Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Jonathan Safran Foer
April 2005
368 pages
********************
To say that our main character, Oskar, is precocious is an understatement. He’s also quirky, a bit socially awkward, and very, very sad (or, in his words, he has heavy boots). His dad died on 9/11 and Oskar misses him fiercely. So when he finds a mysterious key hidden in his father’s closet, Oskar sets off on a quest to find the lock that the key fits. Despite Oskar’s issues, I found myself reluctantly charmed and cheered him on during his search, even when it got a bit ridiculous at times. But then, Safran Foer has a tendency to get a bit ridiculous.
Along with Oskar’s story, we also get glimpses into the history of his grandparents, who were victims of theDresdenbombing.
One of my favorite things about this book was the addition of pictures and letters and day book entries that support the story and Oskar’s (and his grandfather’s) experiences. Kind of like House of Leaves, only way more interesting and accessible.
I’m a bit sorry that it sat unread on the shelf for so long (I have the hardcover, if that tells you anything), since it ended up being way less intimidating than I had the mistaken impression that it would be. I blame that on Safran Foer’s wife, since I do not have a good history with her. And that’s just ridiculous, because their styles are so different. So note to self: Jonathan Safran Foer yes. Nicole Krauss no.
I just saw the movie this week and thought it was terrific and really want to read the book now.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Review: Shelter
I feel about Jonathan Safran Foer pretty much what I feel for Jonathan Franzen. However, I am willing to give him a pass and try this book this year.
Andi´s last [type] ..Pulling the Trigger on "Influence" in Book Blogging
I really liked this book, but it’s been so long since I read this one that I forget all the small details. It was such a sad story, but Oskar was a really special little boy. So glad that you loved it. I need to see the movie.
zibilee´s last [type] ..Cinder by Marissa Meyer — 400 pgs
Oh, see, I think that Foer and Krauss have similar styles! Not identical, but in my mind they are very simpatico… I read this one a few years ago and I liked it, but I didn’t love it the way I had hoped I would. In the Foer-Krauss household, The History of Love is still the book that can’t be beat, as far as I’m concerned! I do want to re-read this because when I did read it, I blazed through it super fast and I think it might be one of those books you need to read a bit slower to truly appreciate.
Steph´s last [type] ..Wrapping up to 2011 (Part 2) (Also: Finally!)
I love this book so I’m glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t read anything by Nicole Krauss yet but I am a little intimated after some of the reviews I’ve read about her books.
Vasilly´s last [type] ..2012 National African American Read-In
Don’t be! Despite Fizzy not liking her, I adore Nicole Krauss and LOVED LOVED LOVED The History of Love. and I loved this book, too, but it took me 3 attempts before I finally got it read.
I agree with Steph that I thought the husband and the wife DO have similar somethings (style? tone? mood? atmosphere?) Simpatico is a great word.
I don’t mean to disagree with Softdrink so much! eek. #luvFizzy
Care´s last [type] ..Write a Letter Every Day in February
LOL, I can understand that whole thing with his wife. (Great House, no, but have you read The History of Love? I liked that one). I’m so glad you liked this one! The movie can only capture so much of that, of course, but I think they did a pretty good job. I’m rooting for it for the oscars!!
I loved the parts about Oskar. He was a delight. The clever little pictures and stuff? Very creative. The parts about the grandparents, though, brought me down and confused me. I could have done without it.
Sandy´s last [type] ..Wants and Needs – Jan/Feb Bookmarks
I really need to pull this one down off the shelf soon, especially if I want to see the movie in theaters. I love precocious children and Oskar seems to fit the bill.
Brooke´s last [type] ..Bossypants by Tina Fey
I bought this for my book club book exchange but have never read it myself. I really want to but I’ve noticed that any book dealing with the events of 9/11 seems to get left behind on my shelf. Such an important, but tragic day. I’ve not come to terms with it enough to read any books centered on that day or even remotely about it.
Ti´s last [type] ..2012 Book Club Reading List (and some for 2013)
This is quite a sad. Is this a real story or just fiction? Thanks for the great book review. I’ll try to read this one pretty soon!
-Delia
Delia B.´s last [type] ..female psychology
I loved this one, but like Zibilee, it’s been so long since I’ve read it that details escape me. I do know that Oskar made such a huge impact on me that I named my cat after him (true story, although my cat spells it Oscar, like the grouch lol). I remember that this book made me cry, and made me think. Both of which I love in a book. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much.
I just finished this book like…yesterday? And ohemgee! I cannot believe that I waited as long as I did. Oskar is a phenom character. One of my favorites for sure. And I dug the premise and how the book meandered. *sigh*
Also, I liked History of Love but haven’t read anything else by either.
christina´s last [type] ..Me and You
Ha! Now I FINALLY know what the movie’s about.
heidenkind´s last [type] ..Love Is a Leap
Well, I will concede that I’ve only read The History of Love so maybe I don’t have a full appreciation of NK.
Care´s last [type] ..Write a Letter Every Day in February
I had heavy boots for days after I read this one.
Bybee´s last [type] ..So LOL Seollal Update: The End
This was much more accessible even than Everything Is Illuminated. If he would just write like he writes when he writes like Oskar, he’d be awesome!!! And I didn’t know he was married to Nicole Krauss. I’m listening to his brother’s book (Moonwalking With Einstein) and it totally rocks! Very lucid and well written and just fascinating.
Jenners´s last [type] ..Review: Between A Rock and A Hard Place by Aron Ralston
The movie has peeked my interest…. your review peeks it a bit more….
Sheila (Book Journey)´s last [type] ..Morning Meanderings… a little road trip this morning
I read History of Love after reading this one and found the styles similar! Hrmmmm.
Glad you…liked it? I’m taking the “Foer yes” as a positive.
Trish´s last [type] ..Friday Ra-Ra-Rambling
I’d rush to read this on your recommendation but my eldest son hauled off my copy. I may never see it, again. Good to know you liked it, in case I do manage to ever get the book back.
I *loved* this book, but am avoiding the film (had wanted to see it, but J tells me that all the reviews panned it). Much prefer EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE to EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED (have you read it? If not …. you should hold off …)
Dawn – She Is Too Fond of Books´s last [type] ..California dreaming…
Oh, didn’t know Krauss was Foer’s wife. Yay, tidbit! I should get my hands on this one – everyone’s been raving about it.
Aths´s last [type] ..The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
You know, I really loved this book. But I listened to an interview with Jonathan Safran Foer and he was just a complete turd. It makes liking this book and Everything is Illuminated a little bit harder. Which I guess is kind of silly. I should be able to separate Foer-the-ass-in-the-interview with Foer-the-writer.
Lu´s last [type] ..Reminder: First post for Read More/Post More Poetry event is this Tuesday!
So glad you like this. I avoided it for a long time but loved it when I finally read it. Like you, am not a Krauss fan. Are you planning on seeing the movie?
Glad you mentioned the visuals. I have this on audio — I think I’ll pass on that and go for the print . . . if I read it.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Book Club Booster Giveaway: The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
I really wish I had read this book by now so I could see the movie… I have heard good things about both.
Kailana´s last [type] ..Week in Review (4)
My boyfriend talks such shit about Foer (and this story in particular) that I usually shit talk him as well. Except, I haven’t actually read anything by him. Maybe I should so I can shit talk him on my own accord.
Kari´s last [type] ..Westward Ho!: On Little House and childhood obsessions
I know everyone says this one is good, but it seems so sad. I didn’t even know Krauss was his wife. I liked The History of Love but it’s good to know they are totally different writers.
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