Book Journey traveled to Vermont! (See updated map here)
Coffee and a book store combo in Vermont? Yes! At Seasoned Books and Bakery
532 pages audio: 19 hours and 55 minutes (chunkster!!!)
Cover Story: It works. While Jacob is actually quite a bit older than the boy pictured here – this could represent Jacob as a younger boy and his sense of isolation
HOUSE RULES is about Jacob Hunt, a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject – in his case, forensic analysis. He’s always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do…and he’s usually right. But then one day his tutor is found dead, and the police come to question him. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger’s – not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, inappropriate affect – can look a heck of a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel — and suddenly, Jacob finds himself accused of murder. HOUSE RULES looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way – but lousy for those who don’t.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
First let me get this out of the way. I adore Jodi Piccoult’s writing style. From the first time I read her with My Sister’s Keeper I knew I was on to a “must read” author. When I followed up with Nineteen Minutes and discovered lightning can strike twice and Jodi has once again glued my eyes to a book , I pursued her books like an addiction.
Piccoult writes a court case that makes you feel as thought you are sitting on the jury. In House Rules, I am introduced to wonderfully detailed characters such as Emma, single mother and sole bread winner for herself and her two sons, Jacob and Theo. Life did not turn out as planned for Emma when Jacob is diagnosed as having Asperger’s and with that announcement, Emma’s husband Henry departed soon after.
Theo is the younger brother but he doesn’t feel that way. He is always having to help out with Jacob and his plans are always put on the back burner when Jacob has a need. Which… in Theo’s opinion… is pretty much all the time.
We meet Oliver, a young and upcoming lawyer who is just starting out in an office/apartment. When Jacob is accused of murdering his tutor, Oliver is who Emma finds and who becomes very close to the family.
And then of course there is Jacob. I loved his character. Jacob has Asperger’s, in his own words he thinks it sounds funny, “Asperger’s. I mean, doesn’t it sound like a Grade Z cut of meat? Donkey on the barbecue?” Jacob is smart, and witty, but does not process relationships well. He takes everything at face value. If you say you are going to hit the hay, he will wonder where you are going to find hay and why you would hit it. He likes his routines:
- Monday: All food must be green
- Tuesday: All food must be red
- Wednesday: All food must be yellow
- His clothing is arranged by color
- The Crime Show he likes to watch is on at 4:30 and he will not miss it.
As odd as all this sounds. You have to love Jacob. On the audio – I loved the chapters that were his. He was always so matter of fact. He would dryly tell you why things were the way they were and he loved to make lists… and count…
All together, this incredibly character driven book knocked the ball out of the part. The characters were real, the crime left me up in the air throughout the entire book, I thought he couldn’t have done it, then later thought of course he did it, then I thought he was covering for someone else, then I went back tot here is no way he did it… and then back to – of course he did, but he didn’t know what he was doing.
An a+ read all the way until the end.
ahem.
Until the end.
Suddenly the whole story lined was wrapped up in the matter of minutes. When what happened finally came to light, the book made me think that author Jodi Piccoult suddenly looked at her watch and saw she was late for an appointment and signed off with a “The End.”
Listening to the last part of this audio while working in my office this week, when they announced that was the end of the audio I looked bewildered at my IPOD and said loudly, “No way!”
I don’t mean to discourage anyone from this read because as all Piccoult books it is incredibly powerful and the subject of Asperger’s was so informative that I was glad I had spent the time once again with the powerful mind of Jodi Piccoult.
I purchased this audio from audible.com
Book Journey 
Jodi Piccoult is an awesome writer, but I can understand what you are saying about the ending. I kind of felt the same way about the ending of Nineteen Minutes. Thanks for the great review…I’m sure I will be reading this one.
There was one other of hers that did that too Jo-Jo, but I cant recall which one. It was one of the more recent ones. I didn’t feel that way in Nineteen minutes, haven’t read that one in a few years now so maybe I would feel different if I read it again. I realize that some authors like for us to draw our own conclusions but the whole ordeal just wrapped up too neatly 🙂
I think other reviews have the same complaint. I’ll probably still read it. Maybe. I don’t know. I’ve read other books like that where it’s really good and then – you described it perfectly with the author looking at her watch – it just gets wrapped up and ends too soon. Frustrating.
I had seen those reviews too Lynne so was nervous of how this brilliant read could disappoint…. I was saddened to see it was true.
Lynne if you enjoy Piccoult I highly recommend the read – and I think you would really enjoy this from seeing the books that you (as well as I) enjoy.
I haven’t actually ever read a Jodi Picoult book, though this one has been on my “must read” list since I first heard about it. I’m sorry to hear that the ending left a little to be desired, but I’m glad you enjoyed it otherwise! I’ll definitely be picking it up, hopefully soon!
Corrine – you must read Piccoult – she is amazing! It was a bummer ending – but I cant write off the whole because of it – it was just too good.
Sounds like a great book, but I hate a rushed ending! Uggh. I will probably still read it, but thanks for the warning. At least I won’t feel so frustrated. Vermont is gorgeous. Come to Maine!
Hattie _ I think I need a book set in Maine – any suggestions? 🙂
Thanks for reviewing the audio version– I’m significantly more likely to get to this on audio than in written form. Hopefully having been warned about the ending will make it less frustrating.
The only other book of hers I’ve read is My Sister’s Keeper, which I really liked. Somehow, I’ve never followed up, though.
HI Laura! I was warned abut the ending too and it still surprised me. I guess I thought maybe people were just exaggerating how it ended but no… I think if the book itself would not have been so well done that the ending would not have bothered me so much.
There – I blame Jodi for writing a wonderful book…LOL 🙂
Yes, endings that are wrapped up too quickly leave the reader (or listener) feeling cheated.
