4.5 stars! Two friends heartily recommended this one (thanks, Kris & Barb), and it did not disappoint. It's a powerful book, due in part to the subject matter, but mostly (for me) because of Jack. Telling the story through his eyes makes for a griping, thought-provoking read. Donoghue's excellent writing lends us a clear view of Jack's mother. Even though we only know her through Jack, reading between the lines discovers much. 
 Jack is 5, was born in Room, and has never left. His mother is being held there by Old Nick. The details of how she came to be imprisoned come out slowly. Jack's entire world is Room, and everything in it, which are also proper nouns. He watches some television, yet he thinks that most of the things he sees are not real. I couldn't wait to keep reading to find out what happened next. 
 Room made me think about world views, materialism, psychological trauma and how much we take for granted. (view spoiler)[ That Jack wanted to, needed to go back to Room broke my heart. He kept trying to be brave for his mother and grandmother, keeping his desires mostly to himself. (hide spoiler)] 
 I was also thoroughly satisfied by the ending (wimpy tear-jerker alert!).