Great book! This is the first one I've read by Jodi Picoult & I would definitely read more by her! It kept me engaged the entire read & couldn't wait to find out what happened! Would definitely recommend! ( )

This is the first time I've read Jodi Picoult, and it won't be the last. I couldn't have picked a better one to start with. Once, begun, I had to finish it, the story gripped me from start to finish. The only slight drawbacks, were the flashbacks, which I felt slowed to story down, or kept you waiting in suspense, for the outcome. The courtoom scenes were interesting and insightful, ( )

2006

Jodi Picoult's Salem Falls is a modern day re-telling loosely based on Arthur Miller's classic tale, The Crucible. After being released from a wrongful imprisonment for statutory rape, Jack St. Bride comes to Salem Falls in search of a new beginning. He finds a job at the local diner working for it's quirky owner Addie, but finds it difficult to gain the trust of the other small-town locals. He has to register with the local police department as a sex offender, and in no time, the entire town seems to know about his checkered, albeit undeserved past. When a naïve teenage girl is assaulted in Salem Falls, Jack quickly becomes the prime suspect.

Salem Falls is my third Jodi Picoult book, having read both My Sister's Keeper and Plain Truth sometime in the last few years. I am familiar with Picoult's writing style, and so far, have enjoyed everything I've read from her. Salem Falls took a little longer to "hook" me than the others I've read, but once things started to snowball in Jack's new life, I had to see what would happen next.

Picoult's writing is lyrical and the story captivated me, however, there was just something missing when it came to character development. I liked Addie and Jack's characters, but even they lacked a certain something that is difficult to define. The storyline about the girls practicing the Wican faith in Salem Falls was interesting, and were really some of the most engrossing parts of the book. That being said, Salem Falls is still a good read - it just didn't quite live up to the other Picoult books I've read. One thing that Picoult always does well is her endings, and this one is no different. It sneaks up on you out of nowhere - you'll never see it coming and it's one of the most fantastic things about reading a Picoult novel!

As far as recommending Salem Falls to other readers, I would recommend you try another Picoult if it's your first foray into her world. However, if you are familiar with The Crucible you will enjoy tracing the parallels in Salem Falls. Overall I am glad I picked it up, and will definitely be reading more from Picoult in the future. ( )

Pulled this off my bookshelf for a quick review. This one reminds me of the movie, "The Shawshank Redemption." It focuses on a man who served prison time for a wrongful rape accusation, and his integration back into society. It gives you a new view of judgements & actions driven by fear. It also gives an often overlooked glimpse of the experiences of the accused's loved ones. I'd give this 4 out of 5 stars. A good read that revolves around controversial matters, which is a recurring theme in Jodi Picoult's novels. ( )