Jodi Picoult’s signature subjects are good solid citizens and the complicated relationships of family, friends in thought-provoking extraordinary situations. Set in familiar New England communities, her characters are immediately recognizable – a pragmatic diner cook; a passionate lawyer; a taciturn stonemason; a kindly veterinarian – placed in situations falling under the heading “it could never happen to us.” Picoult likes to take controversial newsworthy issues and examine them through the eyes of common folk. Readers find much to discuss and ponder in Picoult’s novels.
Below are some recommended authors and works you may wish to explore:-
- Chris Bohjalian (Call No: BOH)
“The author who most closely matches Picoult in writing style, characters and subject matter is Chris Bohjalian. Another New England author who favors close examination of hot button issues in small town settings, Bohjalian has taken on midwifery, transsexuality and homeopathy just to name a few topics.”
Some recommended titles written by Chris Bohjalian, which are available from the public libraries:-
[01] Skeletons at the feast : a novel
[02] The double bind : a novel
[03] Before you know kindness : a novel
- Jacquelyn Mitchard (Call No: MIT)
“Mitchard is best known as the debut novelist Oprah Winfrey plucked from obscurity with her first book club selection, The Deep End of the Ocean. Sophomore effort A Theory of Relativity is equally satisfying. Readers with a preference for observing how families in turmoil deal with shocking situations will appreciate this novel of grieving grandparents locked in an anguished custody battle for the sole surviving daughter of parents lost in a car accident.”
Some recommended titles written by Jacquelyn Mitchard, which are available from the public libraries:-
[01] The midnight twins
[02] All we know of heaven : a novel
[03] Now you see her
- Luanne Rice (Call No: RIC)
“Concentrating less on controversial topics and more on family and personal relationships, Luanne Rice’s novels, particularly the earlier titles, are another good match for Picoult. The authors’ use of characters is similar; strong, intelligent women who find themselves consumed by life’s everyday and irregular tragedies but work out solutions with help from family and friends. Home Fires is a fine title to start with.”
Some recommended titles written by Luanne Rice, which are available from the public libraries:-
[01] Light of the moon
[02] The edge of winter
[03] What matters most
- Ann Hood (Call No: HOO)
“For a quieter, more lyrical tone, readers should consider Ann Hood. Like Picoult, Hood’s small town female characters are well developed but their problems are closer to home — infidelity, sisterly rivalry, and cold feet at an impending marriage. Hood employs a little more introspection and personal drama in her stories. Readers should take a look at one of Hood’s later efforts, Properties of Water.”
Some recommended titles written by Ann Hood, which are available from the public libraries:-
[01] How I saved my father’s life (and ruined everything else)
[02] The knitting circle
[03] An ornithologist’s guide to life
- Sue Miller (Call No: MIL)
“Fans of Picoult must not let Sue Miller escape their notice although her stories have a more literary quality and delve more deeply into character’s emotions. Her debut novel, The Good Mother, is a modern classic, but readers shouldn’t miss one of her other novels, While I Was Gone, an Oprah Book Club selection.”
Some recommended titles written by Sue Miller, which are available from the public libraries:-
[01] The senator’s wife
[02] Lost in the forest : a novel
[03] The world below : a novel
Retrieved from Novelist. Website last accessed on 4 Nov 08.
Originally answered by Huang Su San, Librarian, Adult and Young People’s Services
Posted by Yen Yen Toh, Librarian, Adult and Young People’s Services
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