Audio Book Review and Giveaway: Room by Emma Donoghue

This remarkably powerful story has some definite "WOW” moments.

Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (September 13, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1607886278
• ISBN-13: 978-1607886273

Genre: Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Description from Author's website:
Jack and Ma live in a locked room that measures eleven foot by eleven.  When he turns five, he starts to ask questions, and his mother reveals to him that there is a world outside. Told entirely in Jack’s voice, ROOM is no horror story or tearjerker, but a celebration of resilience and the love between parent and child.

Review: This is a very unique story and a must read or listen.

Room is where five year old Jack was born and where he lives with his mother. They are locked in and completely dependent on their “jailer”, Old Nick, for the food and supplies that he might deign to bring them.  Each week they get to ask for one Sunday treat.  Sometimes it is fresh fruit, sometimes a light bulb or batteries, or a book or a rare toy.

The whole story is told from the view point of the precocious five year old child.  As the story unfolds he describes his world.  Although they get some spotty TV, Jack believes that is all pretend, like Dora. He has no idea that there is more beyond Room until one day his Ma starts to tell him the truth about the outside world she knew before she was imprisoned seven years before.

As “Ma” trains Jack on their escape plan you have to wonder if they really have a chance to succeed. Then there is the wonderful tension of the actual escape attempt. Escaping is only half the battle as once out they have to learn to survive in the real world and cope with the media attention.

The audio is with a child’s voice which took a bit to get used to but is the appropriate vehicle to match the story as written.  The story is very powerful with great emotion. I couldn't understand the mother's actions after protecting Jack so fiercely. I don't want to give a spoiler so I am being vague but this was one of a couple of spots I didn’t find realistic or consistent with the characters - therefore not quite a 5.0 rating.

This is a book that I recommend everyone read.  Don’t miss it!

THANKS TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THREE AUDIO CD BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Comment on either a) OR b) to enter; good for TWO entries each. Please leave your email!

a) Visit ROOM or Listen to an Excerpt and leave a comment about either; OR
b) Visit the author's website and tell me something you found there of interest.

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 17, 2010.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.