Another A+ effort from Jodi Piccolt! This book will ...
920156
Another A+ effort from Jodi Piccolt !  This book will undoubtedly spark discussions in book clubs way beyond the norm -completely absorbing.
4954669
I adore Jodi Picoult and her writing.  I have read every book she has gifted the world with and loved all but two.  Her pace and thoughtfulness of her characters make me feel like I know them all personally.  Great read!
2938653
What an awesome book by an amazing author! I loved this one by Jodi Picoult and couldn't put it down. She writes as if she was in the minds and hearts of each one of her characters. Fantastic read and well worth it!
3205982
Jodi Picoult's most recent novel, House Rules, is about a 18 year old boy named Jacob, who was diagnosed with Aspergers at a young age. He lives with his mom, Emma, and his 15 year old brother, Theo. Jacob is known for understanding things in a completely literal sense. If he was told to "get a grip," he'd comprehend that as if hes being told to hold on to something. This along with many other "quirks" make a normal social life difficult for Jacob. His social skills tutor, Jess, is really the only friend Jacob has. This all changes though, after Jess's body is found, with all evidence pointing at Jacob. His most recent obsession- forensics, make him look to be a killer when he sets up crime scenes for his mom to figure out, or when he shows up at police investigations to offer his input.
This book, as usual, is filled with drama due to the court room format Picoult is well known for. A defendant with Aspergers, who is incredibly sensitive to things such as the crumpling of paper, or bright lights, can make a trial a little bit difficult. This just adds to the drama, but not so much to the plot.
I am a huge Picoult fan, but was a little let down by this book. I loved Picoults previous book, Handle With Care, and was expecting something just as good this year.
I would like to give credit to Picoult for the amazing amount of research she must have done in order to develop Jacob's character. This book is heart breaking at some parts, but then also makes you laugh out loud at some of his actions. His character is very well researched, and it was interesting to get to see how Aspergers effects people.
However, the plot was not nearly as strong as the rest of Picoults books have been. I predicted the ending early on, and hoped that I just was thinking to simply. The ending left me unhappy. I like how she normally concludes the book letting the reader know almost everything that happens. A last chapter would be very beneficial for this novel, as the ending is up for interpretation.
Not her best, but i'm still looking forward to Picoult's next book, hoping for something a little bit more different.
553251
House Rules by Jodie Picoult was written in 2010.

I have read all of Jodie Picoult's books and always felt that My Sister's Keeper was the best until I finished House Rules.  This one tops the cake.  It is a typical Picoult book in that the topic is thoroughly researched, the courtroom drama is superb, and the culmination keeps you, the reader entranced in this book.

I have come to the conclusion that my new criterion for judging or reviewing a book is that:  when I wake up in the morning and begin reading before having a slurp of coffee, the book must be a winner!  That was the case with House Rules.  I finished it in three days and highly recommend it to other readers.

When I first learned about the topic of Picoult's newest book, that is, Asperger's Syndrome, I turned up my nose and said that I would wait awhile before reading it.  This topic seems to be the topic of choice and after reading two other books which had characters with some form of autism, I decided to wait.  When my sister-in-law told me how great the book was, I changed my mind and began reading right away.  She was right!

I skimmed some of the reviews on Amazon and looked at both the 5 Star as well as the 1 Star reviews.  I kind of agreed with both, but the criticisms seemed more to focus on the fact that Asberger's wasn't covered correctly according to medical science and experts.  The 5 star reviews focused more on the thrilling aspect of the story.  Knowing that Picoult is not a medical authority, but instead is a college graduate in English and creative writing, I accepted that fact, and was pleasantly overwhelmed with the thrill of the story!

You've got to put this book on your list to read.  You'll love it.
1965194
This is my second Jodi Picoult Novel and like the previous, I enjoyed this one very much. Ms. Picoult has a knack for making a place and characters come alive. One can easily visualize the town as well as each character.

The tie in to The Crucible was uncanny. I have always been fascinated by witches and Ms. Picoult did a marvelous job researching this topic.

This is a well written, well researched novel and a literary joy. I highly recommend it.

Linda Bilodeau
Author: Stepping Through Seagrass, The Olive Branch A Tale of Resistance.
4965929
Couldn't put it down.  As always Jodi Picoult does a wonderful job of getting you to experience what she is writing about.  The end was a surprise which was an added touch.  I highly recomment this book.
3538984
Beautifully written, leaving you wanting more! True to Jodi's storytelling, with all the imagery, emotion and character development we enjoy. I wish there was more, but it was a great way to burn up 90 minutes in the car!
1828505
Bea Paige has done it again!  The continuation of Accacia's curse once again brings you into the lives of those she loves and what she would do to fight for them.  The sacrifices she makes for those she love in a world full of hate and her being the beacon of hope to set everything else in motion, but also of all the daughter's that will have to make sacrifices.  This book embodies people to look for hope but also experience the love that we would do to make things right.  I look forward to reading about Fern's escapade with her chosen three!
1884828
Great book! I love Jodi Picoult's novels. This was truly an amazing story (I think it could be a movie).
Definite read!!
2730740
A brilliant start to what is bound to be another masterpiece series by Jodie Ellen Malpas! 5 stars!
Gripping from start to finish, I cannot wait for book 2!
4380759
Jodi Picoult has truly mastered the art of writing addictive, thought-provoking, interesting fiction. "Keeping Faith" proves that she's getting even better at it. The book centers around a young girl who, after going through a traumatic experience and her parents' separation, starts having visions....or does she? Religious fanatics come from all over the world to camp on her doorstep in the hopes of being "cured" and her mother must deal with protecting her daughter, whether or not to doubt or believe her, and dealing with various characters, many of whom do not have their best interests in mind.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, this book is fascinating and extremely thought-provoking. One could perhaps teach an entire human studies or religion course around this book. It touches upon some very interesting and important themes, and ultimately will leave an impact on the reader.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and think it would also be ideal for a book club. Its one of those books you'll really want to discuss and hear others' thoughts/opinions!  I also highly recommend "Nineteen Minutes," "The Pact," "My Sisters Keeper" and "Plain Truth," all by Jodi Picoult.
3825383
Wow! Jodi outdid herself with this one.  This is her first book in the MC world and what a ride it is.  She warned us of her dark side and she did not disappoint!  Trigger is a tough character but you get to see  different sides to him in this book.  Can't wait to see where she takes him and the others as this series plays out.  I was on the edge of my seat and sometimes actually felt right in the midst of the action!  That doesn't happen often!  Could feel the intensity of the story!  Awesome read!  Don't miss the start of this series.  You will want to take Trigger for a ride yourself! Great job Jodi!  Now get busy!  We need more!
1500976
I am a dedicated Jodi Picolut fan and believe this is her best writing ever.
2448561
I always learn something new from Jodi Picoult's books. With every book she writes, she opens a whole new view point for me. This one ended to soon! Looking forward to "Leaving Time."
4261518
Once again Jodi Picoult writes about real life situations with characters that all of us could identify with!  I easily lost myself in the story and I would recommend it to all my friends!!
315862
I am becoming a real fan of Jodi Picoult. Her style of writing grabs you on the first page and continues to hold your attention until the very last page. I enjoy the stories and getting to "know" the people. This story was about true love and devotion in spite of all "odds". It was a quick read, couldn't put it down---as is the same with all her books.
Another great book by an outstanding author.