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 …
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).
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One of my favorite authors. Always thought provoking.
Thought I read this book a few years ago, I still remember it vividly. It’s one of those that will stay with you forever!
This book actually scared me because it’s the kind of thing that could happen in any family at any time. Jodi Picoult has a way of making the mundane, average life take an awful twist into a worst possible scenario.
This is in my top 5 favorite books of all time! Definitely a must read!
Professionally, I know a lot about the main subject of this book. Jodi Picoult is terrific in making this a realistic look at these issues. Her characters are so well done and the story was fascinating.
This book was very good but it was difficult. All of Jodi’s books touch on controversial subjects that make you examine how you feel about what she has written. Some stay with you long after you have finished reading them.
House Rules was beautifully written about the main character with Asbergers. With a loved one who also has this diagnosis, and because I am a mental health professional, this book has really resonated with me. I feel that it was well written and also offered unique insight and a fitting perspective that shines light on what living with Asbergers …