There are 132 miles between me and some of the people I love the most…..so I can be found cruising on Interstate 85 between Dunwoody and Lee County, Alabama quite frequently. To pass the time (and to keep myself awake) I often listen to books on Audible or to Andy Stanley podcasts. One day last week I drove down and back in the same day and forgot to download a new book onto Audible before leaving home. I listened to 3 messages from Andy that morning (oh, how I love Andy Stanley) but was wanting to listen to fiction on the way home. While driving (don’t tell) I quickly opened my Audible app and chose the first book I had in my library but had not listened to already. What a sweet find!
I imagine Jodi Picoult loves to research because I always learn so much about interesting topics when I read her books. Additionally, her plot lines are always intriguing. House Rules is no different.
I already had so much respect for parents of children with autism but House Rules opened up such a clear window into their world that I now have such reverential respect for them mixed with both fear and wonder. Basically, I’m in awe of them.
Here’s the story in a nutshell: Jacob is a senior in high school with Asperger Syndrome. His dad left just after the diagnosis when Jacob was a toddler. Emma is Jacob’s mom and she’s one badass Mama fighting for her special needs son. Theo is Jacob’s younger brother who lives in the shadow of Jacob and all of his differences, tantrums, required routines, strange diets, lack of friends etc.
Someone important to Jacob dies. Jacob is charged with her murder. Theo knows something but doesn’t tell. Can Emma get an IEP for the jail and/or the courtroom to give Jacob a fair trial? Will the jury automatically convict because of Jacob’s inappropriate social interactions and obsession with crime scenes?
Read for yourself and enjoy!
