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Advance Readers' Comments for THE GUEST ROOM

In October, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Sneak Peek Contests each won a copy of THE GUEST ROOM by Chris Bohjalian. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book... and watch out for spoilers!

 

 

Susan R. of Julian, NC
I loved THE GUEST ROOM. The author took the subject of sex trafficking and humanized it, making the reader think about it in a more personal way. He made us look at it from all sides and feel empathy for many characters who could have been seen as despicable. There were good guys and bad guys, but the two main characters --- Richard and Alexandra --- are so well developed that the reader feels empathy for both and wants them each to escape their situations.  

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Emotional, complex, riveting

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this book to several friends and plan to mention it on several of my Facebook book pages. I think that this is a book that will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy stories about relationships and how they are affected by outside forces. Also, it highlights a subject that is often mentioned in the news. Plus it’s just a darn good book!

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM is a novel about a man who tries to help out his brother by having a bachelor party at his home, complete with strippers. Things go terribly wrong when the strippers kill their bodyguards and it is revealed that they are sex slaves. The real story is about the aftermath of the party --- a reputation in ruins, a marriage in question, two possibly underage Russian sex slaves on the run from the Russian mob. It’s a real page turner and makes the reader think about how life can change in a heartbeat.

Carol C. of San Clemente, CA
I thought THE GUEST ROOM was excellent. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down!

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Haunting, chilling, sad

Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend THE GUEST ROOM to friends. I already have because it's a book that touches so many subjects and brings up so many feelings.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM begins with a naive girl, who has lost both her parents, being offered her dream --- a chance to study dance. This is a ploy, however, and she finds herself a sex slave with no way to escape. She is taken to a bachelor party --- and this is where her story connects with that of Richard, a successful family man who hosts the bachelor party for his younger brother. Richard never suspects how very wrong things will go. The story goes back and forth throughout the book until the stunning conclusion.

Juliet D. of Prairie Village, KS
I'm so happy you sent it to me, because I loved it!

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Riveting, educational, disturbingly positive

Would you recommend?: Absolutely

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM is about how one average Joe guy makes a catastrophic mistake that greatly affects him, his wife, his daughter and a young girl that he meets the night of that mistake. It has it all --- love, shame, heartbreaking sadness, suspense and resilience.

Michelle N. of Hillsdale, NJ
I really enjoyed reading THE GUEST ROOM. I think Bohjalian took an interesting topic, one that you don't read about too often, and wrote a great story about it.  

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Thrilling, thought-provoking, surprising

Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book to a friend, and have already done so.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Chris Bohjalian writes a story about an event that probably takes place quite often, but that we don't really think about. He writes from various points of view, from the hired girl's point of view, to the poor guy who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just when you’re wondering how he is going to end it, he throws in a surprise that will definitely catch your attention.

Patti of Lakeville, MI
Really, really enjoyed it.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Unexpected, suspenseful, engaging

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended it.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: It's about a bunch of guys at a bachelor party that goes horribly, horribly wrong. Several lives are forever changed.

Karen B. of Palm Beach Gardens, FL
It was a compelling read. I actually read the book in one evening.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Compelling, important, page-turner

Would you recommend?: Yes, I have already recommended it to my book group. It concerns a subject we have not yet discussed --- human trafficking --- and it is a compelling read.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The book is a cautionary tale about the repercussions of a single lapse in judgment.

Marjorie S. of Woodridge, IL
THE GUEST ROOM brought to light the terrible effects of the sex slave industry. Most people know this industry exists, but don't usually think about how it could affect their lives.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Graphic, horrifying, disturbing

Would you recommend?: I would recommend the book to a friend who has read Bohjalian before and who can deal with the graphic nature of the story. The story haunted me because of the characterization and events.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM draws attention to the horror of man's inhumanity to man and the idea that money is too often made at the expense of other human beings, mainly children and women. It focuses on the devastating effects of human trafficking on the victims as well as those who participate in it. It shows how people can justify and rationalize even the worst behavior, placing blame on the victims.

Wanda T. of Garnet Valley, PA
It was a thriller that kept me turning each page thinking what else could possibly happen!

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Compelling, eye-opener, emotional

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this book to my book club, as well has many friends who enjoy thrillers.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Bohjalian draws you into the story in the first two pages. You want to find out how an innocently planned bachelor party can end up being a 300+ page novel.

