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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Disappointing. Makes wide generalizations about the effects of autism (and especially Asperger's Syndrome subdiagnosis) and proclaims them to be uncontested truths. Uses two--Jacob's inability to lie and literal interpretation of languagee--to have an accused make what would otherwise be an admission of guilt to be a proclamation of innocence. Cute trick. Was it worth it?
I love the style that Jodi Picoult uses in her books. While this book wasn't particularly innovative I enjoyed the mystery of it and it did keep me wondering what was really going on.
This is now my second favorite of Jodi Picoult's books, behind My Sister's Keeper. I really liked all the characters -- even the mother which doesn't often happen with her novels. Some of the plot seemed a little forced (like in soap operas, if they just talked to each other and asked the right questions there wouldn't have BEEN a plot!) but, knowing there have been times in my life that I didn't ask the obvious question because I was afraid of the answer, it still rang true. It also presents a fairly balanced view of the whole autism debate covering the main arguments, but not becoming radical. All in all, it was well worth it.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
I think the relationships, dialogue, and characterization were well written. I just wish it didn’t center around a walking stereotype of Asperger’s/autism. I think an engaging story could’ve emerged without that. Also… the ending. What the heck? After all the time we’ve spent with these characters we get zero closure. Not the best but not the worst book I’ve read
I enjoyed the book but I already knew what had happened and what would come out in the end. If you read it properly and took in Jacobs condition etc.
It was still a worthwile read. If your a Picqoult fan you will not be disappointed.
It was still a worthwile read. If your a Picqoult fan you will not be disappointed.
I love Picoult's style of writing - as my husband remarked, with 'House Rules' it was the first time since his ts two months ago that I had hyperfocus while reading a book - something I had regularly before that. So yes, I have to thank Picoult for bringing this piece of joy back to me!
Talking about my husband ... that is the only reason I do not give this book a five-star-rating. At the start of the book mother Emma tells how she only knew about the Rainman-type of person with autism, that this movie does not show an accurate view on Asperger's, and that this view scared her. My husband is an Aspie, and absolutely nothing like Rainman. Jacob, meanwhile, was a Rainman-figure too. I think it is a shame that Picoult pictured the same view on Asperger's she denounced on the first pages. My husband is an Aspie, and he is wonderful, not at all as ... difficult as Jacob is.
Talking about my husband ... that is the only reason I do not give this book a five-star-rating. At the start of the book mother Emma tells how she only knew about the Rainman-type of person with autism, that this movie does not show an accurate view on Asperger's, and that this view scared her. My husband is an Aspie, and absolutely nothing like Rainman. Jacob, meanwhile, was a Rainman-figure too. I think it is a shame that Picoult pictured the same view on Asperger's she denounced on the first pages. My husband is an Aspie, and he is wonderful, not at all as ... difficult as Jacob is.
Another book of complicated situations that really make you wonder how you would handle yourself if presented with any of this.