Harvesting the Heart

A Novel

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 17 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jodi Picoult earned rave notices for her debut novel Songs of the Humpback Whale. Now this gifted young writer turns her considerable literary talents to the story of a young woman overcome by the demands of having a family.

Written with astonishing clarity and evocative detail, convincing in its depiction of emotional pain, love, and vulnerability, Harvesting the Heart recalls the writing of Alice Hoffman and Sue Miller. Paige has only a few vivid memories of her mother, who left when she was five. Now, having left her father behind in Chicago for dreams of art school and marriage to an ambitious young doctor, she finds herself with a child of her own.

But her mother's absence, and shameful memories of her past, make her doubt both her maternal ability and her sense of self worth. Out of Paige's struggle to find wholeness, Jodi Picoult crafts an absorbing novel peopled by richly drawn characters and explores issues and emotions readers can relate to.

©1995 Jodi Picoult (P)2008 Penguin

Critic Reviews

"Picoult writes with a fine touch, a sharp eye for detail, and a firm grasp of the delicacy and complexity of human relationships." (The Boston Globe)

"Picoult has become a master - almost a clairvoyant - at targeting hot issues and writing highly readable page-turners about them.... It is impossible not to be held spellbound by the way she forces us to think, hard, about right and wrong." (The Washington Post)   

Trust all the bad reviews

Honestly, I love books by Jodi Picoult. I think she has amazing writing and they are classic page turners (even if people classify them as chick lit). Yet I listened to this whole book and couldn't get into it. It really was just 'drivel' as one reviewer said (which I initially ignored). The book didn't really go anywhere, have much plot, nor did it have a satisfying ending. Not worth the time compared to her other books.

Average Picoult book

This book was very well read by the reader and a classic 'page turner' by Picoult. I looked forward to listening to it each day on my daily walk. However, after having read numerous of Picoult's books, it was not my favorite. I found the two main characters to be rather narcissistic and unlikeable. It's not a book I will remember for long - just brain candy.

Not a favorite

Jodi Picoult has always been a favorite of mine, but this is not a favorite of mine. It dragged a bit. This book just did not seem as focused.

Hard to get through

I usually get through books very quickly but this one never had me running back to it. I had no sympathy for the main character, Paige. She was very weak and couldn't deal with any stress or difficulties. I just wanted to tell her to shut up already. Deal with it.

Kind of boring

It drags. So far, nothing remarkable about the story. Not quite finished yet. May not finish it

Ok not her best.

The narration was ok
other than misreading a few words. Narrator needs to do more homework.

Enjoyable But Slow

I enjoyed the story, but found that it moved pretty slowly throughout the book (until the end). I also was frustrated by what seemed like a very rushed ending. It was as if Jodi had a deadline and just threw in the towel at the end. I was last with unanswered questions. Not one of my favorites of hers, but I'm glad I listened nonetheless.

Great

Loved it...it was very enjoyable!!.....ready for the next book. And now ready for some suspense.

Needs Less Backstory And More Closure

I love Jodi Picoult, but I found myself skipping through some of the backstory that seemed redundant. I almost gave up a few times, and yet I kept reading. I was glad I did once I reached the last four hours of the book, which were riveting. All in all, I would have been happy if there was a better sense of closure, but it was still worth the read.

Wonderful!

Jodi has written so much of real life in this book! i am constantly amazed by how well she accomplishes this. And Cassandra Campbell is becoming one of my favorite voices!