Vanishing Acts by Jodi PicoultI am still not really sure what I think about this book. It is only the second Jodi Picoult book I have read, the first being Salem Falls, which I really enjoyed. This one...I am just not sure. I liked it, but there were things about it that I didn't.
The premise was definitely interesting. I can't imagine what it would be like to find out as an adult that you were kidnapped at 4 years old by your father and the mother you thought was dead has really been searching for you for over 20 years. I thought it a nice touch that Delia, with her dog, work for search and rescue. She looks for those who are lost as someone once did for her.
I think my problem with the book was that, on top of this very big and full plot, it also dealt with alcoholism and child abuse, a love triangle and a suicide. There were just too many unnecessary characters and side stories that took away from the main story line. It would have been so much better had it stuck to the story of Delia and her father's reasoning for kidnapping her and how it affected the lives of all involved.
2.5
AtoZ Challenge
Aaawww, shucks! I'm sorry to hear you didn't like it. This one is my favorite of Picoult's books so far (it even beats My Sister's Keeper) but I haven't read Salem Falls yet. I definitely will now, you spiked my curiosity :)
ReplyDeleteI read this years sgo, but remember liking it. There were many storylines, but I enjoyed the way it all came together.
ReplyDeleteI think you started with the wrong Picoult books. I have read almost everything she's ever put on paper ;) and I LOVE her. My fave is The Pact, and next faves are Plain Truth, Perfect Match and Nineteen Minutes :D
ReplyDeleteYou would think that someone who turns out books as fast as Picoult does wouldn't have to jam so many issues into one book.
ReplyDeleteCrawford's- I probably did. I am putting the books you listed at the top of the pile. I read this one because it conted for my a to z challenge. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa- yes! I thought the same exact thing.
Lilly- the main story about the kidnapping, I liked. I just wish there was less of the other stuff going on.
sorry you didn't enjoy! I plan to check it out soon, just to see.
ReplyDeleteI read this one, too, and I pretty much agree with your thoughts. My favorite of the few Picoult books I've read is "Nineteen Minutes."
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I have this one in my TBR pile. I loved My Sister's Keeper so I want to see how Picoult's other books stack up. I am torn about the numerous storylines. As a person with ADD, I am either going to absolutely love it, or I will be overwhelming. It will have a lot to do with her execution and blending. I will just have to read it and see. Thanks for the honest review!
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