Fiction
2010 Washington Square Press
Finished on August 27, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. But he has a special focus on one subject - forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he's always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he's usually right.
But when Jacob's small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob's behaviors are hallmark Asperger's, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are directly in the spotlight. For Jacob's mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob.
And over this small family, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
It took me nearly three weeks to read House Rules, not because it's slow and boring, but simply because it's over 500 pages and I'm not a fast reader. I'm a big fan of Jodi Picoult and have read most of her novels. I don't mind her formulaic structure (social issue told from multiple POVs with a courtroom drama and typically, a surprise ending) and I would have given the book a 5-star rating, but it felt a touch too long with a few too many loose ends. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, the subtle humor and the murder mystery. Picoult puts a face on Asperger's syndrome much like Lisa Genova did with Alzheimer's in Still Alice. Picoult is a marvelous storyteller and House Rules doesn't disappoint.
I'm sure I read this, most likely when it first came out, but the details seem vague right now. The only book I haven't read was her last one as the storyline just didn't motivate me. I am looking forward to a new one out this fall though.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I haven't read The Book of Two Ways and I'll probably skip it, based on the reviews I've read on Goodreads. I am interested in her upcoming release, though.
DeleteThis book is one of my favorites by Jodi Picoult. I've read it a couple of times. Glad you liked it. I don't read all her books as they don't all 'speak' to me, but the ones that I have read usually become favorites. Have you read Handle With Care by her? Another one that took a difficult topic and put a 'face' on it.
ReplyDeleteKay, it was good, wasn't it?! Yes, I've read Handle With Care (reviewed here and thought it was very good, too. I'm looking forward to reading her new release later this year.
DeleteI haven't read this, but it does sound good. Asperger's is such an interesting syndrome and so likely to be misunderstood or difficult to handle. Putting a face on it, as you mention is helpful for learning more about it.
ReplyDeleteJenclair, Asperger's is an interesting syndrome. I've read a couple of books that focus on it and autism (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Love Anthony), but enjoyed this particular novel best.
DeleteI also like Picooult's books, but haven't read nearly enough of them.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I think this is a worthwhile read. In spite of the length, it was a page-turner!
DeleteThis one sounds pretty good. We know an Asperger's boy so this might be good to get some more background understanding. I'm guessing the character in the book did Not do it.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it was really good. However, if you read some of the reviews on Goodreads, there are folks who claim it isn't accurate. I still enjoyed it immensely. You'll have to read it to find out whodunnit. :)
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