Monday, July 12, 2010

Salem Falls


Book Bag Rating: Maybe

I've read several of Jodi Picoult's books and enjoyed each one. Similarly, I enjoyed this one; just not as much. I'm not sure if it's because I've read too many of her books or if this story just wasn't as fresh. I found this book a little slow and largely predictable. Picoult for me has beoome like Danielle Steele. She uses the same formula with different characters.

It is the story of Jack St. Bride, victim of a teenage girl's crush that turned into a conviction for sexual assault. Upon his release from prison he ends up in the sleepy town of Salem Falls where he meets Addie a broken diner owner and falls in love. The couple have been beaten down by life and when Jack is once again accused of rape, Addie must decide whether or not she really knows this man.

You always expect an unexpected ending from Picoult but this book didn't have that "aha" moment at the end. I knew how it was going to end from about the middle of the book. The one little surprise at the end was also not that surprising and I had also guessed that secret.

Overall I did enjoy the book. I kept turning the pages but it's not a favorite thus the maybe rating.