House Rules: A Novel

I think I'm done with Jodi Picoult - the last couple of books have been pretty universally predictable and varying degrees of terrible culminating in this one which is just awful. After 200 pages of agony I gave myself permission to abandon this. I won't be reading her again.

Note to Ms. Picoult:

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writing from the perspectives of multiple characters is a good device if pulled off correctly. If you can manage to capture the different voices and different nuances of multiple characters you will provide the reader with a wonderful experience. Please be aware that this requires more than changing the font for each character and that doing so while providing no other way for the reader to tell they are hearing from different people is just lazy and insulting. Also, not all mothers of the disabled are selfless paragons of virtue and even the ones who are aren't.

Enough.

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As I started reading it, I thought it was pretty engrossing. But after I've reached the middle, I've started running out of patience. The real reason behind Jess Ogilvy's death was clear as day, and Picoult was still trying to drag it along and put in elements that she thought would confuse the

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reader. I give her credit for a brilliant writing style, but beyond that, the plot was banal and the book could have been shorter. There were just too many imperfections in the plot.

In addition, there was the incredibly inaccurate representation of autism. I am autistic myself, and I've had the chance to meet about 100 people on the spectrum. The rote memory thing is overexaggerated; people on the spectrum can usually remember phrases from movies, or even entire dialogues if movies happen to be their special interest, but never in my life have I met somebody who can recite full passages and phrases from anywhere the way Jacob could in this book. In addition, his sensory issues were brought to the extreme. An autistic kid could have the food color preference, or dislike for wearing buttoned shirts, OR dislike for orange clothing, but a combination of all of these things in an adult autistic individual are VERY unlikely to the degree that Jacob had these things (and I say that because I personally have not met or read about anyone like that, but I'm pretty confident that you will not find a single autistic adult who mainfests these behaviours to such an extent!). Same thing with the meltdowns - I've worked with low-functioning autistics who had the meltdowns at the similar frequency as Jacob was described having them, but never someone with Asperger's, because as an individual with Asperger's grows up, they learn to control their behaviour. There were a few places in the book where Jacob did not understand something very simple, that completely contradicted the other places in the book where he was depicted as pretty intelligent.

There was very little character development, which made the book even more dull. The only thing about the main characters that has changed throughout the book is that Emma and Oliver develop feelings for each other. Henry's arrival could also be considered as character development, but the timing of it was so uncanny that it was extremely unrealistic.

Overall, while reading this book, I felt like I had to tread through a pile of cardboard and paper that, although belonging to the same category, is arranged in a disarray. The only way to improve this novel would be to write it anew, just like used cardboard and paper junk cannot be turned into nice and smooth paper without being recycled.

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Another Picoult book and I must say another disappointment. I love the first 200 pages of this book as I do with most of her books. After the first 200 pages I feel they all become the same. I think she researches well, and understands her topic very well but makes her characters fit every bit of

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research that she does. I have two children on the Autistic Spectrum; I think she tried so hard to explain to her audience about these children that she did a disservice to the millions of people who are on the spectrum. Poor Jacob seemed to have every Autistic and Asperger trait to the nth degree. Most kids on the spectrum have some of the traits, some mild and some more severe. Even though my children essentially have the same diagnosis they are polar opposites. It would have been nice if there were more children in Jacob’s social skills classes that were on the spectrum and there she could have showed how not all children with this disorder are the same. One of my fears is if people who know nothing about Autism read this book they are going to think that all children / adults on the spectrum act like Jacob and that’s not true. They all have their strengths and weakness just like everybody.
Ms. Picoult writes very meaningful passages. The most meaningful to me came at the beginning of the book when she wrote:
“They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there’s a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else but truly doesn’t know how.”
We live this every day with our children and nothing is truer. Another passage that I thought was wonderful was when Jacob explained people dying in the following words:
When someone dies, it feels like the hole in your gum when a tooth falls out. You can chew, you can eat, you have plenty of other teeth but your tongue keeps going back to that empty place, where all the nerves are still a little raw.
Another passage that I particular liked was:
Real mothers don’t just listen with humble embarrassment to the elderly lady who offers unsolicited advice in the checkout line when a child is throwing a tantrum. We take the child, dump him in the lady’s cart, and say “Great , Maybe you can do a better job.
This situation actually happened to me when my son was three and by the time we reached the checkout he was overwhelmed and having a breakdown. I wish I handled the situation better than just quickly walking away embarrassed.
So although I did enjoy the beginning of this book I have very mixed feelings.

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In House Rules, Picoult introduces a character with Asperger's Syndrome who is obsessed with forensic analysis. When his tutor turns up dead, he becomes a prime suspect in the murder. There are two ways you might judge this novel: 1) As a murder mystery, 2) As a glimpse into the life of people with

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Asperger's Syndrome.

