Rating: 
Summary: A Book Packed With Strange Information
Review: I was introduced to this book by a good friend who raved about it and convinced me to read it myself. So I guess when I got it I was expecting this great novel, but half way through it, I couldn't read any more. Picoult doesn't portray teenage lives very realistically. She describes Emily's sink towards depression, but she doesn't develop why this occurs. She presents Emily's thoughts well, but gives no back-up for them. You don't feel like you "know" Emily because the author doesn't go deep into her charachter development. I feel that the story moved fast, but the plot didn't move at all. Years went by, and there was little or no advancement in the plot. The book wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't recommend it to my friends.
Rating: 
Summary: The Pact
Review: I received this book as a gift, having never heard of the author. I read the first page and was immediately hooked. Picoult engages the reader from the first paragraph of the book and develops each of the main characters uniquely within the pages of the novel. This book is one of those rare books in which I found myself as a reader physically unable to set the book down. The twist of events, dialogue between characters, and the desire to find peace with the characters' lives kept me reading almost non-stop. This book delves into some serious issues pertaining to teen suicide, family and friend relationships, and love based on many levels. It is written clearly, precisely, and with heart.
Rating: 
Summary: The best book ever!!
Review: I read this novel for an English class, but i am so glad that i did. It was such a good book! The ending seemed unreal but its the only way it could have been. I am going to tell all my friends to read The Pact.I absolutly love this book!! I borrowed it from a teacher and i am now going to go out and buy a copy for myself!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This book is great.I was glad to discover such a smart writer as is Jodi Picoult because she with her story "The Pact" fitted me very easily in the characters shoes.I went to work,to restaurants to the hairdresser,to bed with this book till I finished it. One more thing I want to say - all my friends read this book and all of them liked it more than the other.So...what are you waiting for...read it before it's gone OUT OF PRINT :)
Rating:
Summary: If You Really Love Me Help Me Die...
Review: Another great novel written by Jodi Picoult. The story abruptly opens with a gunshot and we soon learn that Emily is dead. The reader is immediately hooked in wanting to find out more. Through the twists and turns, Picoult captures the readers attention and need to find the truth... The Pact is the story of the lifelong friendship between Chris and Emily and its tragic ending. The novel allows the reader to get a very intimate understanding of not only Chris and Emily but their respective families - the Hartes and the Golds. Chris and Emily were inseperable and a planned marriage and future were in store for them - what happened? The Pact looks at the issues of parental relationships,suicide, peer relationships, homicide, and the coming of age in turbulent times. The Pact will evoke many emotions and challenge your morals. You will grapple with the reality of physically losing a child through death and the possibility of losing a child through the court system. The Pact is a very gripping read, you won't be able to put it down. I would highly recommend this book! ~ Kelly
Rating:
Summary: Love and Loss and Much More
Review: The Pact is the first book of Jodi Picoult's that I have ever read, and based on what I've experienced with this, I know it won't be the last. The Pact is emotional, moving, shocking and surprising. The narrative is told in an interesting back-and-forth style, between Chris, who is accused of murdering his life long friend and love, and Emily, dead at seventeen and whose voice is a trace of past events. Moving between present day court proceedings and what actually happened the night a teenaged girl was shot, we delve into the childhoods of both characters and the family that surrounds them. The Hartes and the Golds live next to each other, eat together, gather in each others homes and go on vacation together. Somewhere along the way, and much to the parents happiness, Chris and Emily end up dating each other. Soon after, as witnessed in Emily's thoughts and journals, it becomes apparent that she herself is not happy with this; that something in her life and heart is troubled beyond even Chris's presence. The mystery surrounding the night of her death continues for the whole length of the novel, and every turn is shrouded in secrets, lies, and ultimately, the truth. I devoured this book in a few sittings. Picoult does a wonderful job in getting us to know the two families; both sets of parents are equally interesting and sympathetic, and the story would not have worked as well if they weren't. The reader never really knows what happened that fateful night between Emily and Chris until the very end, and it keeps you going to find out. This is a well-written, intriguing novel, and I can't wait to read more of her works.
