Currently Reading...

While at my Mom's over the weekend we were discussing the horrific details of Ariel Castro kidnapping Amanda Berry and 2 other women (I know, nice Mother's Day conversation) and we were dumbfounded by how someone could do that to another human being.

My Mom who is an avid reader, like most of my family, suggested I read the book ROOM by Emma Donoghue. It is a novel told from the perspective of 5 year old Jack, who is imprisoned in an 11 x 11 room with his Mother who he calls Ma. Jack was born in this room with only a bed, a wardrobe, a table, a toilet and a TV; it is the only world he has ever known. Ma has done her best to make a happy life for Jack while being held captive by "Old Nick", the man who abducted her.

For the first time I downloaded the book in Audio format and listened to it on my drive back to Kingston and while I drive to work ( I commute an hour every day). I am definitely going to listen to audio books again! Some may say that this is lazy and to really get into a book you need to read it but I respectfully disagree. Why not do something more productive than listening to the same playlist I have heard a thousand times or the radio? Why not listen to a book that you have been meaning to read for forever but haven't had the time? To me it is convenient as this is an hour of my day that is wasted and I never have time to sit a read a book for any period of time. That doesn't mean I wouldn't ever read again! I love to sit by a pool when I am on vacation and read; it's super relaxing and a great escape for the mind. But I am telling ya, audio books are going to be my new obsession.

Back to the book, you would think by the description of the story that it is depressing and disturbing but it is actually very a uplifting read. Because it is told from Jack's point of view, you see the innocence of how he perceives his life and how his Ma has made the best of an inconceivable situation to raise an observant, bright and optimistic Son. The author does a fantastic job of showing bits of the abuse "Old Nick" subjects Jack and Ma to without it being graphic or sad. Her writing is real and very captivating considering most of the book takes place in one room.

If you are looking for a good read this Summer or if you are like me and want to try an audio book for a change, check out ROOM by Emma Donoghue. You will love it!