House Rules: A Novel
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).
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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).
schleppenheimer –
The heart of this book was absolutely right
I’ve just finished reading “House Rules” and I can’t remember enjoying a book this much in a long time.First of all, I’ve never read Jodi Picoult books before, so this was a fun “first.”Secondly, I’m the mother of a son on the autism spectrum, and so I highly connected with the mother, Emma.As a result, I’m like the perfect target audience for this book.I’ve read a few other somewhat negative reviews of this book. Yes, there is some repetitive information on Asperger’s. Yes, the main character, Jacob, would appear to have EVERY SINGLE TRAIT POSSIBLE for the Asperger’s diagnosis. Having said this, if you are not picking apart the few technical defects of the book, and are along for the ride, this is a highly enjoyable book. I was most definitely along for the ride. Also, having most, if not all of the characteristics of asperger’s helped the fictional aspect of Jacob — it really helped to move the story along. Is it absolutely a realistic rendition of an asperger’s person? Maybe not. But then again, that would be pretty hard, because people who have Aspergers are as varied as any neuro-typical person would be.For one thing, if supposedly Ms. Picoult overdid the characterization of Jacob, she was spot on with the characterization of the mother. I can tell you from experience — every single emotion that Emma experienced, I have experienced. My son is not as “out of the norm” as Jacob, but much of the experience of raising my son is similar to that experience of raising Jacob, both the highs and the lows. In fact, I was reading one part of Emma’s musings, and I didn’t realize that tears were coming to my eyes, I so much related to her.The mystery part of the story was great. Even Oliver, the lawyer, was good — not so much for the lawyering part, but for the relationship he had with Jacob. There are always a few people who just “get” our children, and man, when they do, NOTHING is better than that. Oliver was a good rendition of the people who do understand. Also, Jess, the therapist, was a really good character. Her first lesson with Jacob is absolutely GOLD, best rendition of that sort of experience I have ever read.So, yes, I highly recommend this book. Maybe it wouldn’t be quite as enjoyable for those who don’t have some experience with somebody on the spectrum, but it was pretty interesting stuff from my point of view. I can always tell a good book when I am envisioning what the movie would be like — and I did that all the way through this read.
Amazon Customer –
Picoult successfully tackles another subject.
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 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.
Jennifer Sandell –
From a fan
I have read some reviews on this site and others that state that Ms. Picoult misrepresents Aspberger’s and that she may think she’s an expert because of the research she does. All I have to say to that is that Ms. Picoult is a novelist and a very talented one at that; any misrepresentation. I’m sure is unintentional. I for one, appreciate her commitment to research. She does not have to fully understand Autism, or Autism spectrum disorder because she is a writer, not a Physician!! Ms Picoult does a masterful job of writing about a serious, weighty subjects in a way that appeals to the masses. Jodi writes so that her readers may have an active reading experience. I felt Emma’s frustration about the way people deal with her son, Jacob. Emma wants what is best for Jacob, so she says things like: “There is no cure for Autism, so we treat the symptoms.” This is not said to anger those people with Asperger’s who think that the rest of us think there should be a treatment, or that Aspberger’s is some terrible disease that desperately needs treating. Jodi writes like a mother because she is a mother and she wants the reader to have an understanding of her characters because they are just like her family members. I always picture Jodi as the mother in her books and therefore I am not as critical of her writing. I was so angry during parts of the book that I could barely stand it, yet I had to keep reading. That is what a good book does–it makes you think long after you turn the last page.
Studio M Productions, Ontario –
For those with aspergers, I am appreciative of authors who write to give better insight and understanding. This story is recommended to all readers who wonder what it is like, but don’t want to learn the clinical descriptions or traits. This will captivate you heart and your interest. Thank you Jodi.
User123 –
It’s a very interesting read which will keep you hooked till the end. Apart from being good entertainment this book provides an insight into the lives of people having Asperger and their families. The book has a very easy to read language, something one can pick up when not really in a mood for serious literature, but at the same time, it is a very educational one.
Lincs Reader –
Where to start?? My first recommendation to anyone starting to read Jodi Picoult’s latest novel; ‘House Rules’ is to give yourself some good solid reading time, don’t, like I did, attempt to read it in a few snatched 30 minutes here and there. I really struggled with the first 100 pages or so by doing that, however, once I had settled down on a two hour train journey and could devote my time completely to this engrossing and compelling book it all came together beautifully.There is no doubt that Jodi has spent an extraordinary amount of time researching Asperger’s and CSI procedures. Not only does she explain the clinical aspects of Asperger’s but she has captured the effects of the syndrome so perfectly well, not only for the person with Asperger’s but also, and even more importantly in the context of this story, on the people who live with and love that person. Anyone who knows a person with Asperger’s will find themselves nodding in agreement so many times during this story as they recognise a behavioural trait that Jacob displays.To the story – Jacob is 18 years old and has Asperger’s. He has a very high IQ, he is funny and he is obsessed by forensics, he has been known to creep out of the house and visit crime scenes that he has been alerted to when listening in on his Police scanner. He has often solved the crimes before the Police investigators. Jacob lives with his mother Emma and his younger brother Theo. Emma is a single parent whose husband left years ago, Theo is a regular teenage boy who doesnt have Asperger’s – he is neurotypical. He loves Jacob but is frustrated constantly by the effect that Jacob’s condition has on the family.Emma has dedicated her life to ensuring that Jacob is able to be mainstreamed in school, all of their money is spent on extra supplements and medications. There are strict living conditions – all based around Jacobs’s beliefs. Each day follows a specific colour, for example, Friday is blue day – only blue food and only blue clothes.There are certain House Rules – the two most important being; ‘Don’t Lie’ and ‘Look after your brother, he’s the only one you have.’ It is these two rules that are the backbone of the story.When Jacob’s tutor Jess goes missing and is then found dead, covered in Jacob’s quilt, he is the immediate suspect.The story is narrated in turns by Jacob, Emma and Theo and also Oliver; the young inexperienced lawyer that takes on Jacob’s defence and also briefly by Rich – the arresting Police Officer.To go into any more detail would give away the plot, all I can say is that the writing is engaging and totally believable. The frustration of Emma, and her love for her sons. The isolation and neediness of Theo and the clear, lateral thinking of Jacob. Jacob often comes across as self-absorbed as his thinking is so lateral – he can’t lie, he doesnt understand people and his total self-obsorption and flatness is masterfully portrayed.Very powerful, at times very disturbing and shows just how much we take for granted and assume, how we judge people from their behaviours, how strange our language is and how much of a battle life can be for people who have Asperger’s and those who love and care for them.
Tainia –
El libro está bien pero se hace muy largo. Con 150 páginas menos hubiera estado mejor, la parte del juicio es eterna innecesariamente.
Amazon Customer (B.F.) –
Ho un figlio Asperger. Il libro descrive molto bene i problemi della sindrome e i personaggi di Jacob e di Emma sono ben delineati e le loro vicende credibili. Non mi è piaciuta la ridondante esposizione dei sintomi e delle problematiche, mi pare troppo insistita e ripetuta com’è in ogni contesto. Non mi piace il finale indefinito. Ma perché nessuno pone a Jacob domande precise sull’accaduto?