Jodi Picoult - My Sister's Keeper Review

My Sister's Keeper was a page-turner from the first page to the last.  The characters, for the most part were extremely well developed, and the author gives us a full-on view into a family through the eyes of each of it's members.

This is a family in turmoil - barely held together by a common thread - the plan of action to keep the oldest daughter, Kate, who has leukemia - alive.  While many families have gone through similar expereiences, this particular familie's plan of action is unique unto itself.  The question of course, is one of what damage is done to the balance of the family while all attention focuses on one member's best interests?

For this family, we quickly learn that they have become a microcosm - a world unto themselves, touched only by the outside world of Kate's doctors, specialists, nurses, and other hospital staff.  While this seems to work well for Kate and her parents, we quickly learn that for her sister and brother, there is something missing in their lives that they cannot put a name to.  Of course we recognize that it is a loss of childhood - Kate's illness has meant that there are never any friends allowed in the house, and plans must revolve around Kate's doctor's appointments - never any room for the siblings natural grownig up.

Jodi Picoulet's character's are presented in the first person, chapter by chapter, and you get a sense of the family clearly from each individual's perspective - sometimes warm and loving, sometimes chillingly removed from the reality of what is truly going on - both in their home and in the outside world. 

I cannot recommend this book highly enough - well written, enjoyable, and a lovely storyline to follow.  Enjoy!