I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the author and publisher for providing a copy of this book via NetGalley.

I love Jodi Picoult. I loved this book! I found her very well researched and as a christian woman who is antiabortion, I was not angry with Picoult for choosing this topic and bringing it to life the way she did. I love that there were so many characters who faced different experiences and how that shaped their perception on this topic. I felt that each argument was brought forward on both spectrums of this argument, many of which I had heard before and a few of which I had not.

This cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! The abstractness of two woman having completely different views and their minds are just so full of different possibilities. I found the characters to be believable. I have met many woman who have been in these different situations. Some made the same decisions and some did not.

I will absolutely be recommending this book to friends and family.

Not a fan of books that go backwards in the story line and then come back to the present. On the plus side it was written in such a way that it's thought provoking.

Jodi Picoult always seems to be able to approach a difficult topic looking at all sides. A Spark of Light is no exception as it's a detailed look, from multiple points of view, at abortion: pro-choice and pro-life. It was hard to put down and so emotional as the book explores the lives of the people captured in a hostage situation at the Clinic in rural Mississippi. Parts of it were hard for me to read, and I sometimes got lost in the back stories of the characters, but the book is a worthy read. Definitely recommend!

Jodi Picoult’s latest takes us to a Mississippi abortion clinic where a gunman has taken hostages. The story progresses in reverse chronological order, spotlighting the lives of all the participants and why the are at the clinic on that particular day. As the story unfolds, we learn the true motives of the gunman.

I have mixed feelings about this. It is exquisitely written and the fact that it is written in reverse chronological order shows Picolt’s gift as writer. Not many could pull this off with such ease and drama. The difficulty I have is with the subject matter being particularly heavy and depressing for me personally. Picoult takes on a very difficult topic brilliantly but by the end, I was completely over the abortion topic and ready to move onto something not quite so real and disturbing. I think that the fact that it did resonate with me so much is also an indication of Picoult’s fortitude.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Ballantine Books and Jodi Picoult for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult that I read and reviewed.
I am usually a huge fan of anything that Jodi Picoult writes but I did not like this book that much at all. I could not get into it at all. For me it was nothing more then another book about a mad man that attacks an abortion clinic. Also, it seemed like things kept getting repeated instead of new things taking place. This book was rushed and took place too fast and you really did not get to know the characters, in my opinion, so there just was not the connection I would have liked to have had with this book.
I can only give A Spark of Light three out of five stars.

Secrets, choices and surprises

Jodi Picoult is an author who writes about controversial subjects. In this case, it is one of the most controversial - pro life or pro choice - a woman's legal right to have an abortion.

I started this book with my own opinion and the book didn't change my mind but it did try to show some aspects of why the decision to have or not to have an abortion is made.

I am pro life. I believe life starts at conception. I was single, not married and pregnant at 19 years old. Abortion was a choice and I did not make it. My son is now 43 years old and I have not regretted that decision ever.

This story is about the last Center in Mississippi that allows chemical or surgical abortions. A gunman walks in one day and starts shooting and the story revolves around the people - medical staff and women there for their services - that are trapped in the Center with the gunman and also the hostage negotiator who finds out his daughter and sister are inside.

This is a book you'll definitely have opinions about but I think author Picoult did a pretty good job in presenting both sides of the issue. I did feel it was slanted more towards pro choice and showed the pro life advocates as radicals. I know some are but don't believe that the majority are.

I received this book from Random House through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

3.5 rounded up.
Jodie Picoult is a prolific writer, and if you’ve read any of her books, you know she confronts head on some tough, controversial and always relevant issues. This one couldn’t be more timely with this predominantly conservative Supreme Court we will more than likely have, who could possibly reverse Roe v Wade. We see mass shootings and hostage situations too frequently on the news. This book takes us inside a hostage situation, where people are shot inside an women’s clinic that provides abortion services. Picoult has done a terrific job of reflecting both pro-choice and pro-life points of view. Most people who read this book will probably have their own opinion on the issue, and what happens here most likely isn’t going to change that. At the very least by giving us characters with different perspectives, those who want their babies, those who don’t, or those who do, but just can’t because of circumstances, she gives us a chance to see things differently from where we may stand.

