Small Great Things Novel: An Unforgettable Tale of Empathy, Prejudice, and Change

With its thought-provoking narrative and powerful exploration of societal issues, Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things is a literary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world. This compelling novel dives deep into the complexities of racism, privilege, and allyship, leaving an indelible mark on its readers long after the final page is turned.

The Story

Small Great Things tells the story of Ruth Jefferson, a highly skilled African American labor and delivery nurse who, after a routine check-up on a newborn, finds herself thrust into the center of a moral dilemma. When the baby's white supremacist parents demand that no African American personnel touch their child, Ruth is pulled from the case, which leads to a tragic event that changes her life forever.

As Ruth's career hangs in the balance and a subsequent legal battle ensues, her story intertwines with that of Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender who takes on Ruth's case. Together, they navigate a judicial system teeming with bias and prejudice, shining a light on the glaring inequalities present in contemporary society.

Small Great Things: A Novel

by Jodi Picoult(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	510 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Power of Empathy

One of the most poignant aspects of Small Great Things is its exploration of empathy. Picoult beautifully portrays the struggles faced by both Ruth and Kennedy as they attempt to understand each other's experiences. Through their evolving relationship, the novel challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and biases, urging them to step into the shoes of someone whose life experiences differ vastly from their own.

By delving deep into the characters' psyches, Picoult invites us to question the systems and structures that perpetuate discrimination. The novel serves as a call to action, compelling readers to actively seek out ways they can contribute to dismantling these ingrained prejudices in their own lives.

A Lesson on Prejudice and Allyship

Small Great Things confronts head-on the issues of prejudice and allyship. Through Ruth's heartbreaking experiences and Kennedy's journey to confront her own biases, the novel emphasizes the importance of acknowledging privilege and taking a stand against racial injustice.

Picoult's meticulous research and attention to detail make Small Great Things an authentic and emotionally resonant exploration of racial dynamics. The novel encourages readers to re-evaluate their own beliefs and behaviors, urging them to become active allies in the fight against racism.

: This Novel Will Challenge Everything You Thought You Knew about Racism and Empathy

A Call for Change

Small Great Things not only highlights the issues of prejudice and discrimination but also calls for real change. It serves as a wakeup call to communities, institutions, and individuals, demanding they actively work towards creating a more just and equal society.

This novel forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and question the narratives we've been taught. It exposes the insidious nature of racism and prejudice, leaving readers with an urgent sense of responsibility to amplify marginalized voices and dismantle systemic barriers.

A Timeless Masterpiece

Small Great Things stands as a timeless masterpiece that magnifies the power of storytelling in effecting social change. Picoult's gripping narrative, combined with her impeccable storytelling prowess, makes for an unforgettable reading experience.

Through Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult has gifted readers with a novel that challenges, educates, and touches the soul. It is a work that will leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape and continue to inspire conversations about race, empathy, and the pursuit of justice for years to come.

In Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult has crafted a novel that tackles difficult subjects with grace and profound sensitivity. Through its well-drawn characters and thought-provoking storyline, the novel serves as a catalyst for change, imploring readers to examine their own biases and actively work towards a society that embraces empathy, equality, and justice.

Small Great Things is a must-read for anyone seeking a transformative literary experience that will challenge their perspectives, deepen their understanding, and ultimately ignite their commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Small Great Things: A Novel

by Jodi Picoult(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	510 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • With richly layered characters and a gripping moral dilemma that will lead readers to question everything they know about privilege, power, and race, Small Great Things is the stunning new page-turner from Jodi Picoult.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

“[Picoult] offers a thought-provoking examination of racism in America today, both overt and subtle. Her many readers will find much to discuss in the pages of this topical, moving book.”—Booklist (starred review)

Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.

With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn’t offer easy answers. Small Great Things is a remarkable achievement from a writer at the top of her game.

Praise for Small Great Things

“Small Great Things is the most important novel Jodi Picoult has ever written. . . . It will challenge her readers . . . [and] expand our cultural conversation about race and prejudice.”—The Washington Post

“A novel that puts its finger on the very pulse of the nation that we live in today . . . a fantastic read from beginning to end, as can always be expected from Picoult, this novel maintains a steady, page-turning pace that makes it hard for readers to put down.”—San Francisco Book Review