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ISBN-13: 9780671776138 - ISBN-10: 0671776134 Publication Date: 4/3/2001 Pages: 432 |
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Book Reviews of Plain Truth
133 Book Reviews submitted by our Members
sorted by voted most helpful
14 member(s) found this review helpful.
I absolutely could not stop reading this book - I loved the characters, the story, and the ending. And I loved how I missed all the important clues that led up to the ending - they were there, but wonderfully subtle. I hate when I figure out the twist halfway through, and this book absolutely shocked me. A wonderful novel. I'd give it six stars if that were an option :-)
14 member(s) found this review helpful.
An intriguing story of an Amish community caught up in an "English" trial. Picoult has a way with character development, and this is no exception. You quickly begin to care about these people, and I found myself looking forward to some reading time in order to lose myself in the calm and "plain" life they lead. It's a deeply moving plot, and beautifully crafted.
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the best books that I have read in a very long time! One of Picoult's best! This is one of those books that suck you in one the very first page and will not let you go until it is finished. I even had dreams about the book! EXCELLANT!
Ceylan G. (
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was my second Jodi Picoult book and I must say I liked it much better than Picture Perfect. She was able to capture the Amish way so perfectly, and the book had that courtroom thrill that I didn't expect with her style of writing.
Dianne S. (
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a great book with many twists and turns. The author also provides an insight into the Amish community and what it isn't, which was a blessing to me. I have read other books based on the Amish people, but this one seems to go a little deeper. The characters are varied and deeply developed, which made me feel as if I knew them. The ending was a bit of a surprise, and I also felt it wasn't a strong ending or one I walked away from feeling satisfied. Other than that, I loved the book!
Janis K. (
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Plain Truth" is a well-written story of the mystery surrounding the birth and almost immediate death of a baby in the barn of an Amish farm. It is a fascinating story as the reader accompanies the Philadelphia lawyer chosen to defend the young mother accused of killing her own baby...Complete with a surprise ending, this book is a compelling read which you will find difficult to put down once started. Another winner from Jodi Piccoult!
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book. Jodi Picoult is such a great writer. My heart went out to to the characters in this book. She made them seem to real
Jody M. (
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book made me lose sleep as I hated to put it down to sleep! Learned a lot about the Amish too as I read! Good book if you are a Picoult fan you will like this one!
Regina C. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book pulls you in but it is very slow to grab you. After reading 100 pages you start to get involved in the story and want to find out what happens next. I was against the girl from the beginning. I was becoming disappointed knowing that the main characters always prevail and I did not want to see this one prevail. By the end of the book, I was more open to the girl and was OK with her outcome. There are some parts that are predictable but they do not ruin the ending. It was a window into the Amish life. This is a book that once you finish it, you need to digest before starting a new one.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Loved this book! Great story and I found it interesting learning about the Amish lifestyle.
Shayla V. (
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very good story. I definitely could have done without the language and sexual content, but the story was so compelling I still couldn't put it down. I would much rather prefer the Christian based Amish fiction though for the clean content of the story.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jodi Picoult is truly amazing. This book completely sucks you in and then throws you for a complete loop at the end. I never saw the end coming!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book. This is only the second Jodi Picoult book that I've read and it won't be the last. I found the subject matter very interesting since I don't know much about the Amish way of life. I read this book very quickly because I was dying to find out what happened. Picoult creates great characters here and you sympathize with them even though the crime is a heinous one. I highly recommend this one.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sorry guys, this one really did not do it for me. This is the first Picoult novel that I have read, and the jury is still out on weather or not I'll read more.
I can see why she is so popular- I mean, what prolific writer!! And, I can see why we sell so many at the bookstore I work for. She is well thought out, well researched and definitely well written technically- but, this particular book moved slower than the cows in the book. I did not start to care about the characters until about half way through the novel, and the ending was rather predictable. Nothing took me by surprise.
I see why this novel got such good reviews, but it just didn't strike my fancy.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first book I read of Jodi Picoult and I really enjoy her writing now. A great book that gives you a look inside the lives of the Amish Community and their way of life, but also looks at the other side of things and though they have different beliefs and ways, they are still capable of the same faults and tragedies others are. A definite mystery that keeps you reading and guessing to the very end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Many complex levels that show you, yet again, nothing in life is black and white. Sometimes right are wrong are not as clearly defined. This was also a really great look into Amish life. Picoult really does her research.
