Jodi Picoult Books Reading Group. discussion

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house rules

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message 1: by Lemoneyellow (new)

Lemoneyellow (readyellow) | 4 comments has anyone read house rules????


message 2: by Deana (new)

Deana Young (lovestoread1956) | 11 comments I am a teacher and just started reading it and she hooks you right in the beginning! I will not "spoil" it for you but will let you know what I think after I finish.


message 3: by Lemoneyellow (new)

Lemoneyellow (readyellow) | 4 comments you can say that again. i just can't let the book down for the first 51pges.i am doing my finals right now.so,i'll get back to you when i've done reading it. thank you so much for the reply.


message 4: by Tara (new)

Tara (tara_simonton) | 1 comments I read it and loved it!


message 5: by Lemoneyellow (new)

Lemoneyellow (readyellow) | 4 comments glad you did!i am trying to finish it as fast as i can.:)


message 6: by Anna (new)

Anna | 81 comments It is one of those books that you might go back and see if you missed any of the connections between the characters.


message 7: by Lemoneyellow (new)

Lemoneyellow (readyellow) | 4 comments is it?yupe,sometimes..hehe


message 8: by alhafizol (new)

alhafizol | 7 comments I'm reading this. Almost finish it. At first it's a wow!! novel but as the story went further, it's kind of tiring me. haha!! but it still got thumbs up from me!!


message 9: by Hayley (new)

Hayley Whytock House rules is one of my favourites. =]


message 10: by Morgan (new)

Morgan | 1 comments I just finished it and I have to say that it is one of her best books yet!


message 11: by bryan (new)

bryan (bryancatabay) Lemoneyellow wrote: "has anyone read house rules????"

i've done reading it, it was the first book of JP that i've read, and from that House Rules experience, i can't wait to finish my thesis for me to read her other books :D


message 12: by Christine (new)

Christine (christine73) | 2 comments Just bought it!Havent started it yet!


message 13: by Ellie (new)

Ellie | 1 comments It was really good! :D


message 14: by Sofea (new)

Sofea (sofeaghani) | 11 comments House Rules is truly amazing. I was totally gripped by the story line from the start to the end. The suspense was totally getting on me! Haha.

A really good read! (Y)


message 15: by Megan (new)

Megan Taylor (megsyt) | 2 comments You all made me want to go out and buy it today - thanks guys :o)


message 16: by alhafizol (new)

alhafizol | 7 comments Sofea wrote: "House Rules is truly amazing. I was totally gripped by the story line from the start to the end. The suspense was totally getting on me! Haha.

A really good read! (Y)"


First I thought it would be an investigation novel since she highlighted so much about forensic science. But then, most of the time it's about the trial proceeding in how to deal with an Asperger's syndrome person. Well, yes it's a good read and my first from Jodi Picoult. Now, reading My Sister's Keeper.


message 17: by alhafizol (new)

alhafizol | 7 comments Megan wrote: "You all made me want to go out and buy it today - thanks guys :o)"

Go buy it fast!! haha!!! Hope you'll enjoy it!


message 18: by alhafizol (new)

alhafizol | 7 comments Bryan wrote: "Lemoneyellow wrote: "has anyone read house rules????"

i've done reading it, it was the first book of JP that i've read, and from that House Rules experience, i can't wait to finish my thesis for m..."


It's also my first read from Picoult. And in the middle of doing my final year project but i managed to start reading My Sister's Keeper!! Haha....


message 19: by alhafizol (new)

alhafizol | 7 comments Amy wrote: "When I read house rules, I was kind of irritated at how some of the characters acted, especially the mother, don't know why but she made me kind of mad. I know that people that are like Jacob may h..."

It's called the behavioral psychology thing and this is based on observations but in asperger's I think it's different.


message 20: by Sandysconnected (new)

Sandysconnected | 7 comments I haven't, but it is next on my list. Looks like it is going to be great according to a bunch of you!


message 21: by Katerina (new)

Katerina (fidget_angel) | 1 comments i'm reading it right now....


message 22: by Jeneroso (new)

Jeneroso | 5 comments just got my copy..i'll read it after 'keeping faith' :)


message 23: by Dero (new)

Dero | 6 comments I was upset with the mother too. I think she spent so much time invested in Jacob and his treatments that she did not exist anymore. She did not share the caretaking or take advantage of the opportunity to do something for herself. That made her very one-sided.


message 24: by Zoe (new)

