Archives for September 2011

I will make no excuse for my laziness in reading last month. I got pre-occupied with a lot of things (*cough*City Hunter*cough*) that I didn’t have much time to read. But reading should never be a chore anyway. I had a goal of reading 52 books this year and I’m almost there. I’m on my 45th book now so I’m giving myself time to relax a little from reading. Of course, I’m still hoarding books as if I have all the time to read.

Also, it amazes me how I got to go out frequently last month. If you know me, you must understand that I’m a homebody who loves her bed and laptop and books and solitude more than anything else in the world. Partying on a Saturday night is a burden I don’t really want to admit. Heh. But I did go out a few times and surprisingly enjoyed myself. *pats self*

From now on, I should also remember to write my “reviews” after reading just so I wouldn’t be so latein updating this blog.

Room by Emma Donoghue

This is an intense book that gives me chills whenever I think of it. It has a powerful storytelling that lures you into the story, making you care for Jack, our five-year-old narrator, and his life in Room. Emma Donoghue wrote the story inspired by true events, and I guess that makes the story even freakier than it already is. The first half of the book shows Jack and Ma locked up in the room by Old Nick. It details their daily activities and clearly shows how scary and depriving their situation is. The terror of being locked up for years can be truly felt especially when Ma zones out. For Jack, Room is the best place on earth and he doesn’t want to leave. But it’s hell for his mother. As engaging as the first part is, I enjoyed the second part of the book more. I find it interesting how Donoghue builds the story life after entrapment. It’s interesting to read about the emotional, psychological and physical toll the event took on Jack and Ma. It’s interesting to see Jack’s growth without his mother always by his side.

The only thing that bothers me is how Jack seems to be too intelligent for his age but talks like a two-year-old. I understand that some kids can be born geniuses. Jack’s ability when it comes to math and language is astounding, but it’s disturbing how he can’t seem to properly string words together. He has a great grasp of the language, mimicking the newscasters on TV without even missing a word, using big words correctly. He can read and write, too. But when it comes to stringing his own sentences, it baffles me how it seems too convoluted.  I try to justify this by thinking that Jack only has his mother to talk to. However, Jack’s mother talks to him normally. I don’t understand how a boy of five who is obviously intelligent still talks like a two-year-old. It often distracts me from the story itself because Jack narrates the whole story that way.

Other than that, Room is a good novel. It’s a thought-provoking read since we rarely get the perspective of someone who hasn’t tasted freedom and suddenly has a chance to live it. Emma Donoghue created a memorable story. It may not be my favorite but it’s something you can look back and remember with great detail. [Read more…]