The Pact: A Love Story Reviews

• Heart wrenching.....

  
  By A1HA6KZZNDCME9 on 2007-01-29
  Two families were the closest of friends. Their children, Christopher Harte and Emily Gold, both age 17, had grown up together and started dating each other at age 13. On one fateful night, that all changed when Emily is found dead from a gunshot wound and Chris claims it was a suicide pact. The prosecutor claims murder and now these two supposedly ideal families will be ripped apart as they grapple with what happened and why.
  
  Jodi Picoult's powerful story will leave the reader reeling from the overwhelming emotions conveyed. Ms. Picoult demonstrates a solid grasp of her subject matter as her characters struggle with the notion of Emily's suicide versus Chris being her murderer. THE PACT: A LOVE STORY is thought provoking, albeit painful at times.
  
  Jodi Picoult deftly interweaves the past and present in this poignant family drama. Suicide is an extremely sensitive subject and this topic may disturb some readers. Ms. Picoult handles the topic exceptionally well, however, remaining sensitive to all of the issues and parties involved in THE PACT: A LOVE STORY.
  
  THE PACT: A LOVE STORY is not an easy read, but it is a book well worth reading more for the questions Ms. Picoult asks than for any real answers. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves completely immersed into this deeply moving and heart wrenching tale. THE PACT: A LOVE STORY is a very realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a suicide, particularly one under such questionable circumstances, and as such will be both loved and hated at the same time. Kudos to Ms. Picoult for daring to venture into this territory and for being so compassionate in the process.
  
  COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
  
  

• Something Missing

  
  By AH7CBIWDTHXWA on 2007-07-11
  After you've read a few Jodi Picoult books, you come to expect certain things. A compelling, flashpoint topic (teen suicide, stigmata, school shootings, sexual abuse, etc.) that rips a small New England community apart. Courtroom drama. Finely wrought family dynamics. A maverick lawyer, a quirky judge, and a lot of angst. Tons of plot twists and turns.
  
  All of the above were present in "The Pact," a story of the death of a teenage golden girl, with her longtime boyfriend accused of the murder -- which he claims was a double suicide gone awry. The defendant bobs and weaves as news of Emily's pregnancy comes to light, and plenty of red herrings are thrown into the mix. But still something was missing.
  
  I felt like there just wasn't quite ENOUGH drama in this book... I expected one more horrifying secret to be revealed at the end. I did not believe that Emily's reasons for killing herself were sufficiently grave. And I couldn't believe that NO ONE -- not the police, not his parents, not the lawyer, no one -- asked Chris what really happened that night.
  
  Stilll, with Picoult's wonderful writing, this book is still worth reading.
  
  

• I Enjoyed the Story

  
  By A20YCJM2ORTN1C on 2006-09-22
  I enjoyed reading this book and it definitely held my interest. There were a few times where I felt some of the character's reactions were unrealistic to what was going on in the story; however, it was part of what kept the suspense going. For example you know where you watch a movie and you keep saying to yourself, "Why don't they just (fill in the blank) and they'd get some answers?" But I guess that's what make it suspense. All in all, I enjoyed it.
  
  

• This is the first Picoult book I read...and it turned me off Picoult!

  
  By A1DEQ73C8GIHLJ on 2006-09-16
  "The Pact" is the first Jodi Picioult book I read...and it turned out to be the last. I admit I've been baffled to see this one come out in reprint and to see so many of her other books appearing and selling so well, because while she can write, I just didn't find the plot of this book realistic, and it so turned me off her that I haven't been able to bring myself to try her again.
  
  The reasons? Two, mainly. First, that the parents in this book are depicted as being overjoyed that their son and daughter have become "soul mates" at such a young age and seem headed unwaveringly toward marriage. Why is this unrealistic to me? For this simple reason: one of the families is Jewish, and the other is not. I think it's a pretty well-known fact that in many Jewish families, the idea that one of the children would even fall in love with, much less marry, a non-Jew is absolute anathema. Some families would even consider such a child "dead" to them. Yet this Jewish family has no problem whatsoever with the situation. I would not mind if the potential for such conflict had at least been addressed, and it was established that this particular family did not feel that way about this subject or about this relationship, that they were close enough to the other family that it did not matter. But to simply tell us that one family is Jewish and the other isn't, and then to expect us to accept that the romance between their children is fully accepted and celebrated by both--well, that was too much for me to swallow.
  
