Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group. discussion

I have read a few of her books but I heard that you should read some of her books in a particular order since she tends to cross characters into other books. What order should I read her books?

From wikipedia:

Recurring characters

Jordan McAfee, his son Thomas, and his wife Selena are featured in The Pact, Salem Falls and Nineteen Minutes.
Patrick Ducharme, a detective, is featured in Perfect Match as well as Nineteen Minutes. She has stated that she brought Patrick's character back for a second novel because she has a crush on him.
Ian Fletcher of Keeping Faith makes a brief appearance in Change of Heart, published in 2008.
Frankie Martine, first featured in Salem Falls, returns in Second Glance, and Perfect Match.
Nina Frost, a main character in Perfect Match, is mentioned in Nineteen Minutes.
Peter Houghton, a main character in Nineteen Minutes, is mentioned briefly in House Rules.

Rachael -- I have read JP's books as I was able to buy them at used books stores and when one of my best friends would borrow them and read and return them to me. So I read them all out of order. My Sister's Keeper was my first -- it made me so mad at JP, that I couldn't help but go on to read ALL of her books! When I run into a character that has appeared before in one of her books, it's like meeting an "old" friend. I don't really think that you need to read them in any particular order. That's my opinion.

I agree with Deana. I did not start reading any Jodi Picoult books in order. I have to admit sometimes it's odd reading about a "recurring" character, when I haven't been introduced to them yet. Because I have no idea they are recurring. It's interesting though, and when I do catch it I'm like "Hey! that was in one of her other books!"

I read her books in this order:

Nineteen Minutes
Perfect Match
Salem falls
Plain Truth
The Pact
Handle with Care
My Sisters Keeper
Change of Heart
I'm currently reading "The Tenth Circle".


The books I have yet still to read are: "Songs of the Humpback Whale", "Harvesting the Heart", "Mercy," "Keeping Faith", "Second Glance", "Vanishing Acts", "House Rules", and "Sing you Home".

So I still have a bit longer to go on my Jodi Picoult journey. That's okay though, because sometimes I get in a mood where I want to read one of her books, and I still have a handful left to choose from. It's going to be a sad day when I have read them all and have to wait for a new one!

So far, my favorite one has been House Rules, I agree, she is really great.Good luck on your next choice ;)

In my opinion, it doesn't matter which order you read them in. Some of the characters to make reappearances, but it doesn't really affect any of the stories that I've read.

So far, I think Plain Truth and My Sister's Keeper are my favorites.