Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group. discussion

We are going to be having a group read along for Jodi Picoult's new book Leaving Time. I'm going to start the Read-Along on the day the book releases which is October 14th. Since I know it takes time to get your hands on the book/read it this discussion will run through November 30th. That is about a month and a half. Although even after the end date has come and gone this thread will still be open so you are welcome to comment. I will be the most active in this thread through the end date though.

I'm currently in the middle of Leaving Time thanks to the nice people at Ballantine Books I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy so I could lead the discussion with you guys. As usual Jodi Picoult has not failed us. This book keeps me up late at night and I always want to be reading it. I'm excited to find out the ending and sharing this book with you guys.

I want this discussion to be thoughtful. Don't just tell me your general opinion of the book. Ask questions about what other people thought about the book. Who was your favorite character and why? What did you learn about Elephant Grief through this book? etc. I will ask lots of questions also once October 14th comes about. Most of all I want you to include spoilers. I don't want anybody to read this thread until they have read the book.

Throughout her blockbuster career, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult has seamlessly blended nuanced characters, riveting plots, and rich prose, brilliantly creating stories that “not only provoke the mind but touch the flawed souls in all of us” (The Boston Globe). Now, in her highly anticipated new book, she has delivered her most affecting novel yet—and one unlike anything she’s written before.

For more than a decade, Jenna Metcalf has never stopped thinking about her mother, Alice, who mysteriously disappeared in the wake of a tragic accident. Refusing to believe that she would be abandoned as a young child, Jenna searches for her mother regularly online and pores over the pages of Alice’s old journals. A scientist who studied grief among elephants, Alice wrote mostly of her research among the animals she loved, yet Jenna hopes the entries will provide a clue to her mother’s whereabouts.

Desperate to find the truth, Jenna enlists two unlikely allies in her quest. The first is Serenity Jones, a psychic who rose to fame finding missing persons—only to later doubt her gifts. The second is Virgil Stanhope, a jaded private detective who originally investigated Alice’s case along with the strange, possibly linked death of one of her colleagues. As the three work together to uncover what happened to Alice, they realize that in asking hard questions, they’ll have to face even harder answers.

As Jenna’s memories dovetail with the events in her mother’s journals, the story races to a mesmerizing finish. A deeply moving, gripping, and intelligent page-turner, Leaving Time is Jodi Picoult at the height of her powers.


****Spoilers to Follow***** Do Not Read Any Further Until You Have Finished the Book*****

I see there has been lots of views on this thread, but no buddy has commented yet? Has anybody begun reading Leaving Time yet? If the answer is yes what do you think so far? Are you finding yourself attached to any particular character so far? Do you have a favorite elephant yet?

Its hard to discuss this novel when I know people are in the middle and have not found out the surprise ending. Please put at the top of your comment what page you are at so people who are not that far can skip over your comment. Since I have finished the book I will give my opinion on these questions vaguely so anybody can read my comment.

***no spoilers***

Obviously I loved Leaving Time. I love Jodi Picoult so it was natural that I fell in love with Leaving Time and spend many late nights and early mornings engrossed in this book. I wish everybody could love this book as much as I did. I would have to say at the beginning of the novel I was really interested in Jenna's character, but eventually I found myself waiting for another Alice chapter to come up. I fell in love with Alice's character for reasons I will discuss later. My favorite elephant was Maura. I kind expect her to be everybody's favorite. I loved Maura's spirit. I think she was a character all on her own in this book. I enjoyed hearing about Maura.

I read her prequel
This summer and just started the novel.
I think that gave me great insight, bet I'll love it.

Linda wrote: "I read her prequel
This summer and just started the novel.
I think that gave me great insight, bet I'll love it."

I haven't read the prequel yet. I should do that.

On page 238.
I'm liking it so far. I get confused with who is who in terms of the elephant names, but sometimes things click into place.
The scene in Thomas' room when he sees the necklace was so intense.
I found her research on elephant grief fascinating. Jodi really puts a lot of thought into her topics.
I'll write more after I'm further along, unless I finish before I have a chance to get back here. Then I'll just write my thoughts at that time.

