Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

 

Hello!

This is one of my favorite books ever and it always makes me cry and every emotional. Read at your own risk or bring kleenex! 

Oskar Schell is a kid who may or may not have Asperger's, regardless, he is very intelligent and rational. He idolizes his father and looks up to him. Oskar has the worst day ever when his father dies in 9/11 and records several messages up until his building collapses and kills him. Oskar finds these messages as he was at home when they happened and saves them to prevent heartache to his Mother. 

However, Oskar cannot get over his father's death or why people flew planes into buildings. He needs to make sense of things. He finds a key in a vase from his Father's closet, thinking that his Father left something for him to follow as part of a game they had, Oskar searches for the lock to the key. 

This key takes him all over New York and has him find bravery inside him to do things he would never ever do, like cross bridges. Oskar learns about his Grandfather and meets many people along the way that teach him various lessons of their own. 

Ultimately, Oskar must live knowing his Father is gone and he is never coming back. This novel is filled with difficult moments and to me, it makes me relive 9/11 and that is difficult. 

Overall, it is a beautiful novel with witty and funny moments that resonate with its readers because of its sincere and pure story.