Title: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Year: 2005
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Drama, and Historical Fiction
Age: Grade 11 and 12
Summary: This story is mainly told from the point of view of nine-year-old Oskar Schell. Oskar lost his father in the attacks on September 11, 2001. Oskar and his father had an extremely close relationship, and they often played games where Oskar's father would lead Oskar on a hunt for some treasure. After his father's death, Oskar finds a key which he believes to be a clue, and this leads him on a journey throughout New York City. Oskar's story is paralleled by the story of his grandparents who survived the firebombing of Dresden, Germany during WWII.
Review: This is a beautifully written story that is enlightening and a tear-jerker. It's disconnected style may make it hard for some readers to follow, but if you can keep up with it, you will be well rewarded. I would absolutely recommend this to any student looking for a modern day classic. The juxtaposition of 9/11 to the firebombing of Dresden is fascinating, and is something that readers interested in history will appreciate. This is an all around wonderful book that I finished in two days because I could not put it down.
Also, make sure you read this one before you go to see the movie, which will be released on January, 20th.
