From the back of the audio case: New York Times best-selling author Jodi Picoult brilliantly explores the complex dynamics of troubled American families in her captivating novels. With The Tenth Circle, she crafts the tale of a brokenhearted teenage girl and the father who will do anything to protect her.
Trixie Stone is only a freshman in high school when Jason, the junior she thinks she loves, dumps her. Then one night at a party, their paths cross again. A few hours later, a visibly shaken Trixie comes home and tells her father that Jason sexually assaulted her. Daniel Stone has always done everything in his power to keep his daughter safe. But he never imagined anything so devastating could happen to Trixie – and now he’s not sure how to help her.
Read by: Carol Monda
My thoughts: This was a very powerful, compelling story. One of the reasons I love reading Jodi Picoult is that she is not afraid to write about timely, yet sometimes controversial, topics. The Tenth Circle definitely falls into this category. It is a disturbing and memorable story of a family in deep crisis. Telling it from multiple characters’ points of view only adds to the tension that mounts as this story unfolds, giving us insight into their true feelings and thoughts. As glimpses of each character are revealed, you start to feel as if they are people from your own town and you grow to care for them and root for them. Jodi Picoult does an excellent job of making the reader feel empathy and sympathy for all the characters, especially Trixie and Jason. One thing that I seemed to have missed out on by listening to the audio version of this book are the comics that are included throughout. I might have to go pick up the book form just to take a look at them! On the other hand, I didn’t have to struggle with the native words that occasionally appeared in the book – the narrator spoke them for me. Despite the tough topic of this story, I really enjoyed it. Filled with many twists and turns, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and is a story that stays with you long after the last words are spoken or read.
(I borrowed this audio book from the library.)
What a nice review of the book. I'm not sure this is my cup of tea, as far as reading the book goes, but it is a problem that our young ones have to face. I have so many audio books on my bookshelf, I really need to start listening to them.
@Gigi Ann Thanks Gigi Ann…it was a tough book and I realize many people might not pick it up for that reason.
I just started listening to audio books and really enjoy Jodi Picoult on audio. I am limited, though, to what the library has when I go, so I have listened to other authors as well – Luanne Rice has a few good ones.
While it looks like it would be an intense read I think with Picoult's writing behind it, it would be a very powerful read as well. I will definitely be picking it up soon.
@BonnieYou are absolutely correct, Bonnie – it was intense and powerful. Let me now what you think once you read it.
Picoult is my favorite author. I loved this book and gave it five stars!
How long did it take you to 'listen' to this book? I've never heard an audio book before and the thought seems so foreign to me.
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Terrific review! It sounds as if you really enjoyed listening to this story. I've only read one book by this author,My Sister's Keeper, but I enjoyed that it was also told from multiple perspectives.
@ Julie: I only started reading Jodi Picoult two years ago and she is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors!
@Tracey: The audio version comes on 11 cds and is 13 and a half hours. I listen to it in the car, so it took a few weeks.
@Suko: My Sister's Keeper was actually the first Jodi Picoult book I read and I cried throughout it. I didn't see the movie – the book was just too good.
I really like her books but haven't tried listening to them – I am always looking for new audiobooks – I will have to check this one out. What did you think of the narrator? Always makes or breaks an audiobook for me!
@Booksnyc The narrator was ok…definitely not the worst one I've listened to. This is the second book of Jodi Picoult's that I've listened to – the other was House Rules which was awesome. That one had multiple narrators.
Kristin, I saw the movie of My Sister's Keeper after I read the book–and cried a lot, anticipating what was going to happen. I got very emotional.
I need to pick up something by Jodi Picoult. So many people adore her and say that her characterization is amazing. And I love that in a book – the kind of characters that just kind of come out of the book and into your life.