I solved the murder mystery before Jacob (the character with Asperger's) was arrested. I assumed Picoult did not mean to keep the solution to the murder a secret because it seemed so obvious. The novel moved forward for me because I wanted to see the repercussions of other characters discovering the truth about the murder, not because I needed to find out for myself. I was disappointed, then, when the solution to the case ended up being Picoult's trademark end-of-book twist. The book ends right after readers find out what really happened. There is no explanation of how this revelation changes things for any of the characters. Consequently, I felt as if all the threads that kept me interested were left unresolved.

How, then, does the book measure up as a portrait of Asperger's? On the one hand, Picoult has clearly done her research, and there are many long explanations from each of the characters about what it means to have Asperger's. Unfortunately, there is more "telling" about the disease than "showing." Yes, we see Jacob's outbursts. But the novel is weighted toward characters discussing Jacob and remembering life with him rather than demonstrating Asperger's through plot. Furthermore, Jacob's chapters seem to contradict some of what we hear about his syndrome. He is extremely self-aware in his first-person narratives. I had trouble believing that a character who was so self-aware would make the decisions and mistakes Jacob made surrounding the murder.

Overall, House Rules was not painful, but it is not a book I would recommend. (If you want an excellent book about a character with autism, try The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time).

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The idea behind this book was great as it no doubt helped spread awareness about Asbergers. Unfortunately, Jodi Picoult seems to be falling into a pattern of formulaic writing which makes her more recent novels less captivating.

Oh Jodi, Jodi....Where do I start with this? I'm a huge JP fan. Ever since I first read Nineteen Minutes a few years ago, I was hooked. I went on to read every single one of JP's novels out there and have kept up ever since. Now that she's become incredibly popular, JP has been putting out a new

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book ever year. This strategy is a common one by publishers to keep an author's fan base, but unfortunately, many authors' books start to suffer from quality issues due to this practice. The books become thicker, editors seem to become lazier and everyone rushes just to get the next book out. I'm afraid that my beloved JP's recent work has fallen (at least somewhat) into this trap. House Rules is no exception.

House Rules follows JP's typical blueprint. It tells the story of a mother, Emma, whose son has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. He is accused of committing murder and taken to trial. There are several family and moral issues that are tossed around, the viewpoint jumps between several characters, the plot includes a little twist and there's even a sprinkle of romance. With all these trademark JP items, what could go wrong? Well, there's the fact that this does follow JP's blueprint almost too perfectly, particularly the fact that it feels a great deal like My Sister's Keeper, the fact that there is no mystery here (we pretty much know exactly what happened from the beginning), the fact that some reviewers have criticized Picoult's portrayal of Asperger's Syndrome, stating that the entire crux of her plot about Asperger's is false (I don't have any personal experience with this, so I really don't know) and -the worst part -the fact that House Rules doesn't have an ending. You heard me right folks -no ending. The major plot points are not resolved and the verdict never comes. The book just seems to end because Picoult couldn't figure out how she wanted to end it.

I wouldn't say that House Rules is a complete loss though. Picoult's writing skill shines through at several points and once the story gets going, it's pretty interesting. I think there really is a good story in here, but it got a little obscured through poor editing and some recycled elements. I wouldn't say that this book turned me off on JP, but it makes me wonder if this slide in quality will continue...

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Jacob Hunt is an 18-year-old with Asperger's. Jess, his social skills tutor, is found dead and Jacob is charged with her murder.

The book has multiple narrators: Jacob; Emma, Jacob's mother; Theo, Jacob's brother; Rich, the detective; and Oliver, Jacob's lawyer. This narrative technique allows for

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full development of the characters. This creation of round characters is the novel's strong suit; unfortunately, it is the book's only strength.

Jacob has every possible Asperger's characteristic to an extreme degree. He is highly intelligent but has definite quirks. For example, he requires a strict adherence to order and routine, is unable to make eye contact, lacks empathy and fixates on subjects (e.g. forensic science). I am not an expert on autism or Asperger's but I have taught students with the latter, and Picoult seems to have given Jacob every possible Asperger's trait.

The author seems focused on educating the reader about this syndrome. The problem is that there is so much sermonizing that the flow of the narrative is continuously interrupted. Picoult seems to have an Asperger's fixation!

Besides the didactic tone, there are other weaknesses. Jacob's behaviour at the crime scene, which ultimately leads to his being charged, is understandable only because of a coincidence so enormous that it's impossible for a perceptive reader to suspend disbelief. Furthermore, the reader is expected to believe that no one, neither the mother, or the detective or the lawyer, asks Jacob to detail what happened the night of Jess's death. This conversation never takes place despite everyone repeatedly being told that Jacob is incapable of lying, although questions must be worded carefully because he is so literal in his interpretations. A reticence to ask difficult questions is understandable, but not to do so in Jacob's circumstances is not. Picoult's use of this weak ploy to create suspense indicates her lack of sophistication as a writer.

