This afternoon I was able to see the movie version of Jodi Piccoult’s My Sisters 
Keeper (see my 2006 review of the book here)
I was excited to see it as this was my first Jodi Piccoult read that knocked my socks off at what an amazing author she is. I was also, as with any book to movie… a little cautious. We tend to love our books and can take changes a bit personally.
The movie… I really enjoyed it. I found it heart achingly beautiful and if not for having read the book previously I probably would have come out of the theater feeling blissfully satisfied. Without giving too much away, I will just point a couple things that didn’t need to change (book to movie) but did…
1. The brother character of Jesse was deeply troubled in the book and with due cause as all the families attention went continuously to the care of Kate. In the movie they touch on this slightly, but make him more of a caring and overwhelmed brother.
2. Of course the changing of the ending. I actually only heard that it was different yesterday from a friend. And yes, it was a different ending and while it worked, I believe the book ending is far better.
I was curious as to what Jodi Piccoult thought of this rather big change to her book so I looked on line and found this statement written by her:
TO ALL MY FABULOUS FANS WHO’VE SEEN THE MOVIE:
“Yes, I know the ending is different. Yes, I know some of you are very upset. I didn’t change it. The author has no control over the movie, and it was hard for me to accept too. However, there’s a great deal in the movie that I think is great, and I enjoyed watching it – and I hope you did too. Please don’t email me asking me why I changed the ending, or “let” Hollywood do that – it wasn’t something I had any control over.” ~ Jodi Piccoult
Final thoughts: The movie captured the story line well, I had many of the same emotions as I had when I first read the book – from at first disliking the mother and finding her impossibly cruel, to moving toward compassion when you start to see the bigger picture of a mothers heart. I cried like a baby through many parts of the movie. I think seeing it was more emotional for me than reading it.
Book Journey 
I’m glad you have posted this. Now, I haven’t read the book or seen the movie. Would you suggest I read the book first or see the movie first? I have the book on my TBR pile but I wasn’t sure if I should start it yet or not.
If you have time to read the book first I would do that. The books are so much better and it will give you a good feel of Jodi’s Piccoults writing. The movie has a few differences, as they all do…. but I think you will appreciate it more by reading first. Let me know what you think. 🙂
Great reviews and blog! I’m still anxious to see the movie, even though the ending has changed. The book is close to my heart, since I received a kidney from my sister 23 years ago.
One movie which I thought did justice to the book was “Exodus”. It’s a very long book and I think the movie was 3-4 hours long. Of course that was in the early 60’s when I was in high school. I should read it again.
I can’t wait to see this movie!
A friend just gave out the ending to me. Too bad . It happened even before I could plug my ears .Though I haven’t watched it yet, I wouldn’t want to miss out on it,knowing I would find the storyline altered. It was a wonderful read for me. Hope the movie leaves a good impression too.
I’ve read all of Picoult’s earlier novels, and this one really broke my heart. I plan to see the movie, so thanks for your review.
If you’ve not read The Pact, I think it’s one of her better books. The movie for tv version is awful, however.
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier…I’m glad to meet you and find your blog 🙂
I’ve heard about this book, but have yet to read it and want to wait til I read it before I watch it! Great review!