Room by Emma Donoghue

The title is Room. Not a room. Not the room. Simply, Room by Emma Donoghue. Curious title - until you open the first page. Soon you'll realize the story is being told by 4 year old Jack, soon to be 5 years old, who is living with his mother in a room, the room, this room. They call it Room which explains the title. There is also Rug, Wardrobe, Outside, Bed, Meltedy Spoon, Remote, Toilet, Skylight, Bed and more. Because it is Jack's voice we read, it's apparent that he has led a secluded life.

Why are they living in Room? It seems they never leave Room. They have a daily and weekly routine that is followed. They have food and a small kitchen to prepare it. Actually, they have most of the comforts of home inside Room. Details are learned with each passing page. Using a make-shift ruler they measure Room and it is 11 foot square. Old Nick stops by most nights but Jack is asleep in Wardrobe by that time. He knows Old Nick as the person from Outside who brings him Sundaytreat and takes Trash.

Yes, they are being held captive and must plan an escape. Of course, the story does not end there. Life Outside and it's promise of freedom holds many problems. You will be on the edge of your seat when you read Room by Emma Donoghue.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Peak by Roland Smith

Peak is about to do something no 14 year old has ever done before - climb Mt. Everest! Yes, Peak is his name. He tells us that it could have been worse. His parents could have named him Abyss or Glacier. You see, his parents are mountain climbers which helps to understand why Peak is a natural-born mountain climber, too. Peak lives in New York City with his mother where he climbs tall buildings, which is against the law. He is arrested for scaling the Woolworth Building and taken to jail. Instead of sending him to the juvenile facility, the judge agrees to let Peak's father take him back to Nepal where he is a well-known mountain climber arranging expeditions to the top of Mt. Everest for his wealthy clients. Peak hasn't seen his father in many years but he agrees to the plan. He doesn't know that his father has another motive for wanting to have Peak live with him.

This book is a chilling (brrr) adventure. You will experience the danger, hard work, bitter cold weather, and the thrill of climbing Mt. Everest with Peak if you read Peak by Roland Smith. Read it now or wait until the cold month of January so you can listen to our Michigan winds howling outside the window and you see the snow blowing and swirling in the yard. Then you'll have a bit of an idea what it is like for all those people who try the ultimate adventure - climbing to the top of Mt. Everest!
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm