Monday, October 27, 2014

LARGER THAN LIFE: A JODI PICOULT SPECIAL REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
LARGER THAN LIFE
A NOVELLA
BY JODI PICOULT
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Storyteller and My Sister’s Keeper, comes a gripping and beautifully written novella, now available exclusively as an eBook. Set in the wilds of Africa, Larger Than Life introduces Alice, the unforgettable character at the center of Picoult’s anticipated new novel, Leaving Time. 

A researcher studying memory in elephants, Alice is fascinated by the bonds between mother and calf—the mother’s powerful protective instincts and her newborn’s unwavering loyalty. Living on a game reserve in Botswana, Alice is able to view the animals in their natural habitat—while following an important rule: She must only observe and never interfere. Then she finds an orphaned young elephant in the bush and cannot bear to leave the helpless baby behind. Thinking back on her own childhood, and on her shifting relationship with her mother, Alice risks her career to care for the calf. Yet what she comes to understand is the depth of a parent’s love. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-two novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.

MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW:
LARGER THAN LIFE is a thought provoking novella that has me even more eager now to start Jodi Picoult's new book, LEAVING TIME. As a prequel, readers learn the story of Alice's life as a scientist studying the lives of elephants and how grief can effect them. Picoult also writes of Alice as a child growing up and the relationship she has with her mother throughout the years. The two stories alternate throughout LARGER THAN LIFE thus revealing reasons for why Alice is the person she becomes as an adult. The profound role her mother plays in Alice's young life especially will impact readers as always with Jodi Picoult's expert characterization fully developing the players to draw you in. 

As an adult, Alice is in Africa studying elephants that she has always been fascinated with, and how the animals' lives mirror humans' when it comes to maternal relationships. The title has a duel meaning, I believe, as you will see when learning about Alice's emotional attachment to a young elephant she rescues, and the relevance of a mother/child relationship. Where this unusual journey takes readers is one only the talented Jodi Picoult can take us, with her instant attraction, page turning, beautiful writing style and perfected narrative. I highly recommend reading LARGER THAN LIFE before one begins LEAVING TIME. 

COMING NEXT:
Watch for my review and post of LEAVING TIME, the new bestseller by Jodi Picoult. Tonight I will be attending a reception and reading of LEAVING TIME by Jodi Picoult, and hope to report on it along with my review and giveaway for all you Picoult fans. Watch for it as it will also include a GIVEAWAY of this novella, LARGER THAN LIFE!

ENTER THE DOUBLE PICOULT GIVEAWAY

+ ONE ENTRY: COMMENT BELOW on this post for an extra chance at winning both books! MORE information will follow on the LEAVING TIME post and giveaway!
THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, NOVEMBER 21

24 comments:

traveler said...

Thanks for this great feature and upcoming giveaway sounds wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Margie said...

How exciting to attend a reading by the author. Enjoy! I haven't read one of her books for a long time.

petite said...

Enjoy this event. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Karen B said...

Enjoy the reading, oh lucky lady!!

Linda Kish said...

I have always had a love for elephants and would love to read this fascinating story.

Enjoy the reading.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Carol N Wong said...

I am a sucker for any books about elephants and a long time Jodi Picoult fan so I have already ready the ARC of the Leaving Time. I would really be excited to read the prequel. I enjoyed Leaving Time so very much!

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Steve Capell said...

I always enjoy your take on books ... great review. This does sound like a wonderful read. Jodi is an accomplished author so I am sure this book will be successful for her and great read for her readers.

Theresa N. said...

I'm wondering how a person cares for a baby elephant.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I enjoy thought provoking stories and one's that make me think about my own life.
bunnysmip (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Nise' said...

I am very interested in the plot of Leaving Time.

holdenj said...

Elephants, like many mammals, can be extremely interesting. Hope the reading is fun! Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

I love elephants and have a collection of several ceramic ones!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

I'd love to win and read this! Thank you :)

heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I'd love to win!! Heather.hirsch@gmail.com

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Unknown said...

Great review. Very exciting that you were able to attend Jodi Picoult. Interesting to know about the bond between the mother elephant and baby.
marybrandis@gmail.com

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