Excellent book. I am completely hooked on Jodi Picoult books - I have not read one yet that has not been an absolute page-turner. What an amazing story, what an amazing author.
I could not put this book down. A great book group discussion... From the back of the book: For the 2nd time in her marriage, Mariah catches her husband with another woman, and Faith, their 7 year old daughter, witnesses every painful minute. In the aftermath, Mariah struggles with depression and Faith begins to confide in an imaginary friend. When Faith starts reciting passages from the Bible and begins miraculous healings, Mariah wonders if her daughter - a girl with no religious background - might actually be seeing God. Controversy flares, etc...
Jodi Picoult is quite possibly my favorite author. Every book that I've read that she's written has been golden. This book was one of the few that has actually brought me to tears. I've read it again and again and again. It's time to share that love with someone else.
I liked this one but it was a bit long-winded. Well, that's my opinion. It did keep my attention but was a bit heavy at times.
Enthralling story! I love Piccoult's writing style..this is great and my book club loved it!
I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. It keeps you thinking long after you are finished.
ANOTHER GOOD STORY BY AN INTERESTING AUTHOR, I LIKE THISAUTHORS STYLE
Another great Picoult--this time a child with a stigmata!
An excellent novel about one woman's struggle to keep her daughter and come to terms with her depression. Involves having child like innocence and a mothers fierce love for her child.
My first book by this author. I will definitely be reading more. This book was great. I wondered how she would tackle this subject without "stepping on toes", however, in my opinion she was definitely about to accomplish that.
This is my second Picoult book and I loved it. It took me a little bit to get into the book, but once I did, I could not put it down. I knew that it was going to get worse before it got better, and was nervous for the characters.
Picoult's books grab you and don't let go. The dynamics and relationships of all the various characters in her books enrich the story and give you perspectives you may not have thought about. She also gives you twists, turns and surprises. No matter what side of the fence you are on in a particular issue, with Picoult's books, you see them all and feel for them all. My heart truly went out to Faith and especially her mom, Mariah, who tried to juggle all that was thrown out them by the various constituencies that staked a claim to this story and little girl.
I highly recommend this heart wrenching story that was beautifully written - I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed reading it!
Picoult's books grab you and don't let go. The dynamics and relationships of all the various characters in her books enrich the story and give you perspectives you may not have thought about. She also gives you twists, turns and surprises. No matter what side of the fence you are on in a particular issue, with Picoult's books, you see them all and feel for them all. My heart truly went out to Faith and especially her mom, Mariah, who tried to juggle all that was thrown out them by the various constituencies that staked a claim to this story and little girl.
I highly recommend this heart wrenching story that was beautifully written - I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed reading it!
I love anything by Jodi Picoult.
Another fabulous read from Picoult! I had trouble putting this one down...
Jodi Picoult consistently writes really good, though-provoking books and this one does not disappoint. The characters are very well-written and easy to like. The plot of the book is so interesting b/c you are unable to tell if the child's story is true or a hoax. Definitely a must-read!
A young girl, with her mother, sees her father with another woman. Shortly after she begins talking to God, her "guard". Its a Fantastic book! I loved it!
This is the first book I finished by Jodi Picoult. The ending is how I would have written it, thus I guessed it before I finished.
Like all of Picoult's books I loved this one too!
This was one of my favorite books. Very thought provoking. A must read for everyone.
I love Jody Picoult's style! A really interesting story about a broken family in which the little girl sees and talks to God and develops stigmata.
Great book, I could not put it down!
This was not my favorite Piccoult story (I've read most)but we read it for Book Club and it stimulated a lot of good discussion. Enjoyable!
A wonderful story!! I couldn't put it down. Jodi Picoult has a very special talent.
I love Picoult's books. This one is really good & will certainly make you a fan if you have not read her before.
This was the first of her books I read. Certainly won't be the last! Very well written and a facinating story. I highly recommend it!
This book raises interesting questions regarding religion, trust, and children. It's a good read, although I found the shifts in narrator sort of jarring. It is a book that requires a lot of attention; not a good read for distracted places like the beach or pool.
When her parent's marriage disintegrates, their 7 year old daughter, Faith, is there to witness it all. Suddenly Faith, a child with no religious training whatsoever, hears divine voices, recites Biblical passages, and develops stigmata. They become trapped in a media circus that threatens whatever little stability they have left.
I put off reading this book for awhile - I just didn't know if it was my kind of book. Boy was I wrong! I loved it.
I really enjoyed this but I love all of Picoult's books. Read it in under 2 days as I was so intrigued. Interesting storyline.
Very good book. So many religious beliefs brought together without overdoing any of them. Such a great story of a little girl who just wants to be a little gir. It leaves you with something to think about.
An interesting book, but dissapointing after reading my Sister's Keeper, which I loved!
Love this author, her writing makes you feel like you are there in the story.
This was a great book, typical of Jodi Picoult. A nice and enjoyable read, would definitely recommend!
love the twist in the story plot
For the second time in her marriage, Mariah White catches her husband with another woman, and Faith, their 7 yr. old daughter, witneses every painful minute.
The author does a great job weaving in all sorts of spiritual elements... The story makes you wonder about God. That is a rare moment in modern fiction
The author does a great job weaving in all sorts of spiritual elements... The story makes you wonder about God. That is a rare moment in modern fiction
This book was a little dry at the beginning and took some time to get into. No big twists or Ah Ha moments. I do find that Picoult likes to let you finish or decide the ending and what really happened.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
I really liked the first books by this author, but soon wearied of them. I have not read this one, but my sister did and said it was just "okay".
Very good story about a child custody suit and a little girl who talks to God.
This one of Jodi Picoult's wasn't as good as her others. Yes, she did a lot of research and presented several different scenarios but I was left without an definitive answer at the end. But it was a good insight into this subject of mental health, children't imaginations and the effects life has on children.
Another one of my favorites's from Jodi...
Took a bit to get into in gets better.
This is a really, really good book about a very interesting topic. Could not put it down!
A great book, very spiritual and thought provoking.
Excellent Book!
Too long but a good story. A little too unrealistic for me
Not as good as My Sister's Keeper by any stretch of the imagination, but it was ok.
For the second time in her marriage, Mariah White catches her husband with another woman, and Faith, their seven-year-old daughter, witnesses every painful minute. In the aftermath of a sudden divorce, Mariah struggles with depression and Faith begins to confide in an imaginary friend.
"For the second time in her marriage, Mariah White catches her husband with another woman, and Faith, their seven year-old daughter, witnesses every painful minute. In the aftermath of a sudden divorce, Mariah struggles with depression and Faith begins to confide in an imaginary friend. At first, Mariah dismisses these exchanges as a child's imagination. But when Faith starts reciting passages from the Bible, develops stigmata, and begins to perform miraculous healings, Mariah wonders if her daughter- a girl with no religious background- might actually be seeing God. "
An interesting and quick read. Definitely makes you think!
An interesting and quick read. Definitely makes you think!