Zoe (bookwormfromathens) | 1 comments I read "House Rules" a month ago and it was the first Jodi Picoult book for me, too. I really liked it, I cannot say that I found any of the characters annoying, actually I managed to connect with all of them and their different points of view.Moreover, it didn't bother me that we, as readers, don't get to know the outcome of the trial, but we are instead free to draw our own conclusions about whether Jacob was eventually exonerated or not.But what do you think of the various criminal case studies in the book and especially the last one, "My Brother's Keeper"? Who is this "I" narrating the case study, saying "I'd do it all over again"? I' m still a bit confused about it; is it Jacob analyzing his own case with Dr. Lee? Somewhere in the book Jacob mentions that his dream is to become Dr. Lee's protege and help him analyze crime cases. Any other ideas?


message 25: by bryan (new)

bryan (bryancatabay) cj'alhafiz wrote: "Bryan wrote: "Lemoneyellow wrote: "has anyone read house rules????"

i've done reading it, it was the first book of JP that i've read, and from that House Rules experience, i can't wait to finish m..."


:D well good for you then, can't wait to read another JP book after finishing my CAI


message 26: by Grace (new)

Grace (xxxgracexxx) | 3 comments Yeah, I think that was the best Jodi Picoult book!


message 27: by Deana (new)

Deana Young (lovestoread1956) | 11 comments I do think that the person narrating the book was Jacob == as he knows so much about autism. It helped me understand much more about what goes on in their world. I think Jacob WAS analyzing his case. That is WHAT he does! And my brother's keeper was a play on her book "My Sister's Keeper" which is another good book. I haven't seen the movie yet. My favorites are "My Sister's Keeper" which totally ticked me off, that I had to read more of her books ... "The Pact", "The 10th Circle", "19 Minutes", "Handle with Care". Generally I have really liked all of her books. I only have about 2 or so to read yet. Her books are like social commentaries and really make you think. And many times the endings really surprise you and tick you off. That's why I keep coming back for more. She is my most favorite writer.


message 28: by Josie (new)

Josie Steer | 1 comments i started with my sisters keeper and ever since then i have tried to read every book of Jodi Picoult's. she is amazing and this book didnt disapoint. i work with children with ASD at the higher end of the spectrum and all of the quirkiness was accurate in the children I've worked with. I've read other reviews on other websites and mothers have said this isnt how her ASD child acts but every child is different!!! a brilliant book even though you can work out the ending its a fab well written and informative book.


message 29: by Marcelle (new)

Marcelle (masso) im reading it now ...i like it till now


message 30: by Lindsey (new)

Lindsey Holden (holdenlyndz) | 1 comments I love all of jodi's books... House Rules was intense i could not put it down! About 3/4 through I picked up on a few things..but I did not like the ending ;(


message 31: by Liza (new)

Liza scott (capturedpages) | 2 comments Just bought this one cant start it yet as im already reading 2 books lol


message 32: by Christa (new)

Christa | 1 comments just finished this book.....I don't know, it was definitely not my favorite of hers. way, way too long, not very surprising at the end, and like many of you have said, it was very frustrating that no one asked jacob what actually happened on the day jess died. for those of you who 'house rules' is the first book you've read by picoult, please don't let your disappointment ( if you were disappointed with it ) stop you from reading her other books. she really is a wonderful writer. the first book i read from her was 'nineteen minutes' and i was hooked! 'house rules' was the 10th book i've read of hers. big fan, just not of this book.


message 33: by Cece (new)

Cece (cwrob5) | 3 comments I really liked this book, but was really irrated that they just didnt ask Jacob what happened! you'd think that they would have known thats what they had to do. I think maybe the mom probably thought about it, but decided not to because she thought he did it. thats they only thing I can think of...or she jusst wanted to story to go on another 300 pages! oh well I still really enjoyed reading this one. Ive only read 4 almost 5 of her books, and I think this was my favorite so far. Ninteen minutes was a runner up.


message 34: by Dahneshia (new)

Dahneshia | 1 comments Zoe wrote: "I read "House Rules" a month ago and it was the first Jodi Picoult book for me, too. I really liked it, I cannot say that I found any of the characters annoying, actually I managed to connect with ..."