Melissa wrote: "On page 238.
I'm liking it so far. I get confused with who is who in terms of the elephant names, but sometimes things click into place.
The scene in Thomas' room when he sees the necklace was so..."

Oh my gosh I agree that was so intense. The grief research is fascinating and factual. Jodi Picoult always does her research. I learned so much about elephants through this amazing novel. Please come back and discuss when you are further along.

I just finished the book and loved it. The only thing I am confused on is what happenned to Gideon. Can anyone tell me what I missed?

I finished too. Here is my review.

http://merrylandgirl.blogspot.com/201...

Amy wrote: "I just finished the book and loved it. The only thing I am confused on is what happenned to Gideon. Can anyone tell me what I missed?"

***Spoilers***
You are correct that Gideon's story is not well explained. Jenna finds him at the end at the elephant sanctuary and then after she departs we have no idea what exactly happens to Gideon. My prediction is that he is the only one that gets a short of happy ending in this not so happy story and continues to work around the elephants at the sanctuary.

More questions for the people that have finished.

What did you think of the ending? Were you shocked or did you see it coming? Which character's actions surprised you the most? Did you have a favorite character by the end of the novel?

***Spoilers***
I have to admit I was shocked by the ending. I sort of saw it coming, but I thought I was wrong and second guessed myself. I have to say that Alice's action surprised me the most. All through the novel I believed her to be a good person, but I didn't understand why she would abandon her daughter. I didn't think of her as a murderer. I think she did it to protect her child even though she still ending up disappearing instead of sticking around to find Jenna's body. My favorite character of Leaving Time was Alice. I really enjoying learning about her story and her research especially with Maura. I didn't always like her actions when it came to her relationship with Thomas, but everybody deals with an abusive relationship differently. Alice stayed because she cared about the elephants, but if Alice found a way out this story may have turned out totally different.

Rachael wrote: "More questions for the people that have finished.

What did you think of the ending? Were you shocked or did you see it coming? Which character's actions surprised you the most? Did you have a fav..."

**SPOILERS**
I saw the ending coming when Jenna found her toddler-sized shoe in the box of stuff Virgil had. When they saw Nevvie at that one house, then I started to doubt things. So finding the tooth floored me a bit when they discovered it was Jenna's. The way things went down was shocking and disturbing.
Not sure who surprised me the most. Maybe Nevvie because of how cruelly vengeful she was.
I liked Serenity a lot. She was fascinating and I enjoyed seeing the story through her eyes.

Amy wrote: "I just finished the book and loved it. The only thing I am confused on is what happenned to Gideon. Can anyone tell me what I missed?"

So this was at the end of the book, when it was Alice's perspective. She said that Gideon had joined the war and was killed. Also, she mentions the plaque that she received after Maura's death, so that clues the reader to see that both Gideon and Maura were dead.

Melissa wrote: "Rachael wrote: "More questions for the people that have finished.

What did you think of the ending? Were you shocked or did you see it coming? Which character's actions surprised you the most? Di..."
I finished this story at one o'clock in the morning today, and it absolutely blew my mind!!!!! I am now going to read it again and look for clues :)

Bre wrote: "Amy wrote: "I just finished the book and loved it. The only thing I am confused on is what happenned to Gideon. Can anyone tell me what I missed?"

So this was at the end of the book, when it was ..."

*** spoilers***
Thank you. I must have forgotten that clue. There was so much happening in the ending that it was probably one of the parts I didn't pick up. Now that you mention that I do remember Maura dying, but I don't remember the part about Gideon. Alice basically lost everybody. She lost Jenna, Gideon, and Thomas (to the pysh ward). It is really a very sad story.

So why do you think Jenna selected Serenity to help her with finishing her journey? and how did she find Serenity?

I just finished the book and am confused. Who buried Jenna?
Gideon? I thought maybe Maura did, but I think she would have only covered her. Any thoughts?

