Books Like...
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult is a powerful and emotional novel that weaves together the lives of Sage, a baker and granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, Josef, a former SS officer seeking forgiveness, and Minka, Sage's grandmother who is a Holocaust survivor. Through multiple timelines and perspectives, the book explores themes of forgiveness, justice, moral dilemmas, and the impact of the Holocaust on individuals' lives. The writing style is described as gripping, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking, with intricate storytelling that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
If you liked The Storyteller, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Handle with Care' by Jodi Picoult revolves around the story of Charlotte and Sean, parents of a daughter named Willow who suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a condition where bones can break easily. The couple faces a dilemma about whether to sue their obstetrician, who is also Charlotte's best friend, for wrongful birth. The book delves into the emotional turmoil, ethical dilemmas, and legal implications that arise from this decision, portraying a complex narrative through multiple character perspectives. The writing style is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful, drawing readers into the intricate web of relationships and moral quandaries presented in the story.
Most of the time when we talk about a temper, we mean a quickness to anger. In cooking, though, tempering is about making something stronger by taking your time. You temper eggs by adding a hot liquid... - #2
"Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting, exploring the perspectives of various characters involved. The book skillfully navigates through themes of bullying, teenage struggles, and the complexities of relationships, all while keeping the reader engaged with its suspenseful plot. Picoult's writing style shines as she weaves together multiple viewpoints, creating a narrative that is both chilling and eye-opening.
The story follows Peter, a boy who faces relentless bullying and eventually carries out a tragic school shooting, leading to a trial that raises questions about responsibility and justice. Through well-developed characters and intricate storytelling, Picoult sheds light on the impact of such a devastating event on victims, families, and the community at large. The novel prompts readers to reflect on societal issues like bullying, peer pressure, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, making it a compelling and emotionally charged read.
In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for ... - #3
"Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking novel that tackles the conversation about race, prejudice, and the justice system through the intertwining stories of a black nurse, a white lawyer, and a white supremacist. The book delves into social prejudicial issues, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of racial bias in a gripping narrative that includes a tense court trial. Through vivid characters and intricate storytelling, Picoult sheds light on hidden biases and stereotypes, prompting readers to reflect on their own views and prejudices.
The novel explores the impact of racism on the lives of individuals, particularly focusing on the experiences of a black nurse, Ruth, who faces discrimination and injustice when accused of murder by a white supremacist couple. Picoult's writing style is described as raw with emotion, intense, and complex, as she skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives to create a compelling narrative that addresses timely and controversial issues with depth and sensitivity.
THE MIRACLE HAPPENED ON WEST Seventy-fourth Street, in the home where Mama worked. It was a big brownstone encircled by a wrought-iron fence, and overlooking either side of the ornate door were gargoy... - #4
'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.
The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.
If I’d known I was about to meet the man who’d shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in. Instead, I roused our florist, Mr. Sitwell, from his bed to make a boutonnière. My firs... - #5
'A Spark of Light' by Jodi Picoult revolves around a hostage crisis at an abortion clinic, exploring the perspectives of various characters involved in the incident. The story is told in reverse chronological order, revealing the motives and backgrounds of each character as the narrative unfolds hour by hour. Through multiple viewpoints, the book delves into the complexities of the abortion debate, intertwining personal stories with the larger social issue at hand.
THE CENTER SQUATTED ON THE corner of Juniper and Montfort behind a wrought-iron gate, like an old bulldog used to guarding its territory. At one point, there had been many like it in Mississippi—nonde... - #6
'House Rules' by Jodi Picoult revolves around a gripping story where an 18-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome, Jacob, is accused of murder. The narrative provides insights into the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families, delving into the legal system and the impact of the disorder on relationships. Through multiple perspectives, including Jacob, his mother Emma, his brother Theo, and lawyer Oliver, the book unfolds a complex family drama intertwined with a compelling mystery.
The writing style of 'House Rules' is praised for its ability to immerse readers in the characters' emotions, particularly highlighting the struggles and frustrations of living with Asperger's Syndrome. Jodi Picoult skillfully weaves together different viewpoints, offering a nuanced exploration of the dynamics within the family and the legal proceedings surrounding Jacob's case. The novel effectively combines elements of suspense, family drama, and legal thriller, creating a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the complexities of autism and the challenges of understanding and accepting differences.
Everywhere I look, there are signs of a struggle. The mail has been scattered all over the kitchen floor; the stools are overturned. The phone has been knocked off its pedestal, its battery pack hangi... - #7
'Winter Garden' by Kristin Hannah is a poignant tale that weaves together the lives of two sisters, Meredith and Nina, as they uncover the hidden past of their mother, Anya. The story alternates between Anya's harrowing experiences in Leningrad during WWII and the present-day struggles of the sisters to understand their distant mother. Through fairy tales and secrets, the family confronts their past, leading to revelations that reshape their identities and relationships. The book blends historical events with contemporary family drama, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience.
Was this what forty looked like? Really? In the past year Meredith had gone from Miss to Ma’am. Just like that, with no transition. Even worse, her skin had begun to lose its elasticity. There were ti... - #8
"Schindler's Ark" by Thomas Keneally is a biographical novel that presents a slice of history during the Nazi era, focusing on the contrasts between the humane actions of Oskar Schindler and the savage inhumanity of Amon Goeth. The author uses a mix of factual historical events and fictional storytelling to highlight Schindler's heroism and the dark backdrop of the Holocaust. The writing style is described as dispassionate yet emotionally heartwarming, allowing readers to delve into one of the most terrible times in human history while exploring the enigmatic character of Schindler.
- #9
"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
LALE RATTLES ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE, KEEPING HIS HEAD up and himself to himself. The twenty-five-year-old sees no point in getting to know the man beside him, who occasionally nods off against his sho... - #10
"The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.
I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she...