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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Well to start off I have to say that I have a child with autism. Which is why I put off reading this book for so long. I have read other books by Jodi Picoult and loved them, but I wasn't so sure that would be the case with this one. Before I started reading my main worry was that Asperger's would be portrayed incorrectly and that would piss me off. However, it seems that Jodi Picoult definitely did her research. Jacob's character was done very well. The mother, Emma, I thought was also done very well. I was able to identify and connect with her on the difficulties of raising a child on the autism spectrum and balancing a normal child (I have twins as well myself) in the mix as well. Theo I could also identify with because his concerns and hardships as the sibling of someone with Asperger's were the same things I worry my son's will go through in regards to their sister. The book was written very well. Too well in some parts for me. The ignorant people who just couldn't understand about Asperger's pissed me off! I wanted to jump in the book and tell these people off. However, as well as it was written I did have to give the book only 3 stars. It was way too predictable. Right away I had the "twist" figured out. Okay Theo was there and didn't realize she injured herself and died and Jacob is trying to protect his brother because it's a "House Rule" and he does have some caring and love for his brother. Also the mom will hook up with the lawyer and the real dad will try to come and make things right. Ta da. It was WAY too predictable. So there were zero surprises as far as the plot went, but it was written well. Maybe a bit preachy at times. Anyway this book is a solid 3 star book.
was I supposed to be able to predict what really happened?
What happened to the twist endings I love?
What happened to the twist endings I love?
Eh... Definitely underwhelmed. This was my most recent Picoult read, & it might be my last. Her infamous "twists" are becoming predictable. Bummed out, because I was a big fan for awhile there.
I generally enjoy all of Jodi Picoult's books. I always like the way she deals with difficult topics and writes from several points of view. This time I got a little tired of reading about Aspergers - I wanted to shout that I got it already!
What can I say about Jodi Picoult? Every book she has written that I have read has become one of my favorites. I love her combination of a great story with depth and intelligence added in. All of her books that I have read have included some form of the law and a trial. I love these parts of the stories because they put the characters in different situation than their "normal" lives.
I loved how Picoult switched from different points of view to keep the story moving along, but to also enable us to understand how each family member is affected by Asperger's and their trips to the courtroom.
The one thing that I always seem to make sure is never to read two of her books in a row. They are so good and deep and though provoking that I can't handle more than one in a row. So I will be taking a short vacation from Jodi Picoult while I continue to digest this most recent read.
I loved how Picoult switched from different points of view to keep the story moving along, but to also enable us to understand how each family member is affected by Asperger's and their trips to the courtroom.
The one thing that I always seem to make sure is never to read two of her books in a row. They are so good and deep and though provoking that I can't handle more than one in a row. So I will be taking a short vacation from Jodi Picoult while I continue to digest this most recent read.
Standard Jodi Picoult but ruined by the fact it is so 2010s Autism Mom it really hurts. Talk of cures, autism being caused by vaccines and mercury poisoning, and the fact Jacob is a walking stereotype that extremely matches every single symptom of autism make this a tough read. I like to think that in 2023 society’s perception of autistic people is a bit more kind and nuanced and isn’t just viewing them as a burden on their family, stuck in their own world until they are forced out.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story was interesting. But it had several drawbacks. I found the skipping around of different narrators to be confusing. The characterization of the boy with asperger's syndrome might be misleading.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love Jodi's books because of the multiple POVs. I literally binged this just to figure out what the hell happened. BUT I felt like the ending did fall a little flat tbh. There was no closure. BUT I did still enjoy it! Learned a lot about Aspergers! Definitely still recommend!