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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

368 pages, 2006

fiction

fiction

1382 books
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Description
When his father is killed in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centre, Oskar sets out to solve the mystery of a key he discovers in his father's closet. It is a search that leads him into the life of a young girl named Rose, a foreigner living in New York who knows about the bombings of Dresden and Hiroshima, and on an inward journey that brings him ever closer to some kind of peace.
The Power of Curiosity

In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Jonathan Safran Foer presents us with a young protagonist, Oskar, who is driven by his curiosity. This curiosity leads him on a journey across New York City, showing us that it's okay to ask questions and seek answers, even when the questions are tough and the answers aren't clear.

Dealing with Loss

The book explores the theme of loss and how different people cope with it. Oskar's journey is a way for him to deal with his father's death. It's a reminder that everyone deals with grief in their own way, and that's okay. It's a lesson we can all learn from.

The Importance of Communication

Foer emphasizes the importance of communication throughout the book. Many of the characters struggle with expressing their feelings, leading to misunderstandings and missed connections. It's a nudge for us to open up more and not be afraid to share our thoughts and feelings.

The Value of Human Connection

As Oskar meets various people in his quest, we see the value of human connection. These interactions, no matter how brief, have a profound impact on him. It's a reminder for us to cherish the relationships we have and to not shy away from forming new ones.

The Complexity of Emotions

In Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, we get to see the complexity of human emotions. Foer doesn't shy away from showing the messy, confusing, and sometimes contradictory nature of feelings. It's a call for us to accept and understand our emotions, rather than suppress or ignore them.

Quotes 5

A testament to Foer's ability to weave a spell, to conjure up a vibrant, tangible world.

Michiko KakutaniMichiko Kakutani - Pulitzer-winning critic

Foer's second novel is an ambitious, finely detailed work.

John UpdikeJohn Updike - American novelist, poet

A work of great ambition and great beauty.

Zadie SmithZadie Smith - British author, essayist

A haunting and heart-rending tale of 9/11's impact on a young boy.

Stephen KingStephen King - Horror fiction author

A novel of tragicomic delight and a moving exploration of grief.

Joyce Carol OatesJoyce Carol Oates - American writer, professor
Michiko KakutaniJohn UpdikeZadie SmithStephen KingJoyce Carol Oates

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