Book Review: LONE WOLF by Jodi Picoult

LONE WOLF

By: Jodi Picoult

Published:  February 28, 2012

****

Edward Warren, twenty-four, has been living in Thailand for five years, a prodigal son who left his family after an irreparable fight with his father, Luke. But he gets a frantic phone call: His dad lies comatose, gravely injured in the same accident that has also injured his younger sister Cara.

LONE WOLF explores the notion of family, and the love, protection and strength it’s meant to offer. But what if the hope that should sustain it, is the very thing that pulls it apart?

I am huge fan of Picoult’s books and even met her at our local Barnes and Noble a few years ago.  Picoult’s books are known for grabbing you with some life-changing crisis and keeping you hooked with numerous twists and turns that will have your jaw dropping and tears flowing.  LONE WOLF has the life-changing crisis, but didn’t have as many twists and turns as I was expecting.  It was a page-turner and there were some surprises, but the story ended up as I expected and wanted it to. 

If anything, this story will teach you about the life-styles and patterns of wolves and their packs which I found fascinating.  But, the most important thing that I took from this book is the importance of having an Advanced Directive.  An Advanced Directive is a paper that states how you want to be cared for in the case of an emergency, mostly relating to life-support.  After working in Hospice, I found these to be essential to caryring out the wishes of the person who was dying.  My husband and I drew up ours as soon as our children were born and we made up our wills.  So, if you take anything from this story, I hope that you have a discussion with your family about end-of-life issues, how you want to be cared for, and your wishes regarding organ donation. 

Jodi Picoult has brought another important issue to the forefront through an engaging and heart-wrenching story.  I highly recommend it.