With hesitation, Peter climbed the steps of the school bus. The driver wore an army jacket and had two teeth missing in the front. "There's seats in back," he said, and Peter headed down the aisle, looking for Joey.

His brother was sitting next to a boy Peter didn't know. Joey glanced at him as he walked by, but didn't say anything.

"Peter!"

He turned, and saw Josie patting the empty seat next to her. She had her dark hair in pigtails and was wearing a skirt, even though she hated skirts. "I saved it for you," Josie said.

He sat down next to her, feeling better already. He was riding inside a bus. And he was sitting next to his best friend in the whole world. "Cool lunchbox," Josie said.

He held it up, to show her the way that you could make Superman look like he was moving if you wiggled it, and just then a hand reached across the aisle. A boy with ape arms and a backward baseball cap grabbed the lunchbox out of Peter's grasp. "Hey, freak," he said, "you want to see Superman fly?"

Before Peter understood what the older boy was doing, he opened a window and hurled Peter's lunchbox out of it. Peter stood up, craning his neck around to see out the rear emergency door. His lunchbox burst open on the asphalt. His apple rolled across the dotted yellow line of the road, and vanished beneath the tire of an oncoming car.

"Sit down!" the bus driver yelled.

Peter sank back into his seat. His face felt cold, but his ears were burning. He could hear the boy and his friends laughing, as loud as if it were happening in his own head. Then he felt Josie's hand slide into his. "I've got peanut butter," she whispered. "We can share."

(Click here to read more about Nineteen Minutes.)

Click here to listen to the podcast.
Click here for a list of her 2007 tour dates.

NinteenMinutes's Friends Comments
Displaying 49 of 79 comments  (View All | Add Comment)
aiiriielle


Mar 25 2007 2:08 PM

love ?
LDN


Mar 24 2007 9:46 PM

Thanks for the add T1nks & LDN
Rebecca Benston


Mar 24 2007 9:47 AM

Thanks for the add!
Be Inspired . . Get Involved !


Mar 23 2007 4:46 PM

Ciao hunn..
how are you?
have an amazing weekend : )
xoxo..Miatta
lay-nuh. ♥


Mar 22 2007 7:32 PM

i met you last year around this time in book revue..and you were back about a week ago and I missed you because i was up at school...i still got a signed copy of nineteen minutes and am really lookng forward to reading it starting this weekend. you are my favorite author and you have inspired much of my writing. <3
;;s t e f f[co&fm]


Mar 22 2007 7:09 PM

where can i buy a book of yours from?? i live in a rele small town with maybe two book stores.. so name a place and ill find it =) <33 Steff and thanks
Rose


Mar 22 2007 5:37 PM

Jodi, yet another amazing work of art. Really makes you think. I'm the mother of a young daughter, and your books really get me thinking of the what if's. Thank you for such thought provoking art.
ML


Mar 22 2007 8:58 AM

Jodi, just popping in to say hello! Can't wait to read this book. --Mary (from the old AOL boards)
kristen


Mar 21 2007 8:08 PM

I've been reading your books for a long time. My parents met your parents on a flight back to NY i believe. They told my parents you write about real life events but with a twist. I think you are an amazing truly gifted writer, Keep 'em coming!! {k}
jenny


Mar 21 2007 7:31 PM

i just started your book. so far its amazing.
Lili :]


Mar 21 2007 4:53 PM

I've read this and its really great!!! Really detailed and sad. I loved it!!!
Its uh Hollie Bee [Home]


Mar 21 2007 1:45 PM

I haven't Read the book but I really like the Idea of having a realistic harsh topic that many people will face. thank you for writing it and I look forward to reading it.

-Hollie
Leisa


Mar 21 2007 5:10 AM

I just started your book Jodi, I can tell it's going to be another thought provoking read. Thanks!
ModelsActresses™


Mar 20 2007 11:17 PM

I would like to see the book optioned for a movie version. The ideas portrayed cover a view of how a young man can be made so much into a monster by his environment that we don't know where the guilt lies.
Does it lie in the immediate perpetrator or the antecedent evil doers which create the circumstances for it?
Do the world's most vulnerable poverty stricken people become the guilty party or the rich countries and corporations who bring about such disgusting poverty?

