The Pact - Jodi Picoult

Wow

This book is enchantingly addictive. It is about a gripping yet debilitating suicidal depression, experienced by a wealthy, educated, creative, successful, beautiful and loved teenager. I think this is an important topic, especially in a time where depression, especially in teenagers, is just reaching the surface of things to talk about.

Written ten years ago, this book explores the issues why Emily is depressed - nobody noticed. How could she want to die when her life is blossoming before her? She is a talented painter. She has a wonderful boyfriend and wealthy parents. Maybe that is not the secret to true happiness...

Yet as we read through this chilling tale devoted to the goings-on of a teenager's mind, we discover the reasons why Emily wanted to die.

"The Pact" is about Emily, a suicidal girl, who talks her loving boyfriend, Chris, into being there as she ends her life. Chris is then accused of murdering Emily. A rivetting court case ensues. I sat, clenching my book and my teeth, waiting to read the final verdict - I got so desperate, I skipped to the end of the page!

If you want to read a page-turner that is about love, lust, sex (so much sex is in this book!), suicide, teenagers, depression, legal mumbo-jumbo - this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Better than "Nineteen Minutes."

****1/2

PS Now that I know Picoult's formula, maybe I should try my hand at some teen-inspired topical thrillers.

Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult

I thought this novel tackled an important issue, but I didn't like the narrative style -the way the point of view shifted so often. I like the twist at the end, but I thought it was predictable. I felt Josie's pain when she mourned Matt, and I sypathised for Peter's mother. I was torn between wanting to support Peter, and wanting to punish him. It depended on whose POV I was privvy to. I guess Picoult is showing us that there are always two sides to each story.

The topic itself is scary. I am a teacher, so this opened my eyes to a few things about schools and individual students, and I appreciate this from the novel.

I always like reading court scenes, and Picoult is great with that, as we know. I think she must be commended on her raw, realistic portrayal of character, and the way she peels the layers of a story and in so doing, she helps us recognise our own shortcomings.

Where do your values lie?

***