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Nov 16, 2017mitchelclay rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Man, I almost don't know what to say about this book. I laughed, cried, and was forced to bear with some very ugly personal truths. Small Great Things reads as a fantastic work of fiction, but also as a primer for fundamental conversations about race, privilege, inequality, and basic human experiences. Jodi Picoult introduces us to three distinct characters that the perspective of the story is told through. Ruth is a neonatal nurse who is strong, caring, and finds herself right in the middle of a very difficult situation. That situation deals directly with the color of her skin. Unfortunately, on the other side of the confrontation is Turk, an unapologetic white supremacist. When Ruth is put in charge of Turk's newborn baby boy, he's none too happy. And when his child tragically dies in the hospital, he holds Ruth legally responsible. Enter Kennedy, Ruth's state appointed legal representation. Kennedy is kind and considerate, but ultimately uninterested in dealing with the racist undertones within the case that is presented to her. She is, in her own words, "color blind". What happens in the courtroom deeply moved me. It forces a mirror in front of the reader. And when I saw my reflection, I was able to view myself, and my worldview clearer than I have in a long time. This book will grab you by the shoulders and shake you to the core. I couldn't recommend it higher.