Candy B. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
After you have read 2 of Picoult's novels, you realized there's a pattern and you know there will be a trial and a bit of a twist at the end. This one follows that formula right along. What I liked most about this book is all the detail she gave into the Amish life, she did an excellent research job! I hated the ending, I was surprised she left it for the very last few pages, usually she does a better job of rounding out the ending of the book. I'm still left wondering about HOW it happened, but I guess my imagination will have to run wild with it.
Classic Picoult - worth a read if you are a fan :)
Teresa G. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is my first book by Jodi Picoult. You can tell a lot of research was done before writing this book. Wonderful, true-to-life characters that you knew just exacting how they felt. There were some surprises, too. Highly recommend.
Katy (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This story revolves around an Amish teen who is accused of giving birth to a baby boy out of wedlock and then smothering him. As the story unfolds, it becomes more riveting, as her friends, family, lawyer, prosecution, doctors, psychiatrists, and even she herself try to figure out exactly what happened that morning. The result is a fascinating but sad story with a bit of a surprise twist at the end.
This is the second book I have read by Jodi Picoult, and plan to read more. I enjoy the mystery aspect of the stories I have read so far, and am pleased that the endings have not been entirely predictable. I think one of Picoult's strengths is that she portrays her characters realistically. They have strengths and weaknesses, and are complex enough that it is hard to judge whether their actions were wrong or right.
I had a hard time putting this one down.
Debra L. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
WOW! What a great story! This book had me by the heart by the first page and never let go. Since I live near several Amish communities, maybe I was more interested in the subject matter than you will be, but this is a gripping tale. I learned some things about the "Plain" folk. This book is about a test of faith, love and family traditions. A young Amish girl is accused of murder of her newborn infant and the story examines her religious beliefs and the temptations of modern society. The climax is her trial, defense and shocking verdict. I couldn't put this one down!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book. I think Picoult was very true to what the Amish way of life is like.
I think she did a great job developing the characters and helping me to understand and connect to the characters.
The real challenge in the story is what is truth. And when you do get the truth -- what do you do with it?
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A shocking murder happens in an Amish community. Richly develpoed story. I could not put this book down.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
this is such a great book! I could not put it down, you fall in love with every character in this book, and the ending was fantastic.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Although Jodi Picoult's books are easy, good reads, I'm finding that the "twisty" endings are good but getting far too predictable. This ending I guessed not even a chapter in... still a pageturner however and fans of her work will love this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another all-nighter from Picoult. I have the dvd with Mariska Hagaritay, but I'm waiting on my friend to read the book before we watch it! She better hurry!
Holly M. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent story, I couldn't put it down.
Nancy G. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great book - I couldn't lay it down!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was a very good book about a young Amish girl that finds herself having a baby. The baby dies but she doesn't remenber how. Nice action in the courtroom with her Atty. Surprise ending!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was the first Jodi Picoult book I read. I will start searching for her others. I enjoyed the story and how a little more was reavealed through out with a twist at the end that never crossed my mind.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of a Pennsylvania's Amish country and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm. A compelling tale of the bonds of love, friendship and the heart's most complex choices.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this one. It was thought provoking and kept me guessing until the end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was another amazing book by Jodi Picoult. I really thought I had this one figured out but the author was once again able to add that twist at the end and prove me wrong. Any fan of Jodi Picoult's will not be able to put this book down and new readers will have a new favorite author.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first Picoult book I've picked up that I just couldn't get into. I don't know what it was about the book, the premise was interesting, the characters were ones I cared about (I even skipped to the end to make sure everything was "okay") but I just couldn't finish it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another page turner from Jodi Picoult! I would recommend not starting it on a work night... I was up until the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down. Picoult gives insight into the Amish community as well as what she is best at, human relationships.
Keri E. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was the first book I've read by Jodi Picoult. I've heard so many people rave about her books, so I thought I'd start with this one. I finished it in a day and now I can't wait to read another one of her books. I learned a lot about the Amish culture, which has always intrigued me. The ending was a real shocker!
This was the first Picoult book I've read ... I found it an enjoyable read. It kept my interest and Picoult did an excellent job of researching Amish life and belief system. I recommend this book to anyone who loves to be drawn into a story.
Plain Truth is one of the best book's by Jodi Picoult. It is worth reading.
I felt I was imersed in the book from the first page. Jodi Picoult really captures your attention with Plain Truth. She's great at writing about controversial issues.
I loved this book! I was interested to get a glimpse inside Amish life & how they would deal with "the modern world" delving into their life when it involves the murder of an infant on an Amish farm. Fascinating, with plenty of plot twists, I loved it. Picoult has done it again. Highly recommend this one.
