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Any Issue - 2005
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Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - Safran Foer
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I especially liked how Oskar constantly invented things. When he couldn't sleep, his mind operated in overdrive. His inventions helped him feel safe and in control. His lists of things he couldn't or wouldn't do made we want to wrap my arms around him to protect him. I thought this was an accurate portrayal of depression.
The pictures in the book, which were images of Oskar's "Stuff That Happened To Me," helped to see things through Oskar's eyes. Oskar searched for meaning, where sometimes meaning can't be found. We can see things, but it doesn't mean there's an explanation for them. Juxtaposed throughout the story is the tragedy of Oskar's grandparents and their life after the senseless firebombing of Dresden.
I felt for Oskar as he grasped for meaning and answers, and though his search didn't bring him to the conclusion he was hoping for; I think in the end it made his boots feel lighter.

If you love this book in written form, I encourage you to listen to it on audio because the narrators do a fantastic job.
I STRONGLY recommend listening to this on audiobook because the recording using several narrators. The man who does Oscar is awesome -you will come to love "Oscar talk" like: "wearing heavy boots" (being sad) and "JOSE!" (as in NO WAY!)
This is now one of my most favorite reads ever.