Helpful Score: 8
As the mother of an adult child with Aspergers, this book was a little too close to home. Hard to read at times, but true to the issues involved with the syndrome. I, also, figured out the ending before it came; not usual for me with Piccoult books, but all in all, this was an excellent book. I am having my other three children read it-the first one who finished it said he identified strongly with the brother and could really relate. Piccoult certainly did her research-her main character had the myriad of characteristics found with Aspergers---in real life, it's just not usually all wrapped up in one person! I so enjoy how she tells the story from the characters' different perspectives and how the issues are not black and white, but very grey---so much like real life. A great book.
Helpful Score: 6
Jodi has gotten her groove back. As a fan of the author I was very disappointed in her last 2 books. This one is well researched and original. In this book she describes in great detail what it is like to live with Asperger's syndrome from multiple perspectives. It was an effective technique to write each chapter in the "voice" of one of the main characters. Having had little previous knowledge about this disorder I now have a greater understanding. The characters are well developed and come to life. This is a must read!
Helpful Score: 5
This was a great book and I very much enjoyed reading it from start to finish! I learned much about autism and the way the brain works and it had a great story--it will keep you reading from page to page to the very end!
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. I seem to be loving Jodi Picoult novels. If you ever knew anyone with Asperger's Syndrome, or if you are just interested in it, this book surely will explain to you very well, how it feels to HAVE Asperger's Syndrome and how it is to have a family member with Asperger's. A good story on top of that. Very easy read, kind of hard to put it down.
Helpful Score: 3
I loved this book, highly reccommend it. We all know about autisism but this book really shows you what it is like to live with a child who has it. I thouroughly enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 2
After reading this Picoult novel I was emotionally drained. I work with special needs across the spectrum and she was able to put me right there with all her characters. I figured the plot early on, but the chapter views kept my interest. I'm sure it's due to my job but I found this book her most thought provoking in quite some time.
Helpful Score: 2
One of my top 10 ever, right up there with Kite Runner, Life of Pi, Secret Life of Bees, Poisonwood Bible, Dr. Zhavago and the Tolstoy novel sagas I read in college. (Throw in Gone with the Wind) The PEOPLE in this book lived and breathed. The way she wove the characters, events and murder mystery was unique, sensitive, so skillful that I could not put it down. The outcome was never guaranteed. ASIDE from the Aspergers (excellent insights there) it helped me to realize that I cannot EVER exactly walk in someone else's shoes. Thus this book was an epiphany in that way too. GREAT READ! I so recommend it and I've been reading for decades.
Helpful Score: 1
picoult is my favorite author. This was not my favorite book by her. I actually figured out what was going to happen by the end. That being said, an average Jodi book is still worth reading!
Helpful Score: 1
Wow what a great book. I learned so much about Asperger's syndrome, and autism in general, like what it's like to live with an autistic child every day. This book was well researched and written. I liked her style of having each person tell their view of each situation. I was guessing till the end, but pleased with it. I found it very difficult to put down, and will definitely read more of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
excellent book!! Even though I figured out the crime/plot before half the book was read, I learned a lot of information about autism that I didn't know. Jodi Picoult does a great job relaying research smoothly into the story. I highly recommend this particular book especially if you work with children/young teens with IEPs.
Helpful Score: 1
As a person who has not any real experience dealing with autism or Asperger's, I do feel I gained some insight into the disorder by reading this book. It is obviously very well-researched, and I like the author's writing style. The story flows very nicely between several points of view, and she tries to teach you something about Asperger's and autism, as well as instill compassion in people who deal with this. The plot is interesting, but the ending is a little weak - I think it was a little unrealistic in that the people who knew Jacob, and how he needed to be communicated with in order to obtain an answer to a question, would have known how to ask him the relevant questions. Instead, the author dragged it out the legal battle a bit, as if in order to have a reason to demonstrate a few more examples of Asperger's behavior, sort of turn the screws on Jacob a bit, and that made me think it was a little gratuitous. But I guess if Jacob had been prompted to tell what he saw and did, as he would have if this was happening in real life, then there would not have been a reason to write this book! Still it was an entertaining read, and I would recommend it.
Helpful Score: 1
Jodi has done it again! Jodi Picoult always keeps you interested in the most up to date situations of our times with an interesting story to back it up. Not totally sure about the ending though. She always keeps you guessing and wanting to know what is going to happen next! Sometimes I wish her books had sequels. As always, when I pick up one of Jodi's books...I plow through it in record time. This one was no different. Worth the effort.
