From the #Goodreads Pile: Book Review of House Rules by Jodi Picoult
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A friend of mine recently suggested that since I read a lot of books, I should start sharing reviews. She pointed out that I read more books in a week than some people read in a year, so I’m in a unique position to recommend.
I do adore reading. As Will Ferrell’s character in Elf would say, “Reading is my favorite!”
So, I’m happy to share with you some of the books I’ve read recently and enjoyed (and yes, I’ll share a few that I haven’t so much enjoyed). Today? Jodi Picoult’s House Rules.
As some of you know, I teach high school. A few times in my life, I have been privileged to work with the differently abled. One of my favorite students ever was a student with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). He loved music, and every day in class I’d sing Disney songs to him. His favorite was “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty. I’d sing and we’d all waltz around the classroom.
I’ve had a handful of autistic students in class and I’ve worked with a few others. What has always struck me as terribly sad is how misunderstood autism is (and various other disorders on the spectrum, like Asperger’s). Many people simply cannot comprehend how life is for a person suffering from autism–and they definitely can’t wrap their brains around how life is for the longsuffering family members who must learn to deal with the quirks and foibles of an autistic brother or sister.
Picoult’s novel House Rules is a suspense-filled page-turner that’s told in a series of point-of-view changes. One chapter might be narrated by the protagonist, another by his brother, and then the next by his mother. It gives a unique perspective into the lives of a family gripped by autism while also spinning a yarn that will leave you frantically turning pages in search of the answer to “whodunnit”.
I loved the novel, although it made me deeply sad. She did an amazing job of portraying the protagonist and the struggles and frustrations of his mother and brother. If you’re looking for a fantasy or escape, this isn’t the novel for you, but it’s a beautiful and compelling read.
Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035G08QM/...
A friend of mine recently suggested that since I read a lot of books, I should start sharing reviews. She pointed out that I read more books in a week than some people read in a year, so I’m in a unique position to recommend.
I do adore reading. As Will Ferrell’s character in Elf would say, “Reading is my favorite!”
So, I’m happy to share with you some of the books I’ve read recently and enjoyed (and yes, I’ll share a few that I haven’t so much enjoyed). Today? Jodi Picoult’s House Rules.
As some of you know, I teach high school. A few times in my life, I have been privileged to work with the differently abled. One of my favorite students ever was a student with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). He loved music, and every day in class I’d sing Disney songs to him. His favorite was “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty. I’d sing and we’d all waltz around the classroom.
I’ve had a handful of autistic students in class and I’ve worked with a few others. What has always struck me as terribly sad is how misunderstood autism is (and various other disorders on the spectrum, like Asperger’s). Many people simply cannot comprehend how life is for a person suffering from autism–and they definitely can’t wrap their brains around how life is for the longsuffering family members who must learn to deal with the quirks and foibles of an autistic brother or sister.
Picoult’s novel House Rules is a suspense-filled page-turner that’s told in a series of point-of-view changes. One chapter might be narrated by the protagonist, another by his brother, and then the next by his mother. It gives a unique perspective into the lives of a family gripped by autism while also spinning a yarn that will leave you frantically turning pages in search of the answer to “whodunnit”.
I loved the novel, although it made me deeply sad. She did an amazing job of portraying the protagonist and the struggles and frustrations of his mother and brother. If you’re looking for a fantasy or escape, this isn’t the novel for you, but it’s a beautiful and compelling read.
Find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035G08QM/...
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