1+1+1 for 365 day 28: .. of people who are "different"

TODAY'S QUOTE:
“No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?” - Elbert Hubbard

TODAY'S BOOK:  
House Rules by Jodi Picault

The main reason why I am writing about a Jodi Picault book so soon again, is that I read this one over this past weekend as a form of escapism from "everything else".  It tackles an interesting subject:  the way that individuals and families are affected by autism and specifically Asperger's Syndrome.  The story line is one of a murder mystery that involves a single mother and her two sons and of course there is a bit of romance on the side.  I enjoyed it because it was well researched - as all of Jodi Picault's books are - and because she writes in a very accessible style.

 If I have criticism about this book, it might be that could have been shorter without harming the narrative. Not that I minded so much reading the 550 pages, but some tighter editing might have been advisable because quite a lot of things get repeated and add padding without necessarily adding understanding.


Most - if not all - the main characters are well drawn and the story is believable.  A solid, good read that does provide some insight into the challenges of families and individuals who are "different".  I personally have a better understanding of some of the issues now - and I believe if one can learn something of value from a book, it makes it a worthwhile read.  So I'll pass it on to family & friends who have not read it yet.

TODAY'S PICTURE

The Cape of Good Hope on a windy but clear day.  Always a stunning sight