Helpful Score: 1
If you are interested in learning more about autism, you really want to read this book. I have an autistic step son who is 40 and found the book extremely realistic. This is one of Jodi Picoult's best books ever. I was intreged to the very end. The characters are extrememly well developed and realistic.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first time I have read Jodi Picoult's books.Its not one of my cup of tea. I thought the book was good. But the F word was used one to many times. I didn't like ending either. I don't thing I will read another of her books.
Helpful Score: 1
I didn't think this book had as strong an ending as Picoult's other novels. Besides the ending, the story was strong and the characters were believable.
Helpful Score: 1
I think that this was, unfortunately, my least favorate Jodi Picoult book. I was able to get through it really quickly, so I was really into it and enjoying it. But there were two big reasons that I was not a big fan:
1) I don't know and I didn't know all that much about Asperger's, so I appreciated the background information on it and the description of symptoms, etc. However, I think it was overkill on the amount of information that I was provided. It felt like every 4 or 5 pages was a description of "this is how Asperger's syndrome is." There were parts of this book where I felt like I was reading a lecture.
2) I HATED the ending. It completely left you hanging. From the last chapter, I was able to gather what might have happened or what Picoult is trying to say could have happened, but that is completely unbelievable. I literally had this awful look on my face when I finished reading it.
Unfortunately, I was hugely disappointed.
1) I don't know and I didn't know all that much about Asperger's, so I appreciated the background information on it and the description of symptoms, etc. However, I think it was overkill on the amount of information that I was provided. It felt like every 4 or 5 pages was a description of "this is how Asperger's syndrome is." There were parts of this book where I felt like I was reading a lecture.
2) I HATED the ending. It completely left you hanging. From the last chapter, I was able to gather what might have happened or what Picoult is trying to say could have happened, but that is completely unbelievable. I literally had this awful look on my face when I finished reading it.
Unfortunately, I was hugely disappointed.
Helpful Score: 1
awesome book!! Finished it in a week!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was an interesting read. It was a little predictable but well worth reading.
I really enjoyed this book by Jodi Picoult. She has such a way of entwining the plot so that you have to read the whole book to get the full story! Another winner
Me, page 419. If you've read the book, you'll understand.
This has to be one of my favorite books now. Not only was it intriguing and kept me guessing, it was about Aspergers. Although I know have to add this book to a long list of books that makes be believe that I have some degree of Autism running through my veins.
Very well written story. I listened to the audiobook and found this to be a greatly casted one. Some times the casting can completely ruin a story, but not so in this case. A+ all around!
This has to be one of my favorite books now. Not only was it intriguing and kept me guessing, it was about Aspergers. Although I know have to add this book to a long list of books that makes be believe that I have some degree of Autism running through my veins.
Very well written story. I listened to the audiobook and found this to be a greatly casted one. Some times the casting can completely ruin a story, but not so in this case. A+ all around!
Excellent book! Read it right through the night.
Excellent story about a divorced mother of two teenage boys, one of which has Asperger's Syndrome. Fabulous and well written story that has every element: mystery, murder, family drama, courtroom and legal tension, brotherly love,.....
As is typical in some of the books I have read by Picoult, she gives each character a chapter from their own perspective. It was interesting, but LONG! I had it figured out early in the book.
Jodi Picoult never fails to capture your interest and imagination. Don't plan on putting this one down until you finish. Did Jacob Hunt brutally murder his social tutor or not? You won't know until the very last chapter. What a great read. And a very interesting look into the lives of a family dealing with a child who has Asperger's syndrome. This is the story of Emma Hunt, a single mother, raising two boys...the eldest of whom is afflicted with Asperger's and the youngest, who is "normal". The younger brother assumes the role of caretaker for Jacob and the stress of this responsibility leads to the crisis. "Always take care of your brother" is one of Emma's house rules and Jacob follows the rules implicitly...to a fault.
Me, page 419. If you've read the book, you'll understand.
This has to be one of my favorite books now. Not only was it intriguing and kept me guessing, it was about Aspergers. Although I know have to add this book to a long list of books that makes be believe that I have some degree of Autism running through my veins.
