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collleeen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
asmale's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
orkyd88's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy it, let me start by saying it. But I enjoyed the parts without Oskar in it the best. The letters written by his grandfather were interestingly written and touching to read. Things written from his grandmother's perspective, also very interesting. I even enjoyed all the people that Oskar met. However, Oskar himself is unique to the point of absurdity. I had a very difficult time relating to him as a character because he didn't feel like a real person. Some of his quirks like his hatred of mass transit, elevators, very understandable. But why add the "only wearing white" thing? Some of the quirks furthered the story in my opinion, like the bruises and the social ineptitude. However so many of them didn't and I felt like they were just added to create this "wunderkind" of a child character that was so precocious that he bordered on the insanely annoying.
randiyo's review against another edition
3.0
I'm so torn on whether this was 3 star or 4 star. It's heartbreaking and made me feel, but I wasn't in love with this book.
m00plays's review against another edition
3.0
What a fantastic storyline, only to be let down with a disappointing ending! So many unanswered questions: What happened with the key? What happened to his grandpa and him? Did the grandpa ever speak? Did he ever write a letter to Oskar?
Honestly, I'm so disappointed that the whole storyline isn't even answered, because its written beautifully and is so unique! The illustrations really add to the story and make a difference. That's coming from someone who is not a lover of illustrations!
Overall, enjoyed the ride but not the jump at the end!
Honestly, I'm so disappointed that the whole storyline isn't even answered, because its written beautifully and is so unique! The illustrations really add to the story and make a difference. That's coming from someone who is not a lover of illustrations!
Overall, enjoyed the ride but not the jump at the end!
getbent's review against another edition
1.0
I have many opinions but will only state these:
Very poetic at times (one star) but at what cost?
I can’t entirely formulate my thoughts on how a real falling man photo from the attacks was utilized to feebly push a fictional narrative. Was done in incredibly poor taste to use a human being’s intimate moment in such a crass way to push a crummy metaphor about healing.
Very poetic at times (one star) but at what cost?
I can’t entirely formulate my thoughts on how a real falling man photo from the attacks was utilized to feebly push a fictional narrative. Was done in incredibly poor taste to use a human being’s intimate moment in such a crass way to push a crummy metaphor about healing.
salgalruns's review against another edition
4.0
Let me admit that I did the unthinkable - I saw the movie BEFORE reading the book (or listening to it, in my case). I now want to see the movie all over again for a couple reasons. 1) The book CLEARLY gives much more background to the highly developed characters that Jonathan Safran Foer weaves through the story and 2) I happened to love the movie. Seriously well cast.
As for the actual story, I was completely drawn to Oskar. I love him. His creativity knows no bounds. I could just imagine the conversations that would, of course, bother most adults to a high degree. However, the author weaves him in such a fashion that his eccentricities become his language. I think the audiobook really helped this point. I fell in love with the language that was Oskar - his thoughts just sort of developed a rhythm, much like the accents that were read for the other characters in the story.
Grandma - Wow. She's a bit of a nutcase, and yet, you really don't see that in the movie. Her use of something spaces and nothing spaces? Really? It's enough to drive anyone insane. While I cannot fathom her reason for marriage, even though so many parts of it seemed miserable for her, I cannot fault her for the deep and intense devotion she had for her grandson. Remarkable. Everyone should have a family member such as this.
Grandpa - I thoroughly enjoyed his backstory. Not at all what I had envisioned, and again, was drawn into his life. Tragic. Don't quite understand why he chose to marry Grandma either, but I guess grief will make a person a wee bit nutso as well.
Mom - I used to hate her, especially in the way that I think Oskar needed more support. Yet, with the fact that she knew just how to read him, and knew to keep him safe, you DO end up respecting her by the end. I had to keep reminding myself that she experienced her own loss as well, and that she was obviously the 2nd loved parent, after the close father/son bond with Oskar and his dad. I just feel she needs more friends.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Mr. Black from upstairs. Kooky character and the audiobook was AWESOME with him. He just sounded amazing. What a great relationship they had! If you ever get a chance to hear the portions with him, just do it. He'll have you cracking up.
Fantastic choice to listen to - thank you to my local library for having it it on CD for me!
As for the actual story, I was completely drawn to Oskar. I love him. His creativity knows no bounds. I could just imagine the conversations that would, of course, bother most adults to a high degree. However, the author weaves him in such a fashion that his eccentricities become his language. I think the audiobook really helped this point. I fell in love with the language that was Oskar - his thoughts just sort of developed a rhythm, much like the accents that were read for the other characters in the story.
Grandma - Wow. She's a bit of a nutcase, and yet, you really don't see that in the movie. Her use of something spaces and nothing spaces? Really? It's enough to drive anyone insane. While I cannot fathom her reason for marriage, even though so many parts of it seemed miserable for her, I cannot fault her for the deep and intense devotion she had for her grandson. Remarkable. Everyone should have a family member such as this.
Grandpa - I thoroughly enjoyed his backstory. Not at all what I had envisioned, and again, was drawn into his life. Tragic. Don't quite understand why he chose to marry Grandma either, but I guess grief will make a person a wee bit nutso as well.
Mom - I used to hate her, especially in the way that I think Oskar needed more support. Yet, with the fact that she knew just how to read him, and knew to keep him safe, you DO end up respecting her by the end. I had to keep reminding myself that she experienced her own loss as well, and that she was obviously the 2nd loved parent, after the close father/son bond with Oskar and his dad. I just feel she needs more friends.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Mr. Black from upstairs. Kooky character and the audiobook was AWESOME with him. He just sounded amazing. What a great relationship they had! If you ever get a chance to hear the portions with him, just do it. He'll have you cracking up.
Fantastic choice to listen to - thank you to my local library for having it it on CD for me!
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
5.0
An incredibly written book, with such a vivid, memorable character. The book also vividly brought back all the despair and heartache surrounding 9/11. Highly recommend!
moruyle's review against another edition
3.0
I really didn't care for this book at first, but as the narrative viewpoints changed it grew on me.