The Book of Two Ways

A Novel

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Patti Murin

Length: 15 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Number one New York Times best seller

From the author of Small Great Things and A Spark of Light comes a “powerful” (The Washington Post) novel about the choices that alter the course of our lives.

Everything changes in a single moment for Dawn Edelstein. She’s on a plane when the flight attendant makes an announcement: Prepare for a crash landing. She braces herself as thoughts flash through her mind. The shocking thing is, the thoughts are not of her husband but of a man she last saw 15 years ago: Wyatt Armstrong.

Dawn, miraculously, survives the crash, but so do all the doubts that have suddenly been raised. She has led a good life. Back in Boston, there is her husband, Brian, their beloved daughter, and her work as a death doula, in which she helps ease the transition between life and death for her clients. But somewhere in Egypt is Wyatt Armstrong, who works as an archaeologist unearthing ancient burial sites, a career Dawn once studied for but was forced to abandon when life suddenly intervened. And now, when it seems that fate is offering her second chances, she is not as sure of the choice she once made.

After the crash landing, the airline ensures that the survivors are seen by a doctor, then offers transportation to wherever they want to go. The obvious destination is to fly home, but she could take another path: Return to the archaeological site she left years before, reconnect with Wyatt and their unresolved history, and maybe even complete her research on The Book of Two Ways — the first known map of the afterlife.

As the story unfolds, Dawn’s two possible futures unspool side by side, as do the secrets and doubts long buried with them. Dawn must confront the questions she’s never truly asked: What does a life well lived look like? When we leave this Earth, what do we leave behind? Do we make choices...or do our choices make us? And who would you be if you hadn’t turned out to be the person you are right now?

©2020 Jodi Picoult (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A thrilling adventure ... With Picoult’s stories, there is always something new to learn, and The Book of Two Ways is no exception.... A fun and interesting read, one that will lead readers to both learn a lot and also ask themselves key questions about how to create happy lives for themselves during the short time we have on earth.” (Associated Press)

“Picoult’s fans will appreciate this multifaceted, high-concept work.” (Publishers Weekly)

"Picoult’s fans will be more than ready for this puzzle of a novel.... [They] will find heady themes to consider.” (Booklist)

Heartbreaking beautiful.

I was hooked for the first. I listened to it. the jumps in time were confusing at times. However, there is so much wisdom, hard life choices and love, I will always be a favorite.

Excellent narration of difficult pronounciations.

I got turned off reading the beginning of this book because it was a history lesson and I was having difficulty concentrating to let it sink in. Part if the problem was not knowing how to read the Egyptian words. I switched to the audio (because it was a book club book) and I'm really glad I did.

The narration is excellant! I have no idea if her pronunciations are accurate, but it doesn't matter to me. She took the trouble away from me so I could enjoy the rest.

I have loads of respect for Picoult for the amount of research needed to write this book, in Egyptology, in the process of dying, in physics, in neurology.

I also love her style to writing, however the story was a love/dislike (I won't say hate) issue because there were too many holes.

Speaking of holes, I am not talking about the ending. The ending gave the book club much to discuss.

I would like Reese Witherspoon to make a series out if this, and when it's another wild success a season 2 is ordered, and the story continues where the book left off. I even pictured Chris Geere as Wyatt as I was reading/listening.

great book for my favorite author

I have read at least a dozen of Jodi Picoult's books. This one had an interesting timeline but as always it came together beautifully.

Not your typical Jodi Picoult

Too much history and not enough thought provoking subject matter that usually defines Picoult books.

she can spin a tale like no other!

For Jodi Picoult- Any chance you can publish the other ending as well? Would really love to hear it!!!

Ending

The ending left me disappointed! I didn’t see the indecision coming and thought there would be a decision.

Just lovely

I couldn’t put it down (or put down my phone as I listened). I finished in just under 2 days. This story needs to be read.

outstanding story

Patti Murin is an outstanding narrator for author Jodi Picoult. What if you could live your life in two different ways. Find out more here.

Incredible! Jodi Picoult at her best!

I loved this book! Amazing detail and storyline with beautiful complicated characters. Narrator is five star. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wonderful beautiful story

I loved everything about this book, the story, the beautiful descriptions that the author weaves into reality and the narrator. I am only saddened that it ended as I wanted it to go on and talk about what happens next. Thanks to Picoult for another winner