Wow, just wow. I am truly speechless after finishing this so-called'masterpiece'.

I embarked on this reading journey (and persisted), as I've been seeing Picoult's novels everywhere. And The Pact is actually recommended by Stephen King, who heaps praise on her.

I'm never going to write a full review for The Pact, as I do value my time. Even though I endured all 500+ pages of this. Indeed, I feel like punching myself in the face right now. But I just can't help but rage a bit about this, because I'm extremely angry at how the author chose to depict suicide and depression, despite her claim of having done research. Open the spoiler tag only if you're comfortable with knowing the "big" reveal!

Emily and Chris have been together since she was 13 and he 14. They're inseparable, spending every possible minute together, being the so-called 'dream couple' adored by peers and parents alike. But I'm not sure how we're supposed to view their relationship. The overall reaction of the characters remains positive throughout, yet I would argue that these two have an extremely unhealthy relationship.

Why, you may ask?

1) We learn that the parents have been more or less pushing them together or very obviously hoping they would get together since they were babies. I mean, if that's not creepy, I don't know what is.

2) Apparently, Chris was in love with Emily, but she regarded him more as a brother than a boyfriend. However, because she didn't want to hurt his feelings or her parents', she never said anything.

3) Emily was molested as a child (which no one knows about), and so she's very reluctant to do anything beyond making out. Chris can see that she literally recoils from his touch and is near-panic when they go further than she's comfortable with. Yet, he never asks "what's wrong, Em?". Instead, he just feels sorry for himself for not getting any. I mean, what a dream guy, right?

4) Emily is depressed and suicidal, and starts talking about her fantasies of killing herself to Chris. He believes she's serious, but he does nothing to try to stop her except promise himself he would stop her (?). This is an 18-year-old boy who doesn't realize (?) he should ask for help for Emily, even if she refuses to do so.

5) I left the 'best' for last, friends. Emily, upon deciding how she would commit suicide, asks for Chris's help. He agrees and brings the gun, but still hopes he can stop her. They meet up, argue, and Chris leaves. Instead of getting help, he sits down a bit farther away and waits for the shot. When he doesn't hear anything for a while, he goes back. Emily couldn't do it, so Chris, the lovely guy he is, ends up agreeing to do it for her. Yes, that means he shoots Emily, because "he can see how much she is hurting" or some such bullshit. And here's my favorite part - he ends up confessing this in court, and the jury decides he is not guilty.

How in the world is this praised? The message it sends... how problematic and wrong it is to suggest that "if you know someone is suicidal, not only don't ask for professional help for them, but kill them when they can't do it because that's how you help"??

Tl, dr, I'll be sure to stay away from Picoult in the future, because if her books are anything like this...

Another Jodi Picoult novel that I simply could not put down!

Jodi Picoult has an amazing talent for creating complex and engaging stories that draw you in from the very first page.

Her characters are so well-developed and realistic that you can't help but become invested in their lives and emotions.

The plot of this particular book was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

I found myself constantly guessing what was going to happen next, and I was never disappointed.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or a thought-provoking read.

It's another great addition to Jodi Picoult's already impressive body of work.

This was a hard book to read.

On one hand, I could identify with the pain of the parents, imagining the heartbreak they must have endured.

On the other hand, I could also sense the pain of losing the love of one's life, although not from personal experience but just by imagining how difficult it would be.

At the end of the book, I read her inspiration for writing it. She stated that teens often thank her for writing it, feeling that the characters are more like real teenagers than in other novels. However, being 7 years out of my teen years, I have a different opinion. I felt that the plot between the two teenagers was not as convincing as in other books.

I guess what's hard for me to understand is how Emily could stay with Chris when she felt he was more like a brother. I don't understand how she could be intimate with him when she didn't enjoy it at all. Maybe that's because I wouldn't be able to do that just to please another person.

In some ways, though, I did agree with what happened. Without a doubt, the two close families would no longer be close. It would ruin their relationship if one child killed the other, especially when the boy got off after admitting guilt. It is a very tragic story that would definitely appeal to the more romantic teen years. I used to love tragic romances, but as an adult, I feel there's enough sadness in life, so I prefer more lighthearted stories.

Jodi Picoult is truly a master when it comes to writing books.