I’m not going to focus at all on the plot, but rather on the number of things that I liked about this story. I liked how the hostages, some of whom didn’t know each other connected. I liked how Picoult moves rapidly from character to character and gives us each of their stories. In this cast of characters, my favorite was Louie, the abortion doctor, who was pro-life but wanted those who wanted an abortion to have it safely. He remembers his mother. It made me think about how easily we judge people without knowing what they have experienced. It made me think about the victims of these types of crimes and of how little we know them except for a few things they tell us in the news.

What didn’t quite work for me was the structure of the book which reads backwards in time and I’m not really sure why. It didn’t add anything to the story for me. It felt repetitive at times. There were a couple of relationship twists which I guessed, but ultimately did made sense for the story and were realistic. Picoult could have been preachy, but she wasn’t. She has written a thought provoking story, one that encourages dialogue. In the end what I liked about the book outweighed what I didn’t like so I will round up it to 4 stars.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley.

Where to start with this review?
To start, A Spark of Light wasn't what I was expecting.

I've read several other books by Jody Picoult and they've all been full of tension and suspence that kept me glued to the pages.
The beginning of this one was just that, an explosive, heart-stopping moment that immediately grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, for me, the main body of the book slowed considerably and was more about abortion than the hostage situation. Hugh McElroy, the hostage negotiator, discovers that his sister, Bex, and his fifteen year old daughter, Wren, are two of the victims being held hostage in the clinic. This is an interesting twist in the storyline, allowing the reader to get to know both characters from different perspectives, giving it a bit of mystery and suspence . I also enjoyed reading the individual stories about the circumstances that brought each person to the clinic that fateful morning. But the storyline lacked the momentum to hold my intrest throughout the bulk of the book and I really struggled to get to the end.
The story is also written with the chapers in reverse order. The most recent events are at the beginning of the book and going back in time. I didn't care for this format as we learn the story ends in chapter one, taking steam out of my desire to read the middle of the book.
I have loved the other books by author and I really wanted to like this book so I was determined to finish it and I'm happy I did! I really enjoyed how the story ended and it was worth reading.
This is definitely not the caliber I expect from Jody Picoult but I'm I have on a number of her novels on my shelves that I'm excited to read.
So, overall, this wasn't a book for me but may be more enjoyable for other readers.

With thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Jody Picoult for this digital ARC for me to read in exchange for my honest review.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

October 2, 2018
Fiction

I received this digital ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a very powerful book which delves into the delicate and controversial topic of abortion. The method of reverse story telling seemed effective initially but became confusing as more characters were added to the story. Each character has his/her own history and beliefs which allow for a multidimensional plot.

When Hugh McElroy woke up on his birthday he has no idea what challenges he would face on a seemingly ordinary day. As a police detective experienced with hostage negotiations, Hugh was prepared when the call came in for assistance at the Center. Things become more personal when he realizes that his 15 year old daughter, Wren and her aunt Bex are among the hostages in the reproductive health clinic.

There are many twists and turns as each person’s life and reason for being at the Center that day is revealed. Each person has a separate story which brings them all together to eventually unite during this shared tragedy.

Ultimately, we are all entitled to our beliefs and trying to force those values on to other people will always be counterproductive to the initial goal. Our values and ethics are often challenged by unexpected life events to which we might never imagine. No one has the right to judge or condemn another person’s right to choose what’s best.

Jodi Picoult is the master of taking a controversial subject and showing there are very real human beings behind every side of an issue. A Spark of Light is no exception. I enjoyed the format of knowing the end and slowly going back to the beginning. The reader builds empathy for each character as Jodi peels back the layers of who each character is. So many surprises! I know I want to talk to each character to find out more. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine books.

