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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book supports the idea that vaccines cause autism. This has been proven false many times over. As someone who usually loves Picoult’s books, I was incredibly disappointed to see her perpetuating such harmful stereotypes. I am hopeful that because this is one of her older books, she is not supportive of that idea anymore.
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've long considered her my favorite author for The Tenth Circle & My Sister's Keeper, but I think it's about time to reconsider that. While this book is interesting in it's different perspectives of how Asberger's Syndrome affects a family, it was entirely predictable. Picoult's attempts to go for a big climax have fallen flatter & flatter over the years, & this book was the flatest so far - the ending was clear from about 40 pages in. I was very disappointed.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
My friend Kristin recommended this. I have major issues with Jodi Picoult, but this one worked for me. Mom was not as central as she is in the stories I don't like. Which is funny, because there are fewer characters in this book. Whatever.
I know Picoult does research for her books, so I'm guessing that her view of Asperger's presented here is fairly realistic. I knew nothing beforehand, so I found this character fascinating. I am *really* glad I don't live with him, because he'd drive me nuts. But he was very interesting to read about.
One thing I think made the mother more bearable than in other Picoult books was her relationship with the cop. She had one. Friend/boyfriend/whatever. Other Picoult moms tend to have a very strong tie to the child with the medical issue and they completely close everyone else out. I liked that that didn't seem to happen as much here.
I know Picoult does research for her books, so I'm guessing that her view of Asperger's presented here is fairly realistic. I knew nothing beforehand, so I found this character fascinating. I am *really* glad I don't live with him, because he'd drive me nuts. But he was very interesting to read about.
One thing I think made the mother more bearable than in other Picoult books was her relationship with the cop. She had one. Friend/boyfriend/whatever. Other Picoult moms tend to have a very strong tie to the child with the medical issue and they completely close everyone else out. I liked that that didn't seem to happen as much here.
Ok...give me some time to put my ideas together and I will tell you more about this one...
I've read this book three or four times and loved it every time.
House Rules is about as mainstream as novels get; easy to read and not too intellectually demanding. A suburban story with suburban characters that will be delightfully safe read for middle-class mums. None of this is very enthusing to me, but the novel earns four stars for its meticulous and vivid depiction of a teenager with Asperger's syndrome and the way his disorder impacts his family. There's no doubt the book is genuinely insightful, and although the plot is overly pedestrian along with its supporting characters there's just enough here to keep it engaging.
Pretty awesome....although I did throw my nook after I read the ending.