Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Title: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close 
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Published: 2005
Synopsis from Goodreads


Jonathan Safran Foer follows his best-selling debut novel, "Everything Is Illuminated," with an unexpectedly hilarious and affecting story about New York City in the period following September 11

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" recasts recent history through the eyes of Oskar Schell, an unusually intelligent nine-year-old on an urgent quest to find the lock that matches a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the World Trade Center. This unlikely adventure takes Oskar through every city borough and into contact with survivors of all sorts, and it's his irrepressible voice--one that few writers could conceive as imaginatively as Foer does--that transforms the tragedy of circumstance into an exhilarating tribute to love.


This book was freaking AWESOME!!! 

It blew me away and I loved every single bit of it!! And I didn't get bored once.

BUT!! I will warn you... I saw the movie first and THEN read the book. I assure you that this book is written very similar to "The Road" and if that book annoyed you then you might not dig this book.

Cliff Notes
Oskar Schell is a little boy from NYC. His Dad was killed in the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy. He was going to a business meeting and was there when the planes hit the buildings. 

Oskar and his family are very distraught over the whole situation. Who wouldn't be? But the beauty of this book is Oskar's part of the story is told through the eyes of a child. You very much believe that a kid is telling you the story.

Oskar finds a key in his Dad's closet that was tucked inside a vase. He becomes a bit obsessed with trying to figure out where the key fits. They key was in a little envelope with the word 'black' on it. After some help he realizes that 'black' probably means 'Black' and embarks on a journey to find the Black who owns the lock that fits his Dad's key.

You also get to hear the stories of Oskar's grandmother and his grandfather who he has never met.

I found it so so interesting how the stories fit together.

Differences between the movie
I watched the movie last weekend and started reading the book soon after. One big difference in the movie is that a Mr. Black who Oskar meets on his 'key' journey accompanies Oskar to meet most of the Blacks. In the movie it was The Renter.

Only Oskar's tale is told in the movie. In the book you hear how grandpa and grandma met.

A locksmith is not the one who suggests that 'black' could mean "Black".

Oskar's mother never confesses to knowing about the key.

Oskar's mom has a 'friend' over a lot who I assume she was romantically interested in.

Oskar never ever goes up into an upper pantry in his room that has a shrine to his DAD but he does talk about his laboratory. So, it's possible that's what he meant but it's never described.

Mom goes back to work and since we never hear her side of the story in the book she doesn't seem as depressing as she does in the movie. To Oskar he feels she is moving on.

Oskar has a cat.

The Sixth Borough is only mentioned like 2 times. That is not the reason that Oskar is trying to find the lock for the key like in the movie.

Oskar
I really felt bad for Oskar. Not only did his hero, his Dad, die but he is really an oddball. I loved how he wouldn't cuss and would say thinks like 'succotash my balzac' or 'holy shitake'. I found that cute. My brother and I used to do things like that. But he had quite hipster parents. And this is what makes me sad for the poor little guy. They only let him watch documentaries that they 'ok' and they had to teach him to call his cat a 'pussy'. This is what bothered me. Why on earth would they do that? They aren't English. Did they not realize that this would get him in trouble in the school yard? I mean... that's a grade-A bully set-up.

Poor Oskar has no filter. And that's a good thing and a bad thing. He's not afraid to tell you what he thinks... but he's not at all afraid to listen to everything you have to say. I found him quite a refreshing character. In a way he reminded me of Marcus Brewer from "About A Boy". They were both ate similar and played tambourine and are both socially awkward. 

9/11
There are significant TIMES told throughout the book concerning 9/11. What I mean is they told what time was with every message Oskar's Dad left. I had a problem with this and I'm glad they were mentioned in the movie so I could ask my husband about it. I didn't watch the towers fall. Nor did I really know anything that was going on in the world on 9/11/2001. The factory I worked in never told us anything. The world was falling apart and those with walkmans had a small idea what was going on but we didn't know the whole story. So, when the towers fell (the time is mentioned) I was rather confused when reading and watching. 

All in all
If you liked the movie then you are going to love the book even more! I really think that this should be required reading for high school kids.

