Nineteen Minutes: Summary

Nineteen Minutes is a novel by Jodi Picoult that explores the aftermath of a school shooting in a small New Hampshire town. The story follows the lives of several characters, including the shooter, his victims, and their families. At its core, Nineteen Minutes explores themes of justice, discrimination, and forgiveness. It looks into how people can be impacted by violence and tragedy, and how our laws and society can fail to protect those most vulnerable. It also examines the effects of bullying and ostracism on young people, as well as looking at how those who commit acts of violence can be both perpetrators and victims themselves. Finally, the book raises questions about how we can learn to forgive ourselves and each other in order to move forward after tragedy.

1. What was your initial reaction when you read the title "Nineteen Minutes"?
2. How did Peter's actions affect the town of Sterling and its citizens?
3. How did Peter's upbringing contribute to his decision to commit a school shooting?
4. How did the other characters in the novel deal with the aftermath of the shooting?
5. How does Nineteen Minutes portray mental health issues and how do you think it could be improved?
6. Do you think Peter was justified in his actions, or should he have been held accountable for them?
7. What do you think is the underlying message of Nineteen Minutes?
8. How did the interweaving stories of various characters develop throughout the book?
9. What themes are explored in Nineteen Minutes that are applicable to today's society?
10. What do you think would have happened if Josie had not taken a stand against bullying at her school?

• The character development in Nineteen Minutes was especially compelling.
• Jodi Picoult did an excellent job of exploring the complexities of bullying and its effect on those involved.
• It was fascinating to see how the characters responded to the shooting - both before and after.
• I found it interesting that Picoult chose to focus on the impact of the shooting from so many different perspectives.
• The idea that even in a small town, not everyone is as they seem was particularly thought-provoking.
• It was powerful to read about how even a single incident can affect the lives of so many people.
• The way Picoult wrote about how both the shooter and his victims were victims themselves was eye-opening.
• The novel offers valuable insight into how complex human relationships can be, and how easily misunderstandings can lead to tragedy.
• Nineteen Minutes provided an insightful look into the power dynamic between teenagers and adults and their respective motivations for their actions.
• I really appreciated Picoult's exploration of how mental health issues can have an influence on such events, as well as her message that it takes time, understanding, and empathy to heal from trauma like this one.

1. "If you could freeze a moment in time, it would be this: the sun setting, the sky on fire."
2. "Our lives can change in an instant, and we are never quite the same afterward."
3. "It's funny how sometimes the people who love us the most are the ones who have to hurt us."
4. "Sometimes there isn't a right or wrong answer; sometimes there is just an answer."
5. "The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies."

1. Nineteen Minutes: The Musical (2020): An original musical adaptation of the novel was released in 2020. It was produced by Broadway composer and lyricist, Michael Mott. 2. Nineteen Minutes Radio Drama (2015): A radio drama adaptation of the novel was released in 2015. It was produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 3. Nineteen Minutes Film (TBA): A feature film adaptation of the novel is currently in development. It will be produced by Fox 2000 Pictures and directed by Ben Affleck. 4. Nineteen Minutes Podcast (2016): A podcast adaptation of the novel was released in 2016. It features interviews with author Jodi Picoult and other experts on topics related to the novel.

• Small Great Things
• A Spark of Light
• The Storyteller
• Leaving Time
• Sing You Home
• Lone Wolf
• Handle with Care
• The Pact
• My Sister's Keeper
• House Rules
• Change of Heart
• The Tenth Circle
• Nineteen Minutes: A Novel (Omnibus Edition
• Plain Truth
• Salem Falls Keeping Faith
• Perfect Match