This week's library loot is an easy one to post, because I only borrowed one book from the library. The book, however, is going to be a tough one to read. I got myself on the holds list for the book as soon as I saw my library was getting it in (from Wowbrary) because I heard some very good, albeit very general, buzz about it. Since then, I've learned more on what the book is about and I started to second guess whether I really wanted to read it.
Room by Emma Donaghue
I was going to post the book summary from the inside flap of the book, but then I saw this short, insightful synopsis from reviewer Lynette Mong on Amazon.
"In many ways, Jack is a typical 5-year-old. He likes to read books, watch TV, and play games with his Ma. But Jack is different in a big way--he has lived his entire life in a single room, sharing the tiny space with only his mother and an unnerving nighttime visitor known as Old Nick. For Jack, Room is the only world he knows, but for Ma, it is a prison in which she has tried to craft a normal life for her son. When their insular world suddenly expands beyond the confines of their four walls, the consequences are piercing and extraordinary. Despite its profoundly disturbing premise, Emma Donoghue's Room is rife with moments of hope and beauty, and the dogged determination to live, even in the most desolate circumstances. A stunning and original novel of survival in captivity, readers who enter Room will leave staggered, as though, like Jack, they are seeing the world for the very first time. " --Lynette Mong
What do you think? Sounds harrowing, doesn't it? I think Room is going to be one of those extremely moving books that I can't help but love, even though I may cry thoughout the whole thing. I'd say that the promise of a happily ever after will get me through it, but I'm not even 100% sure that's even the case. I'm avoiding reviews because I want my experience with this book to be entirely, uniquely my own.
Do you like books that move you to tears?
What was the last book you read that strongly affected you?
You're a brave woman Christine. I saw this book mentioned on KatieBabs blog and...I don't think I could read it.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the last book you read that strongly affected you?
Funny you ask, as I was re-reading bits of it last night. Keeping Promise Rock (Amy Lane). So much character development and emotion; it was gritty, and hard to read in places - I was so invested in the characters I wanted to peek at the ending. And I was re-reading bits of it last night as the indirect sequel is calling to me, and I think I may just have to read it.
I think it sound like a book that I would have to be in the right frame of mind to read.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely have to been in the right frame of mind for this one, Christine. I don't think the last book that moved me to tears was actually supposed to. lol But I got teary anyway. It was All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins. There was just some moving parts in the book and it got me weepy.
ReplyDeleteThe last book that affected me was Camp Hell by Jordan Castillo Price. I don't think I read anything for a couple of days after that.
I don't seek out books that will bring me to tears, however, a good book will bring me to unexpected tears.
ReplyDeleteMy methods for choosing a book are in no way easy to determine. I usually choose a book that sounds appealing to me, sometimes it may be more emotional than I intended. Two books that I read, both before the movies were released were P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern and Me and Marley by by John Grogan. Both made me cry and hug my loved ones. Also most books by Claire Cook. To be honest, I find life can be so difficult I'd rather escape into a lighter book.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on reading!
Hope you're having a pleasing week.
Oh, so you did get it! Well I hope that you enjoy it if you do read it :)
ReplyDeleteI sometimes cry when I read books. Quite often my eyes get a bit moist, but I don't necessarily shed any tears. It was just yesterday when they got a bit wet. It was while reading Divided in Death.
ReplyDeleteUsually it's some historical romance novel that makes me cry. My favorite theme is scarred and tortured heroes and I think you just can't read those novels without shedding a tear.
But when it comes to the book that made me bawl my eyes out, it was The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I literally cried for dozens of pages. My bed was full of tissues and reading forward was really hard because I couldn't see anything through my tears. I have very fond memories of that book and I've thought about reading it again many times...
orannia...
ReplyDeleteOh, I am having second thoughts on this one, trust me. Maybe it won't be too heartbreaking because it is told from the 5 y.o. boy's perspective?
I remember you mentioning Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane in the past. I'll have to consider that one.
Sean...
Thanks for stopping by.
I think you're correct. I'm going to have to be in the right frame of mind for this one. Hopefully I get there and be able to read the novel.
Tracy...
Don't feel bad. Kristan Higgins has brought me to shed a few tears with her books, too! I haven't read All I Ever Wanted yet, but I did cry a few times reading The Next Best Thing.
A book titled Camp Hell sounds like it would indeed by a tough one.
Dru...
That's a good point! A book that brings you to unexpected tears is a sign of a well written story!
Brandy...
To be honest, I find life can be so difficult I'd rather escape into a lighter book.
I know exactly what you mean. That's a large part of why I enjoy reading romance.
nath...
I did go pick it up after all! It's a new release so I only have it for two weeks! Hopefully I'll muster the courage to read it soon!
Maija...
I'm a crier by nature, so it doesn't phase me to drop a tear or two while reading a book, but some books make me really cry. I think Room is going to require a tissue box nearby.
I cried reading The Host, too. I felt so torn... there was no right or wrong answer for that outcome, but I did like the way it ended. I thought Meyer was supposed to write a sequel, but I haven't heard anything about that in a long time.
Yes, Camp Hell was a tough one but Oh So Good. :)
ReplyDeleteI normally devour Emma Donoghue's books, but I couldn't get myself to even open Room. I'm afraid it will indeed be harrowing and I'm not sure I'm up to crying my way through another novel :(
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn! : )
ReplyDeleteI only have two weeks with Room since that's all my library allows for new releases, so I decided to just bite the bullet and give it a go. I'm currently 125 pages into the story (it's 321 pages altogether) and I have to admit it's not as harrowing as I would have expected. I've shed a few gentle tears, but no full fledge crying--and I'm a big crier! Although, I do have more than half the book to go, so we'll see.
Thanks for stopping by!
This one sounds sooo interesting. I've been seeing lots of rave reviews for it but it!
ReplyDelete