Batgirl, Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection (Batgirl IV #1)

Title: Batgirl, Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection
Author: Gail Simone
Illustrator: Adrian Syaf
Published: July 2012
Synopsis from Goodreads

As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics--The New 52 event of September 2011, Barbara Gordon is finally back as Batgirl The nightmare-inducing brute known as Mirror is destroying the lives of Gotham City citizens seemingly at random. Will Barbara be able to survive her explosive confrontation with this new villain, as well as facing dark secrets from her past? A new chapter in the riveting adventures of Batgirl continue in stunning fashion, with script by fan-favorite Gail Simone and stellar art by superstar Ardian Syaf This volume colles issues 1-6 of Batgirl, part of the DC Comics--The New 52 event.



Move over Wonder Woman!

We realize you are starting a thing with Superman and everyone is so interested but.....

 

 What about Batgirl? Yes yes! Batgirl!!!

This is the story of how Batgirl got her groove back!

 You see.... I was unaware that the Joker shot Batgirl in the back and paralyzed her. I know... I'm so uncool. But my son was playing Arkham Asylum and that's in the game because Batgirl is known as Oracle and is telling Batman what to do.

Well, in this book, Batgirl has gotten her legs back and is ready to kick some ass. At least she thinks she is. So, it's time to move out of Dad's house, get a roomie, and suit up!!

 Greta's Thoughts This is the first Batgirl novel I have ever read and I rather enjoyed it. I'm glad it was written by a woman. I like how Batgirl seemed down to earth but wasn't too ditzy. I feel if a man had written this she would have come off a little too bad ass or maybe a little to ditzy. This Batgirl was perfect.

The drawings were nice and I liked the added sound effects. Very nice.
 I think this is a real great novel to share with your tween daughter. It shows a sense of girl power and how girls are just as good as boys. (plus, we wear the cape better and get to drive an awesome motorcycle). There is hardly any cussing and the gore is very limited.

While I'm not sure if this book is worth $22. It sure is worth a trip to the library. That's how I got it!

Greta's Revenge: More Alice and Greta

Title: Greta's Revenge  
Author: Steven J. Simmons

Illustrator: Cyd Moore

Published: 1999

Synopsis from Goodreads

Steve Simmons and Cyd Moore's hit picture book Alice and Greta introduced two witches with very different views of the world: Alice, who uses her magic to help others, and Greta, who is always conjuring up trouble. In Greta's Revenge, Alice has foiled one of Greta's nasty schemes -- and Greta wants to get even. She casts a spell that makes Alice do mean things. But Greta has forgotten the most important lesson of witch school, the Brewmerang Principle: "Whatever you chant, whatever you brew, sooner or later it comes back to you!" Soon Greta is doing nice things for people. Luckily for both witches, the spell wears off -- but not before Greta has learned a little bit about the value of kindness. Ebullient illustrations perfectly capture the spirit of this clever, accessible, and satisfying tale that's eminently suited for Halloween -- and beyond.

Poor Greta! She just got dumped in marshmallow goop because that goody two shoes, Alice, didn't like her being mean to kids.

Well, BAHS!! Greta is out for revenge!!

What can she do that would make Alice a laughing stock?

There are plenty of mean things but the bestest thing would be to make Alice just as mean as Greta! That way Greta will have a mean bud to pal around with. How sweet would that be?

Bibbidy bobbidy boo and Alice's cheery pink hat turns green!! YES! Now, it's double trouble!

But oh drats! Greta forgot about the "Brewmerang Principle": Whatever you chant, whatever you brew, sooner or later will come back to you!

Well, fiddlesticks! That right there made Greta into a nicey pants just like Alice used to be.... until..... the spell wears off.

Greta's Thoughts
This appears to be the 2nd book in the "Alice and Greta" series. It picks up right where Book 1 left off.

I think the "Brewmerang Principle" is quite clever and while it is very close to the Golden Rule it is also just like the Threefold Law:

The Three-Fold Law is the belief and principle on which magick is used. This law relates to the use of power and energy, for when used, power is returned to the sender, three times the level it was sent out.

It's a good lesson for kids!! And anyone else, for that matter.

The illustrations were very fun and inventive. I loved all the detail and the accessories that the girls had on. They wouldn't be girls without accessories. It's attention to detail like that THAT makes me go squee.

This was a very fun book and I think anyone 3rd grade and below would really enjoy it!