Next month’s book club pick….I haven’t started yet. I’m still disturbed from my last book.
I think next time I need a little happily ever after in my life.
next up
Previous post: banana chocolate chip muffins
Next post: sonoma chicken salad
{ 94 comments… read them below or add one }
If you’re still disturbed, this one is going to spiral you into a terrible depression. Double whammy!
I was going to say the same! I haven’t read it – but have heard about it…
My sister is reading it and is engrossed in it though.
Agreed! I brought this along as a vacation read, and it was definitely sad! I would recommend something more of a pick me up to read alongside it.
The comment about the second half is totally true though, and at the end of the day I’m glad I read it.
This is not going to be an uplifting book~!
Room is one of the best books I’ve read all year.
I was gong to say the same thing too! But I’d definietly recommend it, it’s a good book
I am SO GLAD you are reading Room. It is one of the best books I have ever read. Ever! It will keep you up at night engulfed in the story!
Eek – I want to read this one too, but I don’t want to downward spiral!! Let us know what you think if you end up reading it!
I agree with the people above…if you are looking for an uplifting book, this would be the last book i would recommend!
Ooooh. This is a good one. I will warn you– the first half is pretty dark. I was very close to putting it down. Once you get to the second half, you’ll be glad you didn’t give up!
I loved this, one of the best books I’ve read this year. I started reading and couldn’t put it down and read it through in one sitting.
This is a great book and I highly recommend it. However, happily ever after it is not…
ooh, I heard it’s so good. It’s actually my next read. I avoided it for awhile because it seems so disturbing but I’ve had too many people recommend it to keep ignoring it.
Definitely not a “happily ever after” kind of book…I was honestly quite disturbed by it but it is an excellent read. Beware, it might give you nightmares (like it did for me!).
Oooh I’ve heard AWESOME things about that book. Can’t wait to see what you think!
I’ve heard this books is incredibly depressing!
The book sounds fantastic. Who doesn’t love happily ever afters?
Btw, the muffins below look delicious.
I’ve been wanting to read that!
This has been on my list for a while! Can’t wait to see how you like it!
i read this for my last book club meeting and i’m still getting over it. it’s a traumatic read, but a quick one. i couldn’t put it down, so at least i was done reading it within a few days.
This one is definitely a tough read but it is extremely well written. After it though, you will want a bit of sunshine reading.
If you were disturbed by that, this one will keep it going! So good though, I blew through it in like 2 days.
While it most certainly isn’t happily ever after, it’s a great book and I thought it ended nicely.
This book will really hit home after the one you just read , even tho this one is fiction. The writing in this book is amazing. That the author can tell from the child’s point of view so beautifully requires such skill. Enjoy. You will not be able to put it down.
Excellent book but extremely disturbing.
oh gosh, I read this one right after “Never Let Me Go” (which is amazing and you must read after your next happy book) and was sad for days.
I’ve heard great things about The Room but sounds so disturbing! I’ll be interested to know what you think.
I have to disagree with those who say this book is depressing. Although dark, it is intriguing and transcends into an uplifting book as we see Jack & his Mom progress forward. That being sad, it certainly isn’t happily ever after but it isn’t all bad. Overall, it is very interesting and makes you look at the world in a different light.
OveLoves
I read Room earlier this year. It is a similar story line to the real-life A Stolen Life (which I also just finished reading) but the writing is very abstract and unique. I thought it was a great read. Although both books are sad, you learn so much from reading about people’s struggles. Every time I finish a sad book, I feel grateful for my life and what I have. I personally think that’s a great takeaway!
i loved this book, but it is disturbing so be prepared.
I’m pretty sure this book isn’t an upper! I started it months ago and read the first chapter before pausing, which I rarely do. But oddly enough, I just started it again last night so I’ll be ready for this month’s discussion!
If you were disturbed by the last book, you’re going to be worse off after reading this one. You need a nice steamy beach read next!!
Room is a great book couldn’t put it down, but if your already disturbed…you might want to pick a different book!
I read this book in under two days, but be prepared, like everyone else said, it’s also disturbing. I think it’s a really important book to read though…as disturbing as it is, it’s refreshing to see life from a little one’s point of view.
