Absolutely loved this book! The originality and style were unlike anything I have ever read. Even those that didn't like the book found it to be a good book club book. I will definately read more from this author.

There were so many layers to this book. It was incredible intelligent and, yet, simply told from a child's perspective. It is definately unique and will make an excellent book for any group's discussion.

The writing style is unique. Some will find it creative and clever. I thought it distracted from the story. Lots of different use of paper space, typing, and photographs. The story itself was very good, but the distractions in the way it was presented keep me from recommending it without reservation.

While at times the "voice" of the narrator seemed a bit too precocious, the characterization overall in this novel is complex and interesting. Some of the "gimmicks" were slightly distracting, but did add to the depth of understanding of the protagonist's mental quirks. The parallel story of his ancestors was sometimes confusing and I felt that some questions were left unanswered, but all in all this was a very satisfying book, one I even want to read again.

I have read this book twice and loved it both times. The writing and layout of the book is incredible. You really feel like you are a part of Oskar's journey throughout the city of New York. This book is so emotional and feels so honest; I would laugh out after reading one page and cry after reading the next.

Our club was nearly unanimous in finding the story line very hard to follow and the stream of consciousness style of writing difficult to read. One member loved the book and admitted to enjoying corky and alternative writing styles. Most of us gave this one a thumbs down.

In a chat with the author, even he was unable to clarify several points.

Plenty for book clubs to discuss. I imagine that members will be divided as to whether or not they like the book. As for me, I liked the parts of the book that revolve around 9-year-old Oskar and pretty much hated the parts that dealt with his grandparents. Those parts can best be described as remarkably odd and, in my opinion, a waste of my reading time.

I enjoyed this book. Can't say I loved it but is is good for book club as it provokes many discussions. It is confusing and hard to remember what is going on if you do not read it all at once.

It's difficult to describe this book in any fashion that could make you truly understand what it was like to read it or precisely what it was really about and that is exactly why I liked it so much. Completely different from anything I've ever read. Richly complex, powerful, moving and genuinely unique.

I loved the boy in the story. He was so inquinsitive. Some parts were unbelievable. What Mom lets her 12 year old wander the streets of NY City? The grandparents were strange and I was confused about their story.

It was a hard read. It was difficult to understand the characters, and where the story was going. If you flip through the book there are several pictures. They have no meaing without reading the story. Most of my club couldn't finish the book. But I will say that if you stick with the story it does come together at the end. Our group discussed the book, and watched the movie. For me, the movie connected the dots very well. It also gave a more visceral feel to the story. I suggest that other clubs combine the two for a better experience.

Very touching story.

I enjoyed the book. I loved the story when it was being told by Oskar. His perception of life and the world around him is amazing. I thought that grandparents story was a bit confusing. At times it was difficult to follow what character was speaking because of the authors style. But it didn't take long to catch on. It was a very fast read. I may have enjoyed it more than some being a teacher who works with Autistic children. I saw an array of my students neatly tucked into Oskar. Eye opening ending.

It is a struggle to get into the book as the change in perspective is hard to follow, especially in the first half. However, the story is worth the effort. Although it certainly is not an uplifting book, the struggle of this 8 yr old to work beyond his grief for the loss of his father is woven into a larger, very interesting history of a family plagued by loss and regret. Framed in the recent tragedy of 911, you find yourself contemplating your own, surreal account of that day, and empathizing with this fragile, extraordinary boy.

Many found this book to be confusing to read as it jumped from generation to generation.

it was didjointed, slow and extremly hard to follow. And it didn't make much sence.

altho difficult to follow at first this is an interesting book. keep an open mind while reading. the discussion of this book was varied and interesting as some people really liked it, some hated it and some didn't finish reading it. afterwards tho, they thought they might go back and give it another try.

I found the subject matter of the book very interesting, and liked the premise, but it was difficult to follow and very confusing to read. It distracts the reader from the main point the author is trying to make. As far as for bookclubs, we had lots of good discussion on this book, what we loved/hated/didn't understand.. it was a good conversation piece, but we all agreed that the writing format was confusing and a lot of the editing/publishing details were unnecessary to the book.

The book is definitely one to get a group talking. The characters are difficult to relate to, but you still are drawn in to them. It's very jumpy, and focuses more on the secondary characters than the main character. Overall, even you don't enjoy the book, it will be one that brings about great talking points.

This book is a disgrace! It is confusing, disjointed, and sappy! This author just uses 9/11 to sell a book. This book offers nothing of value. Do not waste your money!!