I was given this book by my client's hairdresser and she had been given the book by one of her clients. The hairdresser wasn't able to finish the book as she didn't like the style of writing and found it too weird. So she gives it to me, what does that say about me?
I loved it and I found myself caught up with the emotions of the two main characters. It had me thinking about how would I have coped in the same situation. I am not going to give the plot away so I am not going to give a full review here.

I did enjoy this book and I believe that it might also be on Jay's wishlist.

Yay, we have mail deliveries again, a week after the earthquake! And double yay, the first piece of mail to arrive is a parcel of books from Lytteltonwitch!

Thanks!

An incredible story by a writer who is rapidly becoming one of my favourites. Like lytteltonwitch, I don't want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but my heart was just wrenching for both the main characters - Jack trying to make sense of the incomprehensible world, and Ma trying to make sense of herself. A great book.

^ ^
00
=+=
v

I just read another copy of this book and will put my journal note in from that shortly. I know this'll find an interested reader either by controlled release or wild release. I got this at a meetup here with Futurecat, Meganh, Leith, bronwyna, Skyring and company.

I just put this book on my "wow" shelf here at goodreads -- partly because of the whole subject of the story, partly because of the author's rather daring (in my opinion) decision to write a book about a very emotional subject entirely from the point of view of a five year old boy. There were times, when my experience in pediatrics intruded upon the story, breaking in and interrupting the narrative of Jack, but on the whole, found the story both heartbreaking and compelling. I also trusted my friend, Maggie, who recommended the book as a "very interesting, at times fascinating, read and I would recommend it to others with the caveat that one needs to have patience with the plot." With that, I concur completely. I also trusted Emma Donoghue to write a fascinating book that would probably have a somewhat difficult subject matter. Ms Donoghue didn't disappoint either.

As to the story itself, I was fascinated how Ma created a world for Jack in what should have been a nightmare situation. She loved and protected him with equal fierceness. She gave him structure, routine and a nurturing environment. Pretty amazing as she was only 19 herself when first locked away. If the whole book had taken place in that 11 X 11 room, I probably would have gotten impatient, but Donoghue ups the ante by changing the environment for Jack and Ma (I don't want to say too much because it's quite easy to give spoilers on this book.) Their experiences in the second half of the book, and in their new environment, fascinated me, particularly from a medical point of view. There were physical, psychological, and personal happenings that I found myself thinking I never would have thought about anticipating that. (And made me realize that once upon a time, when I still was working, I was sharp enough to think about, but these days of retirement seem to have dulled a portion of my brain.)

The other thing of note is that for almost the entire first part of the book I was placing this book in the UK, because I know that's where the author lives. There were clues it was in the US, but instead of recognizing them, I just thought it odd that whatever it was translated into British custom with equal ease. But I did catch on before Jack and Ma left Room. Jack's language reminds me of the private language we often develop with loved ones combined with that kind of mis-hearing of things -- like thinking the line in God Bless America is "stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with the light from a bulb" or poor Elton singing "She’s got electric boobs, and no hair too…" Our brain struggles to make sense of what it thinks it's seeing or hearing.

To the finder of this book:

Welcome to BookCrossing, a unique community of book lovers, sharing their libraries with the world. This book is now yours to read, enjoy, keep or pass on to another reader. The BookCrossing ID, which you entered in the "Enter a BCID" box on the website, is unique to this copy of this book. If you make a journal entry (either anonymously, or as a BookCrossing member) all previous readers of this actual book will be notified by email, and can follow the book as it travels. BookCrossing is free to join, completely confidential (you are known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address) and a heck of a lot of fun. Be on the lookout for other books left in the "Wild"!

PS And if you find yourself liking BookCrossing, there may be local BookCrossers who meet regularly in your area. Come join us!