Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a powerful novel that addresses race, privilege, and prejudice. It tells the story of a Black labor and delivery nurse who is accused of a crime while caring for the baby of white supremacists.
In Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, we are introduced to Ruth Jefferson, an African American labor and delivery nurse who has been working at a Connecticut hospital for over twenty years. Ruth is a dedicated and experienced nurse, but her life takes a drastic turn when she is asked not to touch a newborn baby by the white supremacist parents. Despite her seniority and expertise, Ruth is reassigned to another patient, and the baby dies under her care.
As a result, Ruth is charged with a serious crime, and the story unfolds into a legal battle that explores the complexities of racism and prejudice. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes on Ruth's case. Kennedy, who initially believes she is not racist, begins to question her own biases and assumptions as she delves deeper into Ruth's life and experiences.
Throughout the legal battle, Picoult skillfully presents the perspectives of Ruth, Kennedy, and Turk Bauer, the baby's father. Turk is a white supremacist who is consumed by hatred and blames Ruth for his son's death. His character serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of racism and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
As the trial progresses, Ruth's race becomes a central issue. Kennedy, who initially advised Ruth not to mention race in the courtroom, realizes the importance of addressing the racial dynamics at play. She argues that Ruth's actions were not motivated by race, but rather by her professional duty and the hospital's discriminatory policies.
As the story unfolds, Small Great Things forces its readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism and the privileges that come with being white. Picoult's narrative is unflinching in its portrayal of racial tensions and the ways in which they manifest in everyday life, including within the justice system.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel also offers moments of hope and human connection. Ruth forms a bond with Kennedy's young daughter, demonstrating that empathy and understanding can bridge racial divides. Kennedy, on the other hand, confronts her own biases and begins to understand the privileges she has taken for granted.
In conclusion, Small Great Things is a powerful exploration of race, privilege, and justice. It challenges its readers to examine their own beliefs and prejudices, and to recognize the small, everyday acts that perpetuate systemic racism. Through its compelling characters and thought-provoking narrative, the novel serves as a call to action, urging us to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking novel that delves into issues of race, privilege, and justice. It tells the story of Ruth, an African American labor and delivery nurse who is taken to court after a baby in her care dies. The book challenges readers to examine their own beliefs and biases, and raises important questions about equality and the complexities of the legal system.
Small Great Things (2016) by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking novel that tackles issues of race, privilege, and justice. Here's why this book is worth reading:
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.
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.
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.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Small Great Things?
The main message of Small Great Things is confronting and overcoming racism in everyday life.
How long does it take to read Small Great Things?
The reading time for Small Great Things varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Small Great Things a good book? Is it worth reading?
Small Great Things is a thought-provoking and impactful book. It's definitely worth reading for its honest exploration of race and privilege.
Who is the author of Small Great Things?
Jodi Picoult is the author of Small Great Things.