A SPARK OF LIGHT by Jodi Picoult is about people, their beliefs, and THE traumas that lead them on their current life paths. The story takes place during the span of a working day, a climax that's been building for a lifetime. Also, the narrative is backward, it gives you the ending in the first chapter (minus the suspense, of course) and then goes backward, hourly. Each character's account of how hey came to the health center is told.

Throughout the book, there is an ongoing debate about abortion, because one of the characters is a pro-life supporter protesting along with pro-choice supporters voicing their opinions, too. The emotions and sensitivity surrounding one of the most highly controversial topics of our times is dealt with firmly and both sides are given an equal platform.

Going into reading A SPARK OF LIGHT, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. It is presented with diverse characters in the midst of a tense and volatile hostage situation. A SPARK OF LIGHT is not your usual read. It makes you stop and think about making urgent decisions, and how those decisions have everlasting effects. This is my first read by Jodi Picoult, and it was a good way to get a taste of her writing. Not taking away from the writing at all, there were a few frustrating moments for me; it was very tempting to just fast forward and read the ending. I had some many questions and wasn't sure how they would all come together. So, have patience, don't read the ending as tempting as it may be. You will only see the "spark of light" if you follow the author's narrative. Overall this was a good read for me.