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    Small Great Things

    by Picoult, Jodi
    Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things (2016) explores themes of race, privilege, and justice through the story of Ruth Jefferson, an African American labor and delivery nurse accused of causing the death of a white supremacist couple’s newborn. The novel alternates perspectives between Ruth, the infant’s father Turk Bauer, and Ruth’s public defender Kennedy McQuarrie, revealing systemic racism and personal biases. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote about doing “small things in a great way,” the narrative examines moral dilemmas and societal structures. The book has been praised for its thought-provoking examination of contemporary racial tensions and is being adapted into a film.

    Small Great Things by ​Jodi Picoult​ (2016) is a grip­ping nov­el that explores ​racism, priv­i­lege, and jus­tice​ in mod­ern Amer­i­ca. The sto­ry fol­lows ​Ruth Jef­fer­son, an expe­ri­enced Black labor and deliv­ery nurse, who is for­bid­den from car­ing for a new­born after the white suprema­cist par­ents request “no African Amer­i­can staff.” When the baby goes into car­diac arrest and Ruth hes­i­tates to inter­vene, she is charged with ​mur­der. The nov­el weaves per­spec­tives between Ruth, her white pub­lic defend­er, and the baby’s racist father, forc­ing read­ers to con­front sys­temic bias and per­son­al com­plic­i­ty.

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    Author

    • Picoult, Jodi

    Author Introduction

    • Jodi Picoult, acclaimed novelist and Small Great Things author, is renowned for her thought-provoking explorations of moral dilemmas. A New York Times bestselling writer with over 25 novels, she tackles complex social issues with depth and empathy.

    Description

    • Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things (2016) explores themes of race, privilege, and justice through the story of Ruth Jefferson, an African American labor and delivery nurse accused of causing the death of a white supremacist couple’s newborn. The novel alternates perspectives between Ruth, the infant’s father Turk Bauer, and Ruth’s public defender Kennedy McQuarrie, revealing systemic racism and personal biases. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote about doing “small things in a great way,” the narrative examines moral dilemmas and societal structures. The book has been praised for its thought-provoking examination of contemporary racial tensions and is being adapted into a film.

    FAQs

    • What is the main theme of Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult?
    • • The novel explores themes of race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion. It challenges readers to reflect on systemic racism and their own biases through the story of Ruth Jefferson, an African American nurse who faces discrimination in her workplace.
    • Who would enjoy reading Small Great Things?
    • • Readers who appreciate thought-provoking contemporary fiction, social justice narratives, and emotionally charged stories will enjoy this book. It’s also ideal for book clubs due to its rich discussion potential on race and morality.
    • What makes Small Great Things unique compared to other books in its genre?
    • • Jodi Picoult tackles complex social issues with empathy and nuance, avoiding easy answers. The novel’s structure, inspired by the stages of childbirth, and its multi-perspective storytelling add depth to its exploration of race and justice.
    • Is Small Great Things based on real events?
    • • While the novel is fictional, it is inspired by real-world issues of racial inequality and systemic bias. Picoult conducted extensive research, including interviews with individuals who experienced similar situations, to ensure authenticity.
    • Are there discussion questions available for book clubs?
    • • Yes, Jodi Picoult’s website and other book club resources provide discussion questions that delve into the novel’s themes, character dynamics, and moral dilemmas. These questions encourage meaningful conversations about race and privilege.
    • What is the significance of the title Small Great Things?
    • • The title comes from a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” It reflects the novel’s focus on everyday acts of courage and integrity in the face of injustice.
    • How does Small Great Things address the topic of privilege?
    • • The book examines privilege through the contrasting perspectives of its characters, particularly Ruth (an African American nurse) and a white supremacist family. It highlights how privilege operates in healthcare, the legal system, and daily interactions.
    • What do critics and readers say about Small Great Things?
    • • The novel has been praised for its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and unflinching look at racism. Many readers find it eye-opening and impactful, though some note its challenging subject matter. It holds a 4.36 rating on Goodreads.
    • Does Small Great Things offer solutions to the issues it raises?
    • • Rather than providing clear-cut answers, the book encourages readers to question their own beliefs and behaviors. It sparks dialogue about how individuals can contribute to systemic change through awareness and action.
    • Where can I find additional resources related to Small Great Things?
    • • Jodi Picoult’s official website offers discussion guides, while book club platforms like ReadingGroupGuides and LitLovers provide summaries, reviews, and further reading suggestions on race and social justice.

