Author: Jodi Picoult
532 pages in paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Copyright: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7432-9644-1
About the Author
Jodi Picoult is an American writer who has authored over 26 novels and short stories, many of which are in print worldwide and translated into over 34 languages. Visit her website at JodiPicoult.com
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Summary
House Rules explores the story of Jacob Hunt, an 18-year-old child with Asperger’s syndrome, his younger brother Theo, and mother Emma.
There is something very familiar about Jacob. Every time I read his words, thoughts, or mannerisms, I cannot help but think of Sheldon Cooper, one of the main characters from the show “The Big Bang Theory”.
And just like Sheldon, Jacob is not fully aware of social cues. Unlike Sheldon, he loves forensic science, and he takes every opportunity to read, watch, and learn more about the science.
Jacob often acts younger and more immature than Theo. And Theo has to support and assist Jacob. And although Theo loves his brother, he longs for a friendship that eludes him because of his association with Jacob.
Because of his condition, Jacob is honest to a fault. He follows a strict daily routine. And a set of house rules ingrained in them by mother Emma. In a truly literal sense. And if he cannot follow these set routines, he reacts in a way that only a mother can understand.
So when someone commits a crime, his behavior makes him a person of interest.
Recommendation
This is the third Jodi Picoult book I have read, and like most, it starts a little slow for me. The problem with setting up the story. Thankfully, the pace picks up, and I spend more time reading, wondering what will happen next and whether it matches my guess. You make assumptions about the direction of the story, and part of the enjoyment is finding out whether you are right, or if the story heads in a totally unexpected direction.
I enjoyed the book. Each chapter presents a character’s perspective, and although certain events are predictable, the story holds my attention well enough.
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