Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
26(26%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
39(39%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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Surprised, that's how I've been left. Because the novel starts in one way and suddenly takes a turn and it seems that we are talking about something else, although everything is perfectly assembled at the end.

I really like how the author constructs its protagonists, the emotions around them, and that he dares to touch on delicate topics.

Perhaps the protagonist should be Trixie, but for me the star is her father, Daniel. I have been fascinated by the character.

I don't want to tell anything more, because I believe that it has to be read with the fewest possible data, but I recommend it without hesitation. This novel has a unique charm that keeps you engaged from the beginning to the end. The unexpected twists and turns make it a thrilling read. The author's writing style is captivating, making it easy to get lost in the story. Whether it's the complex relationships between the characters or the exploration of deep emotions, this novel has it all. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will leave them with a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
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I really love the books of Jodi Picoult very much!

However, unfortunately, this one was not entirely to my liking.

In terms of rating, it would be something between 2.5 and 3
July 14,2025
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Trixie sounds like a stripper name.


I really like Zephyr’s advice which is “a guy can’t hurt you if you don’t let him.” It seems so simple yet profound.


Trixie came home and said, “He raped me.” I initially assumed it was Jason. I didn't think he actually did it. I thought maybe he broke up with her and she was just upset and faking rape like a lot of girls do. But then it turns out that it was due to a "date rape drug." Who would have known?


It’s really annoying when people ask, “How do you know?” as if you don't know. Just like when Trixie asked Janice if she knew how it felt to be raped as if she didn't, when in fact Janice did.


Jodie must have done a lot of research on Marvel and DC comics. It shows in her knowledge and understanding.


I like the critical way Daniel wanted Laura to find him in the drawing. It added an interesting element to their interaction.


The concept of the comics is really cool, but unfortunately, the artwork is crap. It could have been so much better with better illustrations.


According to the back of the comics, Duncan left hidden messages in them which I just cannot figure out. It's a bit frustrating.


Jodi told everyone how to slit their wrists properly. Thanks a lot for that.


The ending of the story could've been better. It was way too abrupt and left a lot of loose ends. It felt like it was just cut off suddenly.
July 14,2025
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On a scale of grocery stores, if Colleen Hoover is Walmart, then Jodi Picoult is Aldi. Reading Picoult makes you feel slightly more sophisticated than shopping at a chain grocery. There are often hidden treasures that unearth themselves unexpectedly.

However, it is not your hometown grocery store. In your hometown store, you walk away feeling warm and fuzzy because the endearing elderly clerk called you “sweetheart” when asking about paper or plastic bags.

This book, The Tenth Circle, is about a lot. It is a Bildungsroman centered around 14-year-old Trixie and her parents. Each of them wrestles with their own identities. Any female with an inkling of a father complex will yearn for a dad like Daniel Stone. He is an accomplished comic book artist whose daughter is the center of his world.

The story is about a sled dog race. It’s also about Daniel’s childhood in Alaska. And there’s a rape, adultery, and a suspected murder case. Additionally, there’s a little bit of Dante’s Inferno conveyed via a graphic novel.

There’s a lot going on here and I’d definitely recommend this story. But there are some loose ends that are never quite tied up. That’s why I couldn’t give it the final star.
July 14,2025
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There were certain aspects of this book that I truly enjoyed. The author's writing style in those parts was engaging and held my attention firmly.

However, there were also sections that I simply skimmed over as I found myself getting bored. The plot in those areas seemed to drag or lacked the necessary excitement.

Moreover, it was really quite obvious what the ending would be. This predictability somewhat diminished my overall enjoyment of the story.

Despite all this, I must admit that I love this author. She has written many other novels that are far superior to this one. I would highly recommend those instead of this particular book.

I believe that this author has the talent and ability to create truly remarkable works, and this one is just a bit of an exception.

I look forward to reading more of her future novels and seeing the great things she will undoubtedly produce.
July 14,2025
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This book hardly captivated me at all. I couldn't feel any empathy for the characters. The use of BD (I assume it's something specific related to the book) in the middle gives it a few extra points for originality, but I don't see its relevance or interest to the main story.

It does have some value in the moral dilemma it presents, which is characteristic of her stories.

For me, it was the weakest one I've read from the author so far.

I found myself not really engaged with the plot or the characters. The story seemed to lack depth and the moral dilemma, while interesting in theory, didn't really come across as impactful as it could have.

The use of BD, although unique, didn't add much to the overall experience. It felt more like a gimmick than an essential part of the story.

I hope the author's future works will be more engaging and thought-provoking.
July 14,2025
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What a disappointment!

The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because I enjoyed the graphic novel embedded in the story.

Trixie Stone has been raped by her ex-boyfriend, Jason. Sadly, due to their past relationship, none of her friends and classmates believe her and assume she is fabricating the story. I found the narrative quite believable up to this point.

Anyway, it was revealed that drugs were found in Trixie's body and now the DA wants to try Jason as an adult. Trixie then flees to Alaska and her parents pursue her. She confesses to her father, Daniel, that she brought the drugs to the party where the rape took place.

At this juncture, I felt that the author had to send the family to Alaska, so concocted this rather silly tale to accomplish this. Additionally, I suppose having Trixie bring the drugs to the party was the plot twist, but I thought it was extremely weak at best.

Overall, the story had its moments with the graphic novel aspect, but the plot development and some of the decisions made by the author left much to be desired.
July 14,2025
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Jodi Picoult's tenth novel focuses on the life of a family.

