House Rules: A Novel

Written by Jodi Picoult

Narrated by Mark Turetsky, Rich Orlow, Nicole Poole and 2 more

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and the modern classics My Sister’s Keeper, The Storyteller, and more, comes a “complex, compassionate, and smart” (The Washington Post) novel about a family torn apart by a murder accusation.

When your son can’t look you in the eye…does that mean he’s guilty?

Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger’s syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. He has a special focus on one subject—forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he’s always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he’s usually right.

But when Jacob’s small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob’s behaviors are hallmark Asperger’s, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are thrust directly in the spotlight. For Jacob’s mother, it’s a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, it’s another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob.

And for the frightened small town, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?

House Rules is “a provocative story in which [Picoult] explores the pain of trying to comprehend the people we love—and reminds us that the truth often travels in disguise” (People).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Dec 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781508254805

Jodi Picoult

JODI PICOULT is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-six novels. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction, the ALA’s Alex Award, the New Hampshire Literary Award for Outstanding Literary Merit, and the prestigious Sarah Josepha Hale Award in recognition of her distinguished body of written work. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband. They have three children. You can visit her website at wwww.jodipicoult.com  

Reviews for House Rules

[Pamela Stewart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was fantastic but it certainly took some perseverance as it was one of the longest audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. Thanking back I don’t know what could have been eliminated though. One of my favorite authors of all time, Jody Picault knows how to weave a story and build out a character so one really empathizes with each person. If you have lasting power I highly recommend this one!

[Kenesha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Riveting! I couldn't put it down. The topic of Asperger's seemed well researched, and I appreciated every detail. The crime/mystery aspect of the story was fabulously written. I mean, I was able to guess what had happened, but I was still surprised by the revelation. My only sore point was the murky ending. I would have liked it to be clearer, better explained/resolved. Still, fantastic book, great narration. Would totally recommend!

[Eve · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We are raising our grandson who also has Asperger syndrome. The parallels and relatability to this story brought me to tears many times. Even in 2021, the misunderstandings of anyone struggling with this form of autism is still very prevalent. Our grandson often tells us of his longing for friends and his feelings of knowing his is different from other adolescents. (He is currently 15). It is heartbreaking, and very difficult to witness his meltdowns. Like the characters’ mother, though, we are filled with pride and love with each of his accomplishments. Thank you for the time spent researching and writing a beautiful story expressing the difficulties as well as rewards faced with raising and caring for anyone that lives with this diagnosis!

[Kathleen Ortenzi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was one of the best books I ever read. I just couldn’t stop reading it. Learned a lot about people who have Asperger’s.

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We have a niece with Allsburg syn. like he had. This really has help to see life from their point of view. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I will be passing this on to others I know with this situation. This is a very hard part of life. I know my sister-in-law and husband got a divorce over her. Very SAD

[katrina maroz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another captivating novel with a blurry ending. I don’t think I can do a novel like this again. I need a clear ending.

[Pat Parisi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, good story line, well written and good character development. But too long. This could have been great in an anthology of short stories.

[Iliana Valencia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Omg loved loved this one.!!! Top favorite of Jodi p. When thriller meets literacy fiction ?❤️????????????

[Kim Blotsky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! I work with kids in special services, so it really hit home with me.

[judy3stanley3vega · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well done! Definitely would recommend! Especially the valuable information regarding Aspergers. Entertaining as Educational!!

[Traci Buckley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is the greatest book I’ve read since becoming a mother six years ago!! My daughter has autism, so I related to so much of what the mother, Emma, shared! I intend on writing Jodi Picoult, I lived this book so much!! I read my first Picoult book about six months ago, and she is all I’ve read since! But this book… three times I had to pull my car over and cry! And dozens of times I laughed out loud!! Thank you for the beautiful break from my reality. Even though they are fictional characters, they made me feel as though I’m not alone!

[Fishy Fry7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book.. loved every moment of this book. The different view points from each character was amazing. A must read!!!!!

[LynneGauthier · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the book, but the ending was not a surprise, so it frustrated me that none of the characters asked the right questions, especially given that they knew that Jake interprets everything literally. It then ended kinda abruptly without wrap up to know what happened to all the characters in the end. There were also times in which things Jacob said did not fit with his literal nature, e.g. referring to kissing as “tongue half-way down her throat.” I liked that there was an effort made to explain things from the point of view of an autistic person, particularly how they experience empathy differently. The false narrative about vaccines being linked to autism could have been avoided.

[Joy Arnett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful journey into the Asperger mind. I wanted it to continue and felt that the ending occurred abruptly leaving much to fill in about the lives so beautifully captured in this book.

[Shira Birnbaum · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was a very good book. But it bothered me about the fact that she talks about the unproven fact that vaccines cause autism. I almost stoped listening because of that. I feel that it was an unnecessary storyline that did not add anything to the story.