House Rules

Today I have another book review to share with you, I think this might become a staple part of this blog as long as I have good books to share. : )

Since I teach middle school Language Arts I have had a tendency to read a lot of YA fiction. Much of which has been great, but this last year a book club started up at my school and I've really been enjoying getting my hands on some books other than YA. My mom loaned me House Rules by Jodi Picoult a few years back, and I guiltily kept it unread on my book shelf. I had just finished this month's book club book and couldn't wait to start another book, so I picked this one up.

In the past I went through a big Jodi Picoult phase. I read My Sister's Keeper, then went on to devour anything else by Jodi Picoult I could get my hands on. For those that aren't familiar with her books or style, Picoult option writes about hot topics, most books involves court cases of some kind, and she writes for the voice of many different characters in the book, each chapter taking on a new characters perspective to help continue telling the story.

 House Rules follows this same style. The story begins by introducing us to Jacob Hunt, a teenager with Asperber's Syndrome. He also happens to have a huge fascination with Criminology and crime scene investigation. Shortly into the story Jacob's life skills tutor ends up dead and Jacob is accused of the crime. The question is: did he do it?

In this gripping page turner we hear the story told through his mother's point of view. Jacob's father left shortly after he was diagnosed with Asperger's as a child, so she's been going it alone for years, taking care of both Jacob and his brother, Theo.

Chapters are also told by Theo, with the perspective of what it's like to be a sibling to a child with special needs.

We also hear from Jacob's lawyer, Oliver Bond, who is scared to ask Jacob if he really did it, fearful to hear the answer.

Lastly we hear the story told by Rick Madsen, the lead detective on the case. He's working to put the pieces together, which is much easier said than done.

House Rules is definitely not a light read, but deals with real issues. Did Jacob do it, and if so, can he be held accountable due to his Asperber's Syndrome? If you're looking for a new book to read, I would highly suggest picking up House Rules by Jodi Picoult.