It didn’t bother me a whole lot, but I can see your point.
BTW…probably should put the SPOILER ALERT button at the top of the post.
I’ve read the book, so no problem for me. And maybe everyone else scrolls down before they begin, but I didn’t.
Laurel – this isnt the spoiler alert. You have to click on the button to get the spoiler part 🙂
Oops, I guess the SPOILER ALERT is for material that you’ve posted elsewhere…my bad.
LOL Laurel 🙂
Great review! I felt the same way about the ending. I really came to care about the characters and the case and then I felt like I was cheated out of the ending. Oh, well. I still plan to continue reading Jodi Picoult’s books. I definitely liked this better than the last one I read, Change of Heart. After reading that one I didn’t even bother with Handle With Care. I may go back and read it another time.
I’ve only read My Sister’s Keeper, Nineteen Minutes, Change of Heart, and House Rules. I think My Sister’s Keeper is my favorite of hers.
Hi Christina – I read handle with Care and didnt like the ending of that one either – but that was more of an “oh no” ending that was just so sad.
I will continue reading Piccoult as well she is a fantastic writer. I think my favorite is Nineteen Minutes.
Honestly, the ending bothered me quite a bit as well. This was one of my favorites of Jodi’s books, but I was so disappointed by the last few chapters. You’re right, it was rushed. But I’m also thinking that the publisher probably gave her a minimum, a maximum, and a definite cutoff point. She only had so much to work with, I’m guessing. But nonetheless, a great book.
Good points Robby. I loved this book – I really liked the chapters that were Jacobs, it was so interesting to hear his take on everything going on.
I’m still anxious to read it. Of course my favorite was “My Sister’s Keeper”. (having had a transplant from my sister) I was disappointed when I heard the ending was changed in the movie and have not seen it yet.
I seen the movie Judy, it was done pretty well but yes, the ending was completely different. I read that Jodi Piccoult also was not happy about this.
Abrupt endings are always a disappointment, but never put me off reading an author, so this title will be staying on my wishlist.
Good LindylouMac – it is worth the read.
I find your comment about THE END very interesting. I have been noticing in more and more books lately that that is a problem. The author creates wonderful characters, writes a great, involving story, and then just seems to drop you.
Did they reach their page count and quit? They met the required number of words and stopped? Did they get tired of the story, and quit? Did they have another book to start, so finished this one quickly? Was it a case of OK the mystery is solved/the romance is complete, I’m done, no need to wrap things up or glide to a stop. Slam on the brakes and everybody out.
I am finding this in new authors as well as well established, good authors and I don’t understand. I really feel cheated. I have invested my time and interest in these characters and this story. I deserve to have the story finished. I don’t like the feeling that the author lost interest and didn’t care enough to finish the book properly. It really turns a top rated book into a less than good one. I don’t like the feeling that the author is taking advantage of their audience.
It still sounds like a good book. One I’d probably prefer to listen to. Better to be forewarned that I’ll be let down at the end.
It is a huge read/listen Pat. 532 pages – 19 hours and 55 minutes of audio. Yet it is so good it doesn’t seem long. I have no idea why the quick ending…
Please don’t yell at me, lol. But I not a huge Picoult fan. I loved My Sisters Keeper but it was probably because that was the first book so the ending was a surprise. After that I was very disappointed in her books. A lot of them I felt she had to add some dramatic ending that made absolutely no sense to the entire book and in others I felt the ending was rushed. I read Handle With Care and was so disappointed with the ending I swore off her books. I don’t think I will be reading this one either.
LOL Bobbie – I didnt like the ending of Handle With Care either and did not find that book to be her best work. I think I like the court cases and liked Grisham for the same reason 🙂
I am definitely adding this one to my list! I feel that every Picoult book has an interesting ending, so you’ve actually intrigued me to see what this one will do to me!! 🙂
Tif I would love to hear your opinion on this…. the read is so fantastic!
And, I would love to share it with you . . . once I get around to reading it!! My pile is truly horrendous these days!! 🙂
Totally agree with you Sheila, the ending was a total anticlimax. I laughed when I read you’re “no way” comment. I had the same reaction and flicked back thinking I had skipped pages LOL
I’m a huge Jodi Picoult fan, I’ve read every book of hers but was disappointed with the ending of this one and Handle with Care.
I agree on Handle With Care as well Teddyree. I hope she sees the overall comments on the books and is able to change that in future books. She is such an amazing writer I hate reading with a sense of dread for the ending – LOL 😀
This is exactly how I felt! It was great, up until the END! I’ll be honest, I pretty much had it figured out within the first few chapters, but I kept thinking…”oh, the ending is going to be great, it has to be.” Nope, a complete downer and a disappointment for me unfortunately. Sadly enough for me, this was my first read by her and it left a bad taste in my mouth, so it may be awhile before I try anything else by Picoult.
Oh thats too bad The1stdaughter – she is such an amazing author. If you do decide to give her another chance I can recommend a couple where I felt the endings were wonderful 🙂
I love Picoult books, too, and you named some of my favorites: My Sister’s Keeper and 19 Minutes (also Plain Truth and The Tenth Circle).
Her endings are often as you describe this one! Sometimes that surprise twist works and sometimes it doesn’t.
I just read and reviewed an excellent middle-grade novel written from the perspective of a 12-year old boy with autism (Anything But Typical), and I’m looking forward to reading House Rules.
Thanks for the review!
Sue
Hi Sue! I cant recall Plain Truth – I know I have it. I did enjoy The Tenth Circle as well…. what an interesting and unusual read!
There seems like there is a lot of books now about autism. I have read a few that I have enjoyed and learned from 🙂
Love your detailed review of House Rules by Jodi Picoult. I must, must read it. Thanks.
Thanks Tea 🙂