The difference between the true-life babies and Henry House is that Henry is adopted by the home economics teacher who teaches at the practice house. Martha has a small apartment above the practice house where she and Henry live. Henry grows up watching each baby come and go throughout his life knowing that he was originally a practice baby.
Having been passed from one mother to another for the first two years of his life, Henry can feel no true attachment to anyone except for maybe Mary Jane who has been his friend since the age of 4. But even with her, even though he loves her, it is hard for him to ultimately choose her over the other girls in his life.
As for irresistible - Henry does strive for the bonds of family, love and friendship thus making him irresistible to the reader. On another level he is more than irresistible to the girls he conquers in the book. (Don't worry, it is G-Rated.)
I liked this book because there was truth in the fiction - the practice houses astounded me. I also liked this book because it showed the failings of Henry House and how - despite everything - Henry still tried to connect with everyone he met.
Rating: 9 / 10
ISBN: 9781400063000
Publisher: Random House
Edition: 1st Edition