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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Formulaic, entertaining for the uninformed, somewhat over the top emotionally.
I thought that this was a really good book. I don't know much about Asperger's, but it did seem like Picoult did her research before writing the book. It was very interesting to get inside Jacob's head, as his way of thinking and his emotions were cool to see, as they were very different from mine. I did have a few qualms with the book though:
I didn't really like that Oliver and Emma hooked up initially. I felt like they should've at least waited until the trial was over, as Emma was his client's mother. But as the book went on, I was rooting for them, and it got less weird when Jacob gave them his blessing.
I also didn't like the open ending. Yes, it does end with a case file stating that people debated over Jacob's decision, and that Jacob would do it over again if he had to. It never tells us if Theo and/or Jacob got arrested for not telling anyone about what really happened, obstruction of justice, etc. It never tells us if Emma and Oliver end up together. This might just be me, but I like an ending wrapped up and presented with a bow on top, and this ending didn't really deliver. I did really like this book however.
I also didn't like the open ending. Yes, it does end with a case file stating that people debated over Jacob's decision, and that Jacob would do it over again if he had to. It never tells us if Theo and/or Jacob got arrested for not telling anyone about what really happened, obstruction of justice, etc. It never tells us if Emma and Oliver end up together. This might just be me, but I like an ending wrapped up and presented with a bow on top, and this ending didn't really deliver. I did really like this book however.
I have enjoyed several of Picoult's book, but that is becoming the exception to the rule unfortunately. She is becoming a formula writer - pick a disease, stereotype, write. I know several people with aspergers, but none of them look like Jake. At first I thought this is good, she will educate people about aspergers, but by the end I was afraid if this is the only education people received about aspergers, it will be unfortunate. Jake was very one dimensional with some very extreme aspects of aspergers (genius, the lying, etc) She made such a big issue about his not being able to lie, but nobody ever asked him if he DID it -- very frustrating. The other issue I have with her stories is that she builds them up so much, and then neatly wraps them up in 3 pages - very anticlimatic. I will probably pass on any of her future books, unless I see rave reviews........
Why do I keep reading Jodi Picoult books when they just annoy me? I do not know.
I’ve had an up-and-down relationship with Jodi Picoult books, but the ones I’ve loved, have been PHENOMENAL. This one focuses on Asperger’s Syndrome and how society forces neurodivergent individuals to try and fit into a box of social acceptability. But when Jacob’s tutor is murdered, he becomes the prime suspect for no other reason than his obsession with crime scenes. I loved this book. It was heartbreaking, frustrating, and so incredibly moving. If we see neurodivergence as a super power, rather than a hinderance, we never know what will happen.
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Gut Instinct Rating: 10
Characters: 9
Believability: 10
Uniqueness: 10
Writing Style: 10
Excitement Factor: 10
Story Line: 10
Title Relevance: 10
Artwork Relevance: 8
Audiobook Narration: 10
Overall: 4.85
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 10
Characters: 9
Believability: 10
Uniqueness: 10
Writing Style: 10
Excitement Factor: 10
Story Line: 10
Title Relevance: 10
Artwork Relevance: 8
Audiobook Narration: 10
Overall: 4.85
I had low expectations for the book but I was so wrong! This book is amazing! Each chapter is a narrative told from one of five characters in the book. It follows the story of Jacob, an 18 year old boy with Aspergers. He has a fascination with forensic science and crime scene but the way he doesn't make eye contact and is jittery looks like guilt to the police. The book is very well written and gets an in depth look at autism and how the judicial system handles mental disabilities. The only cons about this book are that at some points it can be a bit predictable and the ending wasn't as epic as I expected. But I recommend this book to everyone, especially mothers, it will hit home with moms. If you enjoyed Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, you will enjoy this! Very very good, five stars, will definitely read more by Picoult.
It's pretty much the same situation as My Sister's Keeper and at least two other of Picoult's books: mother obsessed/focused on a child with a disability/illness while her other kid(s) are left to understand that the other sibling has to come first. Then there's a court case.
It was compelling the first time I read it. Gets less each time she trots out the same plot.
It was compelling the first time I read it. Gets less each time she trots out the same plot.
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one of her better books. I enjoyed the story line and liked the way life was portrayed for Jacob and his family.
I liked this book more than I've liked Jodi Picoults last few books but at the same time I found the end of this book to be unsatisfying. Too many loose ends were left for my liking. It was however interesting to read and find out more about autism and Aspergers syndrome.