I think it was Maura who buried Jenna, so sad.

Anna wrote: "So why do you think Jenna selected Serenity to help her with finishing her journey? and how did she find Serenity?"

I think Jenna heard about Serenity's ability and thought that she would be her chance to find her mother. I remember their first meeting when Serenity was so rude to Jenna and how shocked Jenna was to find out afterward that her primary speciality is missing people. I think for once Serenity was done trying to fool people. She actually wanted to help Jenna. She ended up revealing that she was a fraud to Jenna later and began to put the pieces together about our ending.

Loved the twist and ending of the book. I like how Serenity described all the times she was with Jenna and/or Virgil, and how people only saw her, but did I miss an explanation of how Virgil obtained the old records and boxes from the original police investigation? That scene clearly had Virgil doing the talking and even bribing the security guard with a Twinkie, right? Maybe I'm remembering it wrong. This is one of those books, that I want to re-read from the beginning now that I've finished it.

Jenna picked a psychic from the phone book. I think Serenity didn't charge as much as the others.
Virgil was able to get the records because Ralph at the police station is also dead. Remember how they said how old he looked?

Ah, okay, That makes more sense to me now. I missed that detail about Ralph.

Jodii's great about twists and turns and giving you a total shock at the end.
I never saw that coming, some suspicion when they went to Tennessee but little did I know.
I have read everyone of her books and she still keeps me guessing on most of them.
Love her!

I am confused about the timeline of the murder. This is what I've got so far...

Alice leaves Jenna behind.
Nevvie takes Jenna and kills her under that tree.
Maura tramples Nevvie, killing her.

How did Alice get hurt that night? Was it Thomas? Did she know that Nevvie had killed Jenna? Also, Alice said if she hadn't left the hospital that morning, Gideon would be considered a suspect. She said, if she ran, he would be considered a victim. I don't get that. A suspect for what?

I thought Nevvie and Alice fought after Alice knew she killed Jenna for revenge.

Linda wrote: "I thought Nevvie and Alice fought after Alice knew she killed Jenna for revenge."

Yes Linda, Alice fought and killed Nevvie after she saw Jenna was dead. Alice ran off and must have tripped and hit her head. When she woke up in the hospital she then left for good.

I started this book yesterday at about 4:00, stayed up reading until almost 2, and then finally finished it earlier today. AMAZING book! One of my favorites, despite the morbidity. I think after Alice tripped, Maura trampled Nevvie. Or Alice strangled her and then she was trampled, not entirely sure. What I don't get is how, if Maura berried Jenna, her body wasn't found for years. Sounds like from the description of how elephants berried calves, like she would just have been covered and not necessarily under the soil. Sounds like a shoddy job by the police.

I don't know how I missed that part! I feel like I didn't ever grasp the full murder timeline. I'm glad you guys did! :)

Amy wrote: "I just finished the book and loved it. The only thing I am confused on is what happenned to Gideon. Can anyone tell me what I missed?"

It was explained right near the end that Gideon accompanied the elephants to Tennessee and then joined the military where he was killed in action.

Christie wrote: "Linda wrote: "I thought Nevvie and Alice fought after Alice knew she killed Jenna for revenge."

Yes Linda, Alice fought and killed Nevvie after she saw Jenna was dead. Alice ran off and must have ..."

Yes they fought but it was never really clear whether Alice actually killed Nevvie, was it? I think that Maura trampled her in her effort to protect Alice. I think that was part of the point though implied, that the elephants have feelings and are protective of those they see as their "herd." Alice may have very well killed Nevvie, but I didn't think it was really 100% clear.

Linda wrote: "Jodii's great about twists and turns and giving you a total shock at the end.
I never saw that coming, some suspicion when they went to Tennessee but little did I know.
I have read everyone of her ..."

I am with you Linda. I totally didn't ever suspect that Jenna and Victor were dead. Totally surprised me and I KNOW that Jodi always has a big twist right at the very end of the book so I am usually ultra alert trying to figure out what it could be...totally didn't see that coming.

