Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (2009). Summary of the book.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult (2009)

Summary of the Book

Jodi Picoult’s Handle with Care is a novel about a family facing a difficult truth. Charlotte and Sean O’Keefe have sued the insurance company for their daughter Willow’s medical bills, but this case has become more than a battle over money. Their daughter was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a brittle bone disease that has caused her pain and suffering from the moment she was born. The O’Keefe’s are forced to make a difficult decision: to fight for their daughter’s future or accept a settlement from the insurance company that could provide them with a comfortable life.

Handle with Care is an emotional story about a family’s struggle to do the right thing. Charlotte and Sean must make a tough decision in order to provide their daughter with the best possible future. Along the way, they must deal with their own emotions, the opinions of their family and friends, and the court case that could determine Willow’s fate.

Main Characters

The main characters of Handle with Care are Charlotte and Sean O’Keefe, a married couple living in New Hampshire. They have three children: Amelia, the oldest; Mariah, the middle child; and Willow, the youngest and the one with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

The other important characters in the book are their family and friends, including Charlotte’s mother, who is in a nursing home; their lawyer; and the judge presiding over the case.

Plot

The story begins with the birth of Willow and the discovery of her Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Charlotte and Sean are devastated but determined to provide the best possible care for their daughter.

The O’Keefes soon find themselves in a legal battle with their insurance company, which refuses to cover the medical expenses associated with Willow’s condition. As the case progresses, they must make difficult decisions about their daughter’s future and their own future.

The novel follows the family as they navigate the legal system, their relationships, and their emotions. In the end, they must decide whether to accept a settlement from the insurance company or fight for Willow’s rights.

Teachings of the Book

The main lesson of Handle with Care is that family is the most important thing. The O’Keefes must make difficult decisions about their daughter’s future, but no matter what, their love for each other and for Willow remains strong.

The book also teaches that love is stronger than money. The O’Keefes are offered a settlement from the insurance company that would provide them with a comfortable life, but they choose to fight for their daughter’s rights instead.

Interesting Facts About the Book

  • Handle with Care was a New York Times bestseller and was nominated for several awards, including the American Library Association’s Alex Award.
  • The novel was adapted into a play that premiered in 2012.
  • Handle with Care was made into a movie in 2015, starring Jennifer Aniston and Chris Messina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What genre is Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult?
    Handle with Care is a contemporary fiction novel.
  • Who are the main characters of the book?
    The main characters of Handle with Care are Charlotte and Sean O’Keefe, a married couple living in New Hampshire, and their three children: Amelia, Mariah, and Willow.
  • What is the main lesson of Handle with Care?
    The main lesson of Handle with Care is that family is the most important thing and that love is stronger than money.
  • Has Handle with Care been adapted into a movie?
    Yes, Handle with Care was made into a movie in 2015, starring Jennifer Aniston and Chris Messina.

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