Wednesday, September 22, 2010

ROOM

Author: Emma Donoghue
Genre: Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Yearly Count: 85


Ma and Jack live in a room measuring 11 x 11 with only the necessities available to them. Room is the story of how the two continue to exist.

For the most part I was engaged in this novel. There were times in the beginning when I wanted it to pick up and move on, but other than that - it kept my attention.

Ma and Jack were both interesting characters, and I grew to care about them. However, I felt Jack's character went in and out of a 5-year-old's capacity. In the real world, most 5-year-olds do that as well. They have a tendency to shock us with their knowledge, then all of a sudden they're acting like 2-year-olds, so I tried to stay in the believing mode and for the most part, I accepted Jack's actions. BUT, there were occasions when I just couldn't swallow what was given to me.

I'm not in the "this book was fabulous" crowd, but it had me captivated at some points, which is what I always hope a book will do. So, I consider this one well done.

17 comments:

  1. I enjoyed this book as well, after I got used to Jack's voice.

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  2. Bermudaonion ~ I came by to see what you had to say, but didn't find a review. ???

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  3. I didn't read your comments as am getting this first when my library finally processes it. What do they do during this process anyway, I am trying to wait patiently.
    Glad to see a 4/5 rating though.

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  4. I just started this myself (on Tuesday)! So far, so good. It sure has gotten a lot of press (NPR, blogs, etc.). We'll see how it goes. :)

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  5. I'm in the "it was good but not fabulous" crowd too. However, I just couldn't get attached to the characters. I really liked Steppa though!

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  6. Raidergirl3 ~ I was first in line to get the book! :) Hopefully yours comes soon. I'll be looking for your thoughts.

    Les ~ Indeed it has! After reading some reviews on Amazon, I proceeded to research the Austria woman and children that were held captive by the woman's father. I remembered when it happened, but never heard any more about it. Sad, sad situation.

    Nicola ~ Thanks for the company. :) I agree, Steppa was the best!

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  7. It's always good to read a review to balance out all the "this was the best book ever" reviews. I have this on my radar but I'm not sold. Wonder if I can find on audio.

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  8. Trish ~ For ME, listening to it would be a horrendous experience. A narrator putting on their child-voice is one of my biggest pet peeves and remember this is told through a 5-year-old. Torture!

    You didn't ask, but another big pet peeve is when they sing! What the heck!?! Now I know you would love the world to break out in song (ie: your Glee post), but seriously, when you come to a scene in a book when a character is singing, do you sing it? And, if you were reading the passage to someone else, would you sing it to them? Oi.

    After further thought, I have to admit to singing parts from children's book to children (so sorry kids!). It was meant as being playful and enjoying the moment with them. It would be common songs like Row, Row, Row Your Boat. I think for most of us it would be difficult to just read those words.

    Didn't think you'd open up a can of worms with a simple comment about listening to an audiobook, did ya? I didn't wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Really, I didn't. :)

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  9. Hmmm--well, glad to know how you feel! You did mention the singing with Will Grayson Will Grayson. I've only come across one singing bit in an audiobook--Hunger Games and I admit I skipped through the whole thing. When I am reading and get to a song I also usually skip the whole thing. Same with poetry. Oops! Lazy reader, I guess. :)

    But yes, I think a five year old narrator would be a little grating on audio...good point!

    Hope your Friday ends up being spectacular, Ms. Joy! :D

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  10. Everyone is reading this one..how did I miss the boat??? I do want to experience this one for sure.

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  11. Trish ~ Ohhhh yes. Poetry. I'm not fond of that either.

    I had a terrific Friday, thank you. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, though . . . FOOTBALL!!! Hope your weekend is all that you want it to be. :)

    Staci ~ You didn't miss the boat, it just came out. :) I think you'll enjoy it.

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  12. I'm definitely in the 'it's fabulous' camp. :-) Glad you liked it!

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  13. Joanna ~ It's a wonderful thing to be in that camp. I wish I visited it more often than I do. :)

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  14. Anonymous11:08 PM

    I need to get my hands on this one just to see what all the hype is about!

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  15. Stacybuckeye ~ I thought it was a very good read, Stacy, and I don't think I've seen a bad review.

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  16. The book was a gift from a secret santa. I started reading and thought "Oh, I don't know...". Then hubby had surgery and I was in the waiting room so I downloaded the audiobook - what a difference! I have to say the child's voice did NOT seem like an adult doing a child's voice. There were a few other readers and all were good. I absolutely recommend listening to this book. Also, LOL, it allowed me to knit while listening so a few Christmas gifts were made - a win win :-)

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  17. Mary ~ I'm so glad the audiobook worked out for you, but sad to hear that your hubby had surgery. I hope it was successful and all is well now.

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