  My second problem, and this is by far worse, is the ending. I will not give it away here even though I hated the book, but let's just say I could see it coming down Broadway with both doors open, so not only was it not the least bit of a surprise, it was also, to my mind, not at all earned. I have no problem with a book's ending so long as I feel it is "earned." I did not feel this ending was earned at all. It was simply not such that you could go back through the book afterward and realize the author was dropping subtle hints throughout that made the ending of the book make sense and that made you say "OK now, I can understand why it happened this way and it all has integrity." No, the ending was entirely "deus ex machina" and I got the feeling the author ended the book as she did not because that was the way things would have turned out in real life had this story actually happened, but simply because that was how she "wanted" things to end for her characters. She was too "in love" with them to let matters take the course she had set up for them in her own plot. So she had to stage a "rescue" at the end, so to speak. And that's as far as I'll go to describe that.
  
  In conclusion: this is the reason I haven't been able to pick up another Jodi Picoult book. I get the feeling that she's underestimated the intelligence of her readers (most of whom, I admit, appear to be thrilled with her output) and that she might pull something like this again. I don't like feeling betrayed by authors who are inept at pulling off an unexpected plot twist, because I get the feeling they did it just because they thought they could get away with it, and some readers let them. Not me.
  
  

• A good read but...

  
  By A1GJGRRBNSDL3H on 2007-02-05
  After being turned on to Jodi Picoult through My Sister's Keeper, I sought her out at the bookstore and stumbled upon this book.
  
  Picoult manages to capture the essence of the grief and heartache suicide bequeathes in exacting detail. I admired the deft way in which she segued from present to past, seamlessly telling the story of a multitude of characters through varying perspectives.
  
  However, I think she fell short in the execution of events leading to Emily's suicide. After the last page, I'm still left questioning how Emily was brought to believe suicide was her only option. I think Picoult should have examined this angle a bit more in-depth.
  
  
• I LOVE J Picoult's works -- EXCEPT this one!
  By A1X7CFUMTU7HHY on 2007-03-19
  What a disappointment. I've read everything published by Ms. Picoult and loved nearly all of it until this book. She fails to create a plausible picture of the factors compelling Em to be desperately suicidal, and why-oh-why wouldn't Chris try to get the woman he loves help? -- that is help to live, not to die? Unlike Picoult's usual work, The Pact is awkward and slow-moving, and the plot is full of holes. Too bad; not up to Picoult's standards.
  
  
• Thought Provoking
  By A13KH66HASFSNT on 2006-09-23
  This is the 3rd Picoult novel I've read this year. I find them very thought provoking and haunting (in a good way). This book was gripping (as were the other two: My Sister's Keeper and Vanishing Act). I'd certainly recommend it to anyone with teenaged children.
  
  
• Formulaic, disturbing and horrible
  By A2DIVACQU3XJ3E on 2007-11-20
  Just skip it. It's not worth your time or emotional energy. She's trying to be profound. She's trying to make us think here....I think. But it fails on every single level. There is nothing sympathetic about any of the characters. The date rape boyfriend, the wimpy girlfriend...the stupid parents. Just skip it.
  
  
• Maybe a Little too Close
  By A2MQQI4UYT9C11 on 2007-06-02
  After reading Nick Hornby's "A Long Way Down", reading "The Pact: A Love Story" by Jodi Picoult put me on a suicide roll of sorts. A brilliant, beautiful and talented teenage girl dies violently in an apparent botched double suicide with the steady boyfriend she's know since almost birth. Ms. Picoult has a good ear for the voices and issues of young people. Her female adults (the mothers) are more sharply drawn than the males (maybe from personal experience), though she handles the crater that such an event would leave in the relationship between two close-knit families very well. She'll keep you guessing most of the way about what really happened that night, though I more or less figured it out before the big revelation. I liked the other book I read by her (she's written many) "The Tenth Circle", probably because of the literary angle (the title refers to Dante's circles of hell). Picoult fans, based on Amazon ratings, seem to like "The Pact" better. Still I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy stories about contemporary American families with children (Joyce Carol Oates' We Were the Mulvaneys (Oprah's Book Club) being my favorite of this genre).
  
  
  
• A Must Read if you have a child
  By AHUNXPVGFY2SB on 2006-09-24
  This book was haunting and somewhat disturbing-yet I could not put it down! Ms. Picoult has really sucked us into the lives of the Hartes and the Golds and how one event is interpreted by different members of the families. The issue of teen suicide is a hot-button topic and is well researched and written. The thing is with this book is you realize that there cannot be a "happy ending" but you still are hoping for the best. Bravo Ms. Picoult!
  
  
• Not her finest
  By A1UIDHAZLLGET8 on 2006-12-29
  I love Jodi's books. She has a penchant for picking a very controversial topic, exploring it from several different viewpoints through her characters, and oh that unexpected twist ending! Of all her novels (I think I have read maybe six) this was by far my least favorite. Maybe it was the general theme, the fact that the characters just seemed to be either overly angry or horny all the time, or this plot a little underdeveloped. Usually I can't put her guilty pleasure books down, but this was a bit of s struggle to get through. Just my two cents. I far prefer "My sister's keeper" and "Plain truth."
  