    Quotes

    • “Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things
    • “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” — Jodi Picoult (inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.), Small Great Things
    • “They don’t come into this world with anything, really, except a need for comfort. And they will take it from anyone, without judging the giver. I wonder how long it takes before the polish given by nature gets worn off by nurture.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things
    • “There are just some feelings, I’ve learned, for which we never invented the right words.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things
    • “It just goes to show you: every baby is born beautiful.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things
    • “What no one told me about grief is that it’s not just sadness. It’s fear. It’s anger. It’s guilt. It’s a thousand emotions you can’t name.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things
    1. Stage One: Early Labor — Ruth
      2,293 Words
    2. Stage One: Early Labor — Ruth
      2,193 Words
    3. Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 1
      2,152 Words
    4. Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 1
      2,107 Words
    5. Stage One: Active Labor — Turk 1
      2,204 Words
    7. Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 2
      2,390 Words
    8. Stage One: Active Labor — Kennedy 1
      2,396 Words
    9. Stage One: Active Labor — Turk 2
      2,208 Words
    10. Stage One: Active Labor — Ruth 3
      2,151 Words
    11. Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 1
      2,206 Words
    12. Stage One: Transition — Turk 1
      2,132 Words
    13. Stage One: Transition — Ruth 1
      2,383 Words
    14. Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 2
      2,322 Words
    15. Stage One: Transition — Ruth 2
      2,505 Words
    16. Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 3
      2,632 Words
    17. Stage One: Transition — Ruth 3
      2,349 Words
    18. Stage One: Transition — Turk 2
      2,036 Words
    19. Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 4
      2,114 Words
    20. Stage One: Transition — Ruth 4
      2,091 Words
    21. Stage One: Transition — Kennedy 5
      2,017 Words
    22. Stage Two: Pushing — Ruth 1
      2,225 Words
    23. Stage Two: Pushing — Turk 1
      2,086 Words
    24. Stage Two: Pushing — Kennedy 1
      2,040 Words
    25. Stage Two: Pushing — Ruth 2
      2,379 Words
    26. Stage Two: Pushing — Turk 2
      2,160 Words
    27. Stage Two: Pushing — Kennedy 2
      2,031 Words
    28. Stage Two: Pushing — Ruth 3
      1,776 Words
    29. Stage Two: Pushing — Kennedy 3
      2,122 Words
    30. Stage Two: Pushing — Ruth 4
      2,369 Words
    31. Stage Two: Pushing — Turk 3
      2,457 Words
    32. Stage Two: Pushing — Kennedy 4
      2,188 Words
    33. Stage Two: Pushing — Ruth 5
      2,114 Words
    34. Stage Three: Afterbirth — Turk
      2,007 Words
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    Ongoing July 4, 2025Jul 4, '25 73.4 K Everyone

    Quotes

    “Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things

    “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” — Jodi Picoult (inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.), Small Great Things

    “They don’t come into this world with anything, really, except a need for comfort. And they will take it from anyone, without judging the giver. I wonder how long it takes before the polish given by nature gets worn off by nurture.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things

    “There are just some feelings, I’ve learned, for which we never invented the right words.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things

    “It just goes to show you: every baby is born beautiful.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things

    “What no one told me about grief is that it’s not just sadness. It’s fear. It’s anger. It’s guilt. It’s a thousand emotions you can’t name.” — Jodi Picoult, Small Great Things

    FAQs

    What is the main theme of Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult?

    • The novel explores themes of race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion. It challenges readers to reflect on systemic racism and their own biases through the story of Ruth Jefferson, an African American nurse who faces discrimination in her workplace.

    Who would enjoy reading Small Great Things?

    • Readers who appreciate thought-provoking contemporary fiction, social justice narratives, and emotionally charged stories will enjoy this book. It’s also ideal for book clubs due to its rich discussion potential on race and morality.

    What makes Small Great Things unique compared to other books in its genre?

    • Jodi Picoult tackles complex social issues with empathy and nuance, avoiding easy answers. The novel’s structure, inspired by the stages of childbirth, and its multi-perspective storytelling add depth to its exploration of race and justice.

    Is Small Great Things based on real events?

    • While the novel is fictional, it is inspired by real-world issues of racial inequality and systemic bias. Picoult conducted extensive research, including interviews with individuals who experienced similar situations, to ensure authenticity.

    Are there discussion questions available for book clubs?

    • Yes, Jodi Picoult’s website and other book club resources provide discussion questions that delve into the novel’s themes, character dynamics, and moral dilemmas. These questions encourage meaningful conversations about race and privilege.

    What is the significance of the title Small Great Things?

    • The title comes from a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” It reflects the novel’s focus on everyday acts of courage and integrity in the face of injustice.

    How does Small Great Things address the topic of privilege?

    • The book examines privilege through the contrasting perspectives of its characters, particularly Ruth (an African American nurse) and a white supremacist family. It highlights how privilege operates in healthcare, the legal system, and daily interactions.

    Note