House Rules

by Jodi Picoult
House Rules cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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  • ID: 9713
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9781741769951
  • Publisher: Allen & Unwin
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

House Rules is a compelling story that delves into the complexities of a family's life when their teenage son, who has Asperger's syndrome, is arrested for murder. The narrative explores the challenges and misunderstandings that arise from his condition, as well as the unwavering love and determination of his family to clear his name. The book not only provides a suspenseful plot but also offers insights into the experiences of individuals with Asperger's and the societal perceptions surrounding them. /n/n The story is a poignant blend of legal drama and family dynamics, highlighting the resilience and strength of a family unit in the face of adversity. It's a powerful exploration of justice, advocacy, and the human spirit, making it a must-read for those interested in both thrilling narratives and social issues.

Reviews
Baddie Book Reviews · 2026-01-02
good 3.00

The use of present tense writing is executed well, and the book is filled with great humor. However, the pacing is slow and the characters lack depth.

The reviewer praises the author's use of present tense writing, noting that it is executed so well that it goes unnoticed. They also highlight the humor in the book, which adds a lighthearted touch to the story. However, the pacing is criticized for being slow, and the characters are seen as lacking depth, which detracts from the overall impact of the narrative. Despite these issues, the book is still considered enjoyable and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Picoult is one of the few who can do present tense writing so well that I barely even notice it.

    There's a lot of great humor in the book.

    The pacing is slow and the characters lack depth.

Neuroclastic · 2019-08-06
mixed 2.50

The portrayal of family life with an autistic teenager is realistic, but the book struggles with stereotypes and misrepresentation of autism. The story's focus on a murder mystery overshadows the deeper issues it attempts to address.

The reviewer appreciates the realistic depiction of family life with an autistic teenager, highlighting the author's effort to capture the nuances of such a dynamic. However, they criticize the book for falling into stereotypes and misrepresenting autism, particularly in its portrayal of the main character. The focus on a murder mystery is seen as detracting from the more important issues the book could have explored, making the overall narrative feel disjointed and somewhat problematic.

Quick quotes

    The portrayal of family life in the home of an autistic teenager is fairly realistic.

    The book struggles with stereotypes and misrepresentation of autism.

    The story's focus on a murder mystery overshadows the deeper issues it attempts to address.

Becky's Blogs · 2014-12-12
great 4.00

The book is interesting and tackles important topics, but it is slow at points. The characters are well-rounded and add depth to the story.

The reviewer finds the book to be really interesting, particularly in its exploration of important topics. They appreciate the well-rounded characters, which add depth and complexity to the story. However, the pacing is noted as being slow at times, which can make the reading experience somewhat dragging. Despite this, the book is seen as a worthwhile read that tackles significant issues in a thoughtful manner.

Quick quotes

    House Rules was a really interesting book.

    It makes up for its slow points by using rounded characters to tackle interesting topics.

    The characters add depth and complexity to the story.

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