Nineteen Minutes

by Jodi Picoult
Nineteen Minutes cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Psychological Thriller
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Technical
  • ID: 9712
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9781476729718
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2013-01-22
  • Reviews: 3

Nineteen Minutes delves into the aftermath of a school shooting in the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire. The story is seen through the eyes of several characters, including the daughter of a judge who witnessed the events but cannot recall the last several minutes of the attack. The novel explores the complexities of human behavior, the impact of trauma, and the search for truth in the wake of a devastating event. /n/n The book is a profound exploration of the psychological and emotional fallout of violence, as well as the legal and moral dilemmas that arise in its aftermath. It challenges readers to consider the nuances of justice, memory, and the human capacity for both cruelty and redemption.

Reviews
Thoughts from the Mountaintop · 2022-07-31
provocative 4.50

The book is emotionally charged and raises important questions about the roots of violence. It is a difficult read but essential for understanding the complexities of school shootings.

Thoughts from the Mountaintop's review of 'Nineteen Minutes' highlights the book's emotional intensity and its ability to raise crucial questions about the origins of violence. They describe it as a difficult read due to its heavy subject matter, but one that is necessary for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted issues surrounding school shootings. The review suggests that the book challenges readers to think deeply and honestly about the societal factors that contribute to such tragedies, making it a valuable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Nineteen Minutes is a difficult book due to the emotionally charged issues it raises

    It is a thought-provoking and compelling number one bestseller

    The book challenges readers to think deeply and honestly about the societal factors that contribute to such tragedies

UCLPI Media · Evie Robinson · 2020-05-24
thought-provoking 4.00

The book delves into the complex issues of gun violence and attempts to humanise mass shooters. It is a thought-provoking exploration of a difficult topic.

Evie Robinson's review of 'Nineteen Minutes' highlights the book's bold approach to a sensitive subject. She appreciates Picoult's effort to humanise the perpetrator of a school shooting, which is a challenging task. The review suggests that the book is not just a story but a mirror held up to society, asking us to consider the root causes of such tragedies. Robinson finds the narrative compelling and the issues raised deeply relevant, making it a significant read for anyone interested in the underlying factors of gun violence.

Quick quotes

    Nineteen Minutes is a good technical novel (extremely readable, well-researched, good characters, and a solid structure)

    It is a thought-provoking exploration of a difficult topic

    The book is not just a story but a mirror held up to society

The Literary Omnivore · 2011-01-26
mixed 2.50

The novel is well-structured and engaging but ultimately feels hollow. The characters and plot are well-executed, but the emotional depth is lacking.

The Literary Omnivore's review of 'Nineteen Minutes' acknowledges the technical strengths of the novel, such as its readability and well-researched content. However, they feel that despite these strengths, the book falls short in delivering a profound emotional impact. The review points out that the characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, but the overall narrative rings hollow. They appreciate Picoult's effort but find the book's attempt to tackle heavy themes somewhat superficial.

Quick quotes

    Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes is a good technical novel (extremely readable, well-researched, good characters, and a solid structure)

    It rings hollow

    The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging

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