  
• highly recommend
  By A2KE59P9GDOPIP on 2006-12-30
  The Pact is a beautiful albeit heartwrenching tale of love, life and death. Many times during this read, I was forced to put this book down to digest the entirety of the heartache caused by suicide. Each parent dealing with the loss from his\her perspective. I highly recommend this story. What this book may lack in minor detail, makes up for in main topic and emo. Devastating and thought provoking.
  
  
• Disappointed
  By ATNS5PBMLB7NE on 2007-08-17
  I agree with other reviewers who were disappointed with this book. Although it was beautifully written, I felt cheated, ripped off, and let down at the end. The plot was not sufficiently developed through to the end. There were too many blanks to be filled in, too many loose ends, too much left unsaid and undone. There was far too much drama and not enough substance. I think it's fine to leave a few things in an ambiguous state at the end of a novel, to leave something to the reader's imagination, but c'mon, Picoult, FINISH THIS BOOK! Also, the storyline and dialogue during the trial got tedious and ridiculous. Was I, as the reader, supposed to feel any sympathy for Chris? I surely did not.
  
  
• Smut? Trash? No where close.
  By A2X6CTB9TL62C7 on 2007-04-11
  I heard so many people tell me how amazing this book was. How they couldn't put it down. Got it, (of course, knowing me, I was already reading another book.) My sister told me we were going to read it in 12th grade, but I had already waited 2 years, and nothing was going to stop me now.
  
  I sat down and opened this book, its flimsy pages hanging off the side, and couldn't take my eyes off of it. The first little paragraph, what an eye opener. Jodi has such a way of drawing her readers in and feeling the characters feelings. Couldn't put it down. I wish I could give this book ONE MILLION stars, and, in my mind, I do. There has never been a book like this in my life, even when some come close. My mind is full of feelings left over from Chris, Emily, Gus, Melanie, Michael, Jordan, and, even Selena. What happens afterwards? Will they ever be friends again? These questions filling my mind, no answers, just my intuitions.
  
  Jodi Picoult is astounding, her writing so moving. I will, from now on and always, gladly read any of her books.
  
  Read this book, and I gurantee you will fall in love with the author and, more importantly, 'The Pact.'
  
  
• Doesn't Live Up To Potential
  By A1VURYXCTY2XLY on 2007-08-12
  I'm a Jodi Picoult fan, and I've enjoyed all her books. The Pact is my least favorite.
  
  It is captivating, as the others are. I read this book in two days, waiting for a fuller development and conclusion. I like the Then/Now format Ms. Picoult used. Overall, though, this story never came up to my expectations.
  
  I know a great deal about Chris, but Emily's character wasn't developed fully enough. I want to know exactly what her motivations were. I kept expecting to see other secrets revealed about her family. They weren't there.
  
  The ending disappointed me. It felt unrealistic and contrived.
  
  
• Awful
  By A2SS5EZ8PKIRM3 on 2007-08-14
  I am so disappointed after finishing this book. None of my questions were answered and not in the good way where it's left to your imagination. The characters are superficial. We never get beneath the surface with any of them and least of all Emily. I feel I knew Emily the least and that is the character I really wanted, and felt I should, know deep down. So many aspects are hard to believe. I really wanted to like this book and thought I did while I was reading it but for it to be so heart wrenching and then come out with nothing is really frustrating!
  
  
• A fast read, but not believable
  By A1GUX6R8DV3ZLY on 2007-11-29
  This book entertained me - I won't lie. I read through it quickly and wanted to find out what happened in the end. But then, I was thoroughly disappointed. Without spoiling the ending for others, the book is completely implausable. Chris' explanation of what happened the night his girlfriend died is absolutely ridiculous. Further, the jury's finding, at the end of the case, is highly unlikely.
  
  This is the second Jodi Piccault book I have read - I read Vanishing Acts too - and I preferred Vanishing Acts because at least, the story was logical. I don't think I would pick up another Jodi Piccoult book, however, because she isn't a great writer.
  
  
• Not up to par
  By A2E0CEG2CPSDHP on 2007-11-02
  I have read everything this author has written. This I would not recommend as one of her best, there were to many unanswered questions in the book. Why did Emily kill herself, you never really know. Was she raped, molested maybe I missed something here.
  
  
• Simply enchanting
  By AJZHEM842M34K on 2007-01-08
  A must read! One of the best books I have read for a while. The pact captures your heart and soul. It's one of those books that sticks even after you've finish reading it.
  
  
• Review on The Pact
  By AZ216MK9KO1S0 on 2007-06-13
  Picolt Jody, The Pact, 496 pages
  By: Sam Bowman
  
  
  What would you do if the one person you loved the most wanted to kill themselves, and top of it they wanted you to commit suicide with them? What if you were the only person they confided in about it and they made you promise that you would not tell anyone?
  
