Jodi Picoult has touched readers deeply with her acclaimed novels, such as Keeping Faith and The Pact. Gifted with “a remarkable ability to make us share her characters’ feelings”(People), Picoult now explores the complex choices of the heart for a young Amish woman—the compelling journey of discovery for an urban lawyer who befriends and protects her.
The small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, is a jewel in Lancaster County—known for its picture-postcard landscapes and bucolic lifestyle. But that peace is shattered by the discovery of a dead infant in the barn of an Amish farmer. A police investigation quickly leads to two startling disclosures: the newborn's mother is an unmarried Amish woman, eighteen-year-old Katie Fisher. And the infant did not die of natural causes. Although Katie denies the medical proof that she gave birth to the child, circumstantial evidence leads to her arrest for the murder of her baby.
One hundred miles away, Philadelphia defense attorney Ellie Hathaway has achieved an enviable, high-profile career. But her latest court “victory” has set the sands shifting beneath her. Single at thirty-nine and unsatisfied with her relationship, Ellie doesn’t look back when she turns down her chance to make partner and takes off for an open-ended stay at her great-aunt’s home in Paradise.
Fate brings her to Katie Fisher. Suddenly, Ellie sees the chance to defend a client who truly needs her, not just one who can afford her. But taking on this case challenges Ellie in more ways than one. She finds herself not only in a clash of wills with a client who does not want to be defended but also in a clash of cultures with a people whose channels of justice are markedly different from her own.
Immersing herself in Katie Fisher’s life—and in a world founded on faith, humility, duty, and honesty—Ellie begins to understand the pressures and sacrifices of those who to live “plain.” As she peels away the layers of fact and fantasy, Ellie calls on an old friend for guidance. Now, just as this man from Ellie’s past reenters her life, she must uncover the truth about a complex case, a tragic loss, the bonds of love—and her own deepest fears and desires.
Moving seamlessly from psychological drama to courtroom suspense, Plain Truth is a triumph of contemporary storytelling. Jodi Picoult presents a fascinating portrait of Amish life rarely witnessed by those outside the faith—and discovers a place where circumstances are not always what they seem, where love meets falsehood, and where relationships grow strong enough to span two worlds.
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"Having read Picoult I thought I knew the end really close to the beginning. Then there were twists and turns and I wasn't sure. That's always fun. In the end I would like to say that I had it right from the beginning, but I can't, because I talked myself out of that solution a few times pretty convincingly. It was a surprise when I thought Picoult cound't surprise me anymore. Great book."
— Holly (5 out of 5 stars)
“A magnificently painted backdrop and distinctive characters.”
— Publishers Weekly“Readers will experience a psychological drama as well as a suspenseful courtroom trial. The contrast between the Amish culture and the “English” provides an interesting tension. This study of opposites details much information about a way of life based on faith, humility, duty, and honesty”
— School Library Journal" Wonderful book. Well researched, well thought out. Pretty typical Picoult--I don't believe you can go wrong reading her. "
— Carol, 2/20/2014" A great book - I learned a lot about the Amish and the legal system. Jodi always adds the unexpected also. "
— Diane, 2/13/2014" Wow, this author really does her research! Interesting book. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars from me is because although it's good, I found it to drag on at times. I'd still recommend it though. "
— Danielle, 2/12/2014" Not my favourite of Jodi's. Although I learned a bit about the Amish, most of what I learned was very basic. I was disapointed that there wasn't more substance in the end. Another reviewer wrote that there was a ghost element thrown in and I think it was disapointing that this wasnt used at all in any creative way to explain the main character Katie's possible motive for murder. Now that would have been more interesting.. a bit more along the lines of "Second Glance", which I really enjoyed. I think it would have made the story a bit more interesting. I think the end to me was too simplistic... and thus I am not giving this book the best rating. "
— Jennifer, 2/4/2014" Thought this was a very interesting read about the Amish, with a great story line that kept me guessing. Love Jodi Picoult!! "
— Kristen, 1/27/2014" Enjoyed immersion into Amish lifestyle and culture. Grabbed me from the beginning and kept me turning the pages. "
— Keith, 1/15/2014" I liked it...it wasn't a book I 'couldn't put down'. But overall it was a good book w/ an interesting story line about the Amish. "
— Aj5vball, 1/14/2014" Jodi Picoult books are usually entertaining reads, as was this one, but it was pretty predictable. I like the setting - the Amish community in Lancaster PA. "
— Peggy, 12/30/2013" Good easy read nice look in to the interest amish culture, a little disappointed in the ending expected it to end differently and more realistic "
— Grumpy, 12/19/2013" did not like the ending.read this while camping.like books about the amish. "
— Danelle, 12/4/2013" Not one of Jodi Picoult's best books, but the twist at the very end I didn't see coming. "
— Tina, 11/30/2013" Liked it but didn't love it. It felt a little forced "
— Stacey, 11/27/2013" I really enjoyed this story, love how she makes you think. "
— Nicole, 11/26/2013" Loved it! Great insight on the Amish (Plain) Community. Lots of drama (of corse) and just overall a good read. Not that I expected anything else out of Jodi Picoult! "
