Occasionally, a book will come along which seems to make every other book read recede into the background; a book so astounding that it leaves the reader almost a little shaky. Room by Emma Donoghue left me shaking, laughing, crying and so satisfied. (Spoiler alert — It is impossible to write a review of Room without giving away some of the plot, but believe me, what follows is just the basic storyline; there is a lot more to read and be surprised by.)

Jack is a five-year-old boy and the narrator of Room. That can often put me off from even picking up a book; I generally don’t care for children as narrators. But Jack is unique. He was born in the 11’ x 11’ Room, and the stain of his birth remains on the scratchy rug underfoot. The only world he knows is Room and the only inhabitant besides himself is Ma. Intermittently Old Nick visits Ma at night but Jack always hides in Wardrobe until Old Nick leaves. Jack’s day is filled with almost regimented structure; 30 minutes of television (too much TV rots the brain), exercise consisting of using the furniture as an obstacle course/trampoline, a bath (with Ma), making art, playing with toys and very basic meals. The highlight of the week is “Sundaytreat” when Ma leaves a note for Old Nick requesting something they need or something special to make their lives a little more tolerable. Jack has never worn shoes — he has never been outside! Through Jack, we get to know Ma. We learn she was 19 when she was kidnapped and put into Room, and though we may not always understand the choices she makes, you have to admire the strength, intelligence and love she is able to show Jack. And honestly, I can’t even imagine how I would respond or behave under such extreme circumstances.

Whenever I mention the premise of Room, people shiver and say the book sounds too emotionally difficult to read, and I admit there were times I could barely turn the page because Donoghue had managed to create such incredible tension. But this is a novel like no other and it is so entirely satisfying, I would encourage everyone to read it. Please don’t let the hype keep you from picking this novel up; like The Help by Stockett, it will be a book to share and discuss for many years. The novel has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize (winner will be announced October 12th) and we currently have signed copies in stock! ~Patti