This book, written by popular author Jodi Picoult, was released in 2009. Ever since I read 'My Sister's Keeper', I have avidly read all of her books. This didn't disappoint; I read it in 24 hours, a true sign that I literally couldn't put it down!

*** Summary of plot ***
The book focuses around Charlotte and her family. She had one daughter from a previous relationship, Amelia and another daughter, Willow with her husband, Sean. Willow was born with osteogenesis imperfecta - a severe form of what is often referred to as brittle bone disease. Willow was born with many broken bones already and the slightest movement can cause another break.

However, Charlotte decides to sue her obstetrician for wrongful birth stating that she had missed vital evidence early in her pregnancy. This meant she was not given enough the option of having an abortion. Charlotte cherishes Willow but feels that she wants to proceed to help pay for the medical care Willow will need throughout her life.

This situation is further complicated by the fact that her obstetrician is her best friend, Piper and her husband does not support her lawsuit.

*** Characters ***
All of the characters are well developed. To me, Charlotte was the most interesting character. However at times she was not always that likable, as she becomes determined to carry on with the court case, whatever the costs. However, the love she has for her child is evident and she often wrestles with the guilt of having to say that Willow's birth was 'wrong'. I could understand her reasons for doing this - although the fact that she would go ahead and potentially ruin her friendship with her best friend (and possibly her friend's career as well) was less believable and made this a little far-fetched.

Willow herself was adorable in this. At only six years old, she had an inquisitive and intelligent mind and also often added humour to the proceedings.

*** Themes ***
I knew little about osteogenesis imperfecta before I read this novel and it did offer insights about what it must be like - particularly from the carer's point of view. It was often heartbreaking to read about such a young child having to experience this showing Willow's determination and maturity made this well balanced.

This also deals with other issues - particularly focusing on family and parental relationships. The lawyer, Marin attempts to find her biological mother as she was adopted at birth. The marriages of both Charlotte and Piper are also explored and how they are effected by the events.

For me though the saddest parts of the book were actually focused on Charlotte's other daughter, Amelia. This offered another point of view, of a sibling in such a family, who is often overlooked and feels forgotten. This book also deals with issues such as bulimia and self-harming, so it is not always easy reading.

*** Style ***
This book is divided into different chapters, which are narrated by all of the different characters and it uses second person as they all address Willow in their own story. It is not until the end that we hear what Willow thinks herself.

However, although this is a page-turner and is well written, I am finding that I am becoming a bit bored with the formula that her books use. Almost all her books deal with moral dilemmas and often court cases at the end as well. I really would like to see her change the mould a bit and try something new - it is feeling a bit tired now!

*** Overall ***
This is definitely worth reading, especially if you haven't read many of her books before. But if you are a fan and have read a lot then you may want to read something new!