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Best Jodi Picoult Books Ranked
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.While all of Jodi Picoult’s 29 full-length novels are worth reading, we recently asked our readers to vote on their favorites. We received more than 430 responses to our survey, and based on those votes, the novels below were the crowd favorites.
Our readers had the option to tell us why they voted for each of their picks, so we’ve included some of their words below each synopsis. Some readers had beautiful quotes but preferred to remain anonymous, so you’ll notice that some quotes have attribution and others do not, but they all came from our reader survey.
When the books have been part of one of our reading challenges, we also included reader ratings from the book logs our challenge participants submitted.
Keep in mind that we conducted this “readers’ favorite” survey prior to the publication of Jodi Picoult’s By Any Other Name, which is why you will not see that tile in the rankings below. However, you can read a full synopsis of this latest Picoult title at the end of the post.
The #1 Best Jodi Picoult Book
Twenty-seven different Picoult books were mentioned in our reader survey, but My Sister’s Keeper came out on top. This novel was published 20 years ago, and many of our readers reported that this book was so impactful that it has stuck with them through all those years!
#1 My Sister’s Keeper
Book Summary
Sixteen-year old Kate has been fighting leukemia since she was very young. Thirteen year old Anna is the healthy one, yet she’s undergone countless surgeries and transfusions. That’s because Anna was conceived, by way of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, to be a bone marrow match for Kate.
Most teenagers begin to question who they really are, but for Anna, this question is much more complex. That leads her to a decision that has the potential to tear her family apart, and may even have fatal consequences for Kate.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“All of the questions, moral and ethical issues, and family dynamics has stayed with me for almost 20 years.” -Kathy M.
“I love how Picoult allows the reader to come to their own conclusions about what is correct, what is morally right, and makes us think about how we would react in the same situation.” -Elaine R.
“I loved the sisters and the twist at the end. I was all wrong.” -Carolyn R.
“I loved the feeling of confliction in the story. Its heart wrenching but also gives you hope. You see both sides of the coin and find yourself switching back and forth regarding the right thing to do. As a mother I could feel her pain.” -Heather S.
“The relationship between the sisters was fraught but lovely. It was a melancholy, heartbreaking story.”
“I’m not a crier and this book actually made me cry both because it was sad and so good.”
“This was the first book I read by this author, and it stuck with me for a long time. I recently reread this book and was even more upset by the decisions now that I am a parent and grandparent.” -Karen G.
More of the Best Books by Jodi Picoult Ranked
While My Sister’s Keeper claimed the top spot in our survey, the second and third books were not far behind! The remainder of the top 10, which span throughout Jodi Picoult’s three-decade writing career, are listed below in order of votes received.
#2 Small Great Things
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Ruth Jefferson is a 44-year-old labor and delivery nurse with twenty years of experience at a Connecticut hospital. After being reassigned away from a patient, she learns that the parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child.
The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey the orders of her superiors based on the parent’s mandate, or does she intervene?
This story is told from three alternating points of view: Ruth, the nurse; Kennedy, her middle-aged attorney; and Turk, the newborn’s white supremacist father.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“It’s a beautifully written hard hitting book that takes on the important issues of racism and whether it’s possible to rise above people’s expectations and if blending in is the best way to be successful. These sensitive questions are tackled well.” -Priya P.
“This book has stayed with me for years. An uncomfortable, emotional, important read.” -Amy V.
“All three viewpoints of the main characters were absolutely believable even when two of them were polar opposites. It was being able to see the humanity in the characters and isn’t that something to strive for in real life?” -Anita F.
“Jodi Picoult not only has a beautiful writing voice, but she puts an incredible amount of time into researching what she is writing about. This was a powerful book about race and racism that I continue to think about years after reading it.” -Bri D.
“I was still thinking about this book months after I read it. The story was good and the characters were believable and well developed. But mostly I could see myself in the underlying situation – not racist, but discovering biases I was unaware of.” -Laurie F.
“I loved the plot and the depth of the characters. I’m happy to find a book that is either plot driven or character driven but Small Great Things hit both. It was tense, emotional, uplifting, maddening.” -Tara M.
The Book Girls Say…
This novel is an emotional roller coaster ride that is painful to read at times, but we promise that it’s totally worth it. You may need to take a little break after reading the first chapter from Turk’s perspective, but after some deep breaths, please, please pick this book back up and keep reading. If we had the power, we’d make this book required reading for everyone!
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Books With Characters in Their 40s
Books Set in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware
Books Set in the 2010s
#3 Mad Honey
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Olivia has been raising her son, Asher, as a single mom ever since she fled her seemingly perfect marriage that was not as it appeared from the outside. When she left her abusive marriage to protect her son, she brought him to her small hometown in New Hampshire. Once home, she moved into her childhood house and took over her father’s beekeeping business.
