ami hodges

Definitely an insensitive cash-grab by an author who thought writing a book about 9/11 would make him popular. The book itself is extremely cynical with borderline unlikable characters that have so many personal faults that it's hard, (but not impossible), to find one that stands out as a role model. In the end, there is no relief or breath from the trauma. As someone who has suffered from PTSD for five years I dislike the message of the book because while it is extremely true that trauma is long lasting and heart wrenching, there is still light at the end of the tunnel; however, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close teaches that life truly is meaningless and there's only pain after terrible events. The grandfather is one of the more despicable characters I've read in literature and I still become irritated thinking about how he's portrayed as a sympathetic character when he is ultimately selfish and self-centered to the extreme. Don't buy this book unless you want to put money in the pocket of an author who wanted to cash in on American patriotism and collective suffering.