Rating: 
Summary: Ghost story or history lesson?
Review: "Do we love across time? Or in spite of it?"That's the theme that Jodi Picoult examines in SECOND GLANCE. By the end of the novel, I'm still not sure of the answer to that question. And as far as I can tell, the characters couldn't figure it out either. Perhaps it's meant to be an eternal mystery, but one thing's for sure: a number of people get hopelessly entangled in each other's lives while trying to unravel the mysteries of the past in this novel. Ross Wakeman has tried to kill himself so many times, he's lost track. The only thing he lives for is catching a glimpse of his deceased fiancée, but he's never so much as even seen a ghost. He works as a paranormal investigator, and his travels bring him to Comtosook, Vermont, to visit with his sister, Shelby. While there, he finds more clues pointing to the existence of ghosts than ever before, and he meets beautiful and intriguing Lea Beaumont, a woman who stirs feelings in his heart he never thought he'd feel again. But what mysteries is she hiding? And will Ross ever be the same after finding out? There are a whole slew of characters making their way through this novel, so take that as a warning. You might need to scribble down names and relationships even before you finish the first chapter. Though the plotline seems entangled, it all wraps up nicely (if not quite satisfyingly) in the end. Jodi Picoult has written a novel that's an interesting blend of ghost story and history lesson, though it may bore some readers with its foray into the eugenics movement of the 1930s. The characterization is also weak at times, as evidenced by Ross' complete inability to differentiate between love and obsession with the idea of love. Pick this one up if you're looking for an interesting read, but don't expect a page turner.
Rating: 
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: "Second Glance" is one of those books that, although minimally intriguing and ultimately standard upon first inspection, is actually an extremely well constructed, well written novel that will leave any book lover breathless with appreciation and admiration. The book picks up steam quickly, introducing many characters in a short amount of time and then spends the rest of the book fleshing out those characters and tying them together. Without giving anything away, "Second Glance" is a ghost story set in the present, a portrait of horrifying historial truth set in the 1920s, and a truly unique character study that successfully brings the reader to fully know and understand the dozen or so characters introduced along the way. Author Jodi Picoult should not only be praised for her polished prose and an admirably complex plot, but for shedding light on shocking facts from our country's history and taking a stance on modern-day medical practices without being overly preachy. This review may sound jumbled and not coherent, but that is how the book often feels. In the end, though, it all comes together wonderfully. Read this novel if you like old-fashioned ghost stories / mysteries, historial fiction, or in depth character studies with supernatural plot twists along for the ride. The book isn't short by any means, and it doesn't feel short. The information could easily have been given (by a lesser author) in a smaller amount of pages, but the added length results in the more fully-developed characters. This novel isn't a thriller (although it contains thrills) and its supernatural premise may attract horror fans, but its really just a supernatural love story. Find your cheap thrills elsewhere. This is a much deeper, complex, and heartfelt drama about love and the ghosts that are created out of it.
Rating:
Summary: Ghost story or history lesson?
