From the bookshelf of CT Quiet Corner Reading…

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

get it!

find at: Amazon • WorldCat • more options…

group discussions about this book

No group discussions for this book yet.

recent member status updates

No group members have updated their status for this book.

what members thought

Apr 13, 2008

Jennifer rated it:

bookshelves: bookclubreads

Read in May, 2008

recommends it for: Anyone who's not BORING

Where do I start? I put tons of books on my "to-read" list. Some I get to, some I may never get to because the list is ever-growing, but I will forever be thankful that I picked this book next! This was the most different, yet compassionate and compelling book that I've probably read in the last five years.

I'll agree with some of the comments that it was a bit confusing in the beginning, but that only made me appreciate it more. That you had to have some intelligence to ma...more Where do I start? I put tons of books on my "to-read" list. Some I get to, some I may never get to because the list is ever-growing, but I will forever be thankful that I picked this book next! This was the most different, yet compassionate and compelling book that I've probably read in the last five years.

I'll agree with some of the comments that it was a bit confusing in the beginning, but that only made me appreciate it more. That you had to have some intelligence to make piece it all together and make sense of it.

JSF created a character that for me was so utterly believable. All the weird things that Oskar thought, his inventions, his wondering about all the people around him - who they are, what makes them tick, etc. - so reminded me of my own stream of consciousness. I'm always thinking strange but harmless things and wondering if anyone out there has the same questions I do. Oskar and I are soul mates - or maybe JSF and I are. Either way, I loved this book and sharing Oskar's journey with him. It gave me hope that there are people out there who wonder things and pursue things that may not be all tied up in pretty little packages. In today's narcasictic society, not many people do stop to wonder or care about those around us.

The innocence of a child, taking on the quest to identify the key owner, was just so simple. I tabbed so many pages of the book that had quotes or thoughts that I want to go back and reflect on. As many have said, I know that this is a book that will stay with me for a long time. I honestly almost want to start reading it all over again today and I just finished it last night.

Some fans of the book claim to be disappointed by the ending, but it was exactly what I had hoped for. Oskar and his mom's tears were my tears too.

My last thought, if I haven't convinced anyone to read this book yet, is that while the format of the book is very unconventional, don't let that throw you off. The raw truth of the experiences is so rewarding in the end. if you've got any appetite for something different, and you have a heart, i guarantee you'll love this book.(less)

Like this review? yes

add a comment

May 12, 2008

Bryan rated it:

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Bryan by: jennifer trainor
recommends it for: jane kokernak

My boots are heavy after reading this...

I loved this book. At first I though the kid was mildly autistic (fixation on certain things, bruising himself, etc) but realized he was just a kid dealing with losing a parent after 9-11. I had previously and recently read "The curious incident of the dog in the nightime".

I thought the characters were believable...despite the fact that you have to suspend disbelief to want to care about them.

The only trouble ...more

Like this review? yes

add a comment

Apr 22, 2008

Margaret rated it:

Read in May, 2008

add a comment

Jun 08, 2008

Michelle Hayes rated it:

add a comment

CT Quiet Corner Reading

group home
bookshelf
discussions
events
photos
invite people
members
polls