From the Bookshelf of Q & A with Emma Donoghue…
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What Members Thought
"Room" is a book about the bond between a mother and son, and their survival in the room where "Old Nick" keeps them. At the beginning of the book, you're constantly wondering who Ma and Jack are, who "Old Nick" is, and how they got there. As you get to know the characters, you are sympathetic to their situation, and respect "Ma" for how deeply she cares for her son, and how she tries to make the best out of the situation they're in. And you also feel grateful for the life you have...and had as
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Wow! An amazing book.
I’m Pollyanna-like by nature, I like my stories to have happy endings or at least not leave me in a state of vague depression, which is why I put off reading Room by Emma Donoghue for so long. But through the innocent eyes of 5-year old Jack, Donoghue does her readers the greatest of favours by insulating us while still carefully revealing the horrors Jack and his “Ma” have faced, and the lessons their experience teaches them.
At a time in my life where my New Year’s Resoluti ...more
I’m Pollyanna-like by nature, I like my stories to have happy endings or at least not leave me in a state of vague depression, which is why I put off reading Room by Emma Donoghue for so long. But through the innocent eyes of 5-year old Jack, Donoghue does her readers the greatest of favours by insulating us while still carefully revealing the horrors Jack and his “Ma” have faced, and the lessons their experience teaches them.
At a time in my life where my New Year’s Resoluti ...more
Edit: I have to say that my favorite characteristic about this book is that it is completely told through dialogue between Ma & Jack and other characters, and the simple thoughts of Jack himself. There is no distinct narration, but I think that helps make the book so wonderful to read. I also read this at the same time as my boyfriend, Cory, and I'm sure he was just as excited to find out what happened as I was. (His Review: Link)
This book makes you think, it makes you wonder. Jack's only world ...more
This book makes you think, it makes you wonder. Jack's only world ...more
I listened to the audio version. At first, the child's voice bothered me, as did the monotony of life in Room. But about a third of the way in, the story got really good and after that I didn't want to stop listening. I'm sure if I'd read the book, I wouldn't have wanted to put it down. The subject matter is fascinating and the child's perspective provides just enough distance to make the more awful aspects of Jack and his mother's life palatable. Jack is an exceptionally observational child, wh
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It's certainly a page turner, all read in the 5 year old boy's perspective which made it an easy read. The boy (Jack) is trapped in a shed with his mother, he was born there, the mother son relationship is stronger as they can't be separated and it's interesting the comparing them with modern families who often have little time to play with the children.
The one criticism I did have of the book is the boy's language, he knew some very advanced words yet still spoke very immaturely most of the tim ...more
The one criticism I did have of the book is the boy's language, he knew some very advanced words yet still spoke very immaturely most of the tim ...more
One of the best I've ever read. Ever.
If you asked me why, I probably couldn't pinpoint one reason. It's probably due to the adorability of five-year-old Jack and his innocence. The way he views his world and the things he's been told.
At first, I was uncertain about reading a whole book from a five-year-old's point of view - but it was written amazingly. All of the important details were easily put across, but with from a five-year-olds perspective which only added to it's cleverness and brillia ...more
If you asked me why, I probably couldn't pinpoint one reason. It's probably due to the adorability of five-year-old Jack and his innocence. The way he views his world and the things he's been told.
At first, I was uncertain about reading a whole book from a five-year-old's point of view - but it was written amazingly. All of the important details were easily put across, but with from a five-year-olds perspective which only added to it's cleverness and brillia ...more
Disturbing but compelling. I couldn't put it down.
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Loved Room! Did not want it to end! Read this!
I can't even put into words what I think of this book.
To say it's amazing seems to be underselling. This book is beautiful and shows strength and love,in both Jack & Ma. I could hardly bare to put the book down, and often found myself reading it out loud to my husband.I still find myself telling others about the book, and quoting it.
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To say it's amazing seems to be underselling. This book is beautiful and shows strength and love,in both Jack & Ma. I could hardly bare to put the book down, and often found myself reading it out loud to my husband.I still find myself telling others about the book, and quoting it.
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Amazing book...I was so emotionally attached to this book...although it was not an uplifting book- I loved every minute of it!
Brilliant story, one of my favorite books ever
In my 35 years never have I read a book that got my heart pounding as quickly as the first half of Room. I found this book exciting, sad, heartwarming, sometimes a little disturbing, and quite interesting. Very good read.
Fabulous book...written from the perspective of a 5 year old. To quote the cover it was indeed "Darkly Beautiful". I read it for my book club and I can't wait for the discussion!
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