Her works are filled with situations that have a profound impact on the reader.

It's not just about making you think with your heart and your head; it's about taking you on an emotional rollercoaster that tears you apart and then gently puts you back together as you immerse yourself in the lives of the characters.

As you turn the pages, you become completely invested in their stories, sharing their joys, sorrows, and struggles.

Jodi Picoult has this unique ability to create characters that are so real and relatable that you feel as if you know them personally.

Her books are not just entertainment; they are a journey of self-discovery and a reminder of the power of human connection.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to her work, you're sure to be captivated by her storytelling and the emotions that her books evoke.

My favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Her works are truly poignant and heart-rending. She has a remarkable ability to create characters that are so vivid and real that you can't help but become deeply invested in their lives. Each of her novels explores complex themes such as love, loss, morality, and justice. The stories are often told from multiple perspectives, which gives a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the events. The way she weaves together different plotlines and emotions is simply masterful. Reading a Picoult novel is not just an entertainment, but an emotional journey that leaves you thinking and reflecting long after you've turned the last page. Her books have the power to touch your heart and make you see the world in a different light.

3.5 -

This is an easy read that presents a great concept.

However, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma when it comes to discussing it further.

Without giving away spoilers, I can't say too much.

I truly enjoyed the first two parts of this work.

The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the concept was executed in a way that kept me hooked.

But unfortunately, part 3 was a letdown.

It felt rushed, and some of the plot points didn't quite land as well as they could have.

Overall, it's still a decent read, but it could have been so much better if part 3 had lived up to the promise of the first two parts.

Wow. This is truly some captivating courtroom drama that has pulled me in so deeply that I could actually hear the pounding of my own heartbeat.

Picoult, the Queen of the moral dilemma, has once again had me on the edge of my seat, just as she always does.

This is the story of what appears to be a suicide pact, but is it really? One must check the content warnings if they are needed, as there are some extremely heavy topics explored in this particular work.

The drama unfolds in the courtroom, with all the tension and anticipation that comes with it. The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

Whether or not the suicide pact was what it seemed, and how the various characters will deal with the consequences, is all part of the mystery that Picoult expertly weaves.

It's a story that will make you think, feel, and question your own beliefs about morality and justice.

Great book about the struggles of being a teenager. I read this with my youth book club. They loved it, but you know teens, they like the dark stuff.

The Pact: A Love Story, by Jodi Picoult

We read this book as a part of our high school book club. By far, it was one of the student’s favorite books. They really related to the content. I had about 8 students, 7 girls and one boy read this book with my co-sponsor and I. My co-sponsor finished the book first and when I finally finished it, I called her right away. We talked on the phone for about an hour and a half. We discussed the book’s ending, our relationship with the characters, and the controversial subject matter of the book. It was a great book to read with young people, as it afforded them the opportunity to discuss their own issues in life.

What is it about???

It is about two families, neighbors. The families are born around the same time allowing the mothers to become especially close. The first born children spend every waking minute together, it is almost as if they are siblings. So when they are teenagers, no one is surprised when the two fall in love. And the question becomes, is love enough to heal all wounds? Can we love too much or be smothered by another. This is a book that deals with teenage suicide, and the effect such a tragedy has on everyone involved. Jodi Picoult does a good job of creating characters, and allowing the reader to see the connections between human beings when such a disaster occurs.

The book left me wondering, how would I handle it? What went wrong, and what could have been done to help? A question I posed to the students was: “Was Chris right in not reporting his girlfriend’s feelings of suicide to an adult?” Surprisingly, the kids felt he was justified in keeping her secret. I hope that as a result of reading the book, they have realized that sometimes the biggest gift you can give a friend sometimes comes in the form of what looks like betrayal.

I recommend this book. I enjoyed it, although it was quite heartbreaking in moments. I am currently reading another book by Picoult called My Sister’s Keeper. It seems that Jodi Picoult has continued to push the envelope with thought provoking and controversial topics. I am enjoying her writing very much.

This book, The Pact, is not only a captivating love story but also a deep exploration of the complex emotions and challenges that teenagers face. The relationship between the two main characters is both heartwarming and tragic, making it a truly engaging read. The author's ability to bring the characters to life and make the reader empathize with them is remarkable.

