Small Great Things

A Novel

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Audra McDonald, Cassandra Campbell, Ari Fliakos

Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

2017 Audie Awards, Winner

Number-one New York Times Best Seller

With richly layered characters and a gripping moral dilemma that will lead listeners to question everything they know about privilege, power, and race, Small Great Things is the stunning new pause-resister from Jodi Picoult.

Soon to be a major motion picture

“[Picoult] offers a thought-provoking examination of racism in America today, both overt and subtle. Her many readers will find much to discuss in the pages of this topical, moving book.” (Booklist [starred review])

Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than 20 years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family - especially her teenage son - as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others - and themselves - might be wrong.

With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion - and doesn’t offer easy answers. Small Great Things is a remarkable achievement from a writer at the top of her game.

Praise for Small Great Things

“Small Great Things is the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written.... It will challenge her readers...[and] expand our cultural conversation about race and prejudice.” (The Washington Post)

“A novel that puts its finger on the very pulse of the nation that we live in today...a fantastic read from beginning to end, as can always be expected from Picoult, this novel maintains a steady, page-turning pace that makes it hard for readers to put down.” (San Francisco Book Review)

©2016 Jodi Picoult (P)2016 Random House Audio

Rolled my eyes

When I saw the subject matter and that the author was white, I rolled my eyes. I thought here was go again, another white author trying to tell a story from a black perspective. I continued to roll my eyes through at least a third of the book. Then I realized she’s telling my story, my husband’s story, my sister’s and my friend’s stories. The book is told in such a way I forgot the author was white and appreciated the work. I’ve recommended it to several friends of all races. Can’t wait to hear their reactions.

Magnificent

Jodi does not disappoint . She hits it out of the park! She touched every emotion possible .

Picoult's best!

The first half of this novel was amazing! The protagonist is an African-American obstetrics nurse in conflict with a white supremacist. A baby dies, and the nurse is charge with murder. It was riveting and disturbing. The other major character is the white, female public defender. This novel is told from the point of view of the nurse, the white supremacist, and the lawyer. Each voice has a different reader, and all are great. The second half of the book deals head on with issues of racism and white privilege, and deals with them really well. The story suffers a little in Picoult's efforts to deal with these important issues. The second half was good, but not great, yet there were still many powerful and touching moments. The trial was especially engaging. I have read 3 or 4 of Jodi Picoult's novels, and I thought that this was by far her best.

Uh, Yeah. That’s pretty much it.

I read a review from a listener before I got this book who said, “duh.” As a black 39 year old light skinned female with 2 degrees, I say, “duh.” Yes. That’s pretty much it. I’ve never read any of Picoult’s other novels. This one was recommended to me by an older white woman in a book club I’m a part of, where I’m the only woman of color and the youngest by at least 10 years. There is not a moment that goes by where I’m not thinking about my race as I interact with these ladies. There is not a moment that goes by when I’m at work that I don’t think of the old man standing at the counter in the south Texas store where I work threw his change at me because he’s racist and didn’t want to touch my hand, or if he’s just a jerk. There’s not a moment, when I am dropping my black son off at preschool that I don’t think about how my interaction with him will be viewed by the very nice people who run the school, and who also wore pro-Trump shirts for an entire month before the election.

So, yeah, this entire book is a summary of the very basics of what it’s like to be colored in this country. I say colored because you don’t have to be black, you can be brown like a Hispanic or Native American or Arab. This is non-white 101. This is the stuff I talk to my 4 year old black son about almost daily when I’m trying to tell him about his attitude at school and behavior in a store. Because when HE misbehaves, he’s not a typical 4 year old acting up, he’s a black kid being raised by a black Mom who’s out of control and not being raised right.

Great Listen!

Any additional comments?

This was not my favorite Jodi Piccoult book, but it was certainly worth the listen and very timely given the current political conversations. I would highly recommend it.

Timely, Relevant, and thought provoking

Would you consider the audio edition of Small Great Things to be better than the print version?

Didn't read the print version

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the characters are real and completely believable. All three dimensional riding the rollercoaster we call race relations in our fine Country. Ruth would have to be my favorite. She works hard to defy stereotypes while feeling heroic and victimized at the same time.

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

Ruth's Mom

If you could rename Small Great Things, what would you call it?

Maybe "Black Moccasins" or "All's Fair". I don't care for the current title. It says nothing about this story.

Any additional comments?

With Jodi's books, you learn a great deal about the topics. She weaves the results of what must be incredible research into the story. Medical details regarding newborns, insights into the legal field, how jurors are selected......to name a few.

Well Done

Jody Picoult, at the end of this Audible Book explains the background of the how and why she wrote the book. I found that a very interesting thought in regards to a white author writing about racism. I am a white reader and hope that by listening to this book I too will try to do a better job in how I relate to the world around me.

Powerful story

Picoult’s story is a powerful and worthy read. A contemporary Invisible Man. Inspired by a true incident, she delves into the dark but real world of racism in an honest way. Love how her intent was to “expand the conversation.” We need to keep talking and be committed to doing small things in a great way. This book is a small thing in a great way.

Important read

Jodi Picoult is always writes compelling, relevant and even controversial subjects. With all the current issues regarding racial prejudice in our country, this book gives me a lot to think about on what I feel my perceptions are.
My only complaint was that the very harsh language in this book was difficult to hear. Although offensive, unfortunately, I do believe it is true with people who live with so much hate and fear.

Thought provoking

Had to keep listening long after coming in from walks. One of Picoult's best and certainly a read for our current times. Now I will give much thought to how I will do small great things. Thank you, Jodi! Also well narrated. Excellent!