House Rules by Jodi Picoult offers a compelling but polarizing narrative. Readers praise its intricate portrayal of Asperger’s syndrome and its impact on a family, commending Picoult's extensive research and empathetic characterization. Critics, however, find the multiple viewpoints occasionally disjointed and the legal aspects overly detailed. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read with emotional depth.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult will captivate readers who are drawn to emotional, issue-driven novels that explore complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas. Fans of Picoult's other works, such as My Sister's Keeper, or those who appreciate the intricate storytelling of Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, will find this book particularly engaging.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult tells the story of Jacob Hunt, a teenager with autism who faces discrimination in the legal system when he becomes a suspect in his tutor's murder, exploring the impact of his diagnosis on his family as they navigate medical, legal, and psychological challenges. This novel discusses suicide and murder and contains offensive language about individuals with autism.

Informative / Emotional / Contemplative / Mysterious / Bittersweet

- House Rules by Jodi Picoult explores complex family dynamics and is renowned for its thorough depiction of Asperger's syndrome, which led to widespread discussions about autism awareness when it was published in 2010.
- Jodi Picoult wrote House Rules after extensive research, including interviews with real families living with Asperger's syndrome and consultations with experts, to ensure authenticity in the narrative.
- The novel's cover art features a Rubik's Cube, symbolizing the complexity and challenge of understanding the mind of the protagonist, which intrigued readers visually and thematically.

**Jacob Hunt**  
A teenager with autism whose intense interest in forensic science and challenges with social interactions shape his unique role within the story.

**Emma Hunt**  
The single mother of Jacob and Theo who is dedicated to advocating for her autistic son and balancing the demands of her family life.

**Theo Hunt**  
Jacob's younger, neurotypical brother who grapples with his feelings of resentment and responsibility toward Jacob while seeking his own identity.

**Oliver Bond**  
An inexperienced defense attorney who becomes entangled with the Hunt family and is determined to learn how to best represent Jacob in legal proceedings.

**Detective Rich Matson**  
A detective involved in the investigation surrounding Jacob, navigating his professional duties while grappling with his personal biases.

**Jess Ogilvy**  
A graduate student who specializes in autism research and tutors Jacob, influencing his social development with her empathetic guidance.

Jodi Picoult

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore House Rules reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read House Rules | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore House Rules and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

House Rules

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read House Rules?

Reading Age

Book Details