Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016). Summary of the book.

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Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016): Summary of the book

Small Great Things is a novel written by Jodi Picoult and published in 2016. It is an intense story of racial prejudice and the power of love. The book deals with the challenges faced by a black labor and delivery nurse, Ruth Jefferson, who is forced to confront her beliefs when a newborn baby is put in her care. The story is set in Connecticut, where Ruth has worked as a nurse for over 20 years and her life is upended when a white supremacist couple demands that no African-American nurse touch their baby. Ruth is faced with an impossible decision. Does she do as she is told, or does she follow her conscience and risk her career?

Small Great Things is an emotionally gripping story and a thought-provoking exploration of power, privilege, and race. It is a story of courage and the strength to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. It is an important book that speaks to the truth about the reality of racism in America, and it will leave you with a sense of hope for a better future.

Main Characters

Ruth Jefferson: Ruth is a labor and delivery nurse who has worked at the hospital for over 20 years. She is a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet and provide for her son, Edison. Ruth is a dedicated nurse who is highly respected by her colleagues.

Turk Bauer: Turk is a white supremacist who has a strong hatred for black people. He is the father of the newborn baby that Ruth is asked not to touch.

Kennedy McQuarrie: Kennedy is the defense attorney who takes on Ruth’s case and helps her to fight for her rights.

Edison Jefferson: Edison is Ruth’s teenage son. He is a bright and ambitious young man who is determined to make something of himself.

Plot Summary

Small Great Things tells the story of Ruth Jefferson, a black labor and delivery nurse who is faced with an impossible decision. She is asked to follow the orders of a white supremacist couple who demand that no African-American nurse touch their newborn baby. Ruth is faced with a dilemma: Does she do as she is told, or does she follow her conscience and risk her career?

Ruth decides to stand up for her rights and decides to take legal action against the hospital. She is aided in her quest by Kennedy McQuarrie, a defense attorney who believes in her cause. Together, they fight for justice, but the legal battle is long and difficult. Ruth is put through the wringer and is forced to confront her deepest fears and beliefs. In the end, Ruth is able to find strength and courage, and she is ultimately vindicated.

Main Teachings

  • Stand up for what is right: The story of Ruth Jefferson is an inspiring tale of courage and strength. She stands up for her rights and refuses to be silenced, even in the face of adversity.
  • Love conquers all: Despite the hate and racism in the story, love ultimately prevails. Ruth’s love for her son, Edison, is what gives her the courage to fight for justice.
  • The power of kindness: Ruth’s story is also a reminder of the power of kindness and compassion. In a world filled with hate and prejudice, it is kindness that ultimately brings people together and leads to understanding and acceptance.

Interesting Facts

  • Jodi Picoult: Jodi Picoult is one of the most acclaimed authors in contemporary fiction. She has written over twenty novels, including the bestselling My Sister’s Keeper and The Storyteller.
  • Real-life Inspiration: The story of Ruth Jefferson was inspired by a real-life incident. In 2015, a black nurse was fired from her job after refusing to follow the orders of a white supremacist couple.
  • Movie Adaptation: The rights to Small Great Things have been acquired by HBO, and the novel is being adapted into a feature film.

FAQs

Q: Who is the author of Small Great Things?

A: The author of Small Great Things is Jodi Picoult.

Q: What is the story about?

A: The story of Small Great Things is about a black labor and delivery nurse, Ruth Jefferson, who is forced to confront her beliefs when a newborn baby is put in her care. Ruth is faced with an impossible decision: Does she do as she is told, or does she follow her conscience and risk her career?

Q: Is Small Great Things a movie?

A: The rights to Small Great Things have been acquired by HBO, and the novel is being adapted into a feature film.

Q: What are the main teachings of the book?

A: The main teachings of Small Great Things are to stand up for what is right, that love conquers all, and that kindness has the power to bring people together and lead to understanding and acceptance.

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