Becky K. from Grayslake, Illinois
I loved the book, finding it attention-grabbing and believable at the same time. THE GUEST ROOM is the story of the fallout of a bachelor party that ended in murder. Besides being a mix of family, legal, and police drama, it also brings the issue of human trafficking to light. The story is told in alternating voices.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Unique, genre-bending, suspenseful

Would you recommend?: Yes, I'd definitely recommend this to a friend. It's a great blend of literary fiction and thriller.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Balancing multiple narrators, various points of time, and multiple locations is something that few writers aside from Chris Bohjalian can do. He has a way of merging genres to a point the story stands on its own, not able to be packed with "literary fiction" or "psychological thriller" or "legal thriller" or "family drama" or any other category --- it transcends genres. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed MIDWIVES and now I want to read more of the author's novels.

Jennifer of West Plains, MO
I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE GUEST ROOM.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Enthralling, intense, page-turner

Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this book to friends. The book immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading it.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book is about family --- a family with a seemingly perfect life that suddenly explodes. It is about how a family eventually stands together to get through a tragedy that happens right in their own home. It also touches on the terrible situations that sex trafficking victims face as told by the character Alexandra.

Suzy M. from Huntington Beach, CA
What an amazing story! I think the human sex trafficking aspect is such an eye opener. You hear about it on the news, but this book made it feel like I was getting what it’s like first hand from the person who was living the terrible life.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Riveting, heartbreaking, eye-opening

Would you recommend?: Definitely! In fact, I have already talked about it to my aunt, who is also an avid reader.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Richard, a family man, throws a bachelor party for his immature brother Philip. Everything goes wrong the night of the party and two people end up being murdered. The indiscretions of one night turns Richard’s life upside down and affects his marriage, job and basically his entire life.

Deb C. of Chanhassen, MN
I enjoyed the book.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Informative, intriguing, captivating

Would you recommend?: Yes, although some people would not like the sex scenes.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: It was a perspective that I was unaware of but I needed to know what happened. I would say it was spellbinding. I wanted to know what was going to happen.

Eileen S. of Port Washington, NY
I really enjoyed THE GUEST ROOM, partly because its subject matter was so unexpected. The plan for that bachelor party seemed like a bad idea to me to begin with, of course, but seeing how disastrously it unfolded was shocking. I was surprised by how sympathetic I was to Richard. I felt even more sympathetic to this wife and daughter, who will also have to bear the consequences of his errors in judgment. The greatest sympathy, of course, belongs to the young women whose freedom was stolen and whose lives were brutalized. The book did a great job of showing how these women were forced into such a horrible life and showing their desperation to escape. All in all, it is a powerful book.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Raw, gripping, tragic

Would you recommend?: I definitely would recommend the book to a friend. I would mention that the subject matter was sexually explicit and violent, but that the story showed the moral consequences of the characters' actions.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM tells the gripping story of Richard Chapman, who agrees to host a bachelor party in his home for his brother and friends. The results of this decision lead to disaster and tragedy for all involved, including his own family. The novel also gives deep insight into the real victims of so-called "victimless" crimes, earning sympathy for the young women involved in this brutal life.

Patricia S. of Eau Claire, WI
I couldn't read THE GUEST ROOM fast enough! It was a great read.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Descriptive, suspenseful, tragic

Would you recommend?: Yes, I will recommend and already have.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: It's about a bachelor party that goes wrong. The brother of the bachelor presumed the party would be 'typical,' but unexpected behavior from the entertainers, as well as the groom's best friend, turns the happening into a life-altering crisis for the host.

Sheree C. of Fleetwood, PA
I loved THE GUEST ROOM. Chris Bohjalian is a superb storyteller. I would find myself so engrossed in the book that I tuned out all other distractions. He brings to light the unfortunate reality of  sex trafficking and how one event can have such disastrous consequences for so many people.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Vivid, captivating, enlightening

Would you recommend?: Absolutely! It was a book that haunted you after you put it down, beckoning you to pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: It is a story about the ancient marital ritual of 'the bachelor party' gone horribly wrong, and the misconceptions and judgments we make when we don't know all of the facts. It brings to the forefront the unpleasant reality of sex trafficking of young girls, and how they have gotten into that profession in the first place.