Skip this diatribe on Asperger's. Anyone interested in the subject would be better to read "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon.

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Picoult does it once again for me, by taking another controversial subject to view from different perspectives. Jacob Hunt is the young man with Aspberger's Syndrome in the story and we get a glimpse as to how this disease has affected his family as different chapters are narrated by various

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characters within the novel.

I loved the chapters that were narrated by Jacob. All that I really know about Aspberger's is what I have learned on television, so it was fascinating to see things from Jacob's logical viewpoint. I think because of the disease I found myself looking at Jacob as if he were a child, but at eighteen years old he is more of a young man. Jacob's lack of social skills obviously keep him in a childlike state and although he will be able to minimally function in society, he will more than likely need care for the rest of his life.

Currently, the care provider role falls upon his mother Emma's shoulders. When Jacob was diagnosed with Aspberger's at an early age, his father admitted defeat and walked out on his family, leaving Emma with all the responsibilities of raising two young boys, one needing exceptional care. After much research about the disease, Emma hones her schedules and menus to keep things as smoothly flowing for Jacob as possible. Being a single parent, you can only imagine how difficult it would be under these circumstances to be sure that you are offering adequate parental love and guidance to the child that does not have any medical issues.

Theo is Jacob's younger brother who longs to live a normal family life. He doesn't want to worry about eating certain colored foods on specific days, or making sure that Jacob is home at 4:30 to watch his favorite television show. While Theo acts out in his own way in search of the perfect family life, he also worries about when the day will come when he will be expected to be his brothers care provider.

Everything within this novel spins out of control when Jacob's social skills tutor is found dead. When suspicion is turned towards Jacob, the organized world that he knows comes to an end. While Emma knows how these changes will negatively affect Jacob, she finds herself having to think of ways to keep some order and logic to his world.

I truly enjoyed this novel that had us take a close look at how the legal system would deal with a similar situation under such unfortunate circumstances. With themes of honesty, justice, Aspberger's, and family this book made a great book club selection and I'm sure it would be a great novel to pick up for leisure reading also.

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I really like Jodi Picoult's novels, but this is not her best. It was too long, probably because I saw the ending coming from the beginning.

Picoult uses her favorite narrative technique of telling the story from the perspectives of the main characters. It works for this book as there wouldn't be

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another way to get inside Jacob's thoughts. Jacob has Asperger's Syndrome which means he is a high functioning autistic person.

I didn't get why Theo, Jacob's brother, never spoke up, and I really didn't get why Emma never just asked Jacob what happened. Jacob can't lie, a symptom of his Asperger's, so why not just ask? The story wasn't bad, but it could have been about half as long, especially since the resolution happened so quickly.

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House Rules is the most disappointing Jodi Picoult book I've read. It is clear that she has done her research and that she cares about the topic (it is painfully clear throughout this book that she herself is a mother of sons). But that does not mean that she should put all of those facts and

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feelings into a Yahtzee cup and use every piece in the order in which they fell.
In Picoult's Change of Heart, we really get to know the ACLU lawyer Maggie. Who she is, her personal AND professional struggle with the case. This is not so with Oliver in House Rules. We know so little about him and how past relationships (heartbreak? heartbreaker? loving parents?) that he almost comes across as a creepy, broke young lawyer with no talent, no passion, and an overcharged sex drive for a lonely, single mother.

But...I am so glad I read this book. Getting inside the head of a person with Asperger's Syndrome is an important step for all people to take. This way, we can all be sensitive to the behaviors and feelings of others. Perhaps this could be a must-read for high school students?

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Not her best work but still a good read. Didn't like the ending, guessed it about halfway through. I do like how the story was told from all the different character's viewpoints.

House Rule = Take care of your brother. He's the only one you'll ever have. Jacob is an 18 year old boy with Asberger's Syndrome. He is extremely smart, obsessed with forensic science and has no idea how to communicate or relate to the outside world, a trait common to people with autism. His

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younger brother, Theo, loves his brother but struggles with the fact that his whole life is affected by his brother's illness. When Jacob's social skills tutor is murdered, Jacob is arrested and his trial impacts his entire family.

Picoult's novels usually deal with a controversial issue and she tells the story from many points of view. This novel is about a young man with Asberger's Syndrome who must navigate the complexities of the U.S. Court system...a system that is not user-friendly to people with mental disorders, especially one such as autism. I had a hard time putting the book down and learned a lot about autism in the process. Highly recommended.

