My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

A great story, superbly written.

The book is about a 13 year old girl, who is conceived in-vitro to be a compatible donor for her seriously ill sister. Originally, only cord blood from her delivery was expected to be used, however as her sister relapses time and time again, she must continue donating to her sister to keep her alive. One day she decides she will donate no more. What we learn about her and her family is not always as simple as what we immediately see.

Picoult masterfully tells this story. The story is told from the perspective of ALL the individuals directly involved. We are able to observe how the same events are perceived differently by each of the characters. Added to this complex web, we visit different times in the lives of these characters. Only a skilled story teller could do this so well, that we never feel "lost" by changes in character or time. Picoult does an excellent job. We feel for each of the characters in this tragic family.

This is my first novel by Picoult, but judging by the quality of this work, it will not be the last by far!