Review: "Do we love across time? Or in spite of it?" That's the theme that Jodi Picoult examines in SECOND GLANCE. By the end of the novel, I'm still not sure of the answer to that question. And as far as I can tell, the characters couldn't figure it out either. Perhaps it's meant to be an eternal mystery, but one thing's for sure: a number of people get hopelessly entangled in each other's lives while trying to unravel the mysteries of the past in this novel. Ross Wakeman has tried to kill himself so many times, he's lost track. The only thing he lives for is catching a glimpse of his deceased fiancée, but he's never so much as even seen a ghost. He works as a paranormal investigator, and his travels bring him to Comtosook, Vermont, to visit with his sister, Shelby. While there, he finds more clues pointing to the existence of ghosts than ever before, and he meets beautiful and intriguing Lea Beaumont, a woman who stirs feelings in his heart he never thought he'd feel again. But what mysteries is she hiding? And will Ross ever be the same after finding out? There are a whole slew of characters making their way through this novel, so take that as a warning. You might need to scribble down names and relationships even before you finish the first chapter. Though the plotline seems entangled, it all wraps up nicely (if not quite satisfyingly) in the end. Jodi Picoult has written a novel that's an interesting blend of ghost story and history lesson, though it may bore some readers with its foray into the eugenics movement of the 1930s. The characterization is also weak at times, as evidenced by Ross' complete inability to differentiate between love and obsession with the idea of love. Pick this one up if you're looking for an interesting read, but don't expect a page turner.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: "Second Glance" is one of those books that, although minimally intriguing and ultimately standard upon first inspection, is actually an extremely well constructed, well written novel that will leave any book lover breathless with appreciation and admiration. The book picks up steam quickly, introducing many characters in a short amount of time and then spends the rest of the book fleshing out those characters and tying them together. Without giving anything away, "Second Glance" is a ghost story set in the present, a portrait of horrifying historial truth set in the 1920s, and a truly unique character study that successfully brings the reader to fully know and understand the dozen or so characters introduced along the way. Author Jodi Picoult should not only be praised for her polished prose and an admirably complex plot, but for shedding light on shocking facts from our country's history and taking a stance on modern-day medical practices without being overly preachy. This review may sound jumbled and not coherent, but that is how the book often feels. In the end, though, it all comes together wonderfully. Read this novel if you like old-fashioned ghost stories / mysteries, historial fiction, or in depth character studies with supernatural plot twists along for the ride. The book isn't short by any means, and it doesn't feel short. The information could easily have been given (by a lesser author) in a smaller amount of pages, but the added length results in the more fully-developed characters. This novel isn't a thriller (although it contains thrills) and its supernatural premise may attract horror fans, but its really just a supernatural love story. Find your cheap thrills elsewhere. This is a much deeper, complex, and heartfelt drama about love and the ghosts that are created out of it.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth the sticky beginning
Review: After getting past a few chapters of confusing dialogue, too many characters and intense language, Second Glances comes together to be an inteteresting and informative story of history, love and relationships. Set in picturesque Vermont, a tumultuous Ross Wakeman is looking for paranormal disturbances on what is said to be an Indian burial ground. In his search, he happens upon Lia - a long-deceased woman who comes to him in a loving manner. Unable to forgive himself for the death of his girlfriend, Ross sets out to find out why Lia's spirit features prominently on this land. In doing so, he meets many people and learns interesting news about the small town as well as about himself. A wonderful story.
Rating:
Summary: ghosts, love and mystery
Review: At first I was a little skeptical of this book, but then after I got past the first couple chapters and was able to keep everyone straight, I could not put it down! I was eagerly awaiting for Ross to meet Lia again and again! I love how everything came together in the end. Great read!
Rating:
Summary: Second Glance Review
Review: Being a huge fan of Jodi Picoult, I give this book 3/5 stars. It took me about 200 pages into it until it got fairly exciting. This was probably one of my least favorite of her books - alot of her books I will go back and read a second time, however this will not be one of them. It was still entertaining enough to want to finish it to see how it ended.
Rating: 
Summary: Yawn
Review: For some reason, Jodi Picoult's books sound alot better when I read about them instead of actually reading them. This book just dragged on and on, and just didn't provide any real suspense or excitement. Moreover, the characters were somewhat boring and unlikeable. Good reading for the insomniac.
Rating:
Summary: Love or unresolved grief?
Review: Having read many of Jodi Picoult's books, I have to say that this book was a step outside the box for her. When I was in the first chapters of the book, I felt that I did not know if Ross was suffering from unresolved grief or undying love. I certainly felt for him and his loss of Aimee, but I do not know if he was mistaking grief for his love that crossed the boundaries between this world and the next. The final plot, twisting as it was, did not give the finale that I had hoped. I have to say that I have enjoyed Ms. Picoult's other novels much more than this one.
Rating: 
Summary: You need a lot of patience to get through this!
Review: I don't. I find Picoult's writing underdeveloped, pedestrian and the plot contrieved. Wouldn't recommend it even if you are desperate.
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