Tuesday, February 15, 2011

HOUSE RULES by Jodi Picoult

Okay, I must tell the truth about yesterday's post...(the one that said as writers we should all read more)...well...it was really just a post to give myself permission to read all day. hahaha

So, yup. I read all day Monday. It was glorious. Be jealous (and go pick up a good book for yourself)!

What did I read, you ask?



HOUSE RULES by Jodi Picoult.

This was the first book I've read by this author.

I glanced at some of the other reviews on Goodreads for this book, and line is pretty clearly drawn between people who loved the book and those who did not.

I have to admit, I agree in general terms with the dissenting opinions regarding the fact:

1. It was predictable.

2. It was frustrating when the characters wouldn't just TALK to each other to find out the actual details of the murder. They were all just too afraid to discuss it - - which relates directly to their inability to function daily as a family before the event.

3. It was a political statement against vaccines.

Additionally, I wasn't blown away by the voices of the characters. I don't think a teenage character "sounds" like a teenager just because the author gives him plenty of cuss words. AND, I thought the cover was VERY deceptive. I'm a big fan of covers, and this was not an accurate representation. The m.c. is 18-yrs-old, not a child like the one pictured on the cover.

With that in mind, I'm still giving it five stars. Why? I loved the book. And while I did NOT like everything or fully agree with the content surrounding Asperger's syndrome, I found this to be QUITE a COMPELLING read. I blew through it. This is the first time I've read a book by Jodi Picoult, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

I love a book that challenges the way I think about life, challenges the way I parent, and challenges the way I discuss topics with friends. I have a friend who is the mother of a child who deals with Asperger's syndrome, and it's not easy...but parenting as a rule (if you try to do it well) is not easy.

What's the best book you've read recently?

10 comments:

  1. Omg - I am reading this right now for Book Club.

    But I must say that the best books I've read recently (cause gosh - can't just pick one)...

    Mockingjay
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower
    Paper Towns

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  2. Hi Margo. First the Dark and Stormy Blogfest and now the Crusade - this is becoming a habit!

    See you around the Crusade!

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  3. Amen on the whole parenting thing. Whenever my kids say somethings not fair, I just tell them that right now I'm the parent, and someday they'll grow up and have the chance to screw up their own kids. But for now, it's my turn. LOL.
    I just finished reading Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr. I'm waiting for the final book to come out this month in the Wicked Lovely series. I didn't think I would like this when I first picked up the series, but oh man, it is awesome. Highly recommend it.

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  4. I haven't read anything by Jodi Picoult but from what I hear, people are very divided on her books: you either love her or dislike her.

    Best book I've read recently? I read/write mainly YA/MG so my last read was Trenton Lee Stewart's "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey". I loved it as much as I loved his first book :D

    ~Jen

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  5. Hi Margo~ it's nice to meet a fellow crusader! I haven't read any Jodi Picoult yet (which is crazy, because I've read so much ABOUT her), but this is going on my list. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. I love Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen. It's an older classic but oh so good.

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  7. Probably Paranormalcy or Across the Universe. I've read a lot recently because of research, but these two stand out!

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  8. I really want to read some Picoult, but I have to wait until I have loads of time on my hands. I hears she is addictive! :)

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  9. I wasn't swept away by Jodi Picoult either--I read My Sister's Keeper.
    The best books I've read recently...hmm, since I can't possibly choose one, would have to be...
    Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
    The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
    The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
    Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
    unearthly by Cynthia Hand
    gosh...the list's endless! :D

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  10. To quote directly from my 'Books I've Read' spreadsheet (yes, I really am that nerdy!), I gave 'House Rules' 3.25 out of 5. The plot kept me interested but I felt the 1st person perspectives could've been more unique. Some scenes were quite lengthy and could've been summarised without affecting plot/character understanding. I also found that some points about Aspergers were repeated many times unnecessarily.

    The best book I've read recently? Room by Emma Donahue. It's told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy, and it doesn't take long before you realise there's a lot going on that this little boy doesn't know about!

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