Jodi Picoult has been my favorite author for a long time. Ever since I discovered her in eighth grade, I’ve been trying my hardest to read everything she’s ever written.

Every single last one of her books has changed my mind about something. Each of her stories has had a lasting impact on me. I would describe her as an author whose work can get anyone, even adamant book haters, into reading.

Over the break, I read one of her books called “Change of Heart.” This story had such an impact on me that I decided to make it my first book review on my new book and music review column.

Change of Heart is a story about a death row prisoner, a little girl with a heart defect, a mother who’s been through a life-shattering experience, a catholic priest who begins to question everything he once thought he believed and a passionate lawyer who will do anything to stand up for what’s right. 

When death row inmate Shay Bourne learns that 11-year-old Claire Nealon is in need of a heart transplant, he pursues the idea of donating his heart to her with passionate zeal. Officials learn that Shay’s heart is a perfect match for Claire. Rather than capital punishment by lethal injection, officials believe that hanging could be in the cards if Shay wins that right in court.

The problem is the reason Shay is on death row in the first place. He’s there for killing Claire’s father, as well as the older sister she’s never met.

But Claire could die, and Shay’s heart is the only known match. With the clock ticking towards both of their deaths, time is running out. 

This book is a thrilling blend of courtroom drama and murder mystery. Readers will be spellbound with each twist and turn, as Picoult gradually unravels a story that is not nearly as black and white as it seems. This book sparks questions about law, truth, religion, morality and everything in between. 

Even if you aren’t usually a reader, I would highly recommend this book. Not only is it an extremely engaging story, but it’s a really thought-provoking read. It’s an interesting take on our criminal justice system and the ethical dilemma of capital punishment, but the bottom line is that it’s a very entertaining work of fiction.