This week, I had more time then usual to read for outside reading, and I ended up finishing the story. I absolutely loved the book. The ending was completely unpredictable. I don't think any reader would have imagined the book ending the way it did. The book ended with Josie saying she was the one the killed Matt. She completely took all the blame from Peter which wasn't expected. At first, I hated the ending and couldn't believe what I had just read. After thinking about the story, I started to understand Josie's reasoning. She had been super good friends with Peter all her younger years, until about 7th grade year when she became friends with the popular people. 9th grade year, she started dating the popular jock, Matt. He was never extremely loving towards her, and he spoke to her in an abusive way. Josie was one of those girls who would do anything to be popular. She longed for the title, and Matt helped her be popular. She was afraid and scared to be friends with Peter because he was considered the typical "nerd". She didn't want to ruin her popular name by not being like everyone else and being nice to "nerds". She wasn't strong enough to stand up to her clique and tell them she thought it was right to be nice to everyone, including the "nerds" and "geeks". She was afraid of what it would do to her reputation. I starting thinking about the ending, and I concluded it was her way of trying to make up for her actions. I think she desperately wanted to show Peter she was still by his side, and still considered him her friend deep down inside. I think the ending was proof that Josie was an individual who was extremely confused and easily manipulated. She spent all of her time trying to fit in and impress everyone at school and in her life. Overall, Jodi Picoult has yet to disappoint me with one of her novels. I couldn't believe how amazing the book was. It caused me to really think about how Josie was feeling and what prompted her actions. Not every story has the power to make the reader put themselves in the protagonist's shoes, but Jodi Picoult's stories are always thought provoking and original.
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Wow that sounds like a pretty intense book. The plot of the novel seems very realistic with the girl wanting to be popular and disregarding her old friend. By the way, my mom really loves Jodi Picoult as well and has read this book. Is there something special about her books, aside from the fact that they are thought-provoking?
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