Review: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

Sing You Home
by Jodi Picoult
Read by Therese Plummer & Brian Hutchinson
Published by Recorded Books
March 2011
Purchased through Audible.com

From Goodreads:


Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.

Sing You Home is about identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. It’s about people wanting to do the right thing for the greater good, even as they work to fulfill their own personal desires and dreams. And it’s about what happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family.

My Thoughts:


This was another heart-wrenching story from Jodi Picoult. I was completely drawn in by the characters in this novel. The subject matter is so explosive. When I started this one, I wasn't sure what to expect. I only knew that it involved music (which I love) and it was by Jodi Picoult (who I also love). 


What I didn't expect was the second half of the novel to become a battle between Evangelical Christians and the LGBT community. This book was very powerful. People cling to their beliefs so hard that sometimes it leads them to behave in ways that go against the very grain of what they preach. I think that Ms. Picoult handled this topic with the respect and delicacy that it deserved, while making very important points.


My favorite quote: "Jesus says we're supposed to love everyone, no matter what."


Perhaps it doesn't mean as much to you out of context, but it was a turning point for a few of the characters and I loved it. No matter where you come down on the issues addressed in this novel, you will be left examining your motives and priorities. 

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

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 futile 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.


- Synopsis from Goodreads


I'll start by saying that I went through a Jodi Picoult phase where I read about 6 of her books in a one month period. I really fell in love with her books. I read Perfect Match in April of 2010. I remember that because it was part of a Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign. This book was amazing. It was a gripping story that will hit home no matter who you are. 


Nina and her tunnel-vision idea of justice will frustrate you at times, and yet your heart will go out to this mother who is just trying to find a way to protect her child as best she knows how. 


Picoult writes sections from the point of view of Nathaniel that will break your heart.


This is a wonderful book that, in true Picoult style, will keep you guessing and shock you as she unfolds the story.

This was one of my personal favorites. I give it 5 out of 5 cups.