I think it's Jacob doing the narration at the end. He created this whole crime scene to divert attention from his brother. I think he finally got that sense of being the "older brother" and protecting him. I never thought of it that way (him sort of speaking to Dr. Lee) but I like it. What I don't understand is that through the whole novel it was repeated numerous times that Jacob's disability leaves him unable to sympathize or feel emotion. Yet, that's exactly what he did in protecting his brother. His whole thought process in creating the crime scene, trying to help his brother makes me wonder was he wrongfully diagnosed? Jodi Picoult, if you ever read this a sequel would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure a lot readers would agree. :)


message 35: by Anna (new)

Anna | 81 comments I thought protecting his brother was because of the "house rules"--his need to always follow those rules.


message 36: by Jessica (new)

Jessica (elijahsmommy) | 6 comments I read this months ago and I still can't figure out who killed her. Was it Theo who did it and Jacob tried to cover it up or did Jacob murder her to cover up that Theo was there...Or did the boyfriend do it afterall?? And I HATE that it ends without ending the trial. I liked the book, until it ended. A sequel or epilouge would make me happy :)


message 37: by Glenda (new)

Glenda | 12 comments I think she slipped and fell, but Jacob thought Theo did it so he was covering for him. I read it when it first came out, but that's what I remember thinking.


message 38: by Dawn (new)

Dawn | 8 comments Lemoneyellow wrote: "has anyone read house rules????"

I have and enjoyed it. Was not thrilled with the end :(


message 39: by Dawn (new)

Dawn | 8 comments I work with children with Autism and Aspergers and Jodi was "spot on" with her portrayal of Jacob. I also believe Jacob did what he did to follow "House Rules". I just wanted more information at the end. I want to know what became of the brothers.


message 40: by Dawn (new)

Dawn | 8 comments Amy, I would love that :)


message 41: by [deleted user] (new)

It has been a few months since I read "House Rules" but I too have been around autistic/Asperger's children in my life, and I thought the book was very well done. It's just amazing how Jodi can give such tremendous voice to the wide population of characters that she has created. I'm reading SYH right now and loving it!


message 42: by Carole (new)

Carole This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. I was annoyed with her too and thought she neglected Theo, putting most of her energy into Jacob.

I thought Picoult's portrayal of a teen with autism was quite accurate, but maybe not quite as well done as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. I can't recall exactly what it was that bothered me, but I think it had to do with his explanation of his disability. It didn't seem to come from the perspective of someone with autism and I didn't find that part real even though Picoult clearly did a lot of research and was spot on in terms of most behaviors of a teen with autism.

Maybe I've read too many Jodi PIcoult books, but as soon as I read the part about Theo being in the house, I knew what had happened to Jessie. Was I supposed to guess this and know this or have I just read enough Jodi Picoult books to make this prediction? I truly want to know because I wondered about that the entire time I read the book.


message 43: by Jessica (new)

Jessica (elijahsmommy) | 6 comments Carole wrote: "This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. I was annoyed ..."

Maybe you read too many, cause I'm still not entirely sure what happened to Jessie LOL


message 44: by Dawn (new)

Dawn | 8 comments Carole wrote: "This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. I was annoyed ..."

Droplet wrote: "It has been a few months since I read "House Rules" but I too have been around autistic/Asperger's children in my life, and I thought the book was very well done. It's just amazing how Jodi can giv..."

Carole wrote: "This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. I was annoyed ..."

Carole wrote: "This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. I was annoyed ..."

Carole, I knew Theo was the cause of what happened the entire time as well. I'm going to stop reading her books for awhile as I'm not liking the endings anymore.


message 45: by Carole (new)

Carole Jessica wrote: "Carole wrote: "This book was really compelling and I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed and I think the reason so many were annoyed with the mother is because she's so real. ..."

Jessica, my assumption was that Theo was in the house, but didn't kill Jessie. I think she got scared when she saw Theo and slipped and fell, hitting her head. When Jacob got to the house, he saw evidence that Theo was there and assumed he killed Jessie so he tried to cover it up to protect his brother.


message 46: by Dawn (new)

Dawn | 8 comments Carole, That is what I assume happened as well.


message 47: by Tracy (new)

Tracy This was the most amazing book that I have read in a long time. It use to surprise me how much research she puts into her work. It definatly shows in this book. That is why her novels are so teriffic! I have read most all of her novels and I have loved them all!


message 48: by Amber (new)

Amber (amberjaydewong) | 1 comments I loved this book so much! I thought it was really touching and well put together. House Rules and Harvesting the Heart are two of my favorite books by Jodi Picoult.


message 49: by Fatimam (new)

Fatimam | 1 comments read it and loved it, such an amazing book.. once i start reading her books i cant let the book down !


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