I just finished the book and I have to say I didn't like this as much as most of Jodi's other novels (I've read them all). Was anyone else extremely blindsided by the ending, especially finding out that Jenna is actually dead? I just don't know what to make of it.

Danielle wrote: "I just finished the book and I have to say I didn't like this as much as most of Jodi's other novels (I've read them all). Was anyone else extremely blindsided by the ending, especially finding out..."

I was blindsided by the ending as well Danielle, but I did like the book.

Danielle wrote: "I just finished the book and I have to say I didn't like this as much as most of Jodi's other novels (I've read them all). Was anyone else extremely blindsided by the ending, especially finding out..."

I was completely blindsided and I do have to say it did make me dislike the book a bit. I mean in Jodi's other novel that dabbled in the paranormal , you knew it was going to have paranormal elements from the beginning. This one you did not know that going into it.

Christie wrote: "I mean in Jodi's other novel that dabbled in the paranormal, you knew it was going to have paranormal elements from the beginning. This one you did know that going into it."

Very true. I enjoyed Second Glance, but paranormal just isn't my thing so maybe that's why I wasn't such a fan of Leaving Time.

Danielle wrote: "Christie wrote: "I mean in Jodi's other novel that dabbled in the paranormal, you knew it was going to have paranormal elements from the beginning. This one you did know that going into it."

Very ..."

Could it be because you were so saddened to find out that Jenna was dead? I definitely was taken aback by that fact, but it made a lot of things more clear to me.

I finished the book about 1:00am last night. I do have a question about why the little boy at the house Jenna "supposedly" lived saw A girl and her Grandma. She never made it past a toddler so how does that play into the story. I missed it.

Perhaps it was just a little girl and Grandmother for real

I am thinking the grandmother stayed with Jenna until Alice could be "found" (by Jenna) and Jenna could go to the light. Kind of like a Touched by an Angel episode or maybe Ghost Whisperer

Jenna was a teenager, like 13yo, throughout the book. Though she died as a toddler, her spirit manifested as a teen. Remember that they were all spirits except Serenity and Alice.

Dara wrote: "Jenna was a teenager, like 13yo, throughout the book. Though she died as a toddler, her spirit manifested as a teen. Remember that they were all spirits except Serenity and Alice."

The little boy saw her because children are supposedly more open to things so he could see them.

I think Jenna picked Serenity both for her own benefit and Serenity's. Serenity needed to get her "mojo" back, and helping Jenna did that. This is one of my favorite Jodi books, I was fascinated by all the research she did on elephants.

Gretchen wrote: "I think Jenna picked Serenity both for her own benefit and Serenity's. Serenity needed to get her "mojo" back, and helping Jenna did that. This is one of my favorite Jodi books, I was fascinated ..."

I agree Gretchen!

Rene wrote: "I finished the book about 1:00am last night. I do have a question about why the little boy at the house Jenna "supposedly" lived saw A girl and her Grandma. She never made it past a toddler so how..."

I think that Jenna and her grandmother were both spirits in the house. The little boy is supposed to be more open to that sort of thing so he could see them while his parents could not.

I found this book a little disappointing, possibly because I had very high expectations. I was really excited going into it because (1) I love Jodi Picoult novels, (2) I found The Storyteller to be one of her best works yet, and (3) I felt like this would be something fresh and new - paranormal elements AND a mystery. While I liked reading about the elephants, it might have been a little too focused on facts and less about the paranormal. To me, the twist ending was pretty predictable also. I am glad to see so many others loved it though :)

Just need a little clarification. I love my Kindle, but it is so hard to scroll back to find an answer. Who moved and buried Jenna's body? Was it Gideon? Thank you!

Karen wrote: "Just need a little clarification. I love my Kindle, but it is so hard to scroll back to find an answer. Who moved and buried Jenna's body? Was it Gideon? Thank you!"
My feeling is that it was Maura the elephant who moved her and buried her as if she was an elephant calf.

I think so too.

I agree. Maura was protecting her so it only makes sense that she did it.

Thank you!