21.3.11

Jonathan Safran Foer- Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close


I only post on books that I have read and enjoyed- The reason for this is because I don't finish books I don't like.  I am such a literature snob that I barely give many books a chance.  Like art it has to blow me away or I don't give it the time of day.  I don't have a rating system that would distinguish a really good book from an amazing one.  This book makes me wish I did.  

Jonathan Safran Foer is the author of Everything is Illuminated which has received much acclaim and was made into a film in 2005 starring Liev Schreiber and Elijah Wood.  Born and raised in a Jewish home both of JSF’s brothers are also writers.  
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was published in 2005 and uses the 9/11 tragedy to tell the story of nine years old Oskar Schell, who lost his father in the World Trade Center.  This precocious and sad soul will melt you.
The writing is genius- I mean pure genius.  This book alone is bursting with sentences and thoughts that make me want to stop, record the thought and contemplate it.  Furthermore JSF uses a non-traditional style of story telling called visual writing.  He uses photographs as well as unconventional fonts and letter placement, enhancing the method of 'showing the reader' -a writing technique that is important in the development of any good story.  Despite my many pauses of ‘genius appreciation’ I finished the book in a week.  I cried so much and I now have a new definition of love- how I want to love and how to experience it.  
Have you read this book?  Any other books by JSF? 

26 comments:

Kel said...

I was happy to see that someone else has enjoyed this book. I read it several years ago and greatly enjoyed it. Foer is an incredible author and I loved "Everything is Illuminated"! I've heard he has a new book out, but I haven't read it yet.

Ninjagaiden78 said...

I have never read the book, but will definitely look into it.

windowshopz.com

Ashleigh said...

Wow what a raving reviewing. The book does sound fabulous (although a tearjerker) I'm adding it to my amazon list now!

Valarie said...

I thought this was one of these most brillant books I've ever read. I was on an airplane and spent a few hours inside this book. It's the only book of his I've read but oh what a read.

Pat Tillett said...

I haven't read this book, but I will now...
I like the new look here!

nunu said...

mmm... i'm so glad you post about good books. i haven't read in a few weeks because i have nothing. and no money to buy books right now or a library card to get some. i will put this on my wish list. i used to think i had to finish a book, good or bad, maybe a compulsive trait of mine. now i just cannot. i don't have the time! thanks for the recommendation.

Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat. said...

Thanks for the recommendation, and loving the new blog header!

XO
Lenore

Grace said...

Well, this is one I started and did not finish..... maybe I'll try it again, as you liked it and so did a very good friend of mine.

Kimia Kline said...

haven't read it but the author sounds great.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Must simply check it out now~ great reviews!

Mama Gone Green said...

I have not read this but LOVED everything is illuminated. I will have to read this! And I love your new header!!

rockinkez said...

ooohhh, i must read this!!!

liza said...

No, but with your great review, I will. Thanks!

A Crimson Kiss said...

I absolutely support book-snobbery; life's too short to read bad books! I'll have to check out Jonathan Safran Foer-he's been on my "to read" list for years!

Love the new header!

Getrealmommy said...

I heard they are making a movie of this one as well?

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Oh I had chills reading about it. Thanks so much for the review. Will definitely be reading it in the future :)

Dani G said...

Ren, I'm completely comfortable with your book snobbery. This just happens to be the last book I read, too!! It. Was. Amazing. I felt all the things I know you felt, too. Beautiful story of love and loss. xx

ag. said...

I absoluetly loveddd this book!!! So so good, was so captivating! Aah, so much emotion. I also read Everything Is Illuminated which wasn't as good as this one but still really well written.

PS Loving the new header. :)

Metropolitan Mum said...

I have read it a while ago, and at times found it so sad, I wanted to put it to the side. But then I continued reading it and was pleasantly surprised by its very sweet ending.

Diana Mieczan said...

Im so like that too..If I dont like the book I just dont finish it. This one sounds great and I will check it out for sure. Have a lovely Tuesday
Kisses

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I definitely need to check this book out, thanks!

tulpen said...

My sister recommended that book to me. I actually have purchased it. It is sitting in my Kindle patiently waiting for me to finish lusting after Jamie Fraser.

Lady Grey said...

New definitions of love? I'm completely intrigued! I totally trust your reviews on books, and I will definiely be giving this book a try.
xo

Faiza said...

what a heartfelt review! i will put this on my to-read list for sure!

Rippy said...

have had the book for a few years now....guess I'll pick it up soon ;)

Heather Taylor said...

This is not going to make me popular with anyone, but I couldn't stand this book. The writing really bothered me, it was from that writing style that stems from tripping over yourself by trying to stuff so many adjectives and words into one sentence that you lose the feeling you're trying to convey altogether. Had a hard time relating to the characters and just plain liking them too. Just not my cup of tea :/

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