From the Bookshelf of Books Without Borders…

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Jonathan Safran Foer

Start date: February 1, 2011

Finish date: February 28, 2011

Why we're reading this: This is the next book on the original list. I figured we could start with this then move on to other ways…more
[close] This is the next book on the original list. I figured we could start with this then move on to other ways of picking books.

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Aug 23, 2012 Lori rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, inspirational, survival

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Nov 09, 2008 Maranda (addlebrained_reader) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: los-borders-bookclub-ese, 2011-reads

Before I begin my review of this book...I need you to know that I read this book MONTHS ago. Like, back in February kind of months ago. But I have not been able to discuss it until now because I cry every time I try. That's how heart wrenching and touching this book is.

But it's not one of those books that I cried the entire time I read it. Just when I was finished. Actually, the night I finished this book, I closed it, breathed deeply and hugged it to my chest. The Hubble looked at me and said I Before I begin my review of this book...I need you to know that I read this book MONTHS ago. Like, back in February kind of months ago. But I have not been able to discuss it until now because I cry every time I try. That's how heart wrenching and touching this book is.

But it's not one of those books that I cried the entire time I read it. Just when I was finished. Actually, the night I finished this book, I closed it, breathed deeply and hugged it to my chest. The Hubble looked at me and said I looked teary-eyed. All I could do was nod, lay my head on his chest and just...cry.

It's also not a book I actively thought about. It's not one where you think "I have to go read because that book is so incredible!" No...it's more like when you pick it up you lose yourself and the next thing you know it's 2am and you only meant to read a chapter.

To say that this book was amazing would be doing it a grave injustice. This book was soul changing.

It starts off a bit confusing because there are two stories involved. One told by a man from Germany about his story. The other told from Oskar's perspective. Each chapter changes the narrator and you have to remain aware of who is telling the story. The question of how these two narrator's are involved in the same story that seems completely different is a prominent question. But all is revealed by the end of the book.

I am honestly trying to find the words to describe this book. But no words in the English language can begin to explain how this book affected me.

Oskar is a brilliant boy. He reminds me a lot of my younger brother who has Asperger's Syndrome. While Oskar is traipsing around NY I found myself concerned for him. And angry at his mother for allowing her 9 year old son to travel throughout NY unattended. Who does that? But again, by the end of the book, questions are answered.

The people Oskar meets are eccentric and lovable. Each and every person has their own story, their own struggles. But Oskar's determination to find the lock that fits his dad's key is what keeps the reader turning the pages. And his unending desire to know EXACTLY how his father died. Did he die of smoke inhalation? Did he know what was happening? Was he alive as the towers fell? He has so many questions.

Oskar also takes pictures. He keeps them in a book. Scattered throughout the pages of this novel are Oskar's pictures so not only do you have your imagination, but also visual aides to help you move along with the story.

This book is not your normal 9/11 story. This book does not deal with the tragedy that happened inside the tower that day. But instead gives insight into the aftermath. The struggles this one family faces years after that fateful day.

Though I know Oskar is a fictional character, I can't help but feel as though his thoughts and feelings are shared by many who lost a loved one that day. Oskar has stayed with me since I read this book and I don't expect him to be going anywhere for a very long time. He is a part of me now.

If you never read another book about 9/11...I highly recommend you read this one. You will never be the same again. ...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Lori Williams rated it did not like it

Shelves: didnt-finish

pushed through to page 95 and just couldnt take the babble anymore......I dont even wanna give this 1 star......:( but i will just to rate it....uuuggghhh!

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