Lelia P. from Long Island City, NY
The author obviously takes great care when conducting his research to deliver well-crafted stories for readers.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Compelling, compassionate, disturbing

Would you recommend?: Yes. I will be recommending THE GUEST ROOM to others with the promise of a great read.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The moral dilemma of the main character compels the reader to delve further into the novel. The compassion for each character’s story pulls readers deeper into the diverse casts’ individual plights. The disturbing issue of sex trafficking draws the reader’s attention into subject matter often skimmed over by today’s media. The story offers the worst that can happen when an honorable man loses hold on his morals.

Saundra M. from Holly Grove, AR
Fast-paced, and I loved that!

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Fast-paced, riveting

Would you recommend?: Yes. It is one of those books that you don't know what is going to happen next, and when you think you do, you are wrong. It would make an awesome movie.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: It's about a decent guy and family. Then, the guy throws a bachelor party and it goes terribly wrong. Their lives are thrown into horrific turmoil. Every page is riveting. It is a must read.

Suzy K. of Tampa, FL
I loved the story. While I had great sympathy for Alexandra throughout the book, I did not have sympathy for Philip and Richard for their participation with the girls at the bachelor party. However, as the story progressed, I began to respect Richard more and more, and I liked that Alexandra found her way back to his home. I loved Bohjalian’s writing style as it was very explicit, leaving nothing to the imagination. This novel opened my eyes to human trafficking.

Rating: 5/5

Describe the book in three words: Explicit, demoralizing, nightmare

Would you recommend?: Yes. This is a fast-paced, well-written story.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is a story about a bachelor party that ends in a nightmare. No one expects that two men will be killed in suburban home at the hands of strippers. The strippers turn out to be sex slaves for human traffickers, creating a very explicit story.

Sue P. of Littleton, CO
THE GUEST ROOM is Bohjalian’s best so far. It deals with a horrifying topic that is, seemingly, not well known or, more likely is being avoided. I found it captivating and disturbing. I couldn’t put it down.

Rating: 4.5/5

Describe the book in three words: Horrifying, visceral, somber

Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book to a friend but I would make sure my friend was tolerant of the “f” word as it is used a lot. I found it appropriate for the given situations, but others might not be so open.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM is about the dark underbelly of human sex trafficking. The book is morbidly alluring. It's unfortunate that this book just touches the disturbing subject. It’s also about moral consequences.

Mary R. of San Anselmo, CA
I thought it was well-written, with good characters. It kept me interested through to the exciting end.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Thrilling, heart-breaking, inspiring

Would you recommend?: I already have.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: Besides being a good thriller, it sheds light on the serious subject of the international sex slave trade. I liked “hearing" the voices of the different main characters. I’m glad I read it, and I plan to read more of his books --- always great to find a “new” author!

Wendi F. of Randall, MN
Very interesting. I liked that half was told through the eyes of Alexandra. I do wish, though, that it had contained more details about what these poor girls have to endure and not focused so much sympathy for Richard and the heartache it was causing him.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Engaging, riveting, engrossing

Would you recommend?: Yes, I have already passed it on.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: THE GUEST ROOM is story of a young girl whose life is torn apart when her mother dies, and she is kidnapped by a sex trafficker. She is brought to NYC with another one of the girls and is hired out for a bachelor party at which things turn very ugly --- two dead guards, two girls on the run, a marriage in trouble, a wedding canceled, a job in jeopardy, blackmail. A sad ending for some, a hopeful ending for others.

Stephanie K. of Sugar Grove, IL
I thought it was immediately captivating, which is a must for me. If a book doesn’t hold my attention in the first 75 pages, I won’t read it. It started a little slower than I would have liked, but before the halfway point was really flipping those pages!  

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Psychological, page-turner

Would you recommend?: Yes. I already have because it meets my criteria --- immediately piques and holds my interest.  

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book has it all --- a bachelor party gone wrong, murders, kidnapped girls, love and loyalty of family, and an ending I didn't see coming.

Cami B. of Fosston, TX
I really loved this book. It evoked a lot of different emotions in me.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Sad, intimate, lonely

Would you recommend?: Yes, most definitely.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I would describe this book as a brief look at the sad world of sex trafficking, a strong marriage trying to survive the aftermath of poorly made decisions, the role alcohol plays in those poorly made decisions and the problem of the objectification of women. The sexist attitudes of some characters were definitely a turnoff for me; however, because the lead male character did not share their views, I was able to read this book.

