From the Bookshelf of Q & A with Emma Donoghue

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What Members Thought

Sheila Bennett
Nov 22, 2010 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Room is a wonderful story, told from the point of view of a 5 year old boy as he is introduced to the "real" world. His first five years were spent in an 11x11 foot room with his mother. His entire existence consisted of the items in the room and what his mother taught him. They did have some books to read, and watched some television. But, he did not realize all of those things he read about - trees, mountains, boys & girls, animals, friends, etc - were actually REAL. The only person he has eve ...more
Kirstin
Dec 29, 2010 rated it really liked it
This one was really depressing, but soooo good.
Ruthie
Nov 29, 2010 rated it it was amazing
So scared to read this one.....

Okay, finished and it was an excellent book. The crime was not the issue, the relationship and the day-to-day existence of the young woman and her now 5 year old son is the focus. The first third is about their life in the "room", how they live, how she keeps him occupied and educated and healthy. The last 2/3 is about what happens next. The author captures all the different facets of their relationship. It is written from the little boy's point of view, so no terr
...more
Jennifer DeWitt
Jan 12, 2011 rated it really liked it
I expected this book to be scarier than it was. The premise is horrifying - a child raised for the first five years of his life in a single 11 x 11 room with only his mother. Never going outside. Never knowing that a world outside "room" exists. However, this book is not horrifying. It is a story of amazing love and resilience. I would recommend this book to an adult or even a high school student. ...more
Laurence
Nov 12, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Well, a very interesting and thought provoking book. In the sense that there is so much one could not possibly think about in relation to someone whose life is spent hidden in a small space at the hands of an abductor. The characters are really well developed and real, as are the issues we are introduced to. The main character, a little boy, is at once so smart and so innocent, as well as brave, and his mom, is made of superhuman stuff....Great read!
Jan
Mar 03, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: novelties
I read this for my book group and I couldn't put it down. It is such a compelling story that I was willing to overlook the sometimes annoying interplay between the child and his mom. Most of the time having a five year old tell the story not only works but provides an unusual perspective that was very real and believable. It is a must read in my opinion. ...more
Ellen Brandt
Dec 12, 2010 rated it really liked it
Very unsettling, but hard to put down. (in this regard, it reminds me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold). Thought provoking in ways that I wasn't expecting. ...more
Nancy
Jan 24, 2011 rated it it was amazing
This book is soooo good! I didn't want it to be finished! To get full enjoyment this book should be listened to-the narration is beautiful! ...more
Jennifer
Feb 06, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: you-should-read
horrifying and scary and impossible to put down. Such an interesting perspective on being a mom.
Charlene
Feb 26, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
One of the most affecting books I've had the chance to read. ...more
Marsha
Jan 31, 2011 rated it it was amazing
I thought everything was well done in this book, with the exception of Ma's actions that did not consider her son once they got into the real world. I do not want to be a spoiler. I liked it very much. Topical and thought provoking. ...more
Daniel Rock
Jan 14, 2011 rated it it was amazing
This is one of the most profound, gripping, and cathartic books I have read. I had tears in my eyes throughout the reading, which was a first to me. The little boy, Jack, was so real and his love for Ma so strong that this alone propelled me to the end. If you enjoy books that introduce you to real, dynamic, and interesting people who go on journeys of revelatory power, read this one. Now.
Kathi
Dec 28, 2010 rated it really liked it
One of those books you don't want to keep reading, but can't put down. And how many toys do we really need? ...more
Andrea
Jan 29, 2011 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Incredible!!!
Nancy
Nov 07, 2010 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Janet
Dec 01, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Tara
Dec 29, 2010 rated it really liked it
Kim
Jan 01, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Lynn
Jan 02, 2011 rated it really liked it
Jodi
Jan 15, 2011 rated it really liked it
Katrina Baker Poole
Jan 17, 2011 rated it really liked it
Maryann
Jan 24, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Peggy Dubinsky Price
Jan 27, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2011
Sherri
Feb 05, 2011 rated it really liked it
Karen
Feb 15, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Wow.
Meigan
Feb 16, 2011 rated it really liked it
Luisa
Feb 22, 2011 rated it really liked it
Gina
Mar 01, 2011 rated it it was amazing