My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

 

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Note: If you have seen the film adaptation of this book, forget about it. Seriously. And this isn't just me being pretentious or trying to say "the book is always better." (As I've said before.) The film adaptation of this novel misses the entire point of the story and the only similarities are the base premise and the title. The only thing I can think to compare it to is if the film adaptation of Harry Potter decided to have Ron defeat Voldemort instead Harry. It's honestly that inaccurate.

If you love stories like A Walk to Remember, The Fault in Our Stars or any other dramatic tear jerker this book is for you. Throw in some courtroom drama and a bit if mystery and you have an amazing story you'll only want to stop reading long enough to dry your eyes.

Kate, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia when she was very young. Kate's parents were left with few options, the most hopeful being a cord blood donation ... provided this donation come from a baby designed to match Kate's needs perfectly. Though they had never intended to have another child after Kate and their son Jesse, Kate's parents decided welcoming another baby into their life wouldn't be so bad if it would save their daughter's life.

So they have Anna and the cord blood helps Kate recover. For some time. But when Kate starts needing transfusions and bone marrow transplants, Anna is still the best match. Now 13, Anna has undergone countless procedures for her sister. But Kate requires a kidney transplant and, as always, it's expected Anna will give a piece of herself to save her sister.

Instead, Anna hires a lawyer and takes her parents to court to win the ability to make her own medical decisions, something she cannot do as a minor. The family's loyalties are now divided and everyone begins to discover more about the people they thought they knew.

Each chapter is narrated by one of the characters and gives an intimate glimpse into their emotions, their decisions, their pasts. While the main plot is compelling on its own, each character brings their own struggles, their own secrets and their own desires.

My Sister's Keeper is an emotional read full of moral ambiguity, despair and hope. It comes highly recommended, especially if you're looking for a poignant reminder of the pain and joy that comes along with being human.

9 days until Christmas!