The DIS Book Club Discussion Group: Round 3 - House Rules - CHAT JUNE 8 @ 8 P.M.

[Sillybowtie]

I just got this book on CD. This will motivate me to start listening to it in the car.

 

[peanut1967]

Library called...now have brand new book in my hands and read the first couple of pages...HOOKED

 

[DSNY4ever]

EEK! I just checked the library and there are 171 holds on this book already! Hopefully I'll get a coupon for Borders this weekend, it would be fun to join in, I wish I could have joined in on The Help too, but I missed it.

 

[DisneySunflower]

I picked up my copy of the book today on my lunch hour and saved 20% at Books A Million!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Hi All!!!

It seems like everyone either has the book or is on their way to getting it soon. Our first deadline is tomorrow and that was just to retrieve it. You should try to have Cases 1-3 (through pg. 146), our first section, read by May 17th.

I began reading this novel about a week ago and am completely hooked. Like some of you here, this is my first Jodi Picoult book, and it has not disappointed me yet. I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts. As a reminder, feel free to pop on here whenever you'd like while reading the first section. Share your likes, dislikes, questions, and thoughts on the text. Just as I did with our previous two novels, I'll post a discussion question from time to time to help keep the conversation moving. This is also another great way to get involved.

I'm off to visit Jacob, Emma, and Theo! See you soon!

Nikki

 

[eeyorelvr09]

This too is my first Jodie Picoult book. I have read the first case and I love the point of view writing.

 

[Eeyores#1Fan]

I haven't started reading yet but will have tons of time to read this weekend. This is my 2nd book by Jodie. I read My Sisters Keeper and loved it! I also found 2 more of her books this past weekend at the thrift store for $1 each so I'm sure I'll be reading more of her.

 

[katscradle]

I am on board with this one and have the book!
I have the first weeks section marked off with bookmarks and will read it over the weekend. I have more time to read on the weekends!
This is my first book by Jodi Picoult, and from what I have read here I am really looking forward to this.

 

[kramer222]

Can we just start reading to join the book club, or is there a formal process? I'm taking the bus now, so I have a lot more time to read!! I will try to find this book asap!

 

[peanut1967]

Hi All!!!

It seems like everyone either has the book or is on their way to getting it soon. Our first deadline is tomorrow and that was just to retrieve it. You should try to have Cases 1-3 (through pg. 146), our first section, read by May 17th.

I began reading this novel about a week ago and am completely hooked. Like some of you here, this is my first Jodi Picoult book, and it has not disappointed me yet. I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts. As a reminder, feel free to pop on here whenever you'd like while reading the first section. Share your likes, dislikes, questions, and thoughts on the text. Just as I did with our previous two novels, I'll post a discussion question from time to time to help keep the conversation moving. This is also another great way to get involved.

I'm off to visit Jacob, Emma, and Theo! See you soon!

Nikki

I have read all Jodie picoults book upto press. if you have seen 'My Sisters Keeper' you need to read the book....totally different..the end is way off.

Angie

 

[eeyorelvr09]

I wanted to give my 2 cents of the book so far. I finished reading the first 3 cases and it is getting interesting fast. I have heard the Ms.Picoult likes to take her time getting to the thick of things. This, however, is not the case. There is already a love story developing as well as excellent writing to put the reader in the shoes of mom,Emma, 18 y/o Jacob, with Asperger's and 15 y/o Theo who gets the brunt of it all. One thing that I would have liked to see up to this point is the point of view from Jessica, Jacobs behaviorist. I am loving this book so much that I think I might have it done before this weekend is over.

Happy reading everyone!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Can we just start reading to join the book club, or is there a formal process? I'm taking the bus now, so I have a lot more time to read!! I will try to find this book asap!

Just start reading and chatting!

