Jodi Picoult's House Rules, published in 2010, was released the same month my little SMILE was diagnosed with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Part of me was curious. After all, the main character, Jacob, has Aspergers and I already had an evaluation appointment for WINK. Maybe I can learn something here.
But most of me was afraid to read it. Jodi Picoult has a very large following and I respect her success. But my last foray into one of her novels, Nineteen Minutes, left me...a bit...frustrated. There were issues, motives, possible resolutions related to the bullying theme that I had hoped she would address but...didn't. The characters could have had more depth and diversity than the jock/bully and nerd/victim stereotypes but they...didn't. There were many good parts and I could have loved the book and found it faultless. But I ...didn't. So, would it really be wise for me, I thought, to read House Rules when, once again, the issue at hand is one I can so strongly relate to? I resolutely decided to avoid the book.
Then a strange thing happened. I was walking into a neighborhood bookstore recently and saw an advertisement in the window. A group of local educators were coming together to discuss House Rules. I looked at the date on the poster. It was two days away. I knew I'd never be able to read it in time but I decided that I'd have to read it.
So, I have about seven pages read, underlined, and annotated so far. My heart is on my sleeve but my interest is piqued. At best, I will continue to feel comforted, reassured, and validated that now countless readers will have a better understanding of the struggles these amazing children, their siblings, and their parents face every day. At worst, I will feel disappointed if Jacob is nothing more than a stereotype of flapping and tantrums or if his mom never becomes more than the put-upon martyr parent. But most of all...I really hope Jacob didn't do the crime he is accused of.
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