DIscussing Question

#1. Publisher’s Weekly call My Sister’s Keeper a “a spellbinding suspense novel.” Give your input on why this magazine might call this story suspenseful. Think about the way the book is written from different perspectives and how sections end. Do you want to read more? Are there things that are a mystery in the story? How does Jodi Picoult reveal these secrets as the story moves along? Are there any questions that you want to know at this point in the story?

This magazine might call the story suspenseful because of how you never know what is going to happen. Kate’s condition changes throughout the story and you may start to worry about how she is. Anna is unstable. She isn’t sure if she should go through with the trial or not, but she is sure she doesn’t want to, you may be wondering about the decisions she will make. A lot of this story is suspenseful because know that after whatever happens happens, there family will never be the same. I always want to read more. I actually like this book. I like to see how the different characters see deferent sides of the situation. I think it is neat that the story still moves in chronological order, yet each chapter is told from a different stand point. She uses the ways she changes the view point of the chapter to reveal secrets. As another person starts speaking to you, as a reader, you start to realize what is going on. I am interested to find out what happens to Campbell and Julia. And, of course, I am anxious to see how Anna handles the enormous pressure that her family, and friends, is putting on her.

#2. What is your opinion of Sara? With her life focused on saving Kate, she sometimes neglects her other children. Jesse is rapidly becoming a juvenile delinquent, and Anna is invisible -- a fact that the little girl knows only too well. What does this say about Sara's role as a mother? What would you have done in her shoes? Has she unwittingly forgotten Jesse and Anna, or do you think she has consciously chosen to neglect them -- either as an attempt to save a little energy for herself, or as some kind of punishment? Does Sara resent her other children for being healthy? Did you find yourself criticizing Sara, empathizing with her, or both?

I think Sara began her job as a mother perfectly. She loved all the children equally. When Kate was diagnosed with her rare form of leukemia, Sara started to pay more attention to Kate. Now during the beginning, I’m sure; Sara still showed love for all her children. But as the years went on, and Kate became increasingly sick, Sara stated to over look Anna and Jesse’s needs. I know Sara still loves Anna and Jesse, but she doesn’t seem to care for them. Jesse is becoming increasingly bad, and Sara looks past it, because she doesn’t have time to handle his problem, when see is over loaded with Kate’s. Anna’s problems aren’t as obvious, so of course Sara wouldn’t see them. I don’t really blame Sara for losing sight of the priorities. I actually blame her husband Brian more. I believe that Brian should of show Sara the way a long time ago. He should have been constantly reminding her that she has two other children. The reason Sara doesn’t give much to her other children is because she is overwhelmed with Kate and her problems. Maybe Brian should help.