My Sister's Keeper, published in 2004, is the 11th novel by American author Jodi Picoult. Set in the fictional town of Upper Darby, Rhode Island, the story revolves around 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald, who sues her parents for medical emancipation when she learns she is expected to donate a kidney to her older sister. Kate has been battling acute promyelocytic leukemia since childhood, and Anna was conceived through preimplantation genetic diagnosis specifically as a genetic match for her sister to provide whatever medical donations she might need.
The novel explores the theme of family dynamics and ethical questions regarding medical decisions. Anna's lawsuit is not out of spite or a wish to harm her sister but rather a manifestation of her struggle for autonomy and identity, separate from her role as Kate's donor. The relationship within the Fitzgerald family is further complicated by the parents' differing views on Anna's lawsuit, with their mother, Sara, refusing to accept Anna's decision and their father, Brian, showing understanding towards it. The court appoints Julia Romano as Anna's guardian ad litem, rekindling an old flame between Julia and Anna's lawyer, Campbell Alexander, who suffers from epilepsy, a secret that influences his life and relationships.
As the story unfolds, more secrets are revealed, and the legal battle mounts until the shocking conclusion. Renowned for tackling challenging ethical issues with sensitivity, My Sister's Keeper questions what it means to be a good parent, sibling, and person. The novel has been a subject of controversy and acclaim, drawing attention for its portrayal of family, love, and moral dilemmas. It was adapted into a film in 2009, though with significant changes from the book.
More like this
About the author
Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is a prolific, popular, and acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of contemporary women's fiction. Beginning her writing career in 1992, she has published nearly 30 novels, including Wish You Were Here, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, My Sister’s Keeper, 19 Minutes, Between the Lines, and more recently, Mad Honey, co-written with Jennifer Finney Boylan. She also co-authored two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page, with her daughter, Samantha van Leer.
Born in 1966 in Nesconset, New York, Picoult attended Princeton University, where she studied creative writing. While in college, she published two short stories in Seventeen magazine. She later earned her master's degree in education from Harvard University. In her novels, Picoult frequently explores complex moral dilemmas and family dynamics, touching on controversial and pivotal issues such as abortion, race relations, LGBT rights, genetic engineering, and gun control. She invests meticulous research into writing about thought-provoking topics, yet embraces having her novels labeled "chick-lit." She has won several awards, including Cosmopolitan magazine's Fun Fearless Fiction award and the New England Bookseller Award.
Picoult is a vocal advocate for various social issues and has participated in numerous organizations and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, literacy, and justice. She has also contributed to the DC Comics universe by writing several issues of Wonder Woman, engaging with an entirely different audience. In recent years, her advocacy has extended to challenging book bannings and supporting marginalized voices in literature. She lives in Hanover, New Hampshire, with her husband, Timothy Warren Van Leer, and their three children.
More from Jodi Picoult
Members get even more
Pick 1 audiobook a month
Choose any title you want from our unmatched collection—including bestsellers and new releases. This is yours to keep.
Thousands of included titles
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks and Originals with celebs you love and emerging talent.
Deals & discounts
Get in on exclusive sales and deals, and when you can't wait for your next credit, use your member discount on any title.