Small Great Things Book Review

Small Great Things

Jodi Picoult (Author)

Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Adult Fiction

Publication Date: October 11, 2016

Ruth Jefferson, a labor and delivery nurse for more than twenty years who is African American, is removed from caring for a newborn patient by his white supremacist parents. But, when the newborn goes into cardiac arrest and Ruth is the only nurse available to help, how should she react? Does she disobey orders and help the child, or does she abide by the directive given to her and not care for the patient? This incident sets into motion a lawsuit and a candid look at race and racism in America today.

While it's easy to point a finger at overt racism and racists (like the confederate flag and swastika tattooed father), Small Great Things dives deeper illuminating shades of racism from intentional to unintentional to well-intentioned ignorance.

As a white woman, Small Great Things was at times familiar at times eye opening and at times jarring. Small Great Things will make you think about race in America and how you fit into the wider discourse. When you read this book, I highly recommend also reading the Author's Note that explains why Jodi Picoult wrote it. It's important to understand perspectives outside of our own, and even though it is fiction, Small Great Things offers insight into a multitude of experiences Americans live every day.

If you’re interested in reading Small Great Things, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.