Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Keeping Faith
Book Review: A Novel Menagerie's Perspective on Keeping Faith
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a beautiful story... let's just start with that. Jodi Picoult writes a #1 New York Times Bestseller, Keeping Faith, about a young girl, Faith, who comes to be in direct communication with God after her parents sudden divorce. I am guessing from the fact that I picked it up in paperback, and it's been a best-seller, that many of you have read this book by now. [...].
Ultimately, this is a story about a custody battle over Faith between Mariah and Colin. Mariah, Faith's Mom, is a woman who is commences the story as an emotionally fragile woman. We watch Mariah's strength, determination and fierce protection of her daughter grow through this novel all the way until the end. You can't help to root for her and you definitely grow to hate her enemies. Millie, Mariah's Mother, is my favorite character in this book and is literally resurrected by Faith after being pronounced dead for an hour. She's just that kind of mother that we all wish we had and all would love. My least favorite character of the novel? Well, it's definitely a tie between Colin, Faith's Father (a cheater-cheater, pumpkin eater... in their own home, nonetheless), and Mr. Metz, his ridiculous attorney. I despise them both.... which is a good thing. Because if I can feel emotion while reading a book, it's got me involved. And, Keeping Faith kept me there.
The main thread throughout the story is that Faith not only sees and communicates with God, but she is also a healer. When she is in the presence of, or touches, another person who is ill, they are healed to some degree. This, of course, gains national media attention, Rabbis, Catholic Priests, groupies, and those in need of healing. They hover and live outside Mariah & Faith's house and Colin discovers his daughter's plight via a television broadcast. Of course, by then he's married the tramp who he cheated on his wife with and is now carrying his child (wedding in Vegas). Being the "man" that he is, he thinks he can take better care of Faith and protect her more than her mother. This ensues the custody battle, Mariah & Faith's flight to Kansas City, and subsequent medical and legal issues.
For my taste, there were some parts of the novel that I feel could have moved in a bit of a faster pace. These would be the times in Kansas City and when Faith is re-hospitalized for another stigmata. In addition, I felt quite a bit of the story line was predictable (Colin's cheating at the house and Mariah falling for Ian). I really enjoyed watching Mariah and Ian fall for each other. I also was glad to see the turn-around in Kenzie (the legal guardian at lit-em during the battle). Joan, the attorney, was a like-able character, as well. Overall, I found this to be an excellent book.
Observation: Poor Mariah, every time that woman takes a shower, something happens to Faith. It's a wonder that she ever bathes again!
Favorite Quote of the Book is by Ian when speaking to the press after the much publicized trial is over:
"For years I've made a name for myself condemning God, and the people who believe in God. Trying to win people over to my side. I know y'all are waiting to hear what I have to say about Faith White, and you're going to be disappointed. I told the truth to Mr. Metz on the witness stand-nothing happened in Kansas City. I'm not going to say whether that girl's got God in her back pocket. I'm going to say that it isn't my business, and it isn't your business.
Quite a kick, isn't it? That after building a whole bankable empire on atheism, I'd tell you religious beliefs area private affair? And I can see it right now, you shakin' your heads, saying that reports can damn well make anything their business - but, it's not so. There's a difference between a fact and an opinion; any newsman knows that. And religion, for all that it's provocative, isn't about only what people believe in-it's also about the simple act of believing. Just like I have a right to walk out here and say God is a farce, Faith White has a right to should out her bedroom window that God is alive and well. My opinion, versus her opinion. But nowhere in that tangle is there a pure, hard fact.
So who's right? The answer is... I don't know. And I shouldn't care. My mama used to tell me you can't change the way someone thinks about God or their politics, although I've certainly given both a run for my money. But, you know, I might wind up living next door to the pope one day. Or down the road from Faith. Or in the hotel room beside the Dalai Lama's. And going from door to door trying to convince them I'm the one who's right is going to be a waste of time. No, correction: It hasbeen a waste of time. We don't have to accept each other's beliefs... but we do have to accept each other's right to believe them."
So, on the A Novel Menagerie's "Out of Ten Scale," I'd give this one an 8.75... nearly a 9.
Book Review: A Touching Story!
Summary: 5 Stars
Jodi Picoult is at her best in this novel about a mother's love for her child; a love that allows for the stretching of the heart, the mind, and the spirit. Faith is a young character who glimmers off the pages, and who brings new hopes and challenges for her single mother. The novel is also a reflection of the media-filled society we live in today, and offers poignant insights into the lives of so many people who appear on our news channels. A definite must-read for mothers, daughters and those who are looking to stretch their ideas on spirituality.Book Review: A Young Girl Speaks to God
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is well-written and a page-turner. It is also about a controversial subject as are most of the Jodi Picoult books I have read.
Faith is a little girl who has been recently traumatized by her parents' divorce. She begins to talk to her 'guard', has visible stigmata and can bring the dead back to life. Even those who are disbelievers, believe that Faith is the real thing. The characterizations of Faith, her father, her mother, her grandmother, etc. are all very well done.
The plot is interesting and tantalizing. This book has several sub-plots. The one I enjoyed most was the one about the mother's love interest. The book offers a lot of food for thought and is not one you'll soon forget.
I highly recommend this book. However, don't start reading it right before you go to bed because it is a real page-turner and you're likely to be up all night!
Book Review: Arrived in timely fashion and in excellent condition.
Summary: 5 Stars
Book arrived in a timely fashion and in excellent condition. I would definitely purchase from again.Book Review: As advertised
Summary: 5 Stars
Book was as advertised. Worth every cent. I would recommend this seller. Thanks for the great product for the great price.