Book Review: small great things Jodi Piccoult

The Baton Rouge chapter of Sistahs R.E.A.D. started the year off by reading the greatly anticipated racially centered novel, small great things, by Jodi Piccoult.

Inspiration for this book was from the true story of Tonya Rounds, a nurse who was instructed not to care for a baby because of her race. (Read news story here.) Jodi read about the occurrence and was inspired to tackle the notion of race and the major what ifs: what if the baby was in distress and the Black nurse was the only one able to care for him? What if that nurse assisted the baby anyway? Or, worse yet, what if the nurse obeyed the orders, and did nothing?

The book presents the issue of race from three different perspectives: Ruth (the Black nurse), Turk (the White Supremacist father), and Kennedy (Ruth's white Public Defender). Throughout the book, it is clear that Piccoult did in-depth research in order to convey the different perspectives. Ruth's character is so believable that club members had to remind themselves that the book was written by a white author. Piccoult described mannerisms, thoughts, and practices so particular to black women, that the only way she could know this information is if she sat among black women and learned directly from them. In stark contrast, it is clear through the description of Turk's character, that Piccoult also did in-depth research into the different sects of the white supremacist movement.

There were many difficult moments in this book. Members admitted to having to step away from the book because it had gotten too intense, as well as being brought to tears at certain points. All in all, we feel as though this book should be read by EVERYONE, especially during this tumultuous time. We also wouldn't mind it at all if it made it to the big screen as well.

A few of the discussion questions were:

1. How do you feel about the current status of race relations in America?

2. What is the difference, if you believe there is any, between the white supremacist movement and black pride/ black lives matter movement? How are they similar? How are they different?

3. Have you ever been the exception to the rule? Not fitting into the stereotype of blackness, and thereby being considered outside the 'norm'?

4. What is the difference between direct and indirect racism? Examples?

Activities for the meeting were as follows:

1. Tablescape Game-Members were asked to identify the meaning of the items on the table: Panera Bread, Wine, Big Macs, and ghiradelli and twizzler candies. Do you know how this relates to the book?

2. Describe your favorite character and why? Members expressed having an appreciation for a number of characters. Ruth's fiery sister Adisa was mentioned as well as Kennedy due to her evolution.

3. Big Mac Attack- Members were challenged to put together a Big Mac in the correct order and place it in the box within 60 seconds.

4. Fictionary- its just like pictionary but based off of topics in the book. Can you guess what this picture describes?

5. Casting Call: This activity invites members to treat the book as if it were a movie, and decide who the best actors would be for each role. (we ran out of time and were unable to complete this activity).