The Road

Author: Cormac McArthy

I had seen the trailer for the movie before I wanted to read this book. I think there was more of a desire to finish the book before I see the movie. I have still not seen the movie. But I finished the book last night.

The book is an easy read. The dialogue is simple. I finished this book in 3 days. I could have probably finished it in one sitting, but I have things that need to be taken care of.

One thing that surprised me about this book was that there are no chapters. It was interesting to read through and still keep track of what was going on, and how much time had passed without having the breaks in the story to section and quarter the flow of the story. I can understand why the author wrote the book this way, its a journey and time is unknown to the characters in the book and so it is the same way for the reader.

This story was gripping and tense. I was talking to my wife about it and I mentioned to her that everything I didn't want to have happen, it happened! It was frustrating to read, but at the same time it gripped my attention. I learned alot about how to write and capture your audience by reading this book.

The story was very unique. There are still questions I would love to ask the author. It left me wanting more. I was very displeased with the ending, and at the same time enjoyed seeing the compassion of strangers turn into a new beginning.

The whole book makes it seem that there are no 'good guys' left in the earth. And in some instances that the characters are absolutely alone. That the only people in the earth besides them are evil.

I want to mention something else about this book. I love the fact that it is a story about a father taking care of his son. There are very few stories or role models in the world of popular culture that are willing to show this or express it. Most fathers in movies, or on tv, are deadbeats, or as dumb as a bag of nails. It was refreshing to read a story about a father that takes the responsibility to the extreme.

I really enjoyed this book. And I recommend it to anyone who might think it interesting.

Please note there are some parts of the story that may offend. There is reference to canibalism. And there is a couple scenes that are emotionally intense. This story is not intended for children.