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Second Glance

jodi picoult

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When odd, supernatural events plague the town of Comtosook, a ghost hunter is hired by the developer to help convince the residents that there's nothing spiritual about the property. An intricate tale of love, haunting memories, and renewal. (An interview about the book is included below the reading guide).

"Sometimes I wonder....Can a ghost find you, if she wants to?"

An intricate tale of love, haunting memories, and renewal, Second Glance begins in current-day Vermont, where an old man puts a piece of land up for sale and unintentionally raises protest from the local Abenaki Indian tribe, who insist it's a burial ground. When odd, supernatural events plague the town of Comtosook, a ghost hunter is hired by the developer to help convince the residents that there's nothing spiritual about the property.

Enter Ross Wakeman, a suicidal drifter who has put himself in mortal danger time and again. He's driven his car off a bridge into a lake. He's been mugged in New York City and struck by lightning in a calm country field. Yet despite his best efforts, life clings to him and pulls him ever deeper into the empty existence he cannot bear since his fiancée's death in a car crash eight years ago. Ross now lives only for the moment he might once again encounter the woman he loves. But in Comtosook, the only discovery Ross can lay claim to is that of Lia Beaumont, a skittish, mysterious woman who, like Ross, is on a search for something beyond the boundary separating life and death. Thus begins Jodi Picoult's enthralling and ultimately astonishing story of love, fate, and a crime of passion.

Hailed by critics as a "master" storyteller (Washington Post), Picoult once again "pushes herself, and consequently the reader, to think about the unthinkable" (Denver Post). Second Glance, her eeriest and most engrossing work yet, delves into a virtually unknown chapter of American history -- Vermont's eugenics project of the 1920s and 30s -- to provide a compelling study of the things that come back to haunt us -- literally and figuratively. Do we love across time, or in spite of it?

448 pages, Paperback

First published April 8,2003
Places
vermont, 

This edition

Format
448 pages, Paperback
Published
March 2, 2004 by Washington Square Press
ISBN
9780743454513
ASIN
0743454510
Language
English

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About the author

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jodi picoult

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Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, including Wish You Were Here, Small Great Things, Leaving Time, and My Sister's Keeper, and, with daughter Samantha van Leer, two young adult novels, Between the Lines and Off the Page. Picoult lives in New Hampshire.

MAD HONEY, her new novel co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 4, 2022.

Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodipicoult

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodipicoult

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Slumber
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Do you believe in ghosts? Or in what we refer to as paranormal activity? I used to watch a show named 'Ghost Hunters'. As the name implies, in this program, they search for ghosts in attics and old mansions. With the aid of some devices, they sort of demonstrated to us the presence of an energy in these locations. I was actually intrigued by the concept. I have always believed in the unknown energy surrounding us, something like the existence of a sixth sense.

However, when I chose to read 'Second Glance', I never anticipated the story to be like that. My initial thought about 'Second Glance' was that it was just a book in which the existence of ghosts and invisible forces on earth would be questioned, and in the end, science would prevail. I was so certain! But how wrong I was!

This is my first Jodi Picoult book. I have two of her books on my 'to-read' list, namely 'My Sister's Keeper' and 'Nineteen Minutes'. But apparently, I decided to read 'Second Glance', and this book was a wake-up call! 'Second Glance' shook my beliefs regarding the undefined forces of nature. Don't think I'm delusional, but it's the truth.

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Lukatta
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Not bad at all.

I really liked this novel and its characters. There were several very funny moments throughout the story, which made it quite enjoyable.

Unlike some of Picoult's other books that are often filled with controversy, this one had less of that, making it a lighter read compared to most of her works.

I initially expected the beginning to be a bit slow, and indeed, it had some moments that were not overly fast-paced. However, it wasn't as slow as I had anticipated.

One aspect that I really liked was the ghost element. I was a bit skeptical at first because I thought it might be similar to Danielle Steel's "Past Present" where the ghosts appeared in a certain way. But to my surprise, it wasn't. The way Picoult incorporated the ghost aspect was actually very well-written and added an interesting layer to the story.

