Ellen's Book Pick: 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'

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Ellen's Book Pick: 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'

Friday, March 18, 2011 • Books Ellen Reads

I love the book "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by my friend Jonathan Safran Foer. Jonathan is one of my favorite authors, and this book is absolutely incredible.

It's hard to tell what this book is about from the title, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. At first I thought that's how I should read it, but Portia told me it's not.

The book is about a brilliant 9 year old boy named Oskar who's father died on September 11th. Oskar is an inventor with an incredible imagination who tries to find the lock that belongs to a mysterious key he finds in his father's closet.

It's a beautiful book that's both hilarious and incredibly moving. I hope you'll read it. You can buy it on Amazon.com right here.

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Just finished reading this book on my Nook...I enjoyed it thoroughly. It is thought-provoking, sensitive and handles the subject matter with extreme sensitivity. I am now going to search out other books by this author. Do you have a list?

Posted by Linda | January 29, 2012 2:09 PM

Dear Ellen,
I am 13 years old and i have also read the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. It is a beautiful story and changed my life a little. The movie is coming out very soon and i am very very very excited to see it. Sandra Bullock is in it and i am such a huge fan of her's and i want to meet her really badly.

Posted by Samantha Stack | December 23, 2011 8:09 AM

Ellen-- I think you and Portia would love Jonathan's book Eating Animals, if you haven't already read and loved it! His writing style is fabulous and it's very persuasive without seeming intentional. Thanks for your recommendations!

Posted by Laura | August 4, 2011 2:07 PM

I highly, highly recommend Dina Kucera's book "Everything I Never Wanted to Be". Eye opening, real, HILARIOUS, heartbreaking journey of a family. Book had me hooked right away!

Posted by Kate Mendez | June 2, 2011 2:17 AM

This is so weird? I can't believe all these people are posting about my book? It's so unexpected.

Posted by Dina Kucera | June 1, 2011 7:26 PM

Ellen! Hello?? You have got to read Everything I Never Wanted to Be, by Dina Kucera. This book is a MUST READ for people who have kids, don't have kids, want to be a comedian, want to laugh, want to cry, and for people who judge others. Dina is a comedian, but also a mother and a wife writing from the heart and doesn't hold back a thing. You'd be crazy to not mention her book on your show--or better yet, have her ON your show! I guarentee she'd have you laughing! ~Thanks Ellen

Posted by Julie Merrick | June 1, 2011 3:58 PM

I highly recommend the book, "Everything I Never Wanted to Be," by Dina Kucera. Kucera has demonstrated amazing courage by writing this memoir about the effects of alcoholism and drug abuse on a family. Her background as a comedienne helps to soften the painful stories she shares in her honest and open point of view. The descriptions she shares from an alcoholics perspective are both fascinating and poignant. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been affected by substance abuse in order to learn how the bonds of a family can help to overcome seemingly insurmountable life challenges. I encourage you to also read this amazing book.

Posted by Becky H. in CA | June 1, 2011 2:00 PM

Hi, Ellen and Everyone Else Who Reads This. I read "Moonwalking With Einstein" by Jonathan Foer. I also read "Everything I Never Wanted To Be" by Dina Kucera. They are the only 2 books I read cover to cover this year. Both great reads.

Posted by Rusty Z | June 1, 2011 7:34 AM

actually...i said you could get 'Everything I never wanted to be' on barnesandnoble.com and it is actually on Amazon.com...

and it is so so funny...and so sad...and then so so funny again...and interesting and easy to read. ok...so now i am done. Thanks.

Posted by lisa sanderson | June 1, 2011 7:32 AM

My friend Dina Kucera has written a touching, funny, painfully honest book called, "Everything I Never Wanted To Be". If I were you (and I am) I would read it. It's beautiful. Amy Oliver

Posted by Amy Oliver | June 1, 2011 4:30 AM

Hey Ellen,
I am a huge fan and love that you share books that you find well written. With that said.....
"Everything I Never Wanted to Be" By Dina Kucera
It's a great book! She puts it all out there in such a way that you laugh and cry right along with her. I have read it twice and have given it as gifts. Please read...I think it will be the next one you recommend!
Thank you! Lori

Posted by Lori Greenawalt | May 31, 2011 10:53 PM

Hi Ellen, love you- always have. I noticed Dina Kucera posted info on her book "Everything I never wanted to be".
It's an amazing book from an amazing lady. I hope you'll consider giving it a mention. Such a small gesture, but it will have tremendous effect for a well deserving person. Her story is one worth knowing, and told in a way that will make you laugh, cry, ponder, and laugh again. Read it, please.
:)
Thank you!
Loyal fan, Lisa

Posted by Lisa Castellano | May 31, 2011 1:45 PM

Sorry. I'm thinking that my comment below sounded a little bit 'snarky'. I do hope you get the car for the nice lady below. It sounds like she really needs the car. So, while you're shopping for the car, read my book. Dina Kucera

Posted by Dina Kucera | May 31, 2011 11:31 AM

Okay. Listen. I don't have a car. I don't need you to get me a car. I am overdrawn. I have embraced the negative. I could care less. I spent two years writing an amazing book entitled 'Everything I Never Wanted To Be' and I REALLY need you to love it. You love it, then others love it, then.... I get a car and put money in the bank. I queried 74 agents before I finally got an agent to publish this book. I ain't no quitter. And that is how I talk. I will over night the book. Or go now and get it on IPAD, Kindle, Nook. Have a great week!
Dina Kucera
www.everythinginever.com

Posted by Dina Kucera | May 31, 2011 11:10 AM

Please pick my book 'Everything I Never Wanted To Be'. I used to open as a comic for you and I really need some, well, help. You can get it on Amazon, Nook, Kindle, and IPAD. Go! Hurry! Read it! Love you always... Dina Kucera
www.everythinginever.com

Posted by Dina Kucera | May 30, 2011 8:40 PM

Ellen sounds like a great book! Can I get it in Australia? Try reading my childrens book 'Nanna's Storm' an Indigenous book targeted for middle age and reluctant readers its about a mischievous Nanna and a big storm! Can't send you one don't have an address but contact me if you like or readers can buy it online at www.blackinkpress.com. Dare to read its good for the soul.

Posted by vicki | May 11, 2011 8:19 PM

HHIS I sholud have thought of that!

Posted by Torie | May 1, 2011 2:48 PM

With the bases loaded you sutrck us out with that answer!

Posted by Lucinda | April 22, 2011 4:08 AM

Dear ellen,I love your show,and watch it every chance I get.I think you are incredibly kind and that is a trait I aspire to be also.I am hoping you will consider giving me a new Chevy Cruise.I've had a rough time of it over the past 14 yrs. or so dealing with deaths and cancer and stuff we dont really want to talk about on tv.But,anyway,my husband and I both have old cars that are literally rusting out from underneath.Both GM cars and have been wonderful and reliable.But,like me, they are getting older and need replaced.Problem is,we really can't afford to buy a new car.I can't figure out the clue game on this sight, so could you please consider giving me a new car?It would be such a blessing to myself and my husband.Thankyou and God bless, Teresa Pedicone

Posted by Teresa Pedicone | April 19, 2011 8:36 PM

Ellen,
Partially because of the interview you did with Jonathan, I became a vegetarian. SO i think the guy is great.
This is my 151st comment going towards my goal of getting a comment back from you.
Monday the new episodes come back again. Thank goodness because i don't like looking at re-runs even thought they are great.

Posted by Yvonne Rutten | March 18, 2011 12:39 PM