Room

Room, by Emma Donogue, was published in 2010 and was an instant hit. So, yes, this book has been out a while. There's even a movie out on it that I really really want to go see now. This novel was a best seller and a best book for good reasons, it was really good! It had such a unique take on things, especially since the narrator was none other than five year old Jack. This fiction novel could of been a terrible, typical story as I almost assumed it would be. But Jack kept things exciting, and the novel was a page turner for me. 5/5 stars, hand down.

This novel doesn't have chapters in the traditional sense, just as Jack and Ma's life aren't traditional. It bugged me at first to not have a stopping point when I had to put the book down, but it makes sense in the end.

We meet Jack and Ma in Room, where Ma has been for the past seven years and Jack his entire life. Ma was kidnapped when she was in college by Old Nick. Jack doesn't know anything about Outside, he's only ever been in Room. His life consists of only what's inside the four walls of Room, his Ma, and the routine that his Ma has created for him to help him be as normal as possible. Ma has done a really good job with what she's had, but her health is deteriorating and Ma knows they need to get out. She becomes desperate and starts to "unlie" to Jack, in that the things in TV do exists and Outside is a huge world that really exists. Jack is scared, but Ma knows they need out. Jack needs to be brave and they have to escape. Ma has tried before, sure, that's why there is no longer a cover on the back of their toilet when Ma tried to knock Old Nick out with it. So Ma concocts plan A and plan B to try and get out. Jack is terrified, their escape is on his shoulders.

Eventually, Jack and Ma do get out. They're ushered away to a private facility where Jack has to learn how to wear shoes, learn manners and boundaries. Ma has to get used to Outside too, the scars she bears in her mind are numerous and monumental. There's also reuniting with her family, and preparing to face Old Nick in court someday.

This novel is about the strength of the bond between parent and child, the resiliency of humans, the sensationalism of the press and how life is seen from the eyes of a child. This novel is powerful, a page turner, and heartbreaking all at once.