“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” tells the story of Oskar Schell, a young and intelligent boy who lost his father on Sept. 11. He is trying to understand why his father died and how to continue living without him. 

A year after his death, Oskar ventures into his father’s closet and finds a key in an envelope labeled “Black.” Determined to discover what the key unlocks, Oskar embarks on a systematic journey through New York City. 

A parallel plot woven into Oskar’s quest is the story of his grandparents, who also had to learn how to live after a tragedy, which is told through letters to their son and grandson. 

Author Jonathan Foer writes with incredible sensitivity. Not only does he perfectly reflect the confusion and pain of losing someone so cherished, he writes with compassion and depth, creating a story that is heartbreakingly beautiful. 

While some may find the run-on narration hard to follow, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” takes the reader on a wonderful journey.