My Sister's Keeper

I've taken the "Books by My Bedside" off my sidebar for a couple of reasons. First, I doubt seriously that anybody ever looked at it. :) Second, I don't put all the books there that I read anyway.

I'm a vociferous reader, but talking about some of the books I read is tricky just like blogging can be tricky. It's scary to me to reveal all of what I read to people who aren't necessarily in my every day life. I don't read Christian books exclusively, and I don't want to be misunderstood. Sometimes, I prayerfully pick up the books with "buzz" in our culture. Some of you may think that's ok. Some of you may not....so generally I don't write about it. There are some controversial books that I've read recently, though, that I'd like to write about. Here goes....I love the interactiveness of this blogging world, so comment away. Play nice, though. Opposing points of view are welcome, but I'll take snarky comments off as quick as you can post them! (So many people would describe me as sweet, but those who know me best would probably use the words "spunky" or "sassy". Sorry that you just received a little!)

One of the most thought provoking books that I've read in a long time is "My Sister's Keeper". I'm going to give a brief summary of the beginning of the book, but I won't give it all away. This novel is about a family whose two-year-old daughter is diagnosed with leukemia. When her brother is not a match for treatment donations, a doctor subtly hints that another donor sibling would be helpful. Mom and Dad get right on making a baby who is genetically designed to be a match for her sister. The rest of the book is about the decisions made along the way.

I loved this book primarily because of its complexity. We don't live in a world with one-dimensional people who make black and white decisions, and this novel reflects the complexity of personality, relationships, the nature of love and ethics. Although it is clearly not from a Christian perspective, I was constantly asking myself, "What decision would I have made? What does the Bible have to say about that decision?"

It's one of those interesting books that is told in first person from the perspective of many of the characters. Each chapter is in a different voice, and I gradually came to realize is even in a different font. Some of the characters will break your heart. The chapters in Jesse's (the brother) voice were particularly painful to read.

I really, really, really wanted to hate Sarah, the mom. She made some choices that I consider despicable, but Jodi Picoult makes sure that every mom will see some of themselves in her. She is deeply flawed, but she truly loves her children. It made me wonder what choices I've made along the way that would be negative in other's eyes all because of the love of my children.

If you've read the book, I'd love to know what you thought. If you haven't, I'd recommend reading it with some warnings. Don't just read it as a story. Read it thoughtfully and with some self-examination. Read it being aware of the secular perspective from which its written. My other warning is to make sure you have a full box of Kleenex handy. My sister-in-law is still not over my recommendation of the movie "Somersby" because of its heart-wrenching nature. If you hate those kinds of stories or you're in the middle of your own life trauma, don't read this book!