The Herd: the unputdownable, thought-provoking must-read Richard & Judy book club pick

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Of the two main characters, Elizabeth the pro-vaccine mum is highly strung and painfully neurotic, while anti-vaxx mum Bryony is a messy, hippy mum “just doing her best”. The author chooses not to come down on one side or the other in the story which I found a bit pathetic and will only serve to enhance vaccine hesitancy in those who are that way inclined. The characters were strong and well executed and the research meticulous. The balance the author gives to both sides of the story is just perfect. The court case wrapped up with a great twist I didn’t see coming. Little do they know that they differ radically over one very important issue. And when Bryony, afraid of being judged, tells what is supposed to be a harmless white lie before a child's birthday party, the consequences are more catastrophic than either of them could ever have imagined . . . About This Edition ISBN:

Dystopian Fiction Books Everyone Should Read: Explore The Darker Side of Possible Worlds and Alternative Futures A genuine rollercoaster that asks big moral questions with beautifully drawn characters.' Sharon Horgan, co-creator of CATASTROPHE Scattered throughout the main narrative are little snippet chapters where another point of view comes in-- a doctor, a journalist, a mother, an internet troll --all with differing opinions, and I found these short, hard-hitting chapters really effective. Here, the author does a number of things well. Arguments are made and challenged, the callousness of the internet and media is captured, and she explores why some parents try desperately to find reasons for their child's illness or depression or ADHD. As we’ve seen recently with the difference of opinions over the covid vaccine between those who are pro-vaccination’ and ‘anxi-vaxxers’, there are millions of different perceptions as to what’s right and what’s wrong, and there are many, many different stages in between. Although this book doesn’t focus on the Covid vaccine, rather the MMR vaccinations given to pre-school children, it covers a lot of the same issues, fears and recriminations, and expectations of personal body autonomy and choice that have been raised and discussed in many different ways in the last couple of years.I love a book that not only grips me and makes me think but also educates me. The Herd reminded me a little of Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, because the research was meticulous and unbiased, the topic of whether to vaccinate was fair and balanced and above all I felt I was learning so much whilst reading the book. Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story' Susan Lewis Beautiful writing, a smart (and timely) premise, real and flawed characters with messy lives, and an unexpected, brilliant twist. I loved it. Nikki May

If you would like a non-fiction look at this subject, we can recommend The End of Plagues: The Global Battle Against Infectious Disease by John Rhodes. For more fiction, try Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill. Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration It is hard to imagine a more timely novel. A fascinating exploration of all sides of a particularly knotty, politicized issue Jodi Picoult, NYT bestselling author of WISH YOU WERE HERE The book did make me try to see both sides of the argument whilst retaining a clear sense of what's scientifically proven and what's not. Neither woman is likeable. At different times we side with each of them. I did feel a bit of sympathy for the husbands - one more than the other - but on the whole, this is a tale about privileged middle-class people and their lifestyle choices and the impact of those choices on others. What's often positioned as "My child, my choice" is quite clearly ignoring that not every child or parent has the right to exercise that choice. A masterpiece of emotional nuance, this novel makes you think. It challenges pre-conceived attitudes and beliefs and it turns your heart upside down and inside out.The story of this book was presented in such an interesting way – I really enjoyed the alternating chapters with the extra POVs from unnamed outsiders to the court case, although I think it would have been great for this to all tie-in with the main storyline. The characters weren’t exactly likeable, but the whole thing was compelling enough to continue reading and their unlikeability even made the story more interesting. The story had a great lawyer burn and I love that I didn’t see it coming, even though there was something off – I couldn’t work out what! I felt a bit of vindictive pleasure watching it all play out since all the characters were so over the top in this debacle. But then on the flip side, there is a woman here who really needed post-partum help (as many do) and didn’t get it – and there is something to be said for bringing that to light. Overall the book was enjoyable and contained interesting observations regarding how people react to things they don’t know anything about, how parents think they know more than doctors and the lasting effects that rash decisions and judgments can have on a person’s community. Brit, VIC, 3 Stars

This book is extremely thought provoking and definitely one that is bound to spark up a wide range of debates. The publication of this book is very timely as it could be said to have a correlation with the current COVID vaccine debate we are all experiencing. Scattered between the two women's stories are inputs from others - those others being rather a mixed bunch of seemingly unrelated people. It takes a while to figure out that the are unrelated as they just appear in italics without names or descriptions. We have a woman with polio, an online troll who loves seeding arguments and pouring oil on the flames, and a bunch of other women (I think they are all women) each throwing in their few pennies worth. It's a bit odd.A well-timed examination of the vaccine “debate” that covers the whole spectrum of thought and opinion. The Herd encourages you to take an empathetic look at the reasoning behind people’s decisions, both pro and against, as well as the murky waters between. Teagan, SA, 4 Stars The Herd, Emily Edwards, is a fantastic, timely novel of friendships, choices and what happens when things go horribly wrong due to our choices. Superbly written and a well balanced view of both sides of vaccination and anti vaccination. Emily has done her research, and in turn this novel is a must read! It had me from the get go, and released me 5 hours later when I completed it. Perfect for book clubs who will definitely want to discuss this one much further! Five stars! Rebecca, TAS, 5 Stars According to Transworld, The Herdprobes the line between individual choice and social responsibility. Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story. - Susan Lewis