  Chris and Emily had known each other forever and their parents are also very close friends. But, when Chris decides he likes Emily as more than just a friend they become involved just like their parents had planned. Chris and Emily have the perfect relationship and everyone at school was jealous. No-one would have ever guessed that Emily was unhappy with her life and her relationship with Chris. So, Emily makes a decision that she doesn't want to live anymore and she makes a suicide pact with Chris that he never wanted and never really agreed with. But, when Emily kills herself with Chris' father's gun and Chris at the scene of the crime he is the main suspect and his life is turned upside down. This is a suspenseful story about a boy who is lost, in love, confused, and has to go through hell and back to realize that may be Emily wasn't as great as he thought she was.
  
  Overall this book was awesome and I really liked it. I would suggest this book to anyone who likes page turners. My favorite part in this book is the first time Chris realizes he likes Emily and he kisses her. Then after that Chris' dad walks in on them and saw them kissing and was going to stop it but then he realized this is what Emily's mom and dad had wanted and it was also what he and his own wife had wanted. So then he just leaves and went and told Emily's parents and his wife and they were all really excited.
  
  The main theme or idea of this book was definitely that life is a bumpy road but if you ride it out than you can come through it and see the sun again. By this, I mean that you can go through bad things, but you will get through them most of the time. What I liked most about this book was every single detail seemed to fall together perfectly and it was pretty cool how Jody Picolt changed the style of how she told the story from going back in time and coming back to the present tense.
  
  
  
• Good Book
  By A1A4XOGV8OMPDT on 2007-08-30
  Jodi Picoult is and excellent author. I enjoy her books. This book could have used a bit more development of Emily's character. I felt like I wanted to know Emily better through out the book.
  
  
• The Pact
  By A20UJYIPGY78JF on 2007-11-10
  Loved it. Just discovered Jodi Picoult recently and really enjoy her novels. Looking forward to reading her other books.
  
  
• Totally disappointing.
  By A1KG6Y7VT97J7W on 2008-06-25
  I have been wondering why Jodi Picoult is so popular for some time now and never picked up any of her books. I read "The Pact" at the recommendation of a friend who said this was one of her better books and am regretting it.
  I almost always finish every book I start and this one was one of the hardest ones to finish. I kept waiting for the writing to get better, and for something to happen that was not already laid out. The corny dramatic endings of some of the sections were unbearable and the story dragged on. It felt like reading a bad script of a ho-hum episode of "Law and Order".
  I am glad that I have not wasted my time reading Picoult and will probably never pick up any of her books again.
  
  
• A Good Read
  By A3P8X12D2AZ769 on 2006-12-06
  This is a book that I would recommend. While there were things that I wish the author would have elaborated on more and not let hanging, all in all, this book was worth reading. Even if it ends up not being a favorite of yours, don't stop yourself from reading more of Jodi Picoults work. This the 3rd book I've read of hers and I've not been disappointed yet.
  
  
• Perfectly told
  By A1IZ1FLH0GNGTC on 2007-01-04
  This wonderful book is more about a teenage love story than it is about teen suicide. I took me only 5 days to ready the entire thing, while I was on vacation in Hawaii! I thought My Sister's Keeper was good, but I personally like this one so much better.
  
  
• Captivating Love Story
  By A32A53QP2N38V6 on 2007-02-19
  I thought The Pact was captivating and very easy to read. I couldn't put it down. Jodi really captured the love between two people and developed the characters in the book so that I felt as if I knew them personally. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery & love story intertwined.
  
  
• I couldn't put it down....
  By A23G6WIQDK5821 on 2007-02-21
  Jodi Picoult does an awesome job with this book. I absolutely loved the book. However, I gave it 4 stars because the ending was somewhat confusing to me....I didn't really enjoy how the book was ended.
  I would still recommend it!!!
  
  
• One of my favorites!
  By A1D31KVLSERBN2 on 2007-07-10
  I would recommend this book to almost anyone. Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors and this book, in my opinion, is one of her best! She is a literary genious and knows how to keep you focued on this book untill the end.
  
  
• Can NOT put this one down!
  By A20J64NAL3NFDS on 2007-07-12
  Picoult writes an amazing story of two childhood friends who become romantically involved as teenagers. A pact links the two even after one of them commits suicide.
  
  Although it is written to perfection, it is painfully hard to read as a mother. The reality of not knowing your children as well as you think you do is upsetting but eye opening. This is another one of Jodi Picoult's must reads.
  
  
• Gripping tale for any parent of a teenager
  By AA7UAZUXJ81U8 on 2007-11-04
  Jodi Picoult writes another gripping fictional story that can unfortunately be yet another true tale of teenage suicide. It is written with such detail and description that one has a difficult time putting this book down. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading, but especially to those with teens. It reminds us to pay attention to even the smallest evidence that they might be considering this as a way to solve their problems.
  
  

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