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House Rules

Author : Hema Blog :TELL A STORY - MY WAY Date: 7/16/2012 11:40:00 AM

Summary:

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. But 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 directly in the spotlight. For Jacob's mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
Review:

If anything has been a deep read, with indepth information and strong emotions, it has to be this book by Jodi Picoult. This is my first book by Jodi Picoult and it shows that the author has meticulously researched and has poured in a lot of information. The author has entwined both the story and the concept into a inseparable story which justifies the title of the book. The author beautifully writes through Emma's thoughts, wanting Jacob to blend seemlessly with the world and Theo to leave a mark.

Though the plot is highly predictable, the author keeps us hooked by making us wait for the final judgement. But the story has an open ending and thats just an irritation towards the end. I cant help but wonder why no one asks Jacob who the murderer is. The case study may be gruesome but gives a lot of insight towards forensics. But what seems to be appropriate information for understanding and connecting with the emotions, becomes a bit boring when it gets too flooded.

The author gives each character its chapter, giving a better perspective of the world through their eyes. The author makes us relate to Emma, her painful life and her parent hood. I cant help but think of all those parents who are dealing with kids with special needs. All in all a good read, which burdens your heart and leaves you to accept the bitter truth of the ugly world (be it the murderers or the innocent children who are the victims of the vaccines).