Like Olivia, Lily is also familiar with starting over. She and her mom recently relocated to New Hampshire to give Lily a fresh start in her final year of high school.
Olivia and Lily’s lives cross paths when Asher begins dating and falls in love with the new girl in town. A few months later, Olivia is shocked to receive a phone call from Asher that he’s at the police station and Lily is dead. Asher is the only suspect in the case, but he insists he didn’t do it. Olivia is willing to give up everything she has to defend her son. But as the case moves toward trial, and as she discovers that Asher has hidden more from her than she realized, Olivia begins to question what traits her son may have inherited from his father.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“So much about it spoke deeply to my soul. I loved the characters, the story. It was one of those amazing books that had my full attention from page one until the end, and even when I was finished reading I could not get it out of my head.” -Anjanette M.
“I love how you have a preconceived notion about something but after reading her book it often changes the way you think about that.” -Debbie T.
“She tells the story so well and gives multiple points of view. There is also a very unexpected twist. As with all of her novels, she allows the reader to think critically about a number of topics and see things in ways maybe the reader has not before. The research involved in all of her books is very thorough and she writes in a way that is so readable and relatable.” -Holly H.
“It was well written and had a twist that surprised me. I learned a lot by reading this novel.”
“I loved the characters and their unique personalities. I loved that I had no idea about how it would end. It made me mad at times but it’s a good sign that I felt so strongly. The way it progressed backwards and forwards at the same time was unique and interesting.”
“I love the collaboration with Jennifer Finney Boylan. Their writing styles are similar so you don’t even realize who wrote which chapter. The book is honest, raw, and a must-read in today’s society. Plus, on the surface, it really is a murder mystery and a good twist at the end.” -Tina H.
The Book Girls Say…
Keep in mind that this story does not follow a linear timeline, instead jumping back and forth between the present and various points in the past. Be sure to pay attention to the beginning of each chapter, which tells you where that chapter’s events take place along the timeline.
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#4 Nineteen Minutes
Book Summary
There’s a lot you can accomplish in just 19 minutes. You can mow the lawn, watch a period of hockey, make scones, or fold laundry for a family of five. In 19 minutes you can change the world, or you can just jump off it. In 19 minutes, you can also get revenge.
The quiet, small town of Sterling, New Hampshire, is rocked by a shocking act of violence. In the aftermath, the residents must seek justice in order to begin the process of healing, but they are also forced to confront the reasons for the tragedy. The lines between truth and fiction, and right and wrong become forever blurred. So much so that the state’s best witness is struggling to recall what happened right in front of her eyes. As the trial progresses, the fault lines between different groups within the community grow deeper, driving apart even close friendships and familial relationships.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“I read this many years ago and then reread recently for a bookclub. I liked how different parts of it made an impact years ago and I saw it with such different eyes now. It handled all the complexities of a very tough topic.” -Kim I.
“I loved the way that she challenged my values and perceptions, while being able to write seemingly objectively about tough issues.”
“The slow revealing of what happened during those 19 minutes.” -Faye
“Again ripped from the headlines and allowing us to see ‘behind the headlines’ and to see different sides in the event.” -Elizabeth D.
“I read it years ago and it still stands out for me. It was so relevant to what was happening in the United states at the time and sadly continues to happen. I liked that it was told by the students point of view and that it wasn’t a bloody massacre.” -Heidi
“Again, Picoult showed both the complexity of the characters and of the situation, nothing is ever cut and dry when people are involved.” -Jen M.
The Book Girls Say…
Like many of Jodi Picoult’s books, this one dives deep into a very challenging topic and asks many of the question our country has been grappling with since the events at Columbine, Virginia Tech, and all the tragedies thereafter.
#5 The Storyteller
Book Summary
Sage works the night shift at a bakery, preparing bread and pastries for the next day. As she bakes, she seeks to escape the reality of her mother’s death and the loneliness she feels. By day, she attends a grief support group where she meets an elderly man named Josef. He begins stopping by the bakery, and the two form an unlikely friendship.
Sage never expects the long-buried secret that Josef confesses to her one day. He’s never told anyone else in town, and if Sage agrees to the favor he asks, she’ll face not only moral repercussions but potentially also legal ones. All of the new revelations from her close friend cause her to question her own assumptions and expectations. And where is the line between punishment and justice, or forgiveness and mercy?
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“The raw emotion and historical aspects of this book were captivating. This book gave me an entirely different perspective to consider about a historical period that I hadn’t really explored. This book showed the good and evil in a person and made me really examine that in depth.” -Jessica N.
