Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close By Jonathan Safran

Out of your window, you see the smoke. Blue skies engulfed by black. A perfect September day turned into heartache. The entire world is crying.  Your mother is hysterical. The building that your beloved father is working in is crumbling at your feet, and all you can do is sit and watch.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran, is the story of a child whose father passed away during 9-11. The protagonist is a young boy who is “a little different” than the average eight year old. His name is Oskar, and he is very mature for his age. He narrates the story as if he was fifteen. But Oskar is a mute; he does not speak. He used to, but ever since his dad died, he just stopped talking. This novel has some moments where it can be noticeably inappropriate, but any teen could handle it. The way the author speaks and uses literary devices is impeccable. I’m surprised with how much I like this book because I was on the fence in the beginning. I have not completed this book yet, but I would strongly urge anyone who likes sad novels about journeys and overcoming obstacles to read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Jordyn E.C.

Miss Heater