Jodi Picoult is a highly popular and accomplished American author. She has written many novels that explore complex moral dilemmas and social issues. Picoult’s books often take readers on emotional journeys, tackling tough subjects with sensitivity and nuance. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to all of Jodi Picoult’s published novels so far. We have compiled a list of her books in chronological order, starting with her debut work all the way to her most recent releases. This guide will help you navigate through her extensive bibliography.
Picoult’s Novels in Chronological Order
1. Songs of the Humpback Whale
Publication Year
Synopsis
1992
This was Jodi Picoult’s debut novel about a woman’s journey to find her husband who went missing after an accident, exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. It tells the intertwined stories of five people whose lives are connected by a tragic accident.
The novel follows a young woman who gives birth to a child with a life-threatening heart defect. She struggles with the difficult decision of whether to have her son undergo a high-risk operation, touching on issues of medical ethics and parental love.
3. Picture Perfect
Publication Year
Synopsis
1995
A thought-provoking story about a woman’s struggle with her identity and relationships after discovering that her husband has been faking his identity for years. It explores themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of modern life.
4. Mercy
Publication Year
Synopsis
1996
This novel delves into the controversial topic of euthanasia, following the story of a woman who helps her husband suffering from ALS end his life. It examines the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding assisted suicide and end-of-life choices.
5. The Pact
Publication Year
Synopsis
1998
A gripping tale about two families grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident involving their teenage children. It explores themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of adversity.
6. Keeping Faith
Publication Year
Synopsis
1999
This novel explores the aftermath of a custody battle over a young girl with a life-threatening illness, and the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding issues of faith, religion, and medical treatment decisions.
7. Plain Truth
Publication Year
Synopsis
2000
Set in an Amish community, this novel explores the clash between tradition and modernity when a young Amish woman is accused of killing her newborn baby. It delves into themes of faith, justice, and the complexities of different belief systems.
8. Salem Falls
Publication Year
Synopsis
2001
A modern-day tale that draws parallels to the Salem witch trials, the novel follows a man falsely accused of a crime who starts a new life in a small town, only to face suspicion and prejudice from the community.
9. Perfect Match
Publication Year
Synopsis
2002
A gripping story about a couple struggling with infertility who resorts to using a sperm donor, only to later discover that the donor may have been involved in a criminal case years earlier, raising questions about nature versus nurture.
10. Second Glance
Publication Year
Synopsis
2003
A supernatural thriller that follows a woman’s investigation into a series of strange occurrences in a small town, including sightings of ghosts and paranormal phenomena. It blends elements of mystery, romance, and the exploration of the afterlife.
11. My Sister’s Keeper
Publication Year
Synopsis
2004
One of Picoult’s most popular and controversial novels, it tells the story of a family torn apart by a legal battle when their youngest daughter, conceived as a genetic match for her sister with leukemia, sues her parents for reproductive rights.
12. Vanishing Acts
Publication Year
Synopsis
2005
A powerful novel that explores the bonds of family and the consequences of our choices. It follows a woman’s search for her missing father and the secrets she uncovers about her family’s past.
13. The Tenth Circle
Publication Year
Synopsis
2006
Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, this novel delves into the aftermath of a date rape incident and how it affects the lives of a family and a small college town. It tackles themes of violence, justice, and the consequences of actions.
14. Nineteen Minutes
Publication Year
Synopsis
2007
A gripping novel that explores the aftermath of a school shooting and the events leading up to it. Told from various perspectives, it delves into the complex issues of bullying, teenage struggles, and the ripple effects of violence on a community.
15. Change of Heart
Publication Year
Synopsis
2008
This novel centers around a convicted murderer on death row who wants to donate his heart to the daughter of one of his victims. It explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of the justice system.
16. Handle with Care
Publication Year
Synopsis
2009
The story follows a family with a daughter born with a rare genetic disorder, and their legal battle against a multimillion-dollar lawsuit that could potentially save their daughter’s life but tear the family apart.
17. House Rules
Publication Year
Synopsis
2010
A thought-provoking novel that explores the world of autism and the challenges faced by families with children on the spectrum. It follows a family’s struggle to prove their son’s innocence after he is accused of murder.
