House Rules, Disc. 3

[aero63]

The ending of the book has brought the question of mainstreaming, or what some call inclusion into focus. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Mainstreaming keeps the student only part of the time in the classroom or half a day, while inclusion is the all day program that Jacob is actually in. I have always been bashed on my opinion of this but I am not for inclusion. I have not changed my thoughts on this in 20 yrs.

Many special ed schools are closing due to this law and it is a shame that many children with Multiple disability could not exist in a regular ed school for even an hour...sadly. Also, not to mention the burden on regular ed teachers, even though a special ed teacher is supposed to be there in the classroom, often the conflict between the two teachers is a detriment to the student and the needs are not met. What are your ideas on this subject? Just curious. I have debated this for a long time and my college has an archived copy of my thesis paper. "Inclusion or Exclusion: The Growing Trend In International Education".

I am glad that Emma has taken it upon herself to be selfish. Leaving the house and seeking closeness...something that she neglects to give herself. I am very amazed at how she described Oliver though. Maybe it is the name, or just the picture I had in my head, but I certainly did not picture him the way she saw him, .

I don't blame Emma for being angry and sarcastic about her ex, Henry, showing up. Jacob, like many children, seems to blame himself to an extent and he also has questions. Poor Emma, just when her personal life begins an upward swing.


The trial gets into full swing and it has actually gone as expected. I am glad that Jacob was given minor recognition by the judge for the sensory breaks.

Jacob, so innocently giving Theo the iPod nano and not even thinking about the implications of keeping the "House Rules". Funny, how one person does something out of love for a brother, and another, not knowing what emotions are does something just to protect, obeying the rules and knows nothing but honesty...

[mary57]

I found the ending somewhat disturbing, in that there was no real end. The new 'evidence' of Theo's involvment and Jacobs clean-up don't seem to be addressed at all.

Antionette I have to agree the issue of mainstreaming or inclusion (not a term we use up here) is a widely debated one. We mainstream with an aide, either full or part days, we also have segregated rooms for those who need that. What we seem to have closed down is the seperate schools for different needs, all due to including 'everyone' in the public system. I believe the child should get the care and education where they are best able to learn, on an individual basis, not wharehoused and not shoved into the mainstream with little or no regard to how it will affect that child.
Anyway, that's my soapbox.

Back to the book.
I enjoyed Emma running off to see Oliver, but wouldn't you know it her ex turns up. I can understand why he came and am pleased that he did this for his son. It also made sense for him to stay in the family home, even if it did upset the apple cart. I had to laugh at the way both boys called Emma on her 'closeness' to Oliver. Then Oliver's jealousy was rather cute.

The trial went rather well, with Jacob being allowed time out's and I thought he represented himself well on the stand. But here again the right questions were not asked. A simple did you kill or harm Jess would have gone a long way to clearing him.

Theo's birthday celebration was wonderful for his esteem, he was so sure that it would go unnoticed with the trial. I am glad that he and his father are forming a bond of sorts. Then with Jacob giving him 'back' Jess's I pod, and his innocent proclomation of knowing the houses and items that Theo had been in and accuired really was a show stopper. I was disappointed with the ending though, we don't know if the new info was admissible or if it had any impact on the fate of Jacob.


I really enjoyed this book, even though it raised a lot of questions about our society and it's treatment of special needs people.

I have just finished Molokai and would recomend it as your next read if you are going to continue during the summer. It is an awsome story with a lot of things to think about and disscuss.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Well; I finished the book this morning. I have to say it wasn't an easy read for me. Autism isn't something I'm overly familiar with and particularly; Asperger's. As a matter of fact I even googled to learn a bit more and found the writer was right on track though at times there did appear to be conflicting info within her own writing.

I suspect that the ex has the Symdrome as well. After what I learned, and since it is suspected as "genetic" and considering Henry's "traits" shall we say.... Many people with high functioning autism can and do go on to lead normal (whatever normal really is and by whose definition) lives, marry and have children.

Incidentally; and you're probably aware... James Durbin (the rocker on American Idol who was voted off a week ago) has Turret's (sp?) and is autistic.

I think I got a little frustrated near the end and just wanted to yell.... "Enough already! Just ask Jacob a direct question! Did you kill Jess?" All the beating around the bush, perhaps becasue they didn't want to hear the answer, was getting to be too much.

I believe Emma really did do all the right things in how she was raising Jacob, but I also think it was to the point of overkill and the family as a whole suffered for it. This was evidenced by Theo's behavior, Emma's own personal sacrifices, and even Jacob himself. i.e. How did this color coding of food and days come to be? Was it a "learned" behaviour that Emma created?

I realize the need of routine etc but...... couldn't the same thing have been achieved by having each day's food be termed.... "Surprise Monday" or Surprise Tuesday" rather than "yellow Wednesday or brown Friday"? Seems to me there was a bit of "overindulging" perhaps in an attempt to maintain the peace.

But, I guess it's easy for a person (like me) to be critical when you're not wearing her (Emma's) shoes....

The ending was a bit of a disappointment and left too much hanging/unfinished. Of one thing I am sure of however is that if Oliver and Emma did get together, I think he would be the stabilizing force and bring more "normal" into a dysfunctional family. He also appears to be a no nonsense kinda guy in many ways; he doesn't pull punches; even with Jacob.

I don't know..... The book was alright, and I certainly "learned" from it but.....

[susanny]

I enjoyed the book myself. Was disappointed with the abrupt ending, though, but maybe I'm that way about most books. I think I would have like a bit more info on how it all ended up with getting Jacob off, ya know? Kinda just jumped there.

I thought it was a bit strange that Jacob was so excited to give Theo the gift for his birthday. It seemed like he had more enthusiasm and understanding than he'd shown the whole book. Not that I didn't like that's how everybody found out about what Theo'd been doing, that was interesting. some dinner that was for everyone.

Yeah, Henry for sure has some Autism/Asperger's in him. Not to the extent Jacob has, although I must say, Blossom, that I kinda agree with you about Emma overindulging Jacob. I suppose that she did it for some semblence of peace in the house. That even for that part of the day things could be less strained. I would hate to have to be a part of this type of household and thank God every day for the family health that I have. We have all been so blessed here, haven't we?

Guess that's all I have to say. Not much, sorry. I think I am burned out right now. But do hope you take my and Mary's suggestion and read Molokai. Even if we wait until after summer, that'd be great as I'd be ready to read it again, . doesn't take me long to forget a book with my brain. I'm reading a horror Dean Koontz now, Twilight Eyes,...and it's a kicker!

[aero63]

Thanks everyone. Great input. The ending was a little bit of a let down.

I don't know about overindulging Jacob. Routine routine and that is life with autism. Just like us, what works for one doesn't for another. You are not being critical, Jackie, just asking and pointing out some good normal questions and stuff.

I agree about Oliver, he certainly has a way with Jacob and I think that Jacob would do well with having a man's strenth in his later years.

I think Henry was just plain guilty feeling and therefore did not make eye contact, , now there's critical. Just kidding....maybe.

Molokai is on my list. Right now I am also reading Dean Koontz, a series...The Frankenstien series...just came out with the fifth book of the series. I am only on the first but bought and have the other three on my Nookcolor...now gotta get the fifth. I see that the books are actually cheaper on the Nook than in the store and I can lend them to others with a nook, or read on my computer or phone.

[susanny]

I never could get into the Frankenstein series, but my husband loved them. He's only read the 1st 3 though, didn't know there were more until I took the Piccoult book back today and saw the 5th on the shelf. This will give him something to do when retirement starts next month.