Woot! Someone's Already Read 50 Books, and "Room" by Emma Donoghue

I knew it would happen. One of our library patrons is in very regularly and reads quickly. Today, this patron turned in a filled reading log! We eagerly gave the patron another log to begin to fill!

Now, don't feel inadequate...this patron is retired and spends a lot of time reading. Sigh... This is how I want to live my retired life...visiting the library everyday for good books, a quick chat, and the anticipation of more to come the next day. If I have any time left over each day, I'll craft and write poetry.

For those of us who still work, reading this many books two months in to the challenge is near to impossible. I'm sure some Super-Reader, book bag swaying in the breeze, could do it, but that isn't me! I'm thrilled to be on my 8th book.  I've just finished reading Room by Emma Donoghue.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It is disturbing and fascinating with it's 5-year-old narrator trying to understand his changing world.

Whenever I read a book, I try to figure out if I've read any other books like it. I'm training my mind to make conscious connections so that I can become a better readers' advisor. I've been thinking of other books I've read that might compare... The ripped from the headlines, fast paced story of tough decisions reminds me of Jodi Picoult's books. But unlike Picoult's books, during which it feels to me that my emotions are being manipulated*, Room allowed me to experience my emotional reactions in a more natural way. I think it achieves this through Jack's innocent narration of his life as it expands from one room to the outside world. Jack's voice is completely authentic and the struggles his Ma experiences are conveyed through his logic and understanding of the world. This writing technique allowed me to stay slightly removed from the horror and experience it less dramatically.  The experience of reading Room is as satisfying as the story it tells and this book will stay with me for a long time.

If you liked the youthful narrator, you might also like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddad or Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock. If you like the fictional exploration based on current events definitely check out Jodi Picoult or Chris Bohjalian. For the quiet and compelling tone found in Room try Elizabeth Berg's or Ann Hood's books.

*Apologies to the many Jodi Picoult fans in the world. While her style of writing isn't my cup of tea, I do understand why she's so popular.