White Oleander begins with Astrid Magnussen and her mother, a writer. She seems to take life very seriously and shows Astrid just how seriously when she murders a former lover, after she’s stalked and emotional tormented him. When Ingrid is sent to prison, Astrid moves from foster home to foster home. The novel is written in first person, and it’s Astrid who tells the listeners what she experiences in each home. It’s interesting, touching and quite often alarming. With each home, each personality and each fault, Astrid discovers more about herself.

The best way to experience White Oleander is Hachette’s audio version read by Oprah Winfrey. I wouldn’t be surprised if she won an "Audie" for it.