Title: Lone Wolf
Author: Jodi Picoult
Publication Information: Atria Books, Simon & Schuster Inc. 2012. 421 pages.
Book Source: I read this book based on how much I enjoyed other books by Jodi Picoult.
Favorite Quote: "But as it turns out, being a grown-up doesn't mean you're fearless. It just means you fear different things."
Lone Wolf is like reading two books in one. One deals with the human story of Luke Warren and his family - his ex-wife Georgie, his estranged son Edward, and his adoring daughter Cara. The other deals with Luke Warren's experiences as a biologist and environmentalist and his life with the wolves. The family story is the crux of the book. The stories about Luke's experiences with the wolves come across as interludes of educational pieces about wolves as animals, the pack culture, and the lessons we can learn from them.
The family story tells of the man who left (deserted?) his family for two years to pursue a personal passion. It tells of the wife left behind and the choices she made. It tells the story of Edward, his son who learns that you can leave but wherever you go, you bring your thoughts and emotions with you. It tells the story of Cara, the child split apart by a divorce trying to find her place within her family.
As with all Jodi Picoult books, a central key theme exists in this family story. For this book, the theme is that of terminating life support. Luke Warren is in a car accident and not expected to recover. Different family members have different opinions on life support. People take sides. Lawyers get involved. Choices are made. Family history is rehashed. Family secrets are revealed.
Also, as with most Jodi Picoult's books, there is an unexpected twist towards the end. I don't want to give any spoilers. I will just say that I felt that story line was completely unnecessary and did not add to the book at all.
I have honestly not liked some of Jodi Picoult's recent books. They have had twists I did not like or feel necessary. The endings have sometimes gone in a direction that did not mesh with the rest of the story. However, whenever a new one comes out, I feel compelled to read it. Her books deal with such serious human issues. I don't always agree with her take on the issues, but I am glad they are discussed and brought forth in this manner. So, while I did not love this book, I probably will read her next one when it comes out.
The family story tells of the man who left (deserted?) his family for two years to pursue a personal passion. It tells of the wife left behind and the choices she made. It tells the story of Edward, his son who learns that you can leave but wherever you go, you bring your thoughts and emotions with you. It tells the story of Cara, the child split apart by a divorce trying to find her place within her family.
As with all Jodi Picoult books, a central key theme exists in this family story. For this book, the theme is that of terminating life support. Luke Warren is in a car accident and not expected to recover. Different family members have different opinions on life support. People take sides. Lawyers get involved. Choices are made. Family history is rehashed. Family secrets are revealed.
Also, as with most Jodi Picoult's books, there is an unexpected twist towards the end. I don't want to give any spoilers. I will just say that I felt that story line was completely unnecessary and did not add to the book at all.
I have honestly not liked some of Jodi Picoult's recent books. They have had twists I did not like or feel necessary. The endings have sometimes gone in a direction that did not mesh with the rest of the story. However, whenever a new one comes out, I feel compelled to read it. Her books deal with such serious human issues. I don't always agree with her take on the issues, but I am glad they are discussed and brought forth in this manner. So, while I did not love this book, I probably will read her next one when it comes out.
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