Would you mind giving up one of your kidneys, if it meant that there would be a sliver of hope that it could save a relative’s life? Most people would say yes, without a single doubt, however in My Sister‘s Keeper written by Jodi Picoult, we realize it isn’t always that easy. Kate Fitzgerald has leukemia. Her parents, desperate and confused, have doctors create a genetically similar baby so that it can donate blood to it’s dying older sister. Anna Fitzgerald, the ‘test tube baby,’ undergoes numerous surgeries throughout her life, that only decrease her lifespan and have treacherous symptoms. Yes, she is keeping her sister alive, but it leaves her own body at stake, against her own will.

Anna loves playing hockey, and she learns that if she donates her kidney, she will not get to play anymore. In addition, she will have to be careful for the rest of her life. Later on in the story, we come to realize that not only does Anna want to live, but Kate wants to die. Kate tells Anna to ask for medical emancipation because she feels like she has destroyed their family with her sickness.

I recommend this book to anyone who has siblings, or has ever wished to have siblings. Until they finally realize that Kate wishes to die, no one can understand how she could love her sister so dearly, yet not want to donate a life-saving organ to her. The bond that siblings have is like no other. They may fight from time to time about stealing each other’s things, but when it comes down to it, they would do anything for each other.