Very well written story. I listened to the audiobook and found this to be a greatly casted one. Some times the casting can completely ruin a story, but not so in this case. A+ all around!
(This was my first of Picoult's books)
This has to be one of my favorite books now. Not only was it intriguing and kept me guessing, it was about Aspergers. Although I know have to add this book to a long list of books that makes be believe that I have some degree of Autism running through my veins.
Very well written story. I listened to the audiobook and found this to be a greatly casted one. Some times the casting can completely ruin a story, but not so in this case. A+ all around!
(This was my first of Picoult's books)
Always read Jodi's books quickly because I can't wait to find out what the twist is at the end. This book doesn't disappoint. Great story dealing with autisum and Asperger's syndrome. It was funny, yet it was an eye opener what these families have to go through. A great read.
This book is engrossing and should be a must read for anyone with an autistic spectrum child or adult, anyone who knows someone like that (and most people do, when the think about the traits shown in this book) and/or would like to know more about the modes and methods for the handling of the many problems of such people. Jodi Picoult has done so much accurate research it is amazing. Her character of Jacob is finely drawn and detailed to the point we know him, feel for him and his family as they deal with probably the biggest crisis in their lives.
As painful as many of the scenes described were, you are held by the mothers tenacity and drive, by Theo's tolerance and adaptation to the situation, Oliver's acceptance and cooperation, and the many and varied reactions of people coming in contact with the family. This book is one of a kind!
As painful as many of the scenes described were, you are held by the mothers tenacity and drive, by Theo's tolerance and adaptation to the situation, Oliver's acceptance and cooperation, and the many and varied reactions of people coming in contact with the family. This book is one of a kind!
This was a fantastic book, a quick read and as usual Jodi Picoult has you suspended until the very end.
I love Jodi Picoult, she is one of my favorite authors, i really enjoyed this book it was very eye opening to what someone with Asperger goes through. It was an easy read,hard to put down.
I am a huge fan of jodi picoult. I think I have read almost every book she has ever written. This one was really good. even though I guessed "who did it" in the beginning of the book. Its a thick one, and kept me hooked, but honestly the last two pages kind of disappointed me... I won't tell any secrets but ... yeah. could have been a bit more informative in the end.
Great story! I definitely think Picoult could have written Jacob's parts a little more literal, hence his asperger's. But other than that I loved this book and all of her other ones! Keeps you on the edge!
It was a typical Jodi Picoult book. I found parts of it unrealistic.
Interesting story line, it got a little long.
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.
House Rules is a story based on a family with a son who is living with Asperger's Syndrome. I have heard a few things on parents living with autism, but I absolutely enjoyed hearing the real day-to-day struggle of families living with this disorder.
Without absolutely spoiling the basic premise of the novel, the family ends up in the courtroom where a child with autism has a hard time executing the proper social graces.
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.
House Rules is a story based on a family with a son who is living with Asperger's Syndrome. I have heard a few things on parents living with autism, but I absolutely enjoyed hearing the real day-to-day struggle of families living with this disorder.
Without absolutely spoiling the basic premise of the novel, the family ends up in the courtroom where a child with autism has a hard time executing the proper social graces.
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.
House Rules is one of the best novels I have read thus far in 2014. It delves into the world of a family who are living in the not so black and white world of Asperger's and who have been for the past almost eighteen years. The oldest son in the family Jacob has been diagnosed with Asperger's (he was diagnosed between two and three) which is a disease that is on the autistic spectrum but in which its suffer's are still able to function, can be very smart, but have a hard time in social situations or being able to feel any type of empathy for others or their feelings, people with asperger's often have obsessions about certain subjects and Jacob's obsession is forensic crime scenes and you can imagine the set up for a great novel.
The plot is that Jacob's social skill's tutor disappears and he was the last known person to see her, along with a brother who gets lost in the chaos of his brothers disease, a Mother who while fighting fiercely for her son might be losing the other and herself, and a young lawyer who is finding love in the most unexpected places. This novel was beautifully written and even Jacob at moments when you wanted to shout at him was hard not to root for or just to want to hold in the hardest moments. I would most definitely recommend this book and will definitely be reading more Jodi Picoult novels in the near future.
