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Going In With No Expectations
When By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult was recommended to me, I honestly had no idea what I was getting into—and that’s pretty typical for me with her books. Every Jodi Picoult novel I’ve read feels completely different from the last, which is something I actually love about her writing.Because of that, I didn’t go in expecting a certain tone, topic, or emotional arc. I just trusted that it would be… something interesting.
First Impressions (And a Small Struggle)
At the beginning, I wasn’t totally sold—specifically on the parts of the story set in the present day. Those sections didn’t grab me right away, and for a bit I found myself more interested in the historical threads than what was happening “now.” That said, I stuck with it. And I’m really glad I did.
Where the Book Won Me Over
As the story unfolded, everything started to connect in a way that felt intentional and rewarding. By the end, the present-day storyline made sense within the larger narrative, and it genuinely elevated the book rather than distracting from it. One of my favorite parts of this reading experience was how much it sparked my curiosity. While the book isn’t fully historically accurate, it’s clearly inspired by real ideas and speculation—especially surrounding Shakespeare. I ended up going down a full research rabbit hole afterward, reading about theories I had no idea even existed. That, to me, is one of the best compliments you can give a book.
The Length (Surprisingly a Plus)
This is a longer book, but it never felt like a chore. I didn’t find myself wishing it would hurry up or end—which is rare for me. If anything, I almost wished it were a little longer. I enjoyed sitting in the world Picoult created and thinking through the ideas it raised.
Final Thoughts
I rated By Any Other Name 4 out of 5 stars, which for me is genuinely high praise. It surprised me in the best way, taught me things I didn’t expect to learn, and kept me thinking well after I finished. I talked about it so much that my boyfriend was probably sick of hearing about Shakespeare by the end—but that alone says something.If you enjoy books that blend history, speculation, and thoughtful storytelling—and you like coming away feeling a little smarter than when you started—I would absolutely recommend this one.