This is an excellent book! I really enjoyed the story and learning about the "Plain" people of the Amish world! It is well written with good characters and reminds you how your life can turn on a dime!
Mary W. A very good story involving complex characters and life situations. A great insight into Amish life. Hard to put down. Slow, at times.
C. L. (This was my third Picoult book. I enjoyed the story, particularly the close look at Amish lifestyle, but didn't think it was a "outstanding" read.
It wasn't one of my favorites by the author but it kept my interest
This book is great for anyone who loves reading about the Amish life, as well as courtroom drama. It is great from cover to cover, with no slow parts---right up to the last word!
Wonderful book, with a suprise ending. A great book learning about personal and family values. I have read several books by Picoult and this tops the list!
This is the third book I have read of Jodi Picoult, and it has been my favorite so far. This is an easy flowing, fully detailed, story. I highly recommend.
Really good book! My first of Jodi Picoult, and now I'm hooked.
You really feel for all the characters. Highly recomended.
Very good book. Intriguing plot and well-developed characters.
Good book, shocking ending. I really enjoy Picoult's work
This was the first book that I have read by Jodi Picoult and I absolutely loved it! I was drawn in from the very first page and couldn't put it down. Loved the characters and the story was very well written - if you haven't read it I recommend you do :)
Brenda H. (Jodi Picoult my favorite new author.Heavy and thought provoking!! Great books.
loved this book. It gave me some insight into the Amish. Interesting from start to finish.
i saw the movie so i didn't read the book.movie was great.
This one is full of information about the Amish community, and it was very informative! I enjoyed it.
Kim N. (I loved this story! Picoult is becoming my favorite author.
Tracey P. (Good read with a twist at the end..........Jodi Picoult is always good.
Love Jodi Picoult novels. Great story telling, especially in this book.
Any one familiar with Picoult will know it has to be at least 4 stars.
Shannon M. (I really liked this book. Another one that keeps you on the edge of your seat guessing all of the way through!
A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of Pennsylvania's Amish country-and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm.
A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of Pennsylvania's Amirhs country---and test the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm. Moving seamlessly from psychological drama to courtroom suspense, Plain Truth is a fascinting portrait of Amish life---and a moving exploration of the bonds of love, friendship, and the heart's most complex choices.
One of this authors best! You are left feeling like you are spending time on an Amish Farm. My teenage daughter stayed up all night reading this book. It look me a few days longer!
Loved this book. All of Picoult's books are marvelous and this was no exception.
As a Jodi Picoult fan...this is her best one!! I could not put it down and ended up reading well into the night to finish it!
This was intriguing and interesting. One more facet to the Amish religion. If you like reading about the Amish as I do, you won't be disappointed with this one.
My first book by this author. This was one of those books that once you start reading it you don't want to put it down. Fascinating portrait of Amish life. I already have two more of her books to read.
Kelly N. (I like this author because her books well written and easy to read. I like that each book has a focus on a different culture or specific subject matter, so it's a learning experience as well. The only thing that has become tiresome is that I didn't realized that all of her books are "legal" books, meaning the story always has something to do with a legal problem and the process through the court system/prison system.
EXCELLENT READ!! When a baby is found dead in an Amish barn, police are stunned. Although they prove that 18-year old Amish girl Katie gave birth, she has no recollection of what happened. Her big city lawyer, Ellie, moves in with the family and looks for the truth...which is far from plain.
A shocking murder shatters the calm of the Amish country of Pennsylvania. A Young lawyer steps in to
defend the young woman at the center of the storm.
Another great Picoult book. Amazing peek into what it means to be "plain" and how that fits into today's society.
Another supenseful, intruiging, and moving human story about the great common human heart of us all.
For many of Picoult's books it seemed to me her subject matter differed dramatically from one book to the next. While she's not written of the Amish before, it has finally become apparent to me her consistent theme - family and relationships in the most difficult of circumstances. In this story, an Amish girl becomes pregnant, delivers alone in a barn, and the newborn ends up dead. Compelling.
The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to it's core.But he police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure;
Moving seamlessly from pscchological drama to courtroom suspense, Plain Truth is a fascinating portrait of Amish Life- and a mioving
exploration of the bonds of love, friendship, and the heart's most
complex choices...
Great read by a very good author...
Jessica T. reviewed on 2/5/2007...I really enjoyed this novel. It has a good, engaging story about a culture many of us do not know much about.
It is amazing to me how Jodi Picoult can take a subject no one wants to even think about--in this case neonaticide--and turn it into a book you can't put down. I highly recommend this book!
Loved it!! Really made you think and enjoy every minute of it.