Jodi Picoult is an author that does not shy away from controversial and thought provoking topics. Spark of Light is a compelling novel in which the narrative is told in reverse. Initially, I was not sure how that would work out, but for this particular story, it gives the author the road map to perfectly lay out the story.

"The Center was the calm in the middle of a storm of ideology. It was the sun of a universe of women who had run out of time and had run out of choices, who needed a beacon to look up to."
- A Spark of Light

The Center is a clinic for women, and offers a variety of services, such as exams, birth control, and abortion. It is also the only clinic left in Mississippi that performs abortions. The Center is no stranger to controversy, and is often the target of both politics and religion. However, through it all, it continues to keep the door open to all women in need of the services offered.

It is a beautiful, warm fall morning, and George Goddard is on a mission. Immediately after rushing through the door at the Center, he begins shooting. George has five hostages, and he has been talking with Hugh McElroy, the hostage negotiator, for several hours. Hugh is trying to get George to surrender, but George has other plans. He releases four of the hostages, and only one hostage remains in the building...Wren McElroy, Hugh's fifteen year old daughter.

As the story unfolds, the author introduces the reader to everyone in the Center that tragic morning. Their backstories are told, leading up to the reasons why they ended up at the Center in the first place. Each character story is explained from their individual point of view, and the author does not try to get the reader to choose a side. If you read this with an opinion mind, it will make the story more powerful and compelling. Jodi Picoult brilliantly lays out and examines both sides of the abortion issue, and everyone that reads this novel will have a different reaction based on their personal beliefs and opinions. I thought the author approached the topic in a thoughtful, and often thought-provoking manner. This is never any easy topic, but considering our current political climate, it is obviously still relevant.

Overall, this is a story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I truly felt the struggle of each character, and the difficult decisions some had to make. The fact that I felt such a wide range of emotions is a testament to the incredible storytelling skills of Jodi Picoult.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

Told in reverse chronological order, this book grabbed me from the first few pages. One of the better books by Picoult that I have read in a while, this story tackles a lot of topics and handles them in a way that leave the reader thinking about all the sides of a topic. Characters who are realistic and dealing with a traumatic situation, this was such a thought provoking story. Sometimes when a story is told in this reverse manner it can get confusing, but Picoult makes it work and work well. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Jodi Picoult is an auto read for me because she has never disappointed me and this book didn't either. It's an emotionally packed story that will grab you by the throat from the first page until the last so make sure that you have plenty of time to dedicate to this gem of a book because you will simply not want to put it down. A definite winner in my own opinion. Happy reading!

Another gripping book by Picoult on a controversial topic. Hopefully it will engender a great deal of thoughtful conversation about a subject that people have very strong views on. No one will be swayed one or the other on the topic of abortion after reading this book, but perhaps each reader will understand the other side more.

Not only is A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult told from many different points of view, the story is recounted backwards. Picoult's intense plot follows a group of people held hostage in a building known as The Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Once called the Center for Women and Reproductive Health, the Center is now the last standing abortion clinic in the state. Picoult's beautiful writing brings out the individual personalities of her trapped characters in a remarkable way. The story begins at Five p.m. and works its way in reverse to the beginning of the day. This shift demands the reader's attention and creates a constant state of foreshadow. Remarkably, fifteen-year-old Wren is inside the Center and her father, Hugh, is outside the front door. He is the hostage negotiator. Picoult has created a novel that raises many questions, but thankfully presents many perspectives. A Spark of Light is a must read.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult is a highly recommended timely novel that tackles both sides of the abortion issue.

During one fall day at the Center, a women’s reproductive health services clinic, a gunman enters, opens fire, and takes everyone inside hostage. A Spark of Light follows what happens in the clinic during this one day - starting with events from 5 PM and then moving back in time to 8 AM. Hugh McElroy, a police hostage negotiator, has his 15 year-old daughter, Wren, and sister Bex, inside. Also inside are a Dr. Louie, nurse Izzy, Olive, Joy, Janine, and several other women. As the events of the day move backwards in time, the backstory of the characters involved in the hostage situation are told.

