Songs of the Humpback Whale: A Novel (Wsp Readers Club)

To say that Jane Jones is dissatisfied with her marriage is an understatement. She was originally attracted to her husband Oliver partly because he is an intelligent, hard-working, and well-respected oceanographer. Now those qualities are tearing apart their relationship, as his obsession with humpback whales threatens to destroy their marriage. The last straw occurs when Jane finds her closet full of Oliver's records and samples taken from whales. She stalks out of the house, with her daughter Rebecca in tow, and begins a cross-country journey on the way to see her brother Joley who works on an apple farm in Massachusetts. Joley guides her across the country by writing letters to her, describing what route she should take and what sights she should see on the way. Jane and Rebecca's trip is dotted with small adventures, but eventually they arrive at the apple farm and a warm reunion with Joley. While they are there, they meet Joley's boss, Sam, and a young hand named Hadley. Both men have a significant influence on the lives of Jane and Rebecca. Jodi Picoult tells her story from 5 people's point of view, with Jane's narration going chronologically and Rebecca's going backwards in time. This is an interesting juxtaposition and creates some added suspense. She creates very believable characters and intertwines their lives in a wonderful way. After reading several Picoult novels, it was interesting to read the book which started her writing career.

Like some of the other reviewers, I initially found it difficult to 'get into' the characters, the story itself, and the plot. However, once I did, and once I was able to imagine myself in the dance Picoult's writing takes, I was mesmerized. I have never felt the kind of connection with characters in any novel as I have with this one. That said, it is far different from Jodi Picoult's other novels. I'm glad that was not my first Picoult novel to read. But, I feel honored to have been able to read this one when I did. This is a magical book, if you give it the chance.

I first became acquainted with Jodi Picoult when I read THE PACT two years ago, and fast became an avid admirer of her work.Family is the recurring theme in Ms. Picoult's novels and SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE is no exception. Told in five alternating voices, SONGS is the story of the search and discovery of true love and of second chances.SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE resonates with the beauty, grace and sensitivity of emotion and language that is Jodi Picoult's trademark.

I bought this book when it was first published basically because I liked the title, and I thought it would be interesting to read a book that is told in five different voices. I was right. This is an excellent book, and, I think, the most overlooked of Jodi Picoult's novels. All of the characters are refreshing and new. It is not a story that is recycled from someone else's story. In other words, it is an original.It starts out with a fight between husband and wife, which causes the wife and daughter to "run away." The trials and tribulations that mother and daughter go through are at times heartbreaking, educational, and sometimes just downright goofy.I think the most interesting part of this book is that while the story is told chronologically by four of the characters, it is told backwards by the daughter. I just love this book and have now read it four times. I also had Jodi Picoult sign it when she was doing a reading of "The Plain Truth" at our local bookstore. She told me that a signed copy of "Whales" sells on the internet for about $100. I told her that I would not part with it for any amount of money!

Picoult is one of my favorite authors. This is her first book. I liked the style in which she wrote it, letting all the characters have a voice in the story, it is a good way to really get to know the characters, where they are going, and what they are thinking. She has a real knack for dialogue, and is a very talented writer... this is a must read!