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Original poster

Is it me or is Jodi Picoult just rubbish?

31 replies

emkana · 30/03/2007 20:36

Supposedly surprising plot twists which you can spot a mile away.

Totally implausible endings.

But the worst thing is the writing. I can't bear those "soundbites" she has on nearly every page.

Here's a particularly "good" one: "You cannot be doomed, after all, as long as you can still see the faint outline of hope on the opposite shore."

WTF?

OP posts:
MamaG · 30/03/2007 20:37

I've come to that conclusion too emkana

FrannyandZooey · 30/03/2007 20:38

yes crap aren't they

I read 3 or 4 before deciding to stop tormenting myself with the utter crapness of it all

NadineBaggott · 30/03/2007 20:38

it's you.

I enjoy her books - some are better than others - and wish I could write a novel of any description

Original poster
emkana · 30/03/2007 21:03

I'm really annoyed actually, I got "Perfect Match" out but I couldn't go on reading it after 50 pages.

So now I am book-less again.

Any recommendations anybody?

OP posts:
turquoise · 30/03/2007 21:05

You are correct, she is shoite.
One or two ok, then so formulaic.

sauce · 30/03/2007 21:12

nope, not a great writer. I did enjoy My Sister's Keeper, though.

LazyLine · 30/03/2007 21:36

I actually believe I would rather read the Daily Mail than read another of her books.

hatrick · 30/03/2007 21:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

expatinscotland · 30/03/2007 21:39

'Here's a particularly "good" one: "You cannot be doomed, after all, as long as you can still see the faint outline of hope on the opposite shore."

WTF?'

Vom. I didn't realise Hallmark greeting cards came in full length novel form.

Linnet · 30/03/2007 21:42

I've read My sisters Keeper, I spotted the ending a mile away.

I also read The Pact, I really enjoyed that one.

Vanishing Acts and Plain Truth were really good as well.

But although I've tried to read other books that she's written I just can't get into them.

Califrau · 30/03/2007 21:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

madamez · 30/03/2007 21:48

Tisn't you. They are maddening, moronic, semi-literate drivel. And the most annoying thing is she actually picks quite interesting scenarios and then kind of gloops all over them, with lousy, lazy prose, totally unconvincing characters and atrocious dialogue. And I have read both The Pact and My Sister's Keeper, all the way through, but I wouldn't bother with her books again.
For whoever it was wanting something to read, try Jilly Cooper (oldie but goodie and has jokes), Marian Keyes (if you can take the feckin' Irishisms all over the shop) or Natasha Walker (OK perhaps a bit too bright-young-things trying to get married rather than family life).
Actually, for good family-life books, Libby Purves is very readable: I quite liked both The Regatta and Casting Off.

Yurtgirl · 30/03/2007 21:53

I really enjoyed Plain Truth - right until the end when it finished weirdly

I have only read that one and realised she probably wrote all her books according to a formula. Im disappointed because I think the topics she writes about are thoughtprovoking but I think I will be disappointed if I read anymore

purpleturtleegg · 30/03/2007 22:00

Try The Secret River by Kate Grenville, Emkana. I really enjoyed it, and a friend was just 'complaining' last night that she can't put it down.

purpleturtleegg · 30/03/2007 22:01

To respond to your OP, I've read the same 4 books as Linnet, and have formed the opinion that JP is a one-trick-pony. Read one, read 'em all.

multitasker · 30/03/2007 22:01

I was seething half way through Plain Truth - it was cliched characters from the start, and the ending... WTF?? No way was that a good way to end the book. Will never read another. I will not be reading anything recommended by my neighbour again!!
A bit like Patricia Cornwell - although her first couple were good then just formulaic nonsence.

sauce · 30/03/2007 22:02

emkana & expat have obviously been highly offended by the same phrase...

expatinscotland · 30/03/2007 22:02

Libby Purves or Joyce Carol Oates sssoooooo much better for that type of novel.

expatinscotland · 30/03/2007 22:03

I tried 'My Sister's Keeper', but didn't finish it.

collision · 30/03/2007 22:03

Picoult is dire and the endings are sooo unbelievable.

What was the one she wrote about a lawyer and a priest and a paedophile? Drivel.

I enjoy Sophie Kinsella for chick lit and she writes under another name Madeleine Wickham....very good IMHO.

Also enjoyed a book called My Best Friends Girl by Dorothy K??? Cant remember her surname. Will find out. Great read.

sauce · 30/03/2007 22:05

I love Sue Gee.

madamez · 30/03/2007 22:41

Multitasker: Try Sara Paretsky, particularly the later ones (from Tunnel Vision onwards) The earlier ones are still good but a bit dated.
Oh, this if for people sick of Patricia Cornwell rather than those who want fluffy chicklit: Paretsky's books are crime thrillers - but brilliant and really plausible.

NadineBaggott · 31/03/2007 10:30

she just made a short list at the British Book Awards so she must be doing something right.

probably selling a lot of books.

lisad123 · 31/03/2007 10:45

I have read, my sisters keeper, which was good, and about 3 more of her books. However, they are a slog to read and dont really find them unputdownable, but hate not finishing a book!!
Her writing is very strange and not easy to follow and books end stranglely too
wont be buying anymore.

L

joash · 31/03/2007 10:48

Couldn't agree more -RUBBISH!!!