Sometimes, instead of books causing me to cry, my real life becomes so overwhelmingly sad that I turn to them for comfort and an escape. Over the past few weeks as my 'real life' became slightly overwhelming, my 'book life' became light and fluffy. Instead of gravitating toward the sad stories that make my heart break, I opted to read The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (in between adult chick-lit titles).
I have an affinity for books that take place in and around Chicago landmarks (such as The Time Travelers Wife or Chasing Vermeer), especially ones written by Illinois authors. This is even more true when it comes to places I have actually been such as the Thorne Miniature Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago, which is where this book takes place. Like most other books that 'play on history' such as my most favorite of favorite books, Shakespeare's Secret, I delve into the story and can't be distracted.
This sort of devotion to a story can cause the people around you to be annoyed, but it can also help you through a rough time, creating an alternate reality in which you can live for a few moments at a time. This fascinating story of two friends, Ruthie and Jack, who find a magic key that shrinks them and allows them to live in the 68 Thorne rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago, is one that can do just that.
I thoroughly enjoyed living within the rooms that I have seen so many times, and not only remembering what they look like, but learning about the life outside of the rooms; what it was like in 18th Century France, or in America before I was born. Now, I love a good HGTV interior design show, and this book is basically a child's version of a cross between Antiques Roadshow and House Hunters International with a bit of family mystery, art history, and friendly fun. What is not to like?
While I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for a good cry, I did tear up at the end when things come together and Ruthie and Jack help an old artist find his passion for life again. It is a wonderful story to be read aloud or read alone - either way, you can easily find yourself lost in The Sixty Eight Rooms.
