Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult

To be discussed Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult on July 7, 2010 at 6:30

In Picture Perfect, Jodi Picoult introduces us to Cassie Barrett. Cassie wakes up in a cemetery, bleeding from the head and suffering from amnesia. She cannot remember who she is, or where she lives. Will Flying Horse has just arrived in Los Angeles to join the local police force. By chance, or by design, Will finds Cassie and helps her to discover her identity.

As it turns out, Cassandra Barrett is a renowned anthropologist who is married to Alex Rivers, Americas Hollywood hotty. Cassie returns to her mansion with Alex, trying to get reacquainted with her glamorous life style. As her memory slowly returns, she begins to recall instances of physical abuse. The "picture perfect" marriage between Alex and Cassie is far from the fairy tale romance that the public imagines.

When Cassie discovers that she is pregnant, she flees her home in an attempt to protect herself and her baby from Alex's rage. She runs to Will, who agrees to take her to live with his grandparents on the Sioux reservation. On the reservation, Cassie is exposed to a culture and a lifestyle that is completely new to her. While the isolation of the reservation might have been stifling to some, it was liberating to Cassie.

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1. Hands figure significantly and symbolicly in Picture Perfect. Explain.

2. Cassandra Barrett is a highly educated, successful and independent woman when she meets and falls in love with Alex Rivers. What aspect of her character or her past allows a woman of her stature to endure the abuse she suffers repeatedly at his hands?

3. Why does Connor continue to appear to Cassie in her dreams? What does he represent?

4. Discuss the symbolism of birds in Picture Perfect.

5. What is the significance of Cassie's career in anthropology, particularly physical anthropology?

6. What attitudes toward the study of anthropology--as well as her own life--does Cassie form after her time spent at Pine Ridge?

7. What does Will learn about himself and about his life through his friendship with Cassie?

8. When Cassie prepares to reconcile with Alex after the birth of their son, Will says to her, “You know what he's done to you before, you know he's going to do it again. I couldn't escape the past, no matter how hard I tried. Neither can Alex, and neither can you.” Do you agree with this statement, that who we are and who we will become are determined by our pasts? Is it possible to change?

9. Do you agree with Cassie that the only way for Alex to let go of her is to let the world know the truth about him?

10. What are your feelings toward Alex at the end of the book? Cassie? Will?