Very good Amish story. A lot of amish culture involved. Written very well so that you feel like you're in the story.
Great read with a blending of Amish & "English" all the way to the shocking ending! Highly recommended.
Another great book by Jodi..........I will read anything she writes....A great book!
Lisa
A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of Pennsylvania's Amish country -- and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm....
Plain Truth
The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to its core. But the police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure: circumstantial evidence suggests that eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher, an unmarried Amish woman believed to be the newborn's mother, took the child's life. When Ellie Hathaway, a disillusioned big-city attorney, comes to Paradise, Pennsylvania, to defend Katie, two cultures collide -- and, for the first time in her high-profile career, Ellie faces a system of justice very different from her own. Delving deep inside the world of those who live "plain," Ellie must find a way to reach Katie on her terms. And as she unravels a tangled murder case, Ellie also looks deep within -- to confront her own fears and desires when a man from her past reenters her life.
Moving seamlessly from psychological drama to courtroom suspense, Plain Truth is a fascinating portrait of Amish life -- and a moving exploration of the bonds of love, friendship, and the heart's most complex choices.
Excellent story that will keep you baffled to the end. Touching and insightful.
One of the best I have ever read. You'll find yourself thinking about the story even when you're not reading the book.
this was the 3rd Picoult novel i read and like the first 2, (My Sister's Keeper and THe Pact) I was HOOKED and could not put it down! It helps that I live 30 minutes from where the story was set! :)
This Picoult book will keep you guessing right until the end. Apparently it has been made into a Lifetime Original Movie, I would like to see how they interpreted the story.
Debbie C. ("Picoult's seventh novel never loses its grip...A hummer of a tale." - People
Sue E. (A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of Pennsylvania's Amish country-and tests the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm.
The discovery of a dead infant in an Amish barn shakes Lancaster County to it's core. But the police investigation leads to a more shocking disclosure: circumstantial evidence suggests that eighteen year old Katie Fisher, an umarried Amish woman believed to be the newborn's mother, took the child's life.
Moving seamlessly from psychological drama to courtroom suspense, "Plain Truth" is a fascinating portrait of Amish life-and a moving exploration of the bonds of love, friendship, and the heart's most complex choices.
This is a FANTASTIC book!!
I had seen the movie first, but I really enjoyed the book. I'm a big fan of Picoult's. She did a great job explaining Amish life.
Maggie S. (I really enjoyed this book. A very interesting look into a culture surrounded by a lot of misconceptions.
If you like Jodi Picoult, this one won't disappoint. Unique story plot. Very well written. Loved it.
Excellent murder story. Jodi does it again. This was my first Piccoult book and I've been hooked ever since!
Lindy
I couldn't put this book down. It was a sad, yet extremely fascinating stroy, and the characters really came to life.
Shana reviewed on 6/11/2006...A rich compelling story that I didn't want to walk away from.
A wonderful read. It is very close to the movie, but gives you so much more insite on the characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
Jodi Picoult tells another good story. This is my favorite one from this author. About an Amish girl & a dead baby.... you don't know who is the baby's father or who killed the baby until the very end. Be prepared to have the rug pulled out from under you!!!
Story Line: Dead infant is found in a barn in Amish country. It's up to the defense attorney to try and find out what really happened to the baby.
Good book
This is a great book about life in an Amish community. What really struck me is how the Amish abide by their rules and value system regardless of what goes on around them. Very intriguing moral dilemmas!
Liese S. (Really enthralling novel that takes place in Amish country. It is about a young Amish woman with a dead infant who gets tangled up with the US justice system.
I saw the movie first; the book was quite close, but of course much more detailed. Good look into the lives of "Plain" people and their interaction with the "outsiders".
Another fabulous book by Jodi Picoult. Great book to take on a weekend vacation. Couldn't put it down.
Excellent---Picoult does an AWESOME job delving into the Amish way of life....
Great read. Couldn't put it down. Very interesting background on the Amish which I was especially interested in as I grew up around Amish.
Elle S. (Interesting book:
A shocking murder shatters the picturesque calm of Pennsylvania's Amish country and test the heart and soul of the lawyer who steps in to defend the young woman at the center of the storm
Picoult is a great storyteller and weaves it well--but how she ended the tale was a bit of a letdown. Still a great read, and great talent here--will read her again.
An Amish single girl gives birth but is in denial about it. The authorities can prove it was a live birth and are charging her with murder. A non-Amish woman, a cousin reluctantly takes up her defense.
This was an "okay" book, although I thought it was fairly predictable.
I thought the book very interesting and a bit educating with a very surprise ending
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