In Picture Perfect, anthropologist Cassie Barnett falls in love with princely movie star, Alex Rivers. They quickly marry, and Cassies believes she has found eternal happiness. Until the first time he lays his hands on her in anger. And then the second time and the third time....

And yet she stays!! I was half wanting to throttle Cassie myself! But don't worry. Jodi delivers a shocking ending that left me smiling for days.

Also recommended are Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen and The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner.


Plain Truth was better, but still a wonderful story from Jodi   June 12, 2007
 19 out of 20 found this review helpful


I have read Jodi Picoult's "Plain Truth" and several of her other novels and I thought Picture Perfect was a wonderful story, but I didn't think the writing was a good as the book Plain Truth. There are numerous excellent reviews that detail the story so I won't add more print. However, I thought the story moved along at a brisk pace and overall it was a wonderful story. I'm not losing faith in Jodi; I'll still purchase her next novel, with a view towards that Picture Perfect being a temporary setback in her storytelling abilities.




Once again Jodi captures my interest   December 14, 2000
 18 out of 22 found this review helpful

I normally don't read tales of spousal abuse because it hits too close to home. However, reading this book really made me realize that I am not the only one experiencing the same stuff as Cassie is undergoing. If I was in Cassie's shoes, I would have done the one thing right ~~ to protect something so precious. It also helps to know that I am not the only one who was fooled by appearances. Not everything that glitters turn out to be gold. Picoult dives right into the scenery and the characters have more life than you would think. It's not as poignant as her later books, but I really enjoyed this one. I couldn't stop turning the pages even though I figure that if Cassie goes back to Alex, it wouldn't stop. Picoult also gives her usual twist at the ending ~~ this time leaving it open for the imagination. Once again, I am not disappointed with Picoult's talent. Too bad all authors aren't as talented and brillant as she is.


Pretty as a Picture or so it seems.   April 30, 2002
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Now let's take a look at the real world. Wonderfully written as all of Picoult's books are; this one has a lot of heart, and a whole lot of selfless love or so Cassie thinks. Is her behavior selfless or foolish?

Alex Rivers is a mega star in Hollywood and Cassie is the most unlikely of people to grace his arm at a premiere among the Hollywood golden set. She is an anthropologist with her head in the books and her mind on the next dig, happy to be in a bush jacket and jeans as she unearths her latest treasure. Two worlds collide in more ways than one when Alex and Cassie meet and marry.

A study in abuse that will touch your heart, and leave you cheering for both sides because of the love the author so eloquently makes you feel for both characters. Ahhhh but just how much can one person take, and is there a way out, is the question that has to be answered. This book had me guessing till the last 25 pages. Picoult has a new book coming out in May titled PERFECT MATCH. I'll be first in line for that one too. This author has never disappointed me. Kelsana 4/29/02


Perfect...   July 17, 2003
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Jodi Picoult never fails me. This is the 5th book of her that I've read, and despite the fact that it isn't one of her page-turning courtroom drama types, Picture Perfect ranks right up there with my favorite, Plain Truth.

Anthropologist Cassie Barrett wakes up in a cemetary with a cut on her head and wondering how it got there. Will Flying Horse, a Native American police officer for the LAPD, finds Cassie wandering the streets and rescues her. Cassie doesn't know who she is or what she is doing -- a classic case of amnesia. Will aides in finding Cassie's family only to discover that she is none other than famous Hollywood actor Alex Rivers's wife! Slowly Cassie integrates back into Alex's life of fame, fortune, and house help. Until one day, triggered by something she sees, Cassie's memories and the reason for the cut on her head come flooding back to her. Now the only thing left for Cassie to do is escape....

I don't know what it is exactly that made me love Picture Perfect so much. The writing, as always, was exceptional, and the style of the writing was very easy flowing. And the story itself was very interesting, honest and believeable. I am an avid fan of Jodi Picoult's and reading Picture Perfect was a solid reminder of why. Kudos to you, Jodi, for another wonderfully rendered portrait of a novel.