 

[peanut1967]

I have two questions -

1. How would you feel if your son/daughter dated a person with aspergers?

2. How do feel about Theo, being a brother to Jacob also how life revolves around Jacob?


Angie

 

[RutgersAlum]

My son's teacher gave me this book about two weeks ago, haven't started it yet...maybe it's fate she gave it to me AND you chose it. Might join in on this one.
RutgersAlum/Michele

 

[tmli]

Disclaimer....My responses are from the point of view of a Mom of an Aspie!!

1. I would think I raised by child right!! To look beyond the obvious and see the person inside. That being said, Jacob is quite severe on the spectrum and having a relationship with him would be difficult--but not impossible.

My son is almost 14 now, he is quite high on the spectrum and functions very well. He has outgrown, through luck and various therapies, the melt downs and some of the more severe symptoms Jacob exhibits. He also has a few "quirks" but not the same obsessions that Jacob does. Such as the issue with the color orange and even numbers.

My biggest dream for him is to be an average teen...to have a best friend, a girl friend. The only person who wants this more than me is my son. As Emma said in the book....it is so much worse when he longs for it and can't figure out how to make it all work.

2. I think it is really hard for Theo, I am enjoying his point of view. My guess would be this is also how the "healthy" child would feel with a seriously ill sibling. I have only one child, and while things are easier for us now, I can certainly see how the "squeaky wheel gets the grease". Having a child like Jacob is all consuming for everyone in the family. I think often the effects of the condition on other children is overlooked....the stress on adults can be overwhelming. I can only imagine how it affects a young sibling as they develop and get a sense of self.

I have two questions -

1. How would you feel if your son/daughter dated a person with aspergers?

2. How do feel about Theo, being a brother to Jacob also how life revolves around Jacob?


Angie

 

[MerriePoppins]

Loving this book and my new Kindle. Her writing style is different, the approach of the characters...their view of life. (can't wait to read something else of Jodi's)
I read and my heart breaks for Emma, but no....I read some more and I hurt for Jacob....wait....poor Theo. I think he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

OK...gotta finish the laundry so I can check on Emma

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have two questions -

1. How would you feel if your son/daughter dated a person with aspergers?

2. How do feel about Theo, being a brother to Jacob also how life revolves around Jacob?


Angie

1. While I don't have kids, I think I would be open to my child dating anyone who they loved, and who (in their own way) loved them back.

2. I can certainly understand Theo. I thought Picoult did a very good job with his character in particular. Theo, in many ways, identifies as the older brother, the caretaker, but truly doesn't have the maturity or capacity to be the caretaker. A lot of times in literature, the sibling who identifies as the caretaker actually ACTS the part, but here, Theo is truly a teenager.

 

[eeyorelvr09]

I have two questions -

1. How would you feel if your son/daughter dated a person with aspergers?

2. How do feel about Theo, being a brother to Jacob also how life revolves around Jacob?


Angie

1. I too, do not have kids, yet, but I would be proud of my child for seeing ther person for who they really are rather than seeing the Aspergers. I would only hope that I would have raised my children in a way that they would not discriminate because there is was too much of that and especially with kids to young to understand. It's a shame that children become so naive because their parents are the same way.

2.I feel that Theo, even though he likes to hide behind a tough exterior is just as entitled to special care like his brother. He is the lost child, and has had to be a grown up since Day 1. I fell that deep down inside that Theo prides himself in being a "big" brother to Jacob and would not want it any other way because that is what he knows.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

I have two questions -

1. How would you feel if your son/daughter dated a person with aspergers?

2. How do feel about Theo, being a brother to Jacob also how life revolves around Jacob?


Angie

Some thought-provoking questions that I will be responding to this weekend (at work on lunch right now!) My perspective is that I have a nephew (17 yrs) with mid-high functioning Asperger's and my niece is just 22 months older than he is. One of her best friend's is the oldest girl of three, with the younger of her two brothers being not as high functioning as my nephew. It's been interesting to watch and be involved/supportive over the years.

Be back later with some discussion points!

 

[kramer222]

Just finished the first "Case" and I'm really enjoying it. Thought it would be hard for me to relate with these characters (only child with no children) but it's really heart-wrenching. Especially the relationship between the brothers. Uff-da.