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Book Review of Nineteen Minutes

Nineteen Minutes
Nineteen Minutes
Author: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
heyteacher-tpm avatar reviewed on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is one of my favorite contemporary books. I have recommended it to everyone in my life that reads - friends, family, and some of my students. It is more violent than Picoult's typical stories, but there is still the expected character development and flaws not to mention plenty of tear-jerker moments throughout.

As a high school teacher, I think Picoult nailed the social hierarchy of teens today and she did a great job of making even the less likable characters into a good approximation of real people. I wish every teacher would read this book and perhaps react differently to the "teasing" that happens in hallways and lunchrooms every day - it certainly made me see teen interactions with a little less of a rosy tint.

A little predictable towards the end, but with a few twists and turns in the road, this is a great read by a talented author. There were times where it could have felt so contrived and fake, but Picoult really did a nice job of building the characters and the scenes both in present and past settings.