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Perfect Match

By Jodi Picoult

(45)

| Paperback | 9780340897225

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Book Description

What does it mean to be a good mother? For career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost, the question inspires pangs of guilt familiar to all parents torn by the demands of home and office. But whereas most parents lie awake at night vividly conjuring the worst scenarios that could befall their children in their absence, Nina lives the reality of such crises -- and it's her job to do something about them. Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters -- and in the course of her everyday work, she has endured the frustration of seeing too many criminals slip through the system and walk free.

A man as methodical and careful as his wife is instinctive and mercurial, Caleb Frost is a stonemason who glories in his ability to construct with his own hands the physical barriers that will keep out the unwanted -- and protect all that is precious within. But even the strongest walls cannot guard Nina and Caleb from the shattering discovery that their own beloved son has been sexually abused.

Five-year-old Nathaniel is the only one who knows the identity of his assailant -- but in the initial fallout of his trauma, he's been left mute, unable to speak a single word. Knowing the futility of trusting the courts to exact justice for Nathaniel, and ripped apart by a maddening sense of helplessness, Nina finds herself in a grip of rage she can't deny -- no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice. What does it take to be a good mother? How far can a person go...and still live with herself? What happens if one's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down?

Forging new ground in her unique territory of morally complex suspense fiction, bestselling author Jodi Picoult delivers her most soulful and intimate novel to date -- and portrays what happens to a family when a wheel comes off, when the domestic unit begins to careen and veer, when the vestments of ordinary life are forfeited to unspeakable horrors. From its provocative opening to the astonishing and revelatory finale, Perfect Match enters the raw and private realm of a parent's heart, and ultimately questions our assumptions about family, security, and love.

6 Reviews

Perfect Match

I don't think I have hated any protagonist in any book as much as I did this one. The author had managed to annoy me with her character's arrogance so much that when the (obviously coming) "plot twist" finally got here to bring her low I just about cheered. Fortunately that event also allowed the ... (continue)

I don't think I have hated any protagonist in any book as much as I did this one. The author had managed to annoy me with her character's arrogance so much that when the (obviously coming) "plot twist" finally got here to bring her low I just about cheered. Fortunately that event also allowed the character to grow a little, making her a little more palatable in the remainder of the story. Overall I found the book engaging, if a bit flimsy in places, however I was hoping for a different ending.

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Readingrat said on Mar 26, 2011 | Add your feedback

Well this book is one of the reasons Jodi Picoult is my favourite author. It has the mystery, the crime, the slightly unstable heroin and a gripping story line revealed in a great way.

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V Krazi said on Jun 10, 2010 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

This is my third Jodi Piccoult novel(The Pact, Plain Truth)and so far I am not disappointed. Even if I do agree with other reviewers that there is a similarity with her plot outlines. It obviously works and sells books so why not? Each title has a different ethical dilemma to explore, so I am not bo ... (continue)

This is my third Jodi Piccoult novel(The Pact, Plain Truth)and so far I am not disappointed. Even if I do agree with other reviewers that there is a similarity with her plot outlines. It obviously works and sells books so why not? Each title has a different ethical dilemma to explore, so I am not bored yet.
This one involves a heart wrenching case of child abuse, where the mother of the victim worked with such cases in her role as a district attorney.
This magnifyed the horror of the situation that no child or parent should ever have to face. Just how does one ever begin to cope with this ghastly but unfortunately real life problem. It is a struggle to protect children in todays' society. An enjoyable read that will make you think especially if you are a parent yourself!

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Lindyloumac said on Oct 20, 2009 | Add your feedback

A completely stunning book, and just when you think you have everything figured out, Ms. Picoult spins you right around again. I had goosebumps at the end. Incredible!

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Heather Landry said on Aug 13, 2009 | Add your feedback

She completely drew me in- heart-wrenching & fulfilling. Great twists & turns to the story. Once again, Jodi sheds light on the gray in all of our lives.

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Poeta579 said on Aug 17, 2008 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

Very good, but not as good as My Sister's Keeper. I can't imagine being in Nina's situation. I am a little disappointed in the ending, it's almost as if she got away with it. I would definitely be interested in a discussion of this one.

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SheReads said on Mar 6, 2007 | Add your feedback