Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is by far one of my favorite authors. I have read almost all of her work to this point and if I haven't gotten to one I know I own it and it's on the "To Read" list.

Lone Wolf has a great lesson in the pages. The ethics of ending life in a traumatic situation. Many families have to face the challenge everyday of "pulling the plug", my family included, sometime in their lives. It's a heart breaking challenge to face, to know your never going to see that person again, with the idea that your the one making that decision.

Edward who had been gone for six years after what seemed to be a fight with his father, is brought back to his small New England town after learning of a devastating car accident involving his sister and father.

The controversy over how, who and when to end life support is challenged by Cara, Luke's 17 year old daughter. Cara, who is involved in the accident, feels to blame and finds it hard to let go, with hope that her father may wake up from his brain injury.

Throughout the book you are brought into the minds of each character, from Edward to Luke, his father who had a traumatic brain injury, learning each individuals story, thoughts and beliefs on the rift between the family and the decision to end Luke's life support. Each character brings in a different perspective of the life that Luke has lived, how he has affected their lives by his choices and the life choices they had to subsequently partake in because of Luke.

Picoult did a great job of weaving the past with the present and bringing a challenging subject to the forefront of life. The end of life decision is one many choose not to discuss or don't think of discussing. In this book it brings the reader to question what he or she may want incase of such a situation. What clues could be left, what decisions do they want made ahead of time and whether they want a chance at the slim possibility of recovery or to be let go.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It's easy to read and keeps you guessing what will happen. Another great book by Picoult.