18. Sing You Home
Publication Year
Synopsis
2011
This novel tackles the controversial topic of gay rights and same-sex parenting, following the story of a woman who becomes a surrogate for her best friend and his husband, leading to a legal and ethical battle over parental rights.
19. Lone Wolf
Publication Year
Synopsis
2012
A gripping novel that explores the aftermath of a family tragedy and a father’s quest for truth and redemption. It delves into themes of grief, forgiveness, and the lengths to which a parent will go to protect their child.
20. The Storyteller
Publication Year
Synopsis
2013
A powerful novel that interweaves the stories of a Holocaust survivor and a modern-day woman, exploring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the lingering effects of past traumas on subsequent generations.
21. Leaving Time
Publication Year
Synopsis
2014
This novel follows the journey of a young woman searching for answers about her mother’s mysterious disappearance years earlier. It explores themes of loss, grief, and the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters, while also delving into the fascinating world of elephant behavior and communication.
22. Small Great Things
Publication Year
Synopsis
2016
One of Picoult’s most acclaimed and thought-provoking novels, it tackles the sensitive issues of racism, prejudice, and privilege through the story of an African American nurse who is accused of negligence after being prohibited from caring for a white supremacist’s newborn baby.
23. A Spark of Light
Publication Year
Synopsis
2018
Set during a hostage situation at a women’s reproductive health center, this novel explores the complex and divisive issue of abortion rights from multiple perspectives, including the hostage negotiator, a pro-life protester, and several women caught in the crossfire.
24. The Book of Two Ways
Publication Year
Synopsis
2020
This novel follows the story of a woman who, after surviving a plane crash, is forced to confront the life she has built and the alternate path she could have taken. It explores themes of fate, decision-making, and the consequences of the choices we make.
25. Wish You Were Here
Publication Year
Synopsis
2021
In this novel, Picoult delves into the world of art and explores the complexities of relationships, identity, and the consequences of our actions. The story follows a young woman who stumbles upon a captivating painting that might hold the key to her past.
26. Broken Things
Published Year
Synopsis
2022
Nine-year-old Diana eagerly anticipates her tenth birthday, hoping for a rare visit from her globe-trotting mother, Hannah O’Toole, a renowned photographer. However, Hannah’s commitment to her career leaves Diana feeling secondary. When a devastating tornado strikes during a drought shoot, Hannah faces a crucial choice between her daughter and her passion.
27. Choice
Published Year
Synopsis
2022
Margot and James end their relationship due to James’s refusal to have children. Ironically, James, a lawyer, finds himself inexplicably pregnant, jeopardizing his career aspirations. Meanwhile, Margot, a social worker, navigates a surge in pregnant teenage boys seeking assistance. When James seeks Margot’s help with his unexpected pregnancy, they confront the challenges of a post-Roe America.
28. Mad Honey
Published Year
Synopsis
2022
Olivia McAfee relocates to her hometown in New Hampshire after her marriage collapses, taking over her father’s beekeeping business. Her son, Asher, falls for Lily, a new arrival in town, bringing temporary joy. But when Lily dies under mysterious circumstances and Asher becomes a suspect, Olivia grapples with his innocence, haunted by the shadows of his father’s dark past.
29. By Any Other Name
Published Year
Synopsis
2024
In 1581, Emilia Bassano, mistress to the Lord Chamberlain, anonymously writes plays, sacrificing credit to navigate societal constraints. Centuries later, Melina Green, inspired by her ancestor Emilia, faces similar obstacles in the male-dominated world of theater. As both women grapple with the price of recognition, their intertwined narratives explore ambition, courage, and the legacy of forgotten voices.
Conclusion
In the end, Jodi Picoult has written many books since her first book “Songs of the Humpback Whale” in 1992. Through her books, she explores challenging topics about families and ethics in a thoughtful way. Her stories make readers think deeply about different beliefs and viewpoints. Picoult’s upcoming new book “By Any Other Name” will likely continue her pattern of telling engaging stories that stick with readers. With her skill at creating real feeling characters and plotlines, Jodi Picoult remains a popular author. Her works connect with readers of all ages. As she writes more books, fans can expect more meaningful and moving tales from this talented writer.
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