When you read a book with a strong theme, it makes you feel a certain way because the author has carefully crafted examples of her theme or idea peppered throughout the book. Usually the examples support or denigrate a certain idea, but sometimes it can be both for and against an idea, although the latter is more difficult. The examples of theme subtly have to support one side over the other.
In any case, life doesn't seem to grant us easy themes. Writers try to make connections in stories and probably try to see the same connections in real life. Unfortunately, real life is a lot muddier than the clear water of understanding in stories, although Jodi Picoult sure can write a muddy novel. :-} Her books are usually heavy on theme. That's fine with me. Sometimes you need to examine some great, important idea in a book to get a handle on what's right and wrong about it in your own world.
If I could have one overpowering theme, I guess it would be how David can sometimes kill Goliath, meaning this small time writer will someday make it big in the New York publishing world. Or to be less selfish, I guess I'd hope my life theme would be: treat others as you would like to be treated. Also: When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Looking at the positive side of things makes life a whole lot better. I guess that's why in my books good triumphs over evil despite adversity.
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