Picoult Gives Us Insight to Asperger’s
Thanks to my daughter-in-law, Alissa, for lending this book to me! Alissa loved “House Rules” and highly recommended it. So, I borrowed it and stayed up WAY past my bedtime reading!
If you know anything about Picoult, you know that she often deals with hot social issues. “House Rules” tackles the issue of how people perceive those who have autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Her main character, Jacob, is 18 and was diagnosed with Asperger’s shortly after he turned two. This allows Picoult an opportunity to bring up the theory that vaccines contribute to autism.
I love books that teach me something. I checked many of the traits that Picoult attributed to Asperger’s in “House Rules” and she was right on. For me, one of the most profound sentences in the book is when Jacob states, “I am not autistic. I have autism”. Really makes you think, doesn’t it?
Beyond all of the learning is an emotional story of a young man who is constantly misunderstood and his mother who dedicates her life to advocating for him. Much like “My Sister’s Keeper”, there is an attention-lacking sibling who is used to create some interesting plot twists. Unlike that book, I wasn’t shocked at the end.
“House Rules” is worth a read for its educational value and the roller coaster ride of emotions that Jodi Picoult took me on. It would make a great discussion book for your book club. Have you read the book? If so, let me know what you thought!
