Two new book reviews

Recently I purchased an e-Reader. Specifically, the Kobo. I am thoroughly enjoying it and decided that perhaps once a month I'd review books I've read recently. I love learning what others enjoy reading as well, so I hope that if you are an avid reader of any genre of literature you'll share your thoughts as well as books you've read and recommend.


The first book I want to share is ROOM, by Emma Donoghue.

Goodreads synopsis: To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.


My thoughts: ROOM is an 11' X 11' world to 5 year old Jack. The story is told through Jack's eyes and his vision of what the world is knowing no other world than this ROOM in which he and his Ma are confined. Jack takes the reader into the world within ROOM and then his discovery of the world outside the door.

I really had my doubts that this story would be as moving, insightful and troubling as it was. I'm so glad I decided to read it despite some previous doubts. How could a 5 year old's narrative hold the reader's interest? Well, most definitely held mine.

I highly recommend this book! Here is a video book-trailer of ROOM:



The second book I'm eager to share is A DOG'S PURPOSE by w. Bruce Cameron.
Goodreads synopsis: This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose? Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog’s Purpose is not only the story of a dog’s many lives, but also a dog’s-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man’s best friend. This beautifully crafted novel teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on Earth is born with a purpose.

My thoughts: If you love or have ever loved a dog, this book is a must read for you. I'm not a fast reader but I did read this in one day. I couldn't put it down. Why? Because it is unlike any other dog story you'll read. It touched my heart. Told from the dog's perspective and taking you through the "what if" a dog lives many lives the reader follows this dog's journey to discover what his/her purpose is. Heartwarming, funny and emotionally charged as well, I highly recommend this book to people who love dogs. I know I'll read this many times, I loved it that much!

A video Book-trailer of A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron