Why is Jody Picoult so popular?

Jodi Picoult’s readers are immediately drawn into the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. She creates communities familiar to everyone. The author then explores what happens to everyday people when their lives go out of control. Picoult is known for her current and controversial issue-oriented themes, presenting all sides of the topic, and creating sympathy for everyone involved, making it difficult to take sides. Readers return to her for her highly satisfying stories that feature consistently interesting characters in an easy-to-read but compelling, page-turning tale.
(Some material taken from Kaite Meditore Stover’s Jodi Picoult: Author Readalikes; NoveList Plus 7/13/10)
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A list of authors who either imitate or satirize Miss Austen and her books using her characters, plots, settings, and tone.

FICTION

Aidan, Pamela.

• An assembly such as this.
• Duty and desire.
• These three remain.

Aiken, Joan. Continue »

If you liked Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove…
A realistic, captivating epic of the Old West full of unforgettable characters and brilliant dialogue, then try…

Ivan Doig’s English Creek
First in the Montana Trilogy
This saga of Scottish emigrants combines winning characters, entertaining plots, and stunning place.

Karen Fisher’s A Sudden Country
Elegantly written and powerful story about life on the Oregon Trail depicts the West’s grandeur and everyday life equally well.
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If you like Georgette Heyer’s Regency Romances…
Excellent characters in a romantic conflict in a historical context, combined with humor, suspense, and a bit of sex, then try…

Amanda Quick’s Deception

Mary Balogh’s Slightly Dangerous.
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On Tuesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m., William Martin will be at Beebe Library to discuss his latest novel, City of Dreams.
City of Dreams is the next Peter Fallon adventure in William Martin’s popular series. His novel is another treasure hunt through time that will take you to New York at the end of three centuries, facing three financial crises and three September disasters.
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Appeal Factors: Sense of place: Jim Crow Era – Mississippi; Race relations/racism; Interracial friendships; Domestic fiction; The sixties; Domestic workers; Determination in women; Women’s fiction; Soap opera; Multiple narrators; First person narration; Page-turner pacing.

The Secret Life of Bees
Sue Monk Kidd Continue »