This book….this book. I loved this book. I picked it up and finished it in under a week and that NEVER happens. It’s both simply and beautifully written, and I found myself opening its pages whenever and wherever I could…at the gym, while we watched NFL playoff games, past my bedtime…Sadly, I can’t make it to our next book club meeting when we’ll discuss the book (WPPI in Vegas!), and though I don’t count myself as a book reviewer I thought I’d do my best and share it here.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close follows the story of a nine-year-old boy whose father died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He adventures across New York City on a secret search for something that he believes will bring him closer to his dad. But all along, he meets the most interesting characters with their own stories to share, too. Intertwined in the boy’s story, are letters written by his grandparents. Letters of love and losing and fear of living. But for all its sadness – as the boy, Oskar, says ‘heavy boots’ – there were many times I found myself smiling or even laughing. You become attached to the little boy, and it’s hard not to be amused by his endearing innocence and sometimes odd behaviour, when you’re not feeling his pain or crying with him. I actually miss the book now that I’m finished…my hope is that the movie does the story justice :)
Whitney says
Oh, I’ve been wanting to see this movie! Maybe we can see it together?? I guess I’ll have to read the book first. Thanks for the review:)
Susana Cristina says
I am always on the hunt for a good book. Thank you for your recommendation. This will go on the ‘reading list’ for sure!
Kari Jeanne says
I’ve been wanting to read this book! Thanks for the review!
Bonny says
Adam finished it in under a week as well!! I can’t wait to read it…in fact I’m going to go start it now :)
Chelsea says
Thanks for sharing, Mikaela! I had no idea the movie was based on a Jonathan Safran Foer book; I LOVE his writing. Will definitely pick this one up. (oh, and I am a great big fan of your work!)
adri says
I sooo loved this book!! I heart Oskar Schell!
Allison says
I’ve been following your blog since you became famous (Starbucks proposal) but don’t think I’ve ever commented, so first: hi! Love your blog (and your styling!).
Second, this is one of my all time favourite books. I read it in a day or so (I read a lot, and fast) and then my husband and I actually listed to it while driving from Vancouver to Toronto in 2008. It made 10 hours of the prairies fly by. The narrator is perfect. Simply perfect. Highly recommended for a road trip (or long flight with lots of connections) even though you’ve already read it!
Corinna says
Thanks for the recco… will have to check it out soon.
~Corinna
Meredith Sledge says
My mom just saw the movie! She said it was really good. :)
melissa says
I just finished this book too! Excellent read! Can’t wait to see the movie! :)
noreen says
And guess what, since my New Year’s resolution is to at least go back reading and read at least 20 books for the year, I picked up my first book for the year. I saw it at COSTCO and did not hesitate picking it up..Now, like you were, I could not put it down. I will prolly read it in a week like you do..:)
Tesia says
oooh can’t wait to read this!! also what caught my eye is the cute box!! i’m wondering if you made it yourself or if it’s just a box and you re-decorated it?
xxx,
-t