Rating:
Summary: The Strength of Love and Friendship
Review: Jodi Picoult's The Pact (A Love Story) is a sad, but eye-opening novel about two-teenagers lives that are instantly changed with the pull of a trigger. Not only are the teenagers affected, but their parents as well. The Golds and the Hartes have been next-door neighbors since their children were born. Chris and Emily grew up together and were never apart. There was not a memory to look back on that didn't include the two of them together. Then suddenly, Chris Harte, a popular high school swimming sensation, is thrown into a court battle after his long time sweetheart, Emily Gold, is dead. By being with her at the time of her death, Chris is accused of murdering Emily, the shy, quiet girl that meant the world to him. Both families are torn at the seams and the friendship between them soon disintegrates due to the murder. Was it a suicide pact or not? I would recommend this book to anyone, of any age, because both parents and teenagers can relate to the circumstances that occur in this novel. Jodi Picoult's colorful descriptions give an accurate view of how love and friendship can be bent and distorted. The novel was a little slow during a few parts, but was well worth the wait for the surprising and unexpected outcome of the trial. This compelling novel is a must read for any reader who is truly interested in a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Ultimately, a satisfying novel, even with a couple glitches.
Review: I must admit, after reading the description on the back of this book, I was hooked as to its potential. The story is of a gripping nature: boy and girl agree to commit suicide together; girl dies; boy lives; and legal trouble insues. Good stuff. But... there's something slightly off in the character of Emily, and I have a hard time putting a critical finger on it. We have only a one-sided conception of her, as readers, and her psyche is only available through flashbacks (the whole book is set up on a Then/Now paradigm) and we receive glimpses of her life through her eyes (her tormented sexuality and doubtful self-esteem). Overall, she appears flat... slightly uncredible. I almost wonder if Picoult would have been more effective taking the "diary-approach," to her scene (she gives us one diary entry, and I almost wonder if more would have been necessary). I think her style (a straightforward, unimbellished prose) doesn't appropriately reflect the emotional break down that ultimately ends in suicide. A closer presence to Emily would have been nice. Breaking away from the art, though, this book represents truthful themes. It has overtones of the book "Reviving Ophelia;" it speaks truthfully and importantly of the break down of the American Home; the struggle between the dichotomy of parents and children; and the workings of small towns: how people are linked in thick webs that tremble under the weight of suicide. For suspense, the action builds nicely; the author spends just the right amount of time in the past and present, the point of view switches around, tossed between the characters for fresh perspectives. It is, truly, a nice story. Why only 3 stars? I detracted one for the character of Emily. For someone who is the center of the book (I would posit her place ahead of Chris'), she is poorly conceived. The other star goes to style. Picoult is a popular writer, and thus will appeal to anyone who loves Grisham, Deaver, or Shreve. She has the habit of dipping, at times, into the sometimes contrite sentimental, and that, I think, ultimately hurts the novel. Her ability to write about the legal system and courtroom drama is also fairly poor. Certainly, all of that constitutes a star in my mind. Please, though. I am tough with stars. This is a good book, is worth the money, and will most certainly bring pleasure to its reader. I recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Depressing Story
Review: They were meant to be together forever...or were they? Emily Gold and Chris Harte grew up hand in hand. Their families were best friends and neighbors. They grew together like twins...brother and sister. They became lovers, and wanted things to stay the same forever. But the only thing constant about life is change. Emily felt that there was only one way to accomplish keeping things the same. She dies with Chris. Now he is charged with murder. But was it murder? Was it suicide? Was it from love? Was it from secrets? Was it a pact? I felt this book was written well. I enjoyed the novel but feel indifferently as to how the story ended. If you enjoy books that are depressing and leave you with questions, I feel you would like The Pact.
Rating:
Summary: A thought-provoking read for all parents
Review: I've now read all of the books I can get my hands on (Mercy is out of print) and have enjoyed each and everyone. The Pact was not the most enjoyable in the series, but certainly was the most thought-provoking. At often times disturbing, I nevertheless think that it is a must read for every parent, particularly in the way it illustrates the extreme pressure loving and well-meaning parents can unintentionally place on their children, often with devastating results. As a doctor who has cared for many adolescents, I think this book has the potential to be a real eye-opener, even though that may not have been its intended purpose. I highly recommend this book to all parents.
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