The Pact by Jodi Picoult

It's not often that you come across a book that thoroughly immerses you in its characters. I mean, when reading Harry Potter and other chick-lit books, you know you're reading fiction. But Jodi Picoult - whoa!

The story revolves around 2 protagonists - Chris and Emily, a loving teenage couple who has a relationship so amazing and so mature that I truly felt jealous. Emily commits suicide. Chris is accused of first degree murder. Both sets of parents, who were absolute best friends and neighbours, start to face cracks in their relationships. The book then brings you, via flashbacks, to depict how Chris and Emily began as childhood buddies to teenage lovers. Its present day narration describes the various emotions of its various characters via a courtroom and prison drama.

The beauty of the book is not in the storyline, it's in the writing - the emotions depicted in the writing. How Jodi Picoult flawlessly painted a crystal clear image of the heartbreak, confusion, and resigned feeling of Chris, the lover who was left alive. How the author described the conflicting, painful and disturbed thoughts of Emily which eventually caused her to submit to suicide. How Chris, out of total love for Emily, helped to release Emily from her pain. How both sets of parents come to terms with the idea that their children were contemplating suicide.

It's a truly amazing book. So many aspects to explore. Quite a lot of depth and significance. A rather good book to be dissected in an English class. And best of all, the beautiful dialogue of Chris - who gives a whole new perspective on what love is about. Or, should I say, the emotionally-beautiful writing of Jodi Picoult.

"My entire life was all about her. What if hers was not about me?"

I'm a new fan.