“Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult

Ruth Jefferies, has been working as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at a New Haven hospital for over 20 years. She is the best there is, mentoring all of the ward’s nurses including the woman who is now her supervisor. At the start of her shift, Ruth enters the room of a new mother to do a routine examination of a baby born the night before. Brittany & Turk Bauer are not welcoming to Ruth, she can feel a tension in the room the moment she enters but goes about her job. Baby Davis’ father finally speaks and tells Ruth that he wants to speak to her supervisor. Unsure what she did wrong she waits to hear what the issue is. Ruth is told she is no longer allowed to have any contact with the Bauers per the family’s wishes. You see, the Bauers are White Supremacists and they don’t want a black nurse treating their son. Things spiral downward after this and Ruth’s job, future and freedom are all put on the line. Active and passive racism are heavily debated throughout Jodi Picoult’s exemplary story. “Small Great Things” alternates perspective between Ruth, Turk and Ruth’s white female public defender, Kennedy. All three providing eye-opening perspectives on the same events. By having such polarizing characters Picoult has provided the reader many thought provoking moments to sit with, digest and question their own prejudice and preconceptions. This is an important read and one you should have on your TBR list. 

Pick up a copy of “Small Great Things” here.