“I liked the theme of forgiveness. Most of Picoult’s books are memorable but this one stands out for me.” -Nancy F.
“This was an incredibly powerful novel, structured as a story within a story within a story. The story explores themes of guilt, redemption, and forgiveness, and though it can be brutally difficult to read at times, could also be the basis for an excellent discussion. It’s very well written, one of those books that are hard to put down even when the reader wants to take a break from the horror and sadness of the story.” -Gerry D.
“I love how she takes opposing points of view and makes us think about situations in new ways. I love how she weaved the past and the present storylines–keeping me on the edge of my seat. I also love the twists!” -Stephanie B.
“I enjoyed the journey of the story and the exploration of the themes of right and wrong and redemption and forgiveness. There is a lot to deal with in this novel but as usual, Jodi has written it in a way that wants you to keep reading, to find out where it goes.” -Lara F.
The Book Girls Say…
Readers who enjoy foodie elements in their fiction will especially love the way the bread descriptions connect all sections of this dual-timeline historical fiction. Readers also praise the way Picoult uses both Judaism and Christianity to help Sage through the challenges she faces.
Keep in mind that this book has quite long chapters, and it also includes some graphic and difficult-to-read details about WWII concentration camps.
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#6 Wish You Were Here
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Diana has her life all planned out – marriage, kids, and climbing the professional ladder in the art auction world. And it all starts with getting engaged to her surgical resident boyfriend, Finn. They are about to head out on a romantic getaway to the Galapagos for her 30th birthday, and she just knows he’ll propose on the trip.
On the eve of their departure, a virus that previously seemed a world away has made its way to NYC and Finn’s hospital needs everyone on-call. He doesn’t want their nonrefundable trip to go to waste, so he convinces Diana to go without him.
After she arrives, the whole island is forced to quarantine and she finds herself stranded until the borders reopen. Isolated and alone, Diana begins to form a connection with a local family. Through the experience, she finds herself re-evaluating her priorities.
This is a thoroughly-researched novel that some say the book starts out a bit slowly, but soon you’ll find it going in unexpected directions. Readers say the story contains surprises that you won’t see coming!
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“She made a difficult topic for me easier to digest and very poignant at the same time. Again, the surprise in this novel was also rather unexpected.” -Holly H.
“I have never gasped and immediately texted my mom faster for any other book. I did not see the twist coming!” -Emily D.
“The parts about the impact of the pandemic at the hospital were riveting and heartbreaking. Made me really appreciate all of the medical personnel who were doing their best to handle the situations.”
“The depth of description of the Galapagos Islands was intriguing and really drew me in.” -Jessica N.
The Book Girls Say…
Many readers may not yet feel ready to relive the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so despite the great reviews of this book, don’t push yourself if it’s not the right time.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
#7 Leaving Time
Book Summary
Alice disappeared in the wake of an accident, and ten years later, her daughter, Jenna, still refuses to believe that her mother abandoned her. Jenna still regularly searches for clues, both online and within Alice’s journals.
Alice was a scientist who studied grief among elephants in Botswana. While the journal entries are mostly about the elephants, Jenna hopes that she’ll find a clue within the writing. As part of her investigation, she also works with a psychic and detective, and we’ll see the story from their points of view as well.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“I loved the character development, the mystery and the gradual reveal. The unexpected twist at the end was such a surprise. I also liked the details about elephants along the way – they are more fascinating than I realised.” -Lara F.
“Love the plot. It was intriguing and the end was a complete surprise.” -Carrie B.
“I enjoyed learning about the elephants and the mystery that was woven throughout.” -Jessica F.
“It felt like a much different topic from a lot of her other books but still had that slight shock factor that most of them have.” -Kari Y.
“I thought this was so beautifully crafted and written and slightly different from Picoult’s usual writing style.”
The Book Girls Say…
While this isn’t a magical realism book, the storyline has some psychic/paranormal elements.
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Book Summary
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is known for it’s postcard-like small towns and the bucolic lifestyle of it’s many Amish residents. But the sense of peace is shattered when a dead infant is discovered in an Amish farmer’s barn. The investigation reveals that the baby’s mother, Katie, is an unmarried Amish teen, and that the infant did not die of natural causes.
One hundred miles away in the big city of Philadelphia, Ellie is a defense attorey with a high-profile career, but she recently turned down a partnership offer from her firm. Looking for a change, she decides to step away from her work for an extended stay at her great-aunt’s home in Lancaster County.