It's a family with a 14-year-old adolescent, a model father who is a comic book artist, and a mother who is a professor passionate about Dante's opera.

The author's unmistakable storytelling style is evident in every page, making you part of the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat at every moment.

It's a disturbing story about parental love, friendship, and loss, yet it didn't really surprise me. The plot is very good, and the characters' emotions are well emphasized, but for some reason, something seems to be missing. The characters annoyed me... Trixie seemed to me a spoiled child, suffocated by her father's love. Daniel seemed a bit lethargic (and I'm not referring to the moment when Trixie goes through that unpleasant moment, because then he reacts appropriately, but in general) and Laura seemed bored (and here I'm not taking into account the affair). The family, although apparently perfect, is dysfunctional. Trixie is not the straight-A, obedient and listening child that her parents believe. Daniel is not the model father that his daughter imagines, and Laura has nothing to do with the role of being a mother. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's my perception. The one I liked the most was detective Mike Bartolemew. He seemed to me the most real, even though he also had his demons. The book deals with a rather sensitive subject - rape, so at times it can be difficult to read.

I identified with some phrases related to the fact that you don't know when your child grows up and simply flies away from you (becoming impossible to protect anymore), but I didn't see myself at all in the role of the overprotective parent.

The title is very well chosen, making a connection with Dante's Inferno (which has nine circles through which sinners must pass). Similarly, Daniel Stone will have to go through ten circles to get out of the hell that appears in his life.

Usually, I empathize with this kind of stories, but this one didn't convey any emotion to me. Of course, I was curious to see how it all ended, but only because I hoped for a fitting ending.

The ending seemed correct to me, it was the most obvious to leave the reader with the impression that justice works (whether it is divine or not).

It's not a bad book, but it's not one of the best either. I really like how Jodi writes, so I will read more of her stories, even if this one wasn't necessarily to my taste.
July 14,2025
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I'm always eager for a great psychological thriller, and Picoult truly knows how to select her topics. Memory regression, teen mass murder sprees, suicide pacts - you mention it, and she's right there.

Although this book approaches the topic from an indirect angle, The Tenth Circle is, at its essence, a story about family and the power of those family ties. By following what occurs to the Stone family after their daughter, Trixie, alleges she has been raped by her ex-boyfriend, we explore what love can compel us to do, and what it can - and cannot - rescue us from.

My main critique of Picoult's body of work is that her books often seem to be produced too hastily, with loose ends and unfinished aspects left dangling. This novel was largely an exception to that complaint. I was pleasantly astonished to see how neatly everything was tied together and looped back on itself (no pun intended). From Daniel's upbringing in Alaska, to his comic book art, to his wife's classes - it all intertwined into a complete whole.

Since I've never read Dante, I can't remark on how well Picoult manages to recreate the ten circles of Hell, but sufficient was explained in the text that even those readers with significant gaps in their education (like myself!) are able to follow along.
July 14,2025
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4,5 Sterne

Overall, the story had a great start that really captivated me. My thoughts were constantly pulled in different directions as I wondered who was telling the truth and how I would feel in the shoes of the various characters such as the father, mother, victim, or accused. It seemed like this book had the potential to be a highlight of the year for me.


However, unfortunately, the ending left something to be desired. It felt a bit strange and didn't quite fit with the rest of the story. It seemed rather unbelievable to me. This really took away from the overall impact of the book.


Despite this, the rest of the story was so convincing that I'm only going to deduct half a star. I still think the author did a great job with the majority of the narrative and managed to keep me engaged throughout most of the book.

July 14,2025
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This book delves into sensitive themes like suicide and rape, as well as the profound impact these have on an adolescent and their parents.

It had the potential to be an outstanding piece of literature, capable of providing valuable insights and引发深刻的思考. However, unfortunately, it failed to meet the high expectations that were set.

The author may have intended to explore these complex issues in a meaningful way, but perhaps the execution fell short.

Maybe the story lacked depth or the characters were not fully developed, preventing the readers from truly connecting with their experiences.

Despite its shortcomings, the book still manages to raise important questions about the consequences of such traumatic events and the need for support and understanding.

It serves as a reminder that these issues are all too real and that we must continue to have conversations about them in order to find ways to help those who are affected.

Overall, while this book may not have lived up to its potential, it still has the power to spark discussions and raise awareness about these crucial topics.

July 14,2025
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So if one were to make a comparison between popular fiction and dining, it could be said that writers such as Danielle Steele, John Grisham, and Nora Roberts are like the McDonald's of the literary world. I would perhaps equate Jodi Picoult with Applebee's. Reading a Jodi Picoult novel is similar to casual dining. You generally know what to expect, and you don't anticipate anything that will drastically change your life. However, it is entertaining, has a certain atmosphere, and definitely feels at least a little more upscale.


This particular novel focuses on a family: a mom, a dad, a daughter, and their responses to the daughter's rape. Additionally, it delves into the dad's past in Alaska, the mom's affair, the town's reaction to the rape, and even a sled dog race in Alaska. There's also a graphic novel aspect, and you learn a bit about Dante. Basically, there is an abundance of elements in this novel. I had the impression that the author attempted to stuff too many things into it, and in the end, was unable to neatly tie up all the loose ends. Many elements seemed rather haphazardly thrown in; there are themes, characters, and locations running wild!


But overall, I did enjoy this book. You'll get immersed in the story, and aside from the excessive number of plot lines, it is well-written. This is a decent read, and I would recommend it. Maybe you should take it along and read it while waiting for drinks at Applebee's.
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