Overall, I would say that this book is not bad at all. In fact, I liked it simply because it was an engaging and entertaining read that managed to keep my interest from start to finish.
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KiidCathedrale
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read this awhile back but just realized I did not add it. So, I wanted to make sure I did it this time.

I have a deep love for Jodi Picoult's books. Her writing has the power to draw me in and keep me hooked from the very first page.

Each of her stories is unique, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking themes. Whether it's a story about family, love, or justice, Jodi Picoult always manages to bring out the best in her readers.

Her books make me think, feel, and question my own beliefs and values. They are not just entertainment, but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

I can't wait to read more of her works and see what new adventures and insights she has in store for us.
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Aureole
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A Jodi Picoult novel is truly a masterpiece when it comes to complex characters, and "Second Glance" is no exception. It is filled with a diverse cast of characters who add depth and richness to the story.


Ross, the main character, is dealing with the loss of his wife Aimee in a car accident. This tragedy has left him feeling empty and without purpose. However, as he meets various other characters throughout the story, his perspective on life begins to change, and living becomes a little easier for him.


The book explores themes of loss, guilt, and the search for redemption. It is not just a simple ghost story; it also delves deep into the dark history of eugenics, a subject that is both fascinating and disturbing. Picoult manages to handle this sensitive topic with great care and respect, making it an important part of the story.


One of the things that makes this book so enjoyable is the way all the characters are connected. At first, it may not be obvious, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that everyone has a role to play. The plot twists are cleverly crafted, and even though I was able to figure some of them out, I still found the story engaging and interesting.


In conclusion, "Second Glance" is an amazing book that I highly recommend. It is a thought-provoking and emotional read that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Jodi Picoult has once again proven herself to be a master storyteller, and this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good novel.


Originally posted on Abookthiefandawordshaker

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Stippling
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I was truly torn when it came to this.

I am an enormous Jodi Picoult fan. She is the very reason I have such a profound love for books. So, naturally, I wanted to love this book just like I love all of her other works.

Sadly, however, I just didn't. The first flaw that stood out to me was the huge number of characters that were introduced so early on. And to make matters worse, they are all in some way linked. I found myself completely unable to keep up.

And then there was the storyline. It was such a wonderful concept, but once again, it just seemed to be lost on me. It was far fetched, complicated, over the top, and way too intricate.

It's a real shame, but by no means does it reflect poorly on Picoult. She is truly gold, and I will continue to be a devoted fan, eagerly anticipating her next release.
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Dina_Naibaho
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It took me a while to get into this story, not only because of the many characters it presents to us, but also because of the very scattered themes it begins to develop.

Only from the 2nd part did I really start to appreciate the story and feel some connection with the characters.

The part about the ghosts bored me a bit, but the part about Project Eugénio was really very interesting.

It's not one of the best by the author, nor one of the ones I liked the most, although I read it very quickly, but still, it's worth reading.

Overall, the story has its flaws, such as the initial disjointedness and the somewhat tiresome ghost part. However, the interesting aspects of Project Eugénio manage to redeem it to some extent.

Despite not being a masterpiece, it offers enough to keep the reader engaged and interested, especially for those who enjoy stories with a touch of mystery and a diverse cast of characters.

So, if you're looking for a quick read that has its moments of intrigue and excitement, this story might be worth giving a try.
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FunkyEx
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is an incredibly wonderful book!

I dedicated approximately 6 hours to reading it from cover to cover, and I simply couldn't put it down.

The story was so captivating and engaging that it held my attention throughout.

Every page turned revealed new and exciting details that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The author's writing style was excellent, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the world of the book.

I found myself completely lost in the story, forgetting about everything else around me.

By the time I reached the end, I was left with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to read more by this author.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

It's definitely one that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
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Tanek-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I read this book quite some time ago.

To be honest, I really loved it. In fact, I have a great affection for all of Jodi Picoult's books.

Her writing style is so engaging and captivating that once I start reading, I just can't put the book down.

Each of her stories is unique and thought-provoking, dealing with complex and often controversial themes.

The characters she creates are vivid and realistic, making it easy for readers to connect with them on an emotional level.

Whether it's a story about family, love, friendship, or social issues, Jodi Picoult always manages to tell it in a way that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

I highly recommend her books to anyone who loves a good read.
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