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Very interesting story, but could be more suspensful.

Jodi Picoult has a talent for shedding light on a social issue by wrapping it up in a suspenseful drama. In House Rules, Jacob, an 18-year old with Asperger’s Syndrome is accused of murder. His obsession with forensics has already put him on the police department’s radar. His inability to

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communicate well, his inability to look people in the eye, his ticks and quirks all make him suspect. As the story unfolds, the author shifts the point of view in each chapter, giving us the perspective of all involved: Jacob, his family, his lawyer, the detective, even the victim.

This fast-moving novel offers insights into the ways Asperger’s Syndrome effects an individual and the people close to him. It would be appropriate for older teens and adults interested in understanding the syndrome. I would warn readers that the forensic details are gruesome at times.

From a literary perspective, it is not Picoult’s best work. It seems as if she recycled the formula that worked so well in Nineteen Minutes, but failed to achieve the same level of subtlety and complexity.

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Unbelievable but not something to throw across the room in frustration.

The ending was a bit anti-climatic, and the book was dragged out a bit toward the end, but I still enjoyed the book over all. Interesting topic, learned a lot about autism, aspergers syndrome and the possible link between autism and vaccines.

Loved this book. The ending was tough but realistic. Caused me to do a lot of thinking about what I would do in that situation.

I love Jodi Picoult, but if I didn't love one of her books, I'd tell you. I didn't love the end, so it didn't quite get 5. As usual, had me thinking long after I'd closed the book. What if my child had a disability (Asberger's) and was accused of a crime...technically, he's an adult, and

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technically he seems "normal," but he's not. I loved, as she often does, the "voices" of the characters switching back and forth. You see a side of things you might normally miss.

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Picoult resorts to a familiar formula - two siblings, one with a health problem, and a legal battle. This time the problem is Asperger's which Picoult explores ad nauseum, the legal battle is lackluster, and the conclusion is neither shocking nor satisfying.

Jodi Picoult has always been one of my favorite authors. Her characters are always developed to the point where you really know them...House Rules is no exception.

This is the story Jacob, an 18-year old boy with Asperger's,his single mother, Emma, and his 15-year old brother, Theo. The reader is

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shown the life of a family and how they cope with Jacob's condition. With Jacob being sensitive to noise, touch, and certain colors, and living a life filled with order and schedules, daily life isn't easy for Emma and Theo. When Jacob is accused of murder, the task of trying to get the jury to understand Jacob and his lack of emotion falls to Oliver, a lawyer hired by Emma.

The story is good, the characters are believable, and the information included about Asperger's enlightened me about a condition I previously knew little about.

Read this!

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Loved this book...a tale of a single mom & her two sons. More or less, a tale of two brothers and a murder that they are both touched by. Great mystery...figured it out about halfway through but it still kept me interested. Good ending but wish I would have had a little more details (can't say more

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without revealing too much.)

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Another great book by Jodi Picoult. This time Jodi writes about a young man with Asberger's Syndrome (a less severe form of Autism). Jodi is an amazing storyteller and I love that I had no idea how the book would end until I reached that last page!

I love Jodi Picoult's books, and this is no exception. The thing I like best about them is that they are so gripping I am always wanting to read "just one more chapter", I also like the way each chapter unfolds the story from a different characters viewpoint. This author is always easy to read and

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I have never read a work by here I did not enjoy

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Jodi Picoult addresses the issue of a young man named Jacob, who has Asperger's and is accused of a crime. This story is told through the eyes of five different narrators. Emma-Jacob's mother who is raising Jacob and Theo alone, Theo-his brother, Rich-the detective involved in the case,

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Oliver-Jacob's attorney, and Jacob himself. It really gives insight as to how both Aspergers and the crime affected each person. I was a bit worried when I saw there were 5 narrators but the story flowed very well between each narrator and was very easy to follow. It made the story even more interesting to me to have five different viewpoints of what was happening. I felt as though Emma and Theo were just as much prisoners as Jacob. They were trapped in this world of making Jacob's life as easy for him as possible from keeping a strict schedule to eating foods of a certain color on specific days. However, as a mother I could imagine doing the same for one of my own children if put in the same situation. I could feel their frustrations in dealing with Jacob and making him understand the process in which he was about to go through. Jacob has a love for solving crimes and forensics ironically but he is not able to grasp what being accused of a crime means for him. Jodi had me questioning whether it is right to prosecute someone who has Aspergers of a crime such as murder. Will the defendant know what he is being accused of and have an understanding of right and wrong? Many questions do arise during this book that are interesting for discussion. I think it would be a great book for book clubs. Jodi Picoult's novels are always powerful and seem to address controversial issues. This one does not disappoint. This was a page turner for me. It kept me guessing until the very end.

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