Glenda B. of Winter Park, FL
I thought that it was suspenseful and a good quick read.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Chilling, readable, page-turner

Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend it to someone who likes mysteries or thrillers.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This would be a very good book for a group discussion. It is a story about how poor decisions can change lives in an instant, the disgusting nature of sex trafficking, and survival. It includes the stories of young girls trying to survive in a world without morals. It's also about a young man who, rather innocently, makes a bad decision that almost costs him his family, but ultimately teaches him lessons he had no idea he would learn.

Phyllis G. of Louisville, MS
I found THE GUEST ROOM very thought provoking in the humanizing of the sex slave trafficking, and its exploitation of children and a reminder of how life can change in an instant. The plot is taken from the current headlines we often read about human trafficking. Alexandra's story gives an in-depth look at how far the traffickers go to break a child and force them against their will.  

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Headlines, provoking, tragic

Would you recommend?: Yes, I already have.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The plot is taken from current headlines detailing child exploitation and sexual slavery by human traffickers. The novel is about tragic events which occur when two young sex slaves are hired for a bachelor party, and how the ensuing events have a ripple effect on many lives.

Linda K. of Oklahoma City, OK
I thought it was a well written, credible, worldview-expanding book.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Internationalist, captivating, thought-provoking

Would you recommend?: Yes --- it is a great story to get wrapped up in, and the setting descriptions and vocabulary are excellent.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This book is about a typical suburban family who experiences a misstep that radically changes their lives. It calls the reader to see how simple things like Barbie dolls and bachelor parties are universal, and bring us together in unexpected ways. It’s a great read.

Megan R. of Sun Prairie, WI
I was impressed. The characters were likeable. I felt all kinds of emotions for Alexandra, who was a victim in so many ways. I also felt deep sympathy for Richard, who was also a victim --- a victim of circumstance. [SPOILERS] He suffered one loss after another until he met his ultimate demise for something that was out of his control. [END SPOILERS]

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Disturbing, tragic, engaging

Would you recommend?: I already have. I have passed this on to one of my fellow librarians at work.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: A definite page-turner. A story about the consequences of a bachelor party gone wrong. The two main characters, Richard and Alexandra, come from two very different walks of life, but were both deeply impacted by the actions of others. One is a successful investment banker, the other a prostitute. Nevertheless, both characters are relatable and likeable. You find yourself rooting for both of them to find peace after tragedy.

Rosalie S. of Coshocton, OH
I thoroughly enjoyed THE GUEST ROOM. I read it in three days.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Exciting, page-turner, enjoyable

Would you recommend?: Yes, I have recommended it to three people already. I like to recommend books I have enjoyed.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: This is a book I could not put down. It was very believable and thrilling to read. I was surprised with the ending. This book is special for Bohjalian because of the different persons telling their version of what happens.

Dee W. of Scottsdale, AZ
Interesting and a good 'what-if' book.

Rating: 4/5

Describe the book in three words: Topical, suspenseful, disappointing

Would you recommend?: Maybe, depends on the friend.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The book has an interesting premise --- how people react to a life-changing situation. The author weaves in a topical subject, sex slavery, through the first-person account. Ultimately, though, the ending was disappointing.

Bridgette M. of Richmond, CA
The story was good, the plot moved along very smoothly. I think that other stories are very familiar. This one started out at a typical bachelor party, two strippers and two big burly bodyguards. Then, there were murders. All and all, I did like the story.

Rating: 3.5/5

Describe the book in three words: Murder, intriguing, mystery

Would you recommend?: Maybe. It was good, but too predictable.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I would describe this book as an intriguing read. Russian dancers were forced to work and dance, and [SPOILERS] ending up murdering their captors. [END SPOILERS] The book is about the mystery of how all of this happened.

Judith S. from Gilbert, AZ
Chris Bohjalian always does a great job of creating characters who you believe you come to understand, whether or not you actually like them depends on the character.

Rating: 3.5/5

Describe the book in three words: Disturbing, riveting, pertinent

Would you recommend?: I would recommend it for a book club, because the subject matter is fodder for great discussion.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: A story told by narration and point of view of the principal characters: Richard, wife, daughter, and the young trafficked woman. What happens when poor choices lead to even more serious consequences including murder and continued choices affect others who you care about. And from the young trafficked girl a timeline of how her life was taken over and controlled by her handlers and how she came to be running for her own life.

Marjorie C. of Manilla, IN
Chