Wednesday, June 23, 2010

46. Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

I while ago, I started this book but put it down for some reason. I can't remember now, but I am so glad I gave the book a second chance. While it came in over 400 pages long, I devoured it in one day. I give Salem Falls an A-.

From Amazon:
A handsome stranger comes to the sleepy New England town of Salem Falls in hopes of burying his past: once a teacher at a girls' prep school, Jack St. Bride was destroyed when a student's crush sparked a powder keg of accusation. Now, washing dishes for Addie Peabody at the Do-Or-Diner, he slips quietly into his new routine, and Addie finds this unassuming man fitting easily inside her heart. But amid the rustic calm of Salem Falls, a quartet of teenage girls harbor dark secrets -- and they maliciously target Jack with a shattering allegation. Now, at the center of a modern-day witch hunt, Jack is forced once again to proclaim his innocence: to a town searching for answers, to a justice system where truth becomes a slippery concept written in shades of gray, and to the woman who has come to love him.

There were so many interesting themes running through this book and different subjects that made the book so un-put-downable. I thought the the girls' playing with the occult was an interesting way to tie in the modern-day witch hunt that does occur in this story. Unfortunely, I think this is something that could happen way too easily nowadays and I was devasted as I continued to read. Ms. Picoult is such a fantastic author and I can't wait to continue reading her backlist.

2 comments:

Literary Feline said...

This is one of my favorite Picoult novels. I had trouble putting it down too.

Staci said...

Her backlist is her best work...I enjoyed this one immensely!