Aimee+survival



__Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close__ tells the story of Oskar Schell, a boy from New York, and the loss he experiences after his father perishes in 9/11. One day when looking in his parents closest Oskar finds and envelope with the name 'Black' written on it. Inside the envelope is a single key. Oskar takes it upon himself to track down everyone in the surrounding areas of New York with the last name Black, determined to find who the key belongs to. Along the way, Oskar meets lots of people who, like himself, are also wounded and broken. Through these experiences and relationships he learns more about himself, about acceptance, about loss, and about love.
 * Summary**

This book was perfect for the theme of survival, because it really shows how emotionial survival is no less important then physical survival. After the death of his father, Oskar is left feeling alone and confused. Oskar is a likeable character from the very first chapter so it didn't take me much time to feel remorse for him. This is the kind of book that made me both happy and sad while I was reading it. It's horrible to witness this broken little boy and read about the people he meets- some of them shells of their former selves. But it is a beautiful story also about learning how to survive and move on after tradgety. This book taught me not to take my family for granted. It also taught me that greif-- no matter how intense-- can be worked through. Oskar never forgets the pain felt by the loss of his father, and he doesn't miss him any less. But he does, with the help of others, open back up to the world and allow himself to feel again.
 * Lesson I took away from the book**

“So many people enter and leave your life. Hundreds of thousands of people. You have to keep the door open so they can come in. But it also means you have to let them go.”

"That’s been my problem. I miss what I already have, and I surround myself with things that are missing.” // 11/18/11- Gabby. // **I loved this book so much. The way Foer writes about the relationship between the boys grandparents is so creative and touching and I wish that there was more to the story. I didn't want to finish.**

LOVE THE QUOTES- please edit for spelling/grammar errors reviewed dlj 11/15 50 points

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