Careyann
hailz


Mar 20 2007 10:39 PM

my favourite book of yours so far is the pact
its amazing, its changed how i look at life, i just wanted to thank you
xx
~*~Coley~*~


Mar 20 2007 8:37 PM

I heard a lil rumor that the setting of this book was based on Hanover High School in New Hampshire...I grew up there...Is it true???
Author, Shara Smock


Mar 20 2007 8:22 PM

The best compliment I can give, Jodi, is please write faster!

***

Hooking the Reader
www.sharasmock.com

_____
WHAT hooks the reader?

Try these opening lines…

Regina Dalton snapped awake the instant the coffin lid closed. Jennifer Blake, Kane

She figured it came down to a choice between going to work or committing murder. Aileen Schumacher, Affirmative Reaction

Standing in front of his dresser mirror, the young man pointed the revolver at his reflection. James W. Hall, Under Cover of Daylight

then read what these authors say about their openers.
_____
♥Alisha♥


Mar 20 2007 5:49 PM

This book like all your others I could not put down until I finished. It was amazing as usual...and left me waiting for your next book. When can we look for that one?
;) Jackiiiie<3


Mar 20 2007 5:41 PM

Jodi-
I absoultely love your books. When I first read My Sister's Keeper, I was surprised. It was just amazing to read. I've always enjoyed reading at about more mature subjects. I read that book in the 7th grade. My language arts teacher wrote you an email last year and you sent me back a bookmark with your signature. I cherrish that. I can't wait for this book to come out!! Keep up the good writing!
Jackie
Little Sunshine


Mar 20 2007 3:34 PM

Your books are truly amazing....You bring the current issues that are happening around us in a more vivid and in depth light. Thanks.
EKELLLSS. :D loves diannuhh.


Mar 20 2007 3:18 PM

I can't wait to get'NineteenMinutes'
It looks so good!
*Fais-moi*Sentir Belle*


Mar 20 2007 2:40 PM

I loved "my sister's keeper" and im excited to read this one. I love the way Jodi writes, i myself, have a passion for writing. Her books are about people and life, just the very things i find not only interesting, but enjoyable to write. i cant wait to read "Nineteen minutes"!
?holly
*Becky*


Mar 20 2007 12:34 PM

You've outdone yourself with this novel. Just when I think your books can't get any better...They do. Hands down, 100% the best book! I love it and cannot wait to read it again! :-)
D KING


Mar 20 2007 9:04 AM

Jodi! I love u!



~KING
Xanoca- A.K.A Mrs. Sanchez


Mar 18 2007 4:34 PM

hi! your books are all great and i am once again totally involved with this one. i especially love how you have patrick, selena, jordan ect in his book. it's like a great lil' conclusion. awesome job!
Sarah Jane


Mar 18 2007 12:09 PM

I just ordered the book and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival. It's been a long time since I've read a really good book. Probably since The Tenth Circle. :)
K-Scribbles


Mar 16 2007 10:02 AM

Just finished the book. AMAZING, as usual. I couldn't put it down, I finished it in about a week. I love how you write about the things no one really WANTS to talk about but NEED to be addressed. I love all your work. Wonderful wonderful wonderful!
Micheline McAllister


Mar 14 2007 7:29 PM

Hey Jodi!
So I picked up my Starbucks today and read the "The way I see it" on the back and it was a quote from you!!! How funny! I can't wait to get into your books! Have a great week. Mi :0)
add my new myspace!!


Mar 14 2007 6:43 PM

OMG i read "My Sister's Keeper" totally awesome book! in time ill read ddem all but yah totall great books keep up da good work you may becum like J.K. Rowling haha idk bought dat but you never know
Holl-lacy


Mar 14 2007 8:19 AM

I have read every book so far and I can not wait to get this one! Thank you for all of your great work!!!
TAY♥LOR


Mar 12 2007 6:08 PM

Great book, I bought it when it came out and couldn't put it down!!
Helen Sanders Galloway


Mar 12 2007 1:27 PM

EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!! I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours!!!! I couldn't put it down (as usual with your books). Now I'm just sad because I have to wait for your next one to come out!!!!
Micheline McAllister


