Monday, April 11, 2011

Room.

I love to read (have you checked out my shelf, over there? -->). I didn't really like it when I was in school, I freely admit. Something about HAVING to read makes you less likely to read recreationally. Have you noticed? It's like, "Read? I just had to stomach 50 pages of Economics in the Global Marketplace. I'm taking a nap."

Anyway, I've realized I enjoy books about people escaping captivity. I find it fascinating how the characters (either real or fictional) survive their captor's oppression and manage to flee to freedom.

I just finished a compelling page-turner and I am writing to gush about it:



My friend Jae recommended it and I decided to give it a whirl. Very glad I did.

(For the record, I'm rarely disappointed by others' book suggestions. So if you have any good ones, feel free to lay 'em on me.)

Here's the gist: A woman is kidnapped as a young adult. While in captivity, she has a son. His name is Jack. When the story starts, he is 5 years old. He is the one telling the story.

I know, I know -- "Ugh, I don't want to read a story from some KID'S perspective. I'll pass."

But trust me. It. Is. Amazing. I laughed. I cried. I gasped in horror. I bit my nails off (all of them). I read it in approximately two days. I could not put it down.

Remember how much I loved The Help? I said (and I quote), "I think everyone in America should read it." Well, that's how I feel about Room. It will change you.

So, if you haven't read it, go to the library and put yourself on the waiting list (there probably is one) or heck -- just go buy it because you won't regret it. I promise.

9 comments:

  1. I just finished "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith and it was lovely. It's not gritty or in your face but it made me so very happy.

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  2. I feel you about that genre- so thrilling!

    I'll certainly read this next. I'm reading "The Kitchen House" currently. It's going slow-er.

    Did you like "Escape?" Those Polygamny stories give me the heebies. Can you imagine being born into that? Ah!

    Do you like reading books about the Holocaust? Was that a weird/morbid question? I took a class my senior year called "Women in the Holocaust." The stuff we read... incredible! I'll send you my favorites if you want :)

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  3. I read that! I liked it. If you like escape type stories you should read Stolen Lives by Malika Oufkir. True story about her and her family being imprisoned.

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  4. Yay! Can't wait to read it. I've been looking for a new book, so I'll have to try both Room and The Help. Thanks for the suggestions!!

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  5. @Creole Wisdom, I do love Holocaust books ... I know that sounds so morbid, but I think sad stories, especially true ones, have the most potential to change people's hearts. Send your suggestions my way.

    @Brits, @Elise: Thank you for the suggestions! I'll add them to my list!

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  6. "Room" is currently waiting for me at the library! I am excited to pick it up tomorrow... I recommend reading "Sarah's Key" - it is a very touching book about the Holocaust.

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  7. I saw Escape on your shelf the other day. I read it about a year ago and really liked it. Another book that is good is "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood. It came out in the early 90's but I would say to definitely check it out. BTW, Happy Belated 24th Birthday!!!

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  8. read The Glass Castle it is such an inspiring book!!

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