The Storyteller

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Mozhan Marno, Jennifer Ikeda, Edoardo Ballerini, Suzanne Toren, Fred Berman

Length: 18 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Jodi Picoult's poignant number one New York Times best-selling novels about family and love tackle hot-button issues head on. In The Storyteller, Sage Singer befriends Josef Weber, a beloved Little League coach and retired teacher. But then Josef asks Sage for a favor she never could have imagined - to kill him. After Josef reveals the heinous act he committed, Sage feels he may deserve that fate. But would his death be murder or justice?

©2013 Jodi Picoult (P)2013 Recorded Books

What a Storyteller! Jodi Picoult at her best!

Would you listen to The Storyteller again? Why?

I will definitely read (listen) to this story again, and again, and again. I will tell my kids, my kids kids and all my family & friends to read this book. If I were an educator, it would be required reading (even though it's fiction). All my life I've heard about "The Holocaust" but I never really got it until this book. The horror is unimaginable but the story is wonderful. Listening to the book with all the accents makes the story come alive. It's almost like listening to a movie where the film is running in your mind. No other story has made such an impact on me as this one. And the fact that the story is happening in present day United States makes it feel more like a story but has the impact of a history lesson.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storyteller?

The most memorable moment was when one of the Nazis had so much compassion for the victims he actually brought them into his company to protect them from sure death, even when he didn't need all of the ones he already had.

outstanding

Outstanding storyline and historical depiction. Fully engulfs you in the horrors of the Holocaust and thevtriumph of the human spirit. Our light and our darkness.

I wanted more

I generally don't like reading about the holocaust because it's too depressing but I read it on the recommendation of my daughter. If you like stories about the holocaust, you will not be disappointed.

With that being said, I was totally captivated and couldn't turn the book off. I finished it in two days. In typical Picoult style she brings the story to life through the different perspectives of each character.

I wish there was more on Joseph and his brother since their roles are the least understood by me. How can a human being (or worse, thousands of human beings) do these things to other human beings? And although they came from the same family with the same values, they were two very different men.

What's with the weird monster story a la carte? It was distracting. The story could have worked just as well without it. I could see there needed to be some storytelling, but this was just rambling, unless I just didn't understand it.

Although the book detailed the horrors of the holocaust, it seems the book was really about Joseph and Minka and their personal journeys.

The ending did surprise me. I can't say more about why without giving it away. This would be a great book for a book club. So much to think about.

I highly recommend this book.

convulsed and incredible

Awesome, informative, moving, perplexing. Jodi is fantastic and always keeps you thinking. read and reread

Loved it!

What made the experience of listening to The Storyteller the most enjoyable?

I found the story so intriguing. Jodi Picoult's books always give different points of view. Her books bring out so many emotions. Hearing the story from the point of view of a holocaust victim was difficult at times. Her stories always have great twists and any fan of her's will not be disappointed.

What other book might you compare The Storyteller to and why?

Any of Jodi Picoult's books. I also can compare it to "Sarah's Key", which is another wonderful story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was really moved by Sage's Grandmother's story. There were so many emotions. I even laughed when she helped her sick friend, Daria, by pulling out her tooth and made an ironic joke.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think there was a lot of wisdom with the whole "forgiveness theme".

Good but lacking

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would but I agree that the werewolf story was annoying but I believe that those kind of story lines are not appealing to Jodi Picoult fans.
I found Sage's transformation from the shy, night time baker to a self confident young woman a little contrived and too convenient.
I also thought her need for justice against Josef "over the top" , he had obviously suffered.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Good ending, hints of the ending were there and not a huge surprise.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

The narration by all characters was good. That's what kept me listening.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I needed breaks from the brutality.

Any additional comments?

I had some issues with the story line but still was intrigued enough to listen to the book every chance I got.

Ties characters today w/ WWII. Kept my attention!

The characters and plot were very interesting. I recommend this book. How does one scarred person feel in public? Is it common for a concentration camp survivor to remember so many details? Is punishment ever too late? Never thought that in my overly busy schedule I would be considering these.

Experience the Holocaust Through Minka's Eyes

What did you love best about The Storyteller?

Minka's story of survival of the Holocaust as a prisoner at Auschwitz and how it intertwined with Josef Weber's story as an SS guard at Auschwitz during World War II.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leo Stein because he's charming and funny.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the farmer's wife washed Minka's hair.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Experience the Holocaust Through Minka's Eyes

Any additional comments?

Next to "The Kitchen House" and "The Healing," "The Storyteller" was the best book I've read all year.

amazing

This book is a must! Well written and beautifully told. One that will have you thinking and will pull at your heart.

Great listen

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes really enjoyed and listened to this story whenever I got the chance.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorite Piccoult books and I've read or listened to them all.