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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
This is unlike anything I've read before. the story is told with such an innocent narrator but it still shows the horrors and incidents that happen to this small family. The writing is really interesting and draws you in. All the reviews I saw said it is a one sitting read and they were totally right. I finished it in one day and couldn't stop reading it. Truly an amazing book.
This books starts with a dialogue with Jack and his Ma at the first part of the book in the room. then there is the second part of the book where it is situated outside of the room where they were they finally got out. I felt that the part in the room could have been better if it was extended. And that once they have left the room it should be the ending. However the story went on and on about how they were living outside the room which was not very interesting.. But I liked the idea of knowing the mentality of the 5 year old kid Jack. Because he talks and alot and interactes alot and asks lots of questions. However it is beyond imagination that such child to have such splendid mentality while living in confined space in room his whole life and to have a good well being like average mental health.
The topic of this book makes it difficult to read- a young woman kidnapped and kept in a room for 9 years. She is raped and gives birth to a baby- the narrator of the story, 5 year old Jack. It is so harsh but told from his perspective it tones everything down. You feel Ma's frustrations and rage yet her love for her son and desire to raise him well help her maintain control. The way they pass the days would drive me crazy. I will say, Ma was incredibly creative and really did create quite a life for Jack- terrible as that sounds. I loved the end. Very well written story.
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was suspicious that this book would be "gimicky" as it is told in the voice of a 5 year old boy. I got past that quickly, and found the perspective to be fresh and natural after I read for awhile. Told from his perspective, I really felt like I was there with him, seeing through his eyes. If you liked "The Curious Incident of the Dog in Nighttime" I am sure you would like this book.
This book was very interesting. I couldn't put it down. It's told from the perspective of a 5 year old boy, Jack. He has lived his entire life in one room, what he calls Room. This room is a small gardening shed that has been converted into a living space complete with toilet and bathtub, sink and stove, a skylight, and a ventilation system. Jack does not live in Room alone, he's there with his Ma. Ma was kidnapped when she was 19 and has been held captive in the shed for seven years. She gave birth to Jack in the room. Every night she is visited by Old Nick, he rapes her each night. Jack is a product of that rape.
Having this story told through Jack's eye was so eye opening. As I was reading all I could think about was how they needed to escape. I was sympathizing with Ma and getting frustrated with Jack, just as she was. Because, for Jack, room is all he's ever known. It's his home. He doesn't even realize that there is more outside. It was a very compelling way to write this story, through his eyes.
At times it was a bit difficult to understand because Jack doesn't really know the names for everything or really know what's going on. The reader ends up being left in the dark a lot because Jack doesn't understand things entirely. But, to the author's credit, that made me want to keep reading the book so I could uncover secrets and figure out what was going on along with Jack.
I don't read adult books often, but I saw a big display of this at borders and it looked interesting. Then I found out that it was going to be the book discussion book at my library. So, it is definitely going to be a popular title about book club, I'm sure of it. I also think that it could crossover into YA. I could see a lot of teens who are fans of Living Dead Girl and the Child Called It books really picking this up and enjoying it.
I very much recommend it. It was such an interesting and unique way of storytelling.
Having this story told through Jack's eye was so eye opening. As I was reading all I could think about was how they needed to escape. I was sympathizing with Ma and getting frustrated with Jack, just as she was. Because, for Jack, room is all he's ever known. It's his home. He doesn't even realize that there is more outside. It was a very compelling way to write this story, through his eyes.
At times it was a bit difficult to understand because Jack doesn't really know the names for everything or really know what's going on. The reader ends up being left in the dark a lot because Jack doesn't understand things entirely. But, to the author's credit, that made me want to keep reading the book so I could uncover secrets and figure out what was going on along with Jack.
I don't read adult books often, but I saw a big display of this at borders and it looked interesting. Then I found out that it was going to be the book discussion book at my library. So, it is definitely going to be a popular title about book club, I'm sure of it. I also think that it could crossover into YA. I could see a lot of teens who are fans of Living Dead Girl and the Child Called It books really picking this up and enjoying it.
I very much recommend it. It was such an interesting and unique way of storytelling.
good but soooo heavy, realized I’m not in the headspace for it right now but might pick it up again later
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
How the main character talks and refers to things is almost a mini language that takes some getting used to and can be annoying once the boy is older (ie. he doesn't say "the chair" he says "Chair"). It's a unique take on the well tread kidnapping story.