Moreover, the book's treatment of the sensitive topic of teenage suicide is handled with great care and sensitivity. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities but rather presents them in a way that encourages discussion and understanding. This makes it an excellent choice for book clubs and educational settings.

In conclusion, I highly recommend The Pact to anyone who enjoys a good story that will make them think and feel. It is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Full review on: http://leggereinsilenzio.blogspot.it/...

If you are looking for a novel that delves deep into the human mind and soul, I truly believe you have found your next read. With "The Pact", you will be able to enter the psyche of each character, explore their past, uncover their secrets until you think you have found the final solution, only to realize that nothing, after all, is ever as it seems.

You will appreciate the tact, respect, and delicacy with which the author approaches such difficult themes to put into words as family relationships, youthful mistrust, the sense of inadequacy, suicidal tendencies, and the undeniable sense of guilt of those who are still alive.

Reading "The Pact" means immersing yourself in an ocean of questions, of whys, of requests, and of recriminations where the answers are not always ready to be served on the famous silver platter; answers that only life, experience, and a deep sense of self-criticism will manage to provide over time.

Spoilerden nefret ederim.

O yüzden değil kitabın sonuna bakmak, okuduğum sayfanın alt kısmına bile bakmamaya çalışırım.

Ama bu kitabın bitirene kadar cidden çok zor durdum sonuna bakmamak için

The Pact is a captivating story that centers around seventeen-year-old Chris Harte. He is facing accusations of murdering his girlfriend and neighbor, Emily Gold. The two families have lived beside each other their entire lives, and the bond between the two teenagers seemed unbreakable. However, everything changes when Emily is pronounced dead at 3:00 in the morning, and Chris is the only other person present. Chris claims that a suicide pact took place, but the state of New Hampshire is prosecuting him for murder.

This book delves into the complex emotions of seeing someone you've known all your life in a completely different light in an instant. It also explores the lengths people will go to in order to ensure the happiness of the person they love. I had high hopes for this book, as it promised a legal drama with teenage angst, a steamy romance, and a touch of suicide. And with Jodi Picoult as the author, I was even more excited.

Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the end. While the writing was excellent, there were times when the book fell short for me. For example, the subtitle "A Love Story" didn't quite seem to fit, as I didn't feel there was enough drama or romance to justify it. Additionally, there were moments when I thought the author pushed the limits on the characters' motives. Emily's decision to commit suicide, for instance, seemed a bit too easy. And don't even get me started on Melanie Gold, Emily's mom. She was truly horrible. Overall, though, I still thought The Pact was a good read and well worth the money I spent on it.

Jodi Picoult is an exceptionally talented storyteller, a true master in the field. She possesses all the elements required to craft the perfect story. Her language is rich and engaging, the plot is intricately designed, and the characters are well-developed with complex relationships. In some ways, she is similar to Liane Moriarty, as her mysteries are unconventional and domestic in nature. However, Picoult leans more towards the dramatic and tragic side, while Moriarty infuses her work with a great deal of humor.

In this particular book, Picoult delves into numerous important themes. She explores the strength of love, not only between lovers but also between parents and children. Additionally, she examines the concept of truth, both within the courtroom and in the outside world. The question of whether one can love someone too much is raised. We all long for true love, to know someone so deeply that we can truly understand them and prioritize their needs above our own. But there is a point where love can become excessive, bordering on a symbiotic relationship. This kind of intense love can place a heavy burden on the other person.
Picoult also poses the question of how far a parent would go for their child. Isn't the love for one's child so great that they would do anything? Her description of the loss of a child is both powerful and poignant. The court scenes in the book are outstanding, with Jordan, the lawyer, being a remarkable character and a genius. It is rare to see a lawyer's strategy and thinking presented so clearly. The question of what is truly important in the courtroom arises - is it the truth, the real truth, or the evidence and proof? Is there such a thing as a black and white truth, or are there multiple versions of the truth? And do the court, the judge, and the juries really care about and seek the real truth?
This book is nothing short of perfect. The writing is superb, the story is captivating, and the research that Picoult has put into it is evident. It earns every single one of its 5 stars, and it has also gained a new fan in me.