The plot is that Jacob's social skill's tutor disappears and he was the last known person to see her, along with a brother who gets lost in the chaos of his brothers disease, a Mother who while fighting fiercely for her son might be losing the other and herself, and a young lawyer who is finding love in the most unexpected places. This novel was beautifully written and even Jacob at moments when you wanted to shout at him was hard not to root for or just to want to hold in the hardest moments. I would most definitely recommend this book and will definitely be reading more Jodi Picoult novels in the near future.
read two of her books, but she has not disappointed me yet.
This is the most amazing and enlightening book I have ever read on or near this subject! I totally loved it!
Excellent book. First time I've read this author, so I'll probably be taking a look at her other books.
It was a great story with lots of information about Asperger's syndrome (if you're interested).
You get the events from the point of view of the different main characters, and I like that. The storyline moved right along and didn't drag, so I stayed interested.
My only complaint: I wish there had been a little more detail at the end.
It was a great story with lots of information about Asperger's syndrome (if you're interested).
You get the events from the point of view of the different main characters, and I like that. The storyline moved right along and didn't drag, so I stayed interested.
My only complaint: I wish there had been a little more detail at the end.
I did enjoy this book as I find that the author researches her subject so well that it gives the reader an insight on the topic that they might not know or understand, and I think aspergers syndrome is one of those disorders that a lot of people do not realize how difficult it is on families that have to deal with it on a daily basis. My rating would be 4 stars.
I just finished this book and I think it is her best ever. I had such empathy for that mother. I liked the way the story was told from the point of view of all the characters. Her stories are so real. No fairytales here, just the nitty gritty of life.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Picoult book. Reading of the family's day to day struggles, and how much they were all impacted by Jacob having Asperger's is a real eye-opener. I appreciated how well researched she was in writing this story. My only disappointment was the ending--I wish it had been tied up a little differently.
I loved the story, it was very interesting. Great Jodi Picoult book, as always.
Put this book down after a couple of chapters and then picked it up again after I ran out of other books. Hated it from start to finish. The book ended without solving any problems or answering any questions. Don't waste your time.
In her usual style, each character has a voice and the story unwinds and intertwines through each persons perspective. It is a good read but I felt it was a bit unrealistic at times. When telling the story through Jacob's eyes, she has the character make observations about other people's emotions based on what their faces show...something they say he is incapable of doing. I also feel like the story was drawn out a bit long and while you know how it is going to end, it feels like it is never going to actually get there. You just want to scream at times...."Just ask the kid the right questions!" And while I knew it was coming, I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Sort of an unrealistic happily-ever-after-ish kind of finish.
But overall, it is a good book and helps the reader appreciate the hardships of a person with Aspergers/Autism and their families. I would recommend this read even tho I don't believe it is Jodi Picoults best work.
But overall, it is a good book and helps the reader appreciate the hardships of a person with Aspergers/Autism and their families. I would recommend this read even tho I don't believe it is Jodi Picoults best work.
By far my favorite Picoult book. Story is well laid out, information on Aspbergers is very thorough and Jacob is very believable.
I really loved this book, partly because of its vivid descriptions of Asperger's syndrome. (I have a grandson who is on the "autism spectrum"). However, it also kept me guessing til the very end about how the young woman died. Jodi Picoult always seems to do a lot of research about her subject and this was no exception. A good mystery, plus you will learn a lot about Asperger's & how it affects the family.
I always think, not another Jodi Picoult, but you can't deny that her books are well written. This one covers the account of a couple of brothers, one with Asperger's and how it affects their family. Interesting look into the condition.
I've read several Picoult books over the years, but House Rules has officially made me a fan. I was fascinated about the background information on Asperger's. Even though I predicted the ending long before it was revealed, I really enjoyed this book. The character development was great. Usually, with her novels, the back-and-forth between narrators drives me crazy; but for this novel, it was a necessity and made the story that much more intriguing. Definitely the best I've read of hers.
absolutely an awesome book. a definite must read!
If you love Jodi Picoult, you will love this book. Really gives an insight as to what children with Aspergers as well as the people who take care of them go through on a daily basis. In typical Jodi Picoult fashion you get to know the story from every main characters point of view. Great read!!
Jacob Hunt is a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome. He is hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, although he is brilliant in many ways. Like many children with Asperger's, Jacob has also developed a special focus for a specific subject - in his case, forensic analysis. He is constantly showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner that he keeps in his room, and telling the police what they need to do...and he's usually right.