Mar 11 2007 12:51 PM

Hi Jodi!
Thanks for making me a part of your friends! Have a great Sunday and please stop by my page anytime! :0) Micheline
A Mind's Requital (Official book profile)


Mar 9 2007 9:32 AM

Hi Jodi your book sounds interesting. It hasnt arrived in the store near me but I have my eye out for it.

p.s. If your interested I am writing a book and I put my profile on my profile. I would lovd your input..
cya
Glamourocke®BeverlyHills


Mar 8 2007 8:44 PM

Thanks for the add!
lori


Mar 8 2007 11:15 AM

i just finished reading "nineteen minutes". wow.. i would have sworn you know my son. You have described him perfectly, minus the crime. As a mother i had a very hard time reading this. you are correct in no matter what happens, everyone is someones child. We as a society need to step up to the plate and not tolerate the bullying and abuse of children by other children. I think your book should be mandatory reading for all high school students and their parents. To all you kids out there trying to fit in, don't sweat it.. school is just something you have to get through, it's not the rest of your life. You will probably not see more than 2% of the kids you go to school with, after it's over. thanks for a great read, albeit heartbreaking.
K-Scribbles


Mar 7 2007 8:31 PM

Just got it today-can't wait to start reading it! EEEE!!! :-)
brynn chapman


Mar 7 2007 6:36 PM

Well Miss Picoult! Fancy seeing you here! Welcome to myspace and this looks like a deep fascinating read!

Brynn Chapman aka AUtism Lady
Christine


Mar 7 2007 6:13 PM

What an ending to "Ninteen Minutes". I couldn't put the book down anticipating the ending. I read "My Sister's Keeper" and must admit that I recommended it to many of my friends. Your definitely on my list for favorite authors. Can't wait to start reading another one of your books.
~*MeLaNie*~


Mar 7 2007 2:26 PM

HEY
Helen Sanders Galloway


Mar 7 2007 1:40 PM

I preordered Nineteen Minutes and I absolutely cannot wait to get it in the mail!!!! I love your books! They are so real....reading your books has made it hard for me to enjoy books by other authors!!!!
°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸lil Latina°º¤ø,¸¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸


Mar 6 2007 10:24 PM

i just finsihed reading My Sister's Keeper and the ending blew my mind. One would never expect that kind of ending. I applaude you in you accomplishments and hope many more for u
You are now my new favorite author. Please keep your talent coming because as long as you continue to write books you will always have fans who will read them
love
a daughter of a cancer patient
RIP Harry Lauer 2003
?
Ch@rlie 0:oP


Mar 6 2007 10:46 AM

when is 19 minutes out in the uk?
Linda


Mar 6 2007 10:23 AM

Thanks for the add :)
I am looking forward to reading this book and getting to know new charecters and the lessons this book will teach. Through your writings I always find life lessons that are food for thought and that can be true to real life and that is what i love.
I also look forward to seeing you in may, i met you last may in borders bookstore and look forward to it again.
Love and best wishes for the release of your book jodi :)
xxxx
---


Mar 6 2007 10:19 AM

i've loved all of your books that i've read so far! im from london, england and i dont think its out yet but i cant wait to read 19 minutes!
keep them coming!
x
HELLION


Mar 6 2007 9:27 AM

SO GLAD YOU RECIEVED 4 STARS IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE JODI!! WAY TO GO!!!!
felicia


Mar 6 2007 7:34 AM

i read your book vanishing loved it i would like your others !! but its not in the pocket i have gone to resale shopes for books cannot find them !!if you have somewhere i can fet them please let me know ! im a big fan this is my stress relief a good book and starbucks ! and your books are the best
Laura


Mar 6 2007 6:21 AM

Can't wait to read this! I'm currently reading The Pact. I just bought Keeping Faith the other day. I think my favorites are My Sister's Keeper, Second Glance, and Plain Truth.
My daughter LOVES comic books and we just can't WAIT for March 28th to read Wonder Woman! :)
Keep up all of your wonderful work!
You are AWESOME!
Jeny


Mar 6 2007 6:20 AM

Hi Jodi!

I'm already more than half way through NINETEEN MINUTES and it is AMAZING (as always)! Looking forward to a U3 reunion! :) See you soon!

-Jeny
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