Book Review: The Book of Jonas

When I left for Idaho on Saturday morning I started a new book.  With my tray table up and my seatbelt on, I became consumed by The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau.  I was sucked into the story immediately as Dau described how Younis, a war orphaned teenager, became Jonas while being flown to America after a sketchy U.S. military attack obliterates a village in an unnamed Muslim country.

The story unfolds in short bursts of memory from Jonas.  They explore his acclimation, or lack of, to America and his foster family, and his internal struggles with remembering the truth and hiding the truth.  Jonas is linked directly to a missing American soldier, Christopher.   Through multiple perspectives the reader learns what happened to Jonas and the soldier.  

The whole book explores so many themes that there is no way to explain everything in one short review.  Dau's writing is so tight and clean that the story moves fast and flawlessly.  He intertwines the views and emotions of more than his main character and really makes you think about war and its effects on the psyche of soldiers, their families, "enemies," and innocent victims.  It's not very often you can read a book and be empathetic towards every character.

I can't reiterate enough how awesome the writing is - Dau weaves together each persons story seamlessly.  He left just enough mystery and intrigue in each bit of memory that it kept me wanting more and more.  Had my flight not ended, I would have kept reading.  It's one of those books that I would have read from start to finish in one sitting had I not been forced to stop.  

The ultimate reveal and connection between Jonas and the soldier was predictable.  It was the way it was written that made it enjoyable.  The underlying symbolism could knock down an ox.  On that same note,  while the cover seems quite confusing at first, it makes complete and utter sense at the end. 

I don't think I would have picked this as a book to read just browsing books at the library or online.  I'm glad I did read it.  You should read it too if you're searching for a great book to read.  I highly recommend it - great story.  It will make you think!! 

Want a second opinion??  Check out the BlogHer Book Club for more reviews and discussions about The Book of Jonas.

Disclosure Statement: I received a free copy of The Book of Jonas from Penguin Group (USA) and was paid by Blog Her Book Club to review the book on my blog.  Was I paid to read a book?  Yes.  Was I paid to write a one-sided review?  Absolutely not.   I love books too much to lie about them or mislead a fellow bookworm.  Happy reading!