From the Buccaneer...Book Review: My Sister's Keeper

by

Katerina Bolic

To most people, My Sister's Keeper is old news. The best selling novel was transformed into a movie in June of 2009; however, the movie did not nearly live up to the novel's greatness. Hopefully now, roughly three and a half years after the movies release, those who only saw the movie will consider reading the inspirational and extremely emotional book. My Sister's Keeper is a story about a teenage girl named Anna, who tries to achieve medical emancipation from her parents. She was born with the intent to provide bone marrow for her older sister with Leukemia. After thirteen years of various surgeries for her sister, she does not want to donate anymore, specifically when asked to donate a kidney. If she does not donate, her sister will die. The book was very different from the movie, having a nearly polar opposite ending. The ending of the novel is a total twist, while the ending of the movie is very expected. Also, the book was told by nearly every character involved in the plot, while the movie does not display the feelings of all the characters. By showing insight to each of the characters thoughts, the book does a better job at pulling on the readers' heartstrings. I have to admit, I was in tears by the end of the novel. This novel is not solely about a girl whose sister has cancer. It also involves topics such as drugs, religious viewpoints, suicide, and homosexuality. As a result, it the seventh most frequently challenged book, with a large number of schools and libraries that have attempted to ban it. Many attempts have not succeed however, because of the novels overall positive message. This novel is one that will stick with me forever and one that I would recommend to anyone over the age of 13.  I personally read it at 13, but then read for a second time at the age of 16, I found that I was able to understand and deeper analyze much more of the novel at an older age. I do not recommend this novel to anyone who does not want to read a story without a happy or expected ending. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult is truly a fantastic, easy read that will always remain on my bookshelf.