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SABRINA JANE SALRIN thinks this title is suitable for 14 years and over
This book is heart-wrenching. A heroic mother caring for her son, whilst held captive in a tiny shed with only a sky light to view the world.
This was a very interesting, disturbing book that, while slow moving at times, kept me intrigued because of how psychologically suspenseful it was.
Jack is the narrator and, at 5 years old, has an interesting voice that varies between young/stunted and much more sophisticated. That is thanks to being raised completely confined to a Room with his mother, who was abducted at age 19 and kept locked up by her captor ever since. Jack and his mother spend every second together inventing games and exercises and such to pass the time and stay healthy. The time comes to make an escape plan, but can they survive in the outside world where Jack is unsure of his spacial surroundings and how to interact with anyone but his Ma?
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Add a CommentThank you for all your comments. I have not read the book yet, but I am exited to read it now.
What can I say about this book that numerous other reviewers haven't already said?
I was initially worried about it being written from the perspective of a child because I am a pretty bad reader and get confused and lost easily, but that wasn't the case at all with this book. I couldn't stop reading! It kept me wanting to know more; how is Jack and Ma doing?
I gave this book 4.5 stars because....
*****SPOILERS*****
[ I didn't think it was very realistic after they left Room. I don't think Jack would have coped so well being torn from Ma and sent to Grandma and Steppa's when his mom stayed at the clinic. I also didn't like how the book ended so "fluffy." I don't think reentering society would have been that easy. But, I also know if it was written realistically, it would be an extremely long book. I just feel like it kind of dropped off at the end, unfortunately, a lot of good books do.
This book took me by surprise. I started listening to the story and found myself intrigued. The narrator chosen for the audio was excellent. I thought the story was well written and suspenseful. I would recommend this book even though it is not an easy read.
A powerful story highlighting the unbreakable bond between mother and son. How do you make lemons out of lemonade? Ask Jack, the courageous 5 year old who has lived in a room the size of a garage his entire life and has never been outside. This dynamic duo reminded me of what is really important to share with my children...time.
I don't often re-read books but I did with this one. A work of fiction that is so believable. Emma Donoghue has written a fantastic story about a horrible situation.
I read this book for the first time 5 years ago and it is still my absolute favourite!! Everything about this book is brilliant. There is such a beautiful bond between mother and son, despite the brutal circumstances that they are forced to live with. Child innocence is such a big part of this book, specifically because it is narrated by five-year-old Jack. Very very realistic. Loved it!!!!!!!
Also- the movie is nothing in comparison to this book. The movie disregards a lot of important details and drags on near the end. Would definitely recommend the book instead.
I have never met a book that I have loved more fully from the first word. It is a captivating novel, involving a mother's strength and perseverance, and her son's marvelous ability to make the most out of their situation. Be warned, it is a difficult read, because of the subject matter and the perspective, but well worth it. If you are a fan of different perspectives, or are really interested in how perspectives can influence characterization, this is a book for you. The mind of Jack gives the whole book an imaginative and innocent spin to the novel, balancing the other brutal aspects. And do not worry, there is a happy ending to look forward to.
Dreadful book and very hard to read. Not a book if you want light entertaining reading.
This novel gives the reader the ability to be transported into 5 year old jacks mind and understand his perspective of the world, which to him is an 11 X 11 room, in which he is raised. Up until he is five, everything not in Room that we know as real is "TV" to Jack. Jack is completely unaware of their horrific situation because being in Room is all he knows, and everything in Room are his friends. It makes the novel easy to read and very difficult to put down.
Most people in the book club had already read this book once and because of the difficult subject matter were not able to read it a second time.
Mother's love, strength, and the language used were all great topics of discussion.