Join us during the month of February to read ROOM by Emma Donoghue and participate in book discussions plus programs that explore some of the themes of the book: safety, recovery, and parenting under stress.

Every year, our librarians strive to fi nd a title that will inform and strengthen our local community. As Library Director Susan Strunk explains, “One Book is a unique opportunity for the community to read and experience an interesting book together.”

ROOM is a riveting story of a college girl kidnapped by a man who has held her captive in a locked shed in his back yard for seven years. During her captivity she conceives and bears a son, Jack. Through her fi erce love for her son, she has created a life for him in that eleven-by-eleven-foot space. She finally tries to smuggle her five year-old son out, hoping he can get help and come back for her.

The story is told by her son Jack. Because of this, the horrifi c situation is presented as matter-of-fact reality. It’s the only reality he knows. He has seen the outside world only on their TV. All his food, clothes, toys, and books have been brought into their ROOM by Old Nick, his Ma’s captor.

Ma has successfully raised him to be trusting, curious, articulate, and cheerful. Needing to take care of him has probably saved her own sanity, and wanting his freedom has galvanized her into desperate action.

ROOM is hard to put down once you start reading it. This novel is a remarkable and heart wrenching tale that shows the power of love between a mother and child.

Visit www.roomthebook.com, to view an interactive drawing of Ma and Jack’s ROOM.

ONE BOOK Events @ the Library

For more information or to sign up beginning Thursday, December 15, please call 847-358-5881.

ONE BOOK Book Discussions

Wednesday, February 1, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 5, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Share your thoughts about ROOM with other readers. Check out a copy of the book at the Reader Assistance Desk when you register for the discussion.

Sign up online.

 

ONE BOOK Program: Safety - CANCELLED

Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

This event has been cancelled. 

ONE BOOK Program: Recovery - CANCELLED

Thursday, February 23, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

This event has been cancelled.

ONE BOOK Program: Parenting

Sunday, February 26, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Kathryn Price O’Dell, a Parent Program Consultant, will teach good parenting in stressful times.

Sign up online.