Brief synopsis: Emily and Chris have known each other from literally the day they were born. They grew up together, their parents were friends, they lived next door to each other, and had been dating since they were 13 years old. So when Emily is found dead from a gunshot to the head at 17 and Chris is slumped unconscious over her body, his hand on the gun, what the hell went wrong? He says it was a suicide pact that went wrong but he ends up on trial for her murder and a tense courtroom drama is played out, with Emily and Chris's relationship told in a series of flashbacks.
I had started the book last year (pleading the fifth on which actual month that was...) but as usual, ran out of time and it has been languishing on my bedside table, subtly bookmarked at just a few pages in, ever since. I had to start it again, that's how long it's been.
It was fairly gripping. I've never read any of Jodi Picoult's novels before, but recently saw the movie "My Sisters Keeper" on TV and I know that was one of hers, which prompted me to continue reading this one. I wrote a novel myself last year, and it was based around a group of friends who were dealing with the aftermath of a suicide, so "The Pact" was kind of research for me. That I never finished. Ahem...
I was kinda teary in the end, I have to say. Got that old familiar feeling of the lump in the throat in parts. But no ACTUAL tears this time. That doesn't say anything about the book itself, I have to point out - merely a fact I'd like to point out to those who know me and say "oh yeah - but you cry at EVERYTHING!". I do not. So there.
Check it out if you like a love story intertwined with a tragedy, with a lot of courtroom drama thrown in - and a good deal of mystery too. Picoult leaves the reader in the dark about what truly happened at the crucial moment right to the very end.
Have to say - I like her style ;)
What is book number three for this year, I hear you ask? Well, I was going to try and finish Annie Proulx's "Fine Just the Way It Is" (a birthday gift from last year from Sarah). But something else has landed at my feet instead. Just waiting on it arriving, by email.
Pssst, Karen - I'm ready now ;)
And while we're on the subject of completed projects, I finished my first substantial piece of 2011 along the jewellery lines this week as well.
I've had this on my worktable since (pleading the fifth on this one too...moving right along...nothing to see here people...ahem) and am very happy with how it turned out, even though it's nothing like the (somewhat fluid, as it turns out) mental plan I had for it.
I had purchased this teal coloured lace motif awhile back and was in the midst of embroidering it with seed beads when I kind of got inundated with custom orders. Custom orders come first, so this was put aside. Then, I saw a gorgeous Peruzi cabachon that I had purchased, just sitting beside it on the workbench. I really do think it pays to leave things lying about on there and not put them away immediately, because look how perfect they are together?? I adore the colours :) In the next couple of days I'm going to add it to my Facebook page for sale, so keep an eye out if you're interested! In the meantime, a few pics to whet your appetite:
Yes, this year has started out very well indeed :)
~A
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4 comments:
Well done to you! I never have enough hours in the day and have put reading to the bottom of the to do list. Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors and I have all her books at home (have read them all too). Your latest creation is just gorgeous too by the way :)
Thanks Bobbie! I know what you mean - I've just moved reading up the priority list this year (at the expense of a few other things at the moment, but every dog has it's day...!). Thanks so much for the compliment on the new piece too :)
You are on a roll!! You need to add Kathryn Erskine's "Mockingbird" to your "to read" list. I know, I know, it's a really long list, but you'll whip through this book in a couple of days, and it is really something. It is touching, and thought provoking, sad at times (made me cry, but I laughed at times too), but ultimately uplifting.
Love that necklace by the way!
Haha Sarah - yeah, thanks for that ;) I'll add that to the list. I'm determined not to get sidetracked from the thousands (ok, 50 or so) unread books we already have in this house - they will have to come first! Gotta clear some space - will keep the goodies and get rid of the rest ;) But I shall keep that in mind, thanks. And thanks for the compliment re the necklace too chick :)
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