Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of Autism. He lives with his younger brother Theo and his mother Emma. His father left when Jacob displayed abnormal behavior and was diagnosed with the disorder. Jacob could be considered exceptionally intelligent, yet he lacks social skills- he has trouble expressing himself to others, cannot read other people, and finds it difficult to look people in the eye. He is also focused on a specific subject at a time, which is currently forensic analysis. He has a police scanner, watches a crime show obsessively, and often offers police advice on how to solve their cases. Just when Jacob begins to think he made a friend and progress in society, a terrible death turns everything upside down. Despite Emma’s efforts for Jacob to fit in, their family is now intricately entwined in what appears to be murder. Unfortunately, all of the signature behaviors of Asperger’s Syndrome make Jacob look suspiciously guilty. As the story unfolds, family conflicts and society’s misunderstanding of people’s differences are all revealed, as well as whether or not Jacob committed murder.
I picked up this book because I like Jodi Picoult and I borrowed it from my grandmother.
I finished it because I couldn’t set it down… I find psychology fascinating and it was an exciting story. However, I was not impressed with the ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology of crime and who loves suspense.
I give this book a 4**** rating. (Really Liked It)
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Review by Leslee, 12th grade