Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Perfect Match summary
Brief summary
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult is a gripping novel that delves into the moral and emotional complexities of a mother seeking justice for her son. It raises thought-provoking questions about love, loyalty, and the lengths we would go to protect our children.
Table of Contents
Perfect Match
Summary of key ideas
The Unthinkable Happens
In Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult, Nina Frost, a prosecutor, and her husband, Caleb, are living the perfect life with their son, Nathaniel. However, their world shatters when Nathaniel is sexually abused. The perpetrator, a priest, is found not guilty due to a technicality, leaving the family devastated and disillusioned with the legal system.
Nina, consumed by anger and grief, decides to take justice into her own hands. She buys a gun, intending to kill the priest. Caleb, unaware of her plan, is supportive of her grief and anger. As Nina's obsession with revenge grows, their marriage begins to crumble.
The Moral Dilemma
As the story unfolds, Nina's moral compass is tested. She is a prosecutor who has always believed in the law, but she is now willing to break it for the sake of her son. She consults with a therapist, Patrick, who lost his own daughter to a similar crime. Patrick tries to dissuade Nina from her plan, but she's too consumed by her emotions to listen.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel is also struggling with the aftermath of his abuse. He becomes withdrawn and fearful, causing further strain on Nina and Caleb's relationship. The couple's once perfect marriage is now marred by secrets, lies, and grief.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
Unbeknownst to Nina, her plan is being closely monitored by her colleague, Patrick, who is also an undercover cop. He is determined to prevent another tragedy and to save Nina from the consequences of her actions. As the day of the planned shooting approaches, Patrick intervenes, leading to a dramatic confrontation between him and Nina.
In a surprising twist, it is revealed that Patrick's daughter was not a victim of sexual abuse, but an accidental drowning. Patrick, who had been using this false narrative to connect with Nina, confesses his deception. He also reveals that he had been aware of Nina's plan all along.
The Healing Process
With the truth finally out, Nina is arrested and charged with attempted murder. She is forced to confront the consequences of her actions, and the impact it would have had on Nathaniel. In the midst of this turmoil, she realizes that her desire for revenge was not only futile but also selfish.
As the story concludes, Nina serves her time in prison and undergoes therapy to come to terms with her emotions. Caleb, who had been struggling with his own guilt and grief, finally finds the strength to forgive himself and reunites with Nathaniel. Although their lives will never be the same again, they begin the process of healing and rebuilding their shattered family.
Final Thoughts
Perfect Match is a poignant exploration of grief, anger, and the lengths a parent would go to protect their child. It delves into the complexities of the legal system, the blurred lines of morality, and the consequences of seeking personal vengeance. Through Nina's journey, we are reminded of the power of forgiveness, the importance of facing our emotions, and the resilience of the human spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Perfect Match about?
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult tells the gripping story of Nina Frost, a prosecutor whose world is shattered when her young son is sexually abused. As Nina seeks justice for her son, she is faced with impossible choices and moral dilemmas that challenge her beliefs and the legal system. This thought-provoking novel explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and the complexities of seeking retribution.
Perfect Match Review
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult (2002) delves into the complexities of love, trust, and betrayal in the context of a harrowing family situation. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the moral dilemmas of a mother torn between loyalty and justice, prompting readers to ponder challenging ethical questions.
- With its tension-filled twists and unexpected revelations, the story grips you from start to finish, keeping you engaged and eager to uncover the truth.
- Offers a powerful exploration of emotional depth and personal growth, making it a truly compelling and thought-provoking read that never fails to captivate.
Who should read Perfect Match?
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally charged stories
Individuals who are interested in exploring complex moral and ethical dilemmas
People who appreciate a deep dive into the complexities of relationships and human nature
Categories with Perfect Match
Book summaries like Perfect Match
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Perfect Match FAQs
What is the main message of Perfect Match?
The main message of Perfect Match revolves around the complexities of love, loss, and the quest for justice.
How long does it take to read Perfect Match?
Reading Perfect Match can vary in time depending on the reader, but it generally takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Perfect Match a good book? Is it worth reading?
Perfect Match is a compelling read due to its emotional depth and thought-provoking storyline, making it a worthwhile choice for readers.
Who is the author of Perfect Match?
Jodi Picoult is the author of Perfect Match.
What to read after Perfect Match?
If you're wondering what to read next after Perfect Match, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher