(133)Room by Emma Donoghue

I just finished an Advanced Readers Copy of Room yesterday and when I woke up this morning, I find that it has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, which is a prestigious literary prize based out of London. Let me just say, I think that Emma Donoghue's new book is well deserving of the nomination.

Room is told from the perspective of five year old, Jack. Jack only knows what life is like in Room. His Ma has lived in Room for seven years and Jack just had his fifth birthday. He can only see outside from Skylight and he has to sleep in Wardrobe when Old Nick comes at night. He hopes someday that he can see Outside, but it scares him when his mom starts plotting their trip Outside.

Room is a captivating, unique novel that, while it seems unbelievable, a quick glance at the newsstand proves that it is a story ripped from the headlines. Five year old Jack is the narrator of this unique story. If you have recently had a conversation with a five year old, you know that it can be a bit tough to follow their train of thought. But, trust me, stick with Jack, his story is one you won't want to miss.

Emma Donoghue has brilliantly portrayed a five year old's life in a solitary room. She has created this world that, just like the nightly news, is something that fascinates us and captivates us at the same time. And while we find it hard to look away, we want nothing more than for Jack and his Ma to escape and live happily in the Outside.