One-line Summary:

“Second Glance” is a captivating novel that intertwines the stories of a young woman investigating a haunted town, a Native American tribe fighting for their land, and a group of eugenics advocates in the 1930s.

The Haunting of Comtosook

In “Second Glance,” Jodi Picoult takes readers on a journey to the small town of Comtosook, Vermont, where strange occurrences and ghostly apparitions have plagued the residents for generations. Ross Wakeman, a man haunted by the death of his fiancée, becomes intrigued by the town’s eerie reputation and joins a team of paranormal investigators to uncover the truth behind the hauntings. As Ross delves deeper into the mysteries of Comtosook, he discovers a connection between the town’s past and his own personal tragedy.

The Abenaki Tribe’s Struggle

Meanwhile, Meredith Oliver, a young woman with a troubled past, arrives in Comtosook to investigate the town’s paranormal activities. She becomes entangled in the lives of the Abenaki tribe, the original inhabitants of the land, who are fighting to reclaim their ancestral territory from a wealthy developer. As Meredith learns more about the tribe’s history and their spiritual beliefs, she becomes determined to help them in their battle against injustice.

Eugenics and the Dark Secrets of the Past

Interwoven with the present-day narrative is the story of a group of eugenics advocates in the 1930s who conducted unethical experiments on the residents of Comtosook. These scientists believed in improving the genetic quality of the population by sterilizing those they deemed “unfit.” Their actions had devastating consequences for the people of Comtosook, and their dark secrets continue to haunt the town to this day.

As the lives of Ross, Meredith, and the Abenaki tribe become intertwined, they must confront their own personal demons and fight against the forces that threaten to destroy their lives and the town they hold dear. Through her masterful storytelling, Jodi Picoult explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Key takeaways from “Second Glance”:

• The past has a way of influencing the present, and the ghosts of history can still haunt us today.
• Justice and equality are worth fighting for, even in the face of powerful opposition.
• Love and connection can heal even the deepest wounds.

One memorable quote from the book is:
“Sometimes, the things we can’t change end up changing us.” – Jodi Picoult

In “Second Glance,” Jodi Picoult skillfully weaves together multiple storylines to create a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel. Through the exploration of paranormal phenomena, Native American culture, and the dark history of eugenics, Picoult delves into themes of identity, justice, and the enduring power of love. Readers will be captivated by the richly developed characters and the intricate connections that bind them together. “Second Glance” is a compelling tale that reminds us of the importance of confronting our past, fighting for what is right, and finding solace in the bonds we form with others.