— Courtney, 11/26/2013" I quite enjoyed this book. It gave me a little more knowledge of the Amish life. Also, to show that murders happen everywhere in every religion and of all walks of life. Very well written. "
— Jaime, 10/28/2013" Sometimes some of the characters seem clueless. The book was fairly predictable if you've read other Picoult books. "
— Ginny, 9/20/2013" Loved it, slow start for me though. "
— Marissa, 7/10/2013" Kept me guessing till the end. "
— Mirjam, 6/27/2013" Loved the cultural insight, and I grew so attached to Katie. But I am totally puzzled by the end. Would have loved to read a more detailed explanation! "
— Ali, 5/28/2013" Really good book, I couldn't put it down even though the story is familiar. Very good writing. My only complaint was the plot twist at the end. It really didn't need it. "
— Paula, 12/11/2012" My book tags include: mystery, contemporary fiction, women, pregnancy and Amish "
— Kelly, 11/14/2012" Not as great as some of the other Jodi Picoult books I've read, but her ability to make you want to keep reading, and attention to detail was great as always. I always learn something new about society/culture/law each time I read one of her books. "
— Thushanthi, 10/30/2012" I knew there would be a plot twist...I think the author gave a good outsider view of the plain folks. I didn't like the trial much. The prep work at the milking station made me appreciate my climate controlled cubicle. Enjoyable enough read. "
— Chet, 10/24/2012" Read this book as a book club selection. Felt Picoult did a brilliant job of bringing the reader into the hidden world of Amish Country. The story was good and engaging as well. "
— Kris, 10/11/2012" A really good sweet story. I didn't even mind not knowing what had happened with Katie's baby which is funny because that is what had me turning page after page in the beginning. Then in the end I was surprised to know the truth...even if I wasn't expecting it! I had suspected everyone else. "
— Celeste, 7/8/2012" Not really my favorite book to read since it deviates from Jodi Picoult's usual style of writing, but nevertheless it's quite a good one. The book inspires you with the Amish way of living as well as the legal system in the States. "
— Reina, 6/3/2012" I think this is her best! "
— Carol, 5/16/2012" I enjoyed this 'til the last few pages, when good old Amish turned good old harsh modern human. Point taken they aren't saints or better than the average person, but they still could have been 'human' within the parameters of their world. It was a cheap ending. Expected better. "
— Celina, 5/8/2012" I really liked this one (as I do most of Picoult's work). I didn't see the end coming! "
— Karen, 4/24/2012" It's just classic Jodi Picoult at work, the story is very interesting, controversial, and it keeps you on your toes. For once I even enjoyed the Lifetime movie adaptation. "
— Jamee, 7/18/2011" Gave a great insight into life in the Amish culture! "
— Agodley89, 5/24/2011" I've been hearing about Jodi Picoult for a long time now and I finally got around to reading her! I enjoyed learning about the Amish way of life. Some good plot twists and turns. "
— Alicia, 5/24/2011" By FAR the best Jodi Picoult I've read. I can't imagine the research that went into this one and found it to be totally enjoyable.... Well done! "
— Erin, 5/22/2011" A brutal and not very happy story that some day I will finish. I think Picoult is one of those authors either you like or don't. "
— Craig, 5/20/2011" The topic of the Amish community was very interesting to learn about since it seems so taboo. I really enjoyed the suspense and the story line kept my attention well. The ending was abrupt and changed the story quickly, but definitely a signature move of Picoult. Definitely a good read! "
— Katie, 5/19/2011" Jodi Picoult sure knows how to keep a book interesting and throw in a twist. Not that I was so shocked by the ending but I did enjoy the setting of an Amish town and the character's she puts together. All in all, great read. "
— Michelle, 5/17/2011" For once in an "Amish" book the Bishop or head of the group is a kind understanding man. Don't think I have seen that in any of the other Amish type books I've read. Jodi keeps things hopping and always adds twists that keeps your interest! "
— Linda, 5/17/2011" When ever I am stuck for somehting to read. Jodi Picoult comes through for me with a good story I can not put down! "
— Monique, 5/16/2011" Trickier than I thought. Harder to figure out what will happen. This one was amazing. It has ghosts in it too. Ending always gets me. "
— Caroline, 5/15/2011" This book was very predictable from the beginning. It was a typical Jodi Picoult book. I did like the details she used to tell about the Amish way of life. Her books are always good for seeing into a culture or situation you may not be familiar with. "
— Jackie, 5/15/2011" A surprising b ook. It was great to learn about a culture like the Amish. It has a surprising twist--the usual Picoult style. "
— Katherine, 5/12/2011" Still my favorite book by Jodi! "
— Niki, 5/9/2011Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times and London Sunday Times bestselling author of twenty-four stand-alone novels and three series, through the genres of fiction, romance, young-adult romance, mystery, and science fiction. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction, the Alex Award from the YA Library Services Association, and the NH Literary Award for Outstanding Literary Merit. She studied creative writing at Princeton University and received her masters from Harvard. Visit her website at JodiPicoult.com.
Peter Ganim, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an American actor who has appeared on stage, on television, and in film. He has performed voice-over work since 1994.
Christina Moore is an actress and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. As an actress, she is best known for her roles in the television series That ’70s Show, Hawthorne, and 90210. She is a founding member of Bitches Funny, an all-female sketch group that has performed in New York City and Los Angeles.