Ms. Picoult does a magnificent job of presenting a myriad of moral and ethical questions throughout her story. The total focus of this family circulates around Kate, the older sister, and her debilitating illness.

The story is told from several points of view, which is its major strength. This allows the author to express several different takes on what happens as the reader follows the progress of Kate's illness and her sister Anna's decision to take control of her own body and destiny.

The lawyer Anna "hires" and pays by polishing doorknobs, brings a lighter side to the book as a charming, witty and all together different character is introduced into the mix.

I found the novel to capture my attention, cause me to question several medical practices and be especially grateful that I have never faced any of the major decisions required by the characters in this novel. However, it is well to ponder the actions and results of several character's decisions for it may be applicable to our future genesis.