Fiction Addiction

Do librarians know books? Yes! Check out the latest fiction reviews from an Indiana librarian!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

House Rules by Jodi Picoult


I have enjoyed reading Jodi Picoult's books previously and this one is no exception. In fact I'd say it was one of the best that she has done.
Picoult always has interesting characters and situations in her work. In this one the subject of Asperger's syndrome is central to the story. Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy who suffers from this. He has a younger brother Theo who feels less important because their single mother Emma spends most of her time dealing with Jacob's issues.
The story takes off when Jacob is accused of the murder of his tutor Jess, a graduate student who Jacob is close to. The book keeps you guessing as to what really happened. Jess has a boyfriend, Mark, who admits to shoving Jess around. Jacob's brother Theo has his own secret concerning Jess.
What I particularily liked was how the book was written. It was told in alternating chapters of Jacob, Emma, Theo , Oliver-Jacob's attorney and Rich the detective that is assigned to Jess's murder case. At one point it appeared that the only ones without a motive for Jess's murder were Emma and Oliver.
In addition to being a "mystery" there is a lot of information about Asperger's syndrome and how hard it is for people who suffer from it to function in society. I do have to warn you, if you start to read this book plan on staying up late to finish it. As the book reached the climax I couldn't put it down and also wished it didn't have to end. Great read!

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home