Book Review: Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

I actually ended up reading this book due to a recommendation for a different book. My sister suggested this authors’ newest book, Small Great Things, which sounded really interesting. You can read about it here. I immediately went online to reserve it at the library, only to discover that I was not the only one. I put in my request at spot #993 on the list. So I decided that should give me plenty of time to familiarize myself with this author by reading one of her other books, and really, I just randomly chose this one, I have to admit. I’m glad I did! Well, in a way. I didn’t get much sleep that first night because I just couldn’t put it down! So much for reading before going to bed… Anyway, I recommend it for anyone who loves a good mystery. It is a who-done-it type of murder mystery with some novel twists (novel, get it?). It involves the paranormal, adding another layer to the mystery. Then there are elephants. The main characters study or caretake elephants at a sanctuary. In the author’s notes about the novel, it is revealed that many of the elephant stories are real and the character’s field notes are based on actual research. So it is also a fascinating glimpse into the world of elephants, their incredible emotional capacity and their plight both in their natural habitats and in captivity. And now I am really looking forward to getting the next one at the library!