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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I waited a while to read this book because I was getting a little tired of Picoult. Her characters were the same, and her storylines were the same. Although this did have some elements in common with other stories by her. It was refreshing to see a mother who wasn't as horrible as others in her books, and I actually didn't figure out the twist halfway through like I have in a past. Welcome back Jodi Picoult.
Wow! I think it's safe to say at this point that Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors!
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Great story and perspective of a boy with Asperger's syndrome. A great reminder that things aren't always how they seem. The story blames vaccinations for Jacob getting autism - very interesting that the theory has now been disproven.
Think about everything you know about criminal behavior. From movies, to TV, to actual knowledge. The coldness of some criminals who show no emotion, the wiseass cracks at officials, the ducking of eyes and nervousness. In HouseRules, Jodie Picoult brings to life a 18 year old boy with Asperger's. He is on trial for murder, because everything known about a criminal matches his behavior. Jacob can't make eye contact, he quotes movies when he is nervous, he repeats words and sentences, he has meltdowns, and he has the inability to communicate socially with others.
As is Picoult'sstyle, each chapter shifts narrators, giving us the perspective of the dedicated mother, the younger teenage brother, the lawyer, the police officer and even Jacob himself. Picoult artfully takes us into each character, Jacob's word of structure and meltdowns, his brother Theo's world of teenage angst, his mother's undying love. Even a season officer who examines the scene and Jacob, where everything points to him being the culprit, yet hoping he is wrong.
A page turner for sure, this book brings you into a new world and understanding of what Asperger's is like. When you have it. When you live with it. When you love it. When you don't understand it. And when society views it.
As is Picoult'sstyle, each chapter shifts narrators, giving us the perspective of the dedicated mother, the younger teenage brother, the lawyer, the police officer and even Jacob himself. Picoult artfully takes us into each character, Jacob's word of structure and meltdowns, his brother Theo's world of teenage angst, his mother's undying love. Even a season officer who examines the scene and Jacob, where everything points to him being the culprit, yet hoping he is wrong.
A page turner for sure, this book brings you into a new world and understanding of what Asperger's is like. When you have it. When you live with it. When you love it. When you don't understand it. And when society views it.
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jodi Picoult is my favorite author and her books always make you think about things that people don’t normally have to think about until they’re in a situation. It really goes to show that you can’t judge someone when you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. She always turns the tables on what’s expected and how you’ve always felt about things.
I also appreciate how much research she does beforehand to make sure that her storytelling is realistic and respectful of the narratives she portrays.
I also appreciate how much research she does beforehand to make sure that her storytelling is realistic and respectful of the narratives she portrays.
I love Jodi Picoult however this book surprised me that there wasn't a twist as there usually is with her. I knew what the answer was at the end which was a bit of a disappointment. Though anyone who wants to learn more about Asperger's, this was a very informative book. I also didn't see a tie in character, which also... is something I enjoy about her books.