Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

I forget exactly how I stumbled upon this book but I am so happy that I did. It is an extremely touching, heartbreaking and original story, and I think that everyone should read it, especially those who have been affected by 9/11/01.

I read this last year, and found myself laughing and crying often as I wove my way through it. Some parts I reread over and over again because they had such a powerful message.

It is written from the point of view of a young boy (I want to say 8 or 9 years old, but I'm not quite sure) living in New York City with his mother. His dad's not in the picture, because he was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The boy is traveling through the city and meeting new people on his quest to find out more about his father and a mysterious artifact he found in his father's closet.

This book is extremely touching. The young boy's voice is so strong and youthful and his words are very empowering and sweet. Although he is naive, he inspired me to find strength and hope in myself.

This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.

I think I've read this book like 30 times and it has never failed to make me cry. Such a brilliant follow-up to 'Everything is Illuminated', it's one of my very favourite books of all time.