The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Say that 5 times fast!

or...

... they're the same book!

No. I am not becoming obsessive and only reading books about Autism. It just so happened that a colleague at work lent me House Rules and now, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. It was an interesting little story; wow did I have a hard time keeping up with young Christopher Boone! This was a super quick read, and was VERY different from House Rules. If I were to compare the two main characters, Jacob in House Rules had Asperger's, while Christopher was a high functioning Autistic boy. What is interesting is how far literature has come in the last decade. I think the only time I had seen Autism in the "arts" was Rain Man. And, although I think that Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman did a heck of a job in showing us what (a form of) Autism was, these two books do show that clearly Autism is different for each person who has it. Hence, it being referred to as a Spectrum Disorder.

What each book does show is that family and loved ones are also affected. Now, let's not go out there and pity people with Autism in their families. Let's understand that when we see families dealing with children in public places who are having a tantrum, dealing with children who will only eat red food, dealing with their families period... we need to give them space and not stare or huff or judge. Know that the parents of this child are doing the best they can.


What did I learn from this book? Well, I learned that this young Autistic boy could remember details like a video camera. I learned that people in general are not as observant as they could be; nor are we very helpful when we aren't specifically asked to be. And lastly, I learned that "maths" are not my forte! Oh yes... you will understand what I mean after you read the book... but when you think that trivial things like the weather will affect whether you have a good day or not, ask yourself if this is logical. If your answer is yes, consider this... YOU and YOUR ACTIONS will control your day; not the colour of the car in front of you. Trust me... it will make sense after you read the book!!!


This was a clever story. A quick read and very enjoyable. It's about a boy, his pet rat, his love of dogs and his search for the truth! Because no matter what, the truth seems to be very important.


I promise, my next book is completely unrelated to the last two. And, it in fact has been borrowed by my "professional" friend, the Librarian... is promises not to disappoint.

House Rules leave me wanting more.........

Dear Jodi,

Why do you insist on writing compelling stories and stickin' us with these flat endings?! Yes. I am fully aware that life doesn't always provide closure, and that life doesn't have peachy keen endings; THIS IS WHY I READ FICTION!!! I am starting to rethink picking up another Picoult read... please HELP... make me read something that leaves me fulfilled!!

Sincerely,

Chatty Cathy

OK... while House Rules deals with a young man who follows rules to a "T," I broke my regular rules of only reading on the Train and found myself reading a few pages here and there while at home. Needless to say, my husband wasn't pleased to see me reading a page here and a page there; especially when I would read while he was talking to me. Oops!

House Rules is a well written book. The story is so believable; Jodi has really done her research. I wasn't just amazed by Jacob (the young man with Asperger's) perspective, but it is amazing to read this story from the perspective of those around him. Life isn't easy. His mom doesn't want pity and she doesn't seem to want to change Jacob for the world. His younger brother Theo (which is a name I LOVE!), doesn't sugarcoat his perspective either. I like that he has bad thoughts about his brother. I found the story to be very realistic.

If and when you read this one... do me a favour? Tell me if you liked the book and whether or not you found that the ending was appropriate? Fulfilling? Satisfying? OK for you? And... for the Jodi Picoult groupies who think all her books are the best thing since sliced bread - I dare you... recommend a book that isn't super depressing and has a great ending!

Wait for it......... House Rules

Jodi Picoult is known for writing about topics that make us all wonder what we would do? I have only read one of her books, My Sister's Keeper. I read that book, cover to cover, and while I was kept captive for the entire thing, I was a little disappointed with the end. Then I thought, "Is that the point?" Was the point of her book to make us think of a topic that would have us in knots over what we would do, versus what "that" mother did... only for the ending to.... well....... I don't want to spoil it? Point of the matter is this...... I am now reading House Rules. It's a relatively "thick" book, and so far I am less than 100 pages in. Here is what I know.

The story is centred around an autistic young adult, Jacob. He is 18 and living with Asperger's. Similar to My Sister's Keeper, the "chapters" are basically each character in the book's perspective on what is happening at the moment. A quick side track - I thought that I didn't like this style, but I do. In fact, I REALLY appreciate it. It's very interesting how each person has such differing perspectives; Bravo Jodi! Jacob has a younger brother, Theo who is truly affected by his brother. Mom (Emma) is a single mom after her husband decided he couldn't’t deal with their family’s situation. More to come I promise!

This story seems near to my heart. I personally have a great friend with a young son who is autistic. She is brave and she is amazing with her son. I recently attended a gala in support of this cause; so little funding is available for research and to assist families with autistic children. Perhaps this book will help raise some awareness.

I find the story quite compelling so far... stay tuned... I think this book may just be a winner!!

Eat ~Zzzzzzz~ Pray ~Zzzzzzzz~ Love ~Zzzzzzzzz~

Eating in Italy; praying in India; and loving in Indonesia. This is exactly what the book was about. And, although my “Zzzzzzzzzzz” are not about the author herself, or really about the writing, I had a hard time whipping through this book. Yes, there was some deeper meaning behind some of the words, but I think that it didn’t necessarily have me wondering what was going to happen next. I applaud Liz’s ability to overcome everything she was struggling with, and I certainly admire her ability to take a huge leap of faith in herself and away from her pain and poisons back home, but I didn’t necessarily think that all the hoopla for this book was appropriate. If I were going to judge a book by its cover, then I would have been guilty of buying this one for those reasons. Great cover, good content. I found myself reading certain passages and finding them most profound; her revelation about the true meaning of soulmate in this book is truly an amazing thought! That being said, there were many times that I either lost track of what I was reading, or just shut my book and caught some “Zzzzzzzzzzzzz” on the train instead. I can’t say that I am looking forward to watching the movie when it comes out... even Oprah is having a show dedicated to this book where she is inviting book clubs to come to her audience (well, I think there is a selection panel lined up for which book clubs are Oprah-worthy); I will pass.

This book simply explores eating, praying and loving. Perhaps the title and the content are meant to make us believe that we can control our own life and our own destiny through simple means. Perhaps the book is meant to tell us that we all need to take a moment of tranquil and relaxed prayer, or meditation in our lives. Perhaps the book is meant to tell us that we can’t all be perfect at everything, not even when we find our inner self. What the book will do is open your mind. Would I recommend you run out and pick this up for a read? Not really... borrow a friend’s copy... so many were sold, you must know one person who has read it. I was a good read. Good. Reading. Finished.