Listen up, folks! I've got a real treat for your ears. Get ready to dive into the thought-provoking world of Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things, narrated by the talented trio of Audra McDonald, Ari Fliakos, and Cassandra Campbell. This audiobook is a solid 4.7 out of 5 rating, and it spans a total length of 16 hours and 15 minutes. So buckle up and get ready for a riveting ride!
In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Picoult masterfully crafts a story that challenges our understanding of privilege, power, and race. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew as you delve into the lives of richly layered characters faced with a gripping moral dilemma.
Our main protagonist, Ruth Jefferson, is a seasoned labor and delivery nurse with over two decades of experience. But her life takes a shocking turn when she is abruptly reassigned while performing a routine checkup on a newborn. Why? Well, it turns out the baby's parents are white supremacists who refuse to let Ruth, an African American, touch their child. The hospital bows down to their despicable request, but what happens next will leave you breathless.
As fate would have it, the very next day, while Ruth is alone in the nursery, the baby goes into cardiac distress. The question looms: does she follow orders and do nothing, or does she intervene despite the repercussions? Ruth's hesitation puts her in a heart-wrenching situation, leading to serious criminal charges against her.
Enter Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender determined to fight for justice. But her advice surprises Ruth – she insists that bringing up race in court won't help their case. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth strives to maintain some semblance of normalcy for her family, especially her teenage son, all while navigating a media storm that has exploded around her.
As the trial unfolds, Ruth and Kennedy must learn to trust each other and confront the biases they've unknowingly harbored their whole lives. Prepare for a journey that explores race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion with incredible empathy, intelligence, and raw honesty. But beware, my dear listeners, easy answers are not on the menu here.
Small Great Things is an extraordinary achievement from a writer at the top of her game. Don't just take my word for it; critics agree. The Washington Post calls it the most important novel Picoult has ever written, challenging readers and expanding our cultural conversations about race and prejudice. And trust me when I say, this novel is a page-turner from start to finish, maintaining a relentless pace that will keep your ears glued to this audiobook.
So don't wait another moment. Grab a pair of headphones, get comfortable, and let Audra McDonald, Ari Fliakos, and Cassandra Campbell sweep you away into the world of Small Great Things. It's a fantastic read that demands to be heard.