First, this is a Jodi Picoult novel so there is no doubt that it is well-written and the character development is phenomenal. Along with exceptional writing, Picoult is known for tackling controversial issues in her novels and this is no exception. She is also known for doing research on her topics and trying to present both sides of the heated topics. This results in creating characters that are portrayed as real people with reasons for why they believe what they do and why they act the way they do. A Spark of Light should result in many heated book club arguments. Picoult includes an author's note with additional information from her research. She also adds her own personal thoughts, which I appreciated.

My issue with A Spark of Light is the choice to start with the end of the day, with the heart-stopping explosive situation, and then... poof, back an hour in time. While I appreciate the fact the Picoult is willing to try something new and take some risks by employing the backwards-in-time format, I really didn't like it. Learning about the backstory of the characters kept me reading while anticipating getting back to the end of the day and what happened. For me, the book’s reverse chronological structure took away from the actual story.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Penguin Random House.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/10/a-spark-of-light.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2550674134
https://www.librarything.com/work/21494511/book/161062954
https://twitter.com/SheTreadsSoftly/status/1047543067992047617

I wish I had better things to say about this book. I used to be a big fan of the author but her last few books have seemed very overwrought with emotion (and not in a good way) - too many characters in this book to keep track of (I kept mixing up Janine and Joy), The backwards timeline was also confusing (I kept thinking “haven’t I already read this?”) The author also tends to write about people who are unlike her (southerners, people of color) in caricatures and I find it patronizing. The whole thing reads like an after school special, right up to the “triumphant” ending...I can hear the bad soundtrack playing in the background.

I normally enjoy works by this author, but this one just didn't keep my attention. There were too many life stories included in this one book, None were very interesting to me. After trying to get through it on and off for several weeks, I gave up half-way through.

This book is certainly well-written but I just could not really get into it. I have been a fan of Jodi Picoult for a long time, and my favorite part of her books has always been the element of shock and surprise. I didn't get that feeling in this one as I figured the situation out very early in the book. The book covers abortion and the lives affected by even one decision. It's one decision that affects many lives. People on both sides of the issue are locked in with their would-be killer. Will the situation be worked out in time or will Wren and the others die while waiting for Wren's father and his team to save them?

I am rating this book 3 stars. I receieved a digital version of this book from netgalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult's novels and A Spark of Light ranks high on my list of favorites written by her (alongside The Storyteller, Small Great Things, and Second Glance).

At first I was skeptical of why Jodi set the story to be told going backwards in time, but after a while it made more sense. There were a lot of surprises revealed as time regressed, as well as some ironies that hit harder when told at the end of the story instead of at the beginning. I thought I had guessed one of the plot twists and it turned out I was correct, but I kept getting thrown off because of some details involved along the way.

Jodi once again handled a controversial topic in a fair and honest way, making readers think about all the gray areas involved. Some parts were definitely frustrating and I felt sympathy toward certain characters even more than others. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and some descriptions of them came late into the story (like I thought Hugh was older than he actually was for most of the novel), but I felt an attachment to them after a while. (Well, except for the shooter!) I would have preferred to not read a description of an abortion that was being performed, but I understand why she put it in there.

The story was well-researched and I appreciated reading Jodi's author note at the end, which shed more light onto everything that had happened in the novel. The subject matter is timely and definitely worth reading, no matter what side of the fence you are on.

In case Hollywood comes calling...
Hugh: Wes Bentley
Wren: Lauren Boles
Izzy: Mackenzie Davis
Joy: Molly C. Quinn
Aunt Bex: Dot-Marie Jones
Olive: Dale Soules
George: Pablo Schreiber
Dr. Ward: Isiah Whitlock Jr.