I read Room then started The Shack and then listened to Still Missing in audio book form. Let’s just say three books in a row about women/children being abducted was TOO much for me!
That being said, Room is a really really good book. I think you’ll enjoy it!
This is a good one!
Loved Room but — wow! — it’s dark. Since you like historical fiction, you might enjoy her earlier novel Slammerkin, too. I actually preferred it — fascinating mid-1700s in London story.
I just read that. I did like it but was anxious for it to end, ya know?
This is one of my “to-read’s” too! It sounds riveting.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!! I could not put it down. It is definitely disturbing and a little intense but still so good!
I keep seeing this book on different lists, but still haven’t read it. I think I want to read the Jaycee Dougard book first, because I’ve meaning to for a while (and because you read it all in one night, so it must be good). By the way, your enthusiasm over Kindles is partly what made me want one, and now that I finally have one, I have been reading non-stop! Ever since I bought it, my poor fiance has gotten a lot less attention from me.
Eeps this book is soo good!! It is a sad one but hopeful at the same time! Hope you enjoy it. It’s a quick read you’ll plow through it in a few days
Room is really good! It does start out dark, but it doesn’t end dark. But I can understand wanting to read a happy book. I felt like that after The Deep End of the Ocean.
I’ve only heard great things about that book!
Ooh, not sure you’re going to find happily ever after in that book! But it is good, I enjoyed it. It’s a quick read, very interesting!!
I read this book on audiotape while commuting to work! The audio tape was kind of annoying, but the book was great! Kind of disturbing though! This book is great, but I hope your next is a little more upbeat! :p
Excellent book! Incredible writing from the child’s perspective. You’ll definitely want something light hearted after this one though!
Just read this for my book club and LOVED it! It’s a bit weird and slow to start but SO worth it, gets awesome around page 60-70 or so.
I’ve read it.
Honestly….it is a very good book, and definitely upsetting, HOWEVER, I have read far more disturbing books (of course, I read A LOT too). I don’t think it will send you into a downward spiral, but I do think you will want to read something fun afterwards.
I blogged about this book in Feburary if you wanna read.
http://www.whimsicalarchives.com/2011/02/
“Room” was an EXCELLENT book! I could barely put it down! But yes, very haunting.
I’ve heard this is a really good book! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts
I clicked over and yeah, that book sounds like it would be very disturbing. I’m not sure if I’d want to read it, to be honest. Watching tv shows like Criminal Minds or SVU is one thing, but seeing someone that it actually happened to is just heartbreaking.
depressing! but a good read? I am in the mood to read some sort of fluffy romance book right now. Yeah. That’s about all I can handle at this point.
that one is on my ‘to read’ list as well! oooh your last book definitely sounds creepy.
Are you on goodreads.com?
If you’re still disturbed from your last one, this certainly won’t help.
It’s written beautifully (once you get used to the language), but it’s so sad too. But amazing in a weird way.
Jenna your book choices the last couple are all pretty serious and deep and sad…I just can’t!
If I make time to read, it’s going to be about lighter stuff. I have lived through various events that prevent me from reading the dark stuff without being majorly haunted & disturbed…I just can’t go there!
Keep us posted w/ your book review thoughts.
As others have warned, Jenna: this is no feel good book! It’s innovative and engrossing for sure, but it’s quite dark. On balance, I’m glad I experienced it, but months later, I’m still conflicted. It’s a tough one for me to rate.
I’d be interested in reading youur review. Keep us posted!
This book is a great read BUT it is not a good book if you are looking for a non-disturbing book ; )
I read Room, Jaycee Dugard’s book, and another one called Still Missing. Still Missing and Room are fiction versions of Jaycee Dugard’s story. All disturbing yet I could. not. put. them. down. I think I read each in a day.
I’ll add it to my list
I’ve never heard of this before! I need to find out more
Just going to say what everyone else has!! Definitely not a shiny, happy book but a very good read!
I listened to this one in the car, and while it was super weird to listen to a child’s voice for so much of the book, I really did get wrapped up in the story.
