The World IN an Oyster Shell.

There are situations in life that change a person's outlook, demeanor, attitude, and values. Of late I've been having silent, and sometimes out loud (though I don't like to admit it) discussions with myself. What changes a person? When is that change overbearing or the situation that caused said change not worth the outcome? When is it ok to stop yourself from experiencing something in order to keep yourself from getting hurt? O la vie. The book "Room" has added to my interior monologue and has hit home with greater force than expected.

In order to tell you about "Room" by Emma Donoghue, I have to dance around the whole thing, create similes, and eventually tell you just to read the damned book! It's got that whole "Sixth Sense" thing going on. I don't want to spoil any of it, but the main experience of this book is in the reading.

The book is written in first person narration from the point of view of a five year old named Jack. He and his mother live in Room. I know what you're thinking, 'Kristin, you're missing the article in front of the word room and room is not a proper noun'. Well first, get off your  high horse and second it is to Jack. Jack sees things differently than the average 5 year old because he has never been outside of Room. To him, the objects in the room he and Ma occupy are like people. The TV does not show real things, it's all fake. There is no world to Jack outside of Room.

Imagine the 'Allegory of the Cave', that annoying philosophical concept Plato put in place, as who Jack is and what his world consists of. Instead of shadows on walls, Jack has people in the TV. Outside of the cave, Plato's people see what real trees look like instead of just the shadows. As marvellous as that concept seems, to really see something for the first time both physically and cognitively, think of how confusing it would be. Donoghue dives into this concept and the story of a brilliant little boy and his world, thoughts, and emotions in "Room".

After reading this book I figure what changes me (people, situations, relationships) is so minuscule and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. There are others out there going through situations that will scar them for life, doing things my egocentric self cannot imagine, and having to learn to live in a world I take for granted.

The only concern I have about this book is that it will date itself quickly. Donoghue references popular kids shows and songs throughout the book. Ten years down the line, people may not know what those references mean. It is such a good read that it is tragic to think of it being outdated in a few decades.

The writing is phenomenal and this book makes for a quick read. Please pick it up. By page 2 you will be hooked.