But when Jacob's small town is rocked by a terrible murder, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All the hallmarks of Asperger's - not looking someone in the eye, unexplained tics and twitches, flat affect - can look so much like guilt to law enforcement. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them.
For Jacob's mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threatens her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
I enjoyed this book immensely! House Rules is the third book by Jodi Picoult that I've read, and I must say that, in my opinion, each of the books that I've read have been entirely different. The characters have all been fully realized, the plots have been well-written and extremely thought-provoking, and Jodi Picoult is quickly becoming an author who I appreciate reading. I give House Rules by Jodi Picoult an A+! and look forward to reading her next book very soon.
But when Jacob's small town is rocked by a terrible murder, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All the hallmarks of Asperger's - not looking someone in the eye, unexplained tics and twitches, flat affect - can look so much like guilt to law enforcement. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them.
For Jacob's mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threatens her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
I enjoyed this book immensely! House Rules is the third book by Jodi Picoult that I've read, and I must say that, in my opinion, each of the books that I've read have been entirely different. The characters have all been fully realized, the plots have been well-written and extremely thought-provoking, and Jodi Picoult is quickly becoming an author who I appreciate reading. I give House Rules by Jodi Picoult an A+! and look forward to reading her next book very soon.
Another great story by Jodi Picoult. I could not figure out "who did it" until the very end - lots of suspense and great information on what Asperbergers is all about. Good mystery.
Not bad. It was weird to read a novel about an autistic boy, because I live with an autistic boy and Jodi Picoult nailed it alot of the time.
This book is about a single mother with 2 teenaged sons, Jacob who is 18 and has Asbergers Syndrome and his brother Theo who is 15. Jacob has a tutor, Jess, who is working with him on his social skills. Jacob goes to Jess's house for their weekly session and fids Jess dead. He takes her to a culvert and wraps her in his quilt. When the police find out about the quilt they arrest him for her murder. Did he really kill her? I really liked this book but then I like most of anything Jodi Picoult writes.
I've always enjoyed Jodi Picoult's novels, and this one was no different. However, I did manage to figure out the ending very early on and definitely would've liked for there to be some more mystery.
Solidly written, in the usual style of Jodi Picoult where she tells the story from all points of view. She almost gets you into the head of the aspbergers boy who is going through things he doesn't understand. The ending is satisfying in that it feels "real" rather than going for the "big bang twist" that some authors try to do.
Another awesome book by Ms. JP! I was surprised to find that I had figured out the ending, though, but it was still wonderful. I have an autistic child, so there were some tearful moments for me when reading this book (the main character has Aspergers) but I LOVED how she brought his perspective into the plot. As usual, Ms. P's ability to show different perspectives on the same events is amazing. Very, very good read!
don't know what all the fuss was about; not my favorite
This was a typical Jodi Picoult book. The story was interesting and engrossing but not very believable. In the end there wasn't any closure and the characters never suffer any consequences. I recommend it if you like her other novels but her stories are never very solid in my opinion.
I don't believe Jodi Picolt has written a bad book. This book was up to her usual standards, an interesting topic that few of us know much about and wonderful characters living out the story.
A great read, I couldn't put it down. Read it in 2 days!
In my opinion, this is one of the best of all the books that Jodi Picoult has written. It is very informative about aspergers syndrome, and has a thread of mystery that runs through the book, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the end of the book draws near.
As usual, the ending totally surprised me!!!!
A great read.
As usual, the ending totally surprised me!!!!
A great read.
A little slow to start but once into it I couldn't wait to get to the ending. Provocative real-life struggles for those families with Aspie Kids.
Really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoy Picoult's writing, this book was interesting. This is not one of my favorites from her and it was a little long but the topic kept me interested. The book is about a boy with Aspergers Syndrome. You got to see how the characters interacted with each other and what they faced in the book. A little disappointing ending, if you like neat and tidy happy endings.
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
If you want to read her books in order:
Songs of the Humpback Whale
Harvesting the Heart
Picture Perfect
Mercy
The Pact
Keeping Faith
Plain Truth
Salem Falls
Perfect Match
Second Glance
My Sister's Keeper
Vanishing Acts
The Tenth Circle
Nineteen Minutes
Change of Hearts
Handle with Care
House Rules
Sing You Home
Wonderful book.
Absolutely captivating. I love the different voices of each character.
Hmmmm, a little bit of a preview of the Sandy Hook shootiings.