I’m reading this as well : )
Hmmmm if you’re looking for a feel good book this isnt it. A little disturbing but SO SO worth it. A fabulous read. And a great departure from the coming of age of a girl stories that I gravitate to. Enjoy!
I read this in a day. A great read.
I’ve heard lots about this book lately, my roommate is reading it and loving it. I’m very curious. Maybe I will borrow it from her when she’s done and be a little late for book club.
I downloaded that certain disturbing book on my ipod, but I’m kind of afraid to start it :-/ I definitely will, because I agree with what you said about it being important for her story to be heard.
Oh yikes. I’ve been meaning to read that… good but definitely disturbing
I read through your book reviews on my last trip to the Lib. LOVED the murder’s daughters, and am in the middle of the violet’s of march. Thanks for your reviews!
I just picked this one up the other day! It sounds similar to Jaycee Dugard’s story. Are you sure you’re ready?!
heard this book is phenomenal. thanks for sharing your thoughts on “stolen life”. I am going to pick it up this week!
It was tough for me to get into the narrative of this book. But it was very good!!
I’m detecting a trend in your literary choices…..
I can’t say that I LOVED this book, since it is on the disturbing side. But, I couldn’t stop reading it. And then had nightmares that my husband abducted my puppy and locked it in a room. He told me I can’t read books like this anymore.
Hope it goes better for you than me….
This book is fantastic!
ROOM is pretty much the same topic, except fiction instead of real. Just as disturbing.
One of my favorite books this year! Couldn’t put it down!!
Ooooooh, I read that book about a month ago, it’s incredibly well written, and just as incredibly disturbing! One of the best books I’ve ever read though, it’s so… I don’t know, realistic, horrible and yet so moving.
Hey Jenna – have you checked out the book “Heaven is for Real”? I just started reading it on Monday and am already nearly done – it’s a phenomenal read for those who do or don’t have strong faith – it will make you question what you believe and give you the chills – it’s that unbelievable! I’d love to see your take on it on your blog
I’ve heard of this one, and have been meaning to get a copy of it. May have to download it to my nook. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
My book club just read this! We had our meeting on Monday. Definitely makes for a good conversation!
This book is amazing! You’ll love it!!!!
Yes, I’ve been wanting to read this one!!
Disturbing, yes, but I can honestly say that Room is the most amazingly written book I have ever read. It is absolutely phenomenal. Can’t wait to see what you think of it!
I read two great “beach reads” this summer….Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand and Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews. They are good transition books after you have read some serious books.
Room is SO SO good. But it is deffinetly not uplifting. It is disturbing but reeeeally well written. You won’t be able to put it down, I promise!
I just finished this book! While it wasn’t the most uplifting, it was definitely a really great read, I didn’t want to put it down at night so it made it quick to get through.
I read this book when it first came out, and I hated it. If you were teaching an English class and covering “point of view,” it is an excellent example. Other than that, I think the author had a good concept, but didn’t quite know how to work it out. Strong start, slow finish. I can’t wait to see what you guys say after you’ve read it. Maybe someone will give me some insight that will make me change my mind about it.
unfortunately, you’re in for another disturbing read. good, but not exactly lighthearted…i just read What Alice Forgot…still a deep subject but a much lighter feeling, i’d definitely recommend!
Read this a few months ago. It’s very good, enjoy!
Don’t read this book now. It is likely too much like what you just read.
Have you read Left Neglected? I really enjoyed that one. It is both sad, but uplifting and has a happy ending!
I just finished this book a couple weeks ago. It was so good–I couldn’t put it down! It was definitely disturbing, but also fascinating. Next I’m reading “A Stolen Life” (at your recommendation!) so we’re flip-flopping. I think there will be similar themes in both books. Let’s definitely shoot for something happier next time. Have you ever read “Bitter is the New Black” by Jen Lancaster? It’s always good for lots of laughs…
I read Room a few months ago, I loved it. It is disturbing, but also uplifting in its depiction of a mother’s love for her child, and the lengths she’ll go to to create a “normal” life for him. Really amazing book. I couldn’t put it down.
{ 2 trackbacks }