My Sister's Keeper

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Richard Poe, Julia Gibson, Barbara McCulloh, Tom Stechschulte, Carol Monda, Jennifer Ikeda, Andy Paris

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

New York Times best-selling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness.

Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age 13 she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate - a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister - and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

©2004 Jodi Picoult (P)2004 Simon & Schuster

Incredible!!

My Sisters Keeper starts off slow but gradually becomes extremely riveting towards the climax. The plot twist at the end of the story will have you on the edge of your seat. This story made me cry multiple times!! 👍🏼

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

So many emotions

This book throws so many obstacles, points of view, feelings are all over the place. You will laugh, cry, relate. You can feel this book on a personal level. It makes you open your eyes to the fact that some people actually go through this everyday. Be thankful for what you have and the opportunity to read/listen to this book.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Lifetime movie material

If you are interested in reading a lifetime movie instead of watching one, you are in luck. The vocal performances were passable, but brought too much schlocky subtext for my palate. That said, if you need a chill beach read and a good cry, have at it.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I couldn't stop listening to it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartbreaking book. The cast members were magnificent and Jodi's grasp of theme and story weaving is palpable.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

To play God is to tempt fate.

I really appreciate Picoult's stories and her writing. Her characters are 3 diminsional and wonderfully flawed. It was the perfect ending to exemplify what you ask for will be what you end up getting, whether you want it or not.

This book made me affirm my standing beyond a shadow if a doubt:

Choosing to bring a genetically engineered child into this world to serve as a donor to be medically tortured for the sake of a critically ill sibling is child abuse.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Awesome book

i loved that it wasnt just one voice reading the book. the voices REALLY added a lot to the book and brought it to life

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A warm and touching story, if a bit contrived

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

Yes, I would recommend the book to a friend. It's a nice story about family and people who are caught between a rock and a hard place. We can all identify with one character or another as they struggle with some tough times and decisions.

Any additional comments?

Have you ever seen a grown man cry? Well, that was me at several points in this book. It's real and very touching, even if the overall story is a bit contrived. I liked the book and would recommend it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Exceptionally good.

This story breaches subjects we don't like to think about. well written, highly recommended, couldn't stop listening.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A Very Important Book

What made the experience of listening to My Sister's Keeper the most enjoyable?

It is a true reflection of humanity in all its shame and glory. The story pulled me in so many different directions. It reminded me that our feelings are our true guides in life.

What did you like best about this story?

It ended the way it was supposed to end.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It evoked just about every emotion I am capable of feeling. Sadness, anger, fear, pity, indignation, surprise, anticipation, and love.

Any additional comments?

This book provoked the energy that feeds important dialogue and debate.It heightened my admiration for the work of talented authors and actors. It did what great art is supposed to do. It provoked thought and emotion. I walked away from this one feeling the way I always feel when I have experienced a fine work of art. Great books such as this one are what makes reading a worthwhile act of life.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Outstanding

I chose this book after enjoying the movie. The book is actually quite a lot better than the movie with a profoundly different ending. My Sister’s Keeper is written so beautifully with alternating perspectives, and the cast of narrators just makes this audiobook shine. Every narrator did a remarkable job and I was utterly impressed. I highly recommend this book, but be warned that it is a fairly emotional story.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A five star story destroyed by the last 15 minutes

Up till the last 15 minutes, this was on the fast track to being one of the best books I'd ever listened to - I hadn't expected to be so moved by it, and the subject matter was handled in a way I hadn't anticipated at all. But the 'twist' at the end was so ham-fisted, poorly handled and flat out unnecessary for the overall message of the book, to the point of ruining the experience for me.

The audio quality and performance was mostly excellent, only issue I encountered was during a Brian chapter when he was talking to Mr Alexander, it became difficult to distinguish if someone was speaking or if it was Brians thoughts, and if someone was speaking, then who.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Depressing

Depressing, dull and lightweight prose. This book was highly rated elsewhere and was my first Jodi Picoult novel. I would not seek out another one from this author.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

too long

was far too long, I had to increase the reading speed to get through it

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Worth every minute of it..

This audiobook challenges the listener to evaluate his or her own moral and ethical stance on each of the issues raised. With unexpected plot developments and open,honest, genuine characters, it is impossible to listen to this book without being moved.

Yet, it is not a story that preaches or lectures or seeks to educate. It simply allows for an exposition of one's own inner turmoil and struggles as the listener is drawn into the unfolding family drama that Jodi Picoult has so beautifully crafted.

The use of multiple narrators is highly effective with each narrator adding tone, contrast and depth to this work of art.

Emotive and loving

If you haven’t already, read this book. It captures the true essence of the conflict this family must be experiencing every day.

amazing

loved it ...you teally invest in the characters and the book takes you on an amazing journey...the ending was perfect

Great Read

slow start but we'll worth the wait, really enjoyed the way the story untangled. Love

Fantastically written

DO NOT BOTHER WATCHING THE MOVIE! The books so much better and completely different.
Very well performed and had me glued from day 1