Name: House Rules
Rating: 3.946808510638298 (94 reviews)
ISBN: 9781444754421

Jodi Picoult

She expects other people not to understand. She expects the stares and whispers. She even expects trouble with the police. But she doesn't expect Jacob to be charged with murder. And when all the hallmarks of your son's condition - his tics, his inappropriate actions, his inability to look you in the eye - can be read as guilt; when you cannot put your hand on your heart and swear he is innocent . . . How can you help your child then?

House Rules

a novel

House rules

sash.

Read it or don't read it is the question. It was a quick read on the weekend. I'd say read it if you're looking for a quick, satisfying read.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and the modern classics My Sister’s Keeper, The Storyteller, and more, comes a “complex, compassionate, and smart” (The Washington Post) novel about a family torn apart by a murder accusation. When your son can’t look you in the eye…does that mean he’s guilty? Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger’s syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. He has a special focus on one subject—forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he’s always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he’s usually right. But when Jacob’s small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob’s behaviors are hallmark Asperger’s, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are thrust directly in the spotlight. For Jacob’s mother, it’s a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, it’s another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And for the frightened small town, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder? House Rules is “a provocative story in which [Picoult] explores the pain of trying to comprehend the people we love—and reminds us that the truth often travels in disguise” (People).

A Novel

Jodi Picoult is now officially one of my new favorite authors. Her stories always have a way of hooking and pulling readers into the story and I loved how she used this in order to raise awareness for Asperger’s and autism. I also loved how raw the emotions were in the perspectives of Emma and Theo. At first, I thought it would be Rich and Emma that would be endgame yet Oliver and Emma’s chemistry was impeccable! Jacob and Jess’ relationship (especially the way he had a crush on her) reminded me of Sam and Julia from Atypical. 

The only thing I disliked about this is where we’re kept in the dark about the verdict. Since aside from finding out what really happened to Jess, we were also anticipating on how the jury and the justice system would deal with someone with Jacob’s condition on trial.

Gabriella Parker

Jodi Picoult is now officially one of my new favorite authors. Her stories always have a way of hooking and pulling readers into the story and I loved how she used this in order to raise awareness for Asperger’s and autism. I also loved how raw the emotions were in the perspectives of Emma and Theo. At first, I thought it would be Rich and Emma that would be endgame yet Oliver and Emma’s chemistry was impeccable! Jacob and Jess’ relationship (especially the way he had a crush on her) reminded me of Sam and Julia from Atypical. 

The only thing I disliked about this is where we’re kept in the dark about the verdict. Since aside from finding out what really happened to Jess, we were also anticipating on how the jury and the justice system would deal with someone with Jacob’s condition on trial.

Marisa Eikenberry

My favorite Jodi Picoult book so far. I love how we had a glimpse at what it's like from Jacob's point of view. So far, it seems like usually we don't get a glimpse from the child's POV until the end. I love that his was throughout the entire novel. I also love how I could really see the struggle and feel what was being described. I would highly recommend this book.

House Rules

Reviews

Highlights