When Ellie learns about Katie’s arrest, she sees a chance to represent a client who really needs her (not just the one who can afford her firm’s high price tag). The problem is that Katie doesn’t want to be defended. Ellie soon finds herself in a clash of cultures with a people whose system of justice looks very different from the one she works within. When Ellie calls on an old friend for guidance, things become even more complex.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“It is like a behind the scenes look at the Amish community. The story is both mystery and courtroom drama. I loved it.” -Linda P.
“It was a shocking story – riveting and unforgettable. The ending left me stunned.” -Linda R.
“It had a really compelling plot and it was a fascinating look at the Amish culture. At the time I read it, I was in law school, or had just finished, so I enjoyed the legal aspects and that the protagonist was a female attorney. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys legal and family dramas. It’s also quintessential Picoult in that it makes the reader consider all sides of a complex issue.” -Christine B.
“It took place in a setting I was only slightly familiar with. Jodi helped me get to know and understand the characters.” -Faye
#9 House Rules
Book Summary
Jacob is a teen on the autism spectrum. He struggles with reading social cues and expressing himself to others, but he’s also brilliant when it comes to forensic analysis. He has a police scanner in his room and often shares his thoughts with the local police. He’s usually right.
When a murderer rocks his small hometown, the police come to him this time. While his behaviors are hallmarks of his autism, they also make him look guilty in the eyes of the investigators.
For his mother, it’s a brutal reminder of how misunderstood her son is. For his brother, Theo, it exacerbates his frustration that their family can’t be “normal.” And over and over the family will have to confront the question they still don’t know the answer to – did Jabob commit murder?
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“Thus was another of her books that taught me about something I knew little about and her family dynamic dramas are always spectacular.” -Shannon J.
“The author has a gift for weaving in complex themes and perspectives in relatable ways. … She has a gift for addressing hard complex concepts and weaving them into characters we learn to care about and want to protect. It was beautifully written and was an experience to read.” -Jeanette M.
“I love the way she presented the different perspectives. I was familiar with Aspergers but I didn’t know very much about it. I’m always happy to read about something new to me.” -Nancy F.
The Book Girls Say…
The book refers to Jacob as having Asperger’s Syndrome. While many people still used this term to refer to their condition, it is no longer considered an official diagnosis. In 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome was reclassified under the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
#10 The Pact
Book Summary
The Hartes and Golds families have been next-door neighbors for nearly 20 years, and their lives have become very intertwined. The parents and the children alike have become best friends, so it’s no surprise when the relationship between teens Chris and Emily blossoms into something more.
Imagine the horror that both families experience when a midnight phone call from a hospital informs them that Emily has died of a gunshot wound to the head. One unspent bullet remains in the gun that Chris took from his dad’s cabinet. He tells police that the remaining bullet was intended for him – a suicide pact. But the local detective isn’t so sure he buys the story.
Quotes From Our Readers About This Book
“She always puts you directly into the heart of each character where it is easy to imagine yourself in the same situation.” -Tina Q.
“It’s a great example of how her books have a surprising twist.”
“The Pact is an excellent yet disturbing story about the hold one person can have over the other … It brings ethical and moral questions to the forefront, it showed how we don’t necessarily know those we love and it makes clear how sometimes those we love and who love us won’t necessarily turn to us with their troubles.” -Elaine
The Book Girls Say…
While the main character of this book is a teenager, this book is not classified as YA. Be warned that this book deals heavily with teen suicide, which some readers may find difficult to read.
Jodi Picoult’s Latest Book
We look forward to updating our readers’ survey in the future to see how By Any Other Name ranks compared to Picoult’s backlist titles.
By Any Other Name
Book Summary
Emilia Bassano has access to English theater in 1581 as Lord Chamberlain’s mistress. However, she wants to be a playwright, not just an audience member. However, in 1581, that is not a role society would accept a woman to be in. But her desire to see her work on the stage is strong, so she pays a man for the use of his name. In order for her work to be seen, she had to write herself out of history.
In the present, playwright Melina Green has written a new work inspired by her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. However, four hundred years later, Melina faces some of the same challenges as Emilia. Will she also be willing to forgo credit in order to see her work performed?
The Book Girls Say…
Jodi Picoult books are ideal for book clubs and this 2024 title offers plenty of discussion-worthy moments.
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Printable List of Jodi Picoult Books
Looking for a printable version of this chronological Jodi Picoult novel list? Our Buy Me a Coffee BFF’s have access to a cute printable book tracker featuring the covers of all her novels, including her 2024 release, By Any Other Name. Join our membership site today for instant access to your copy, along with some other fun perks!
More Info About Jodi Picoult
While this post details the best Jodi Picoult books according to our reader survey, we also have a post that details all of her books in order of publication, including info on her book to film adaptations, and more.
