68 pages • 2 hours read
Handle With Care
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Book Brief
477
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 2000s
2009
Atria Books
Adult
18+ years
850L
Super Short Summary
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult explores the ethical and emotional dilemmas of Willow O'Keefe, a child born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and her family. Following a misdiagnosed fracture, Willow's mother, Charlotte, sues her obstetrician and best friend, Piper, for wrongful birth to secure funds for Willow's care, leading to complex emotional and legal battles. This novel addresses themes of disability, motherhood, and the consequences of pursuing controversial lawsuits. This source material includes depictions of medical procedures and trauma, self-harm, sexual assault, suicide, disordered eating, outdated and offensive mental health beliefs and terminology, police brutality, and the death of a child.
Emotional
Contemplative
Challenging
Melancholic
Dark
Reviews & Readership
137,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult is an emotionally charged novel praised for its compelling characters and thought-provoking moral dilemmas. Critics commend Picoult's skill in addressing complex issues with sensitivity. However, some find the plot manipulative and the ending controversial. Overall, it’s a moving read that prompts deep reflection.
Who Should Read Handle With Care?
Readers who appreciate deeply emotional and thought-provoking fiction, akin to My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult or The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, will enjoy Handle With Care. This novel explores complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas, making it perfect for fans of contemporary, issue-driven stories.
137,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charlotte O’Keefe
Charlotte O’Keefe
Willow’s mother, a dedicated pastry chef who files a lawsuit to ensure financial security due to the medical costs associated with her daughter’s condition.
Sean O’Keefe
Sean O’Keefe
Willow’s father, a police officer who balances his career responsibilities with family life, showcasing a contrasting parenting style to Charlotte’s.
Amelia O’Keefe
Amelia O’Keefe
Willow’s older half-sister, who grapples with her family dynamics and personal challenges while trying to find her place.
Piper Reece
Piper Reece
Charlotte’s former best friend and OBGYN, central to the novel’s conflict due to her connection to Willow’s diagnosis.
Marin Gates
Marin Gates
An attorney involved in the O’Keefe lawsuit, dealing with personal struggles related to her adoption and search for her biological parents.
Handle With Care not only delves into ethical and familial dilemmas but also touches on the rare medical condition osteogenesis imperfecta, making it an insightful read about disability awareness.
To create realistic characters in Handle With Care, Jodi Picoult conducted extensive research which included interviewing families who have been affected by osteogenesis imperfecta.
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The book was a commercial success and appeared on various bestseller lists, reflecting Jodi Picoult's popularity and the compelling nature of her storytelling.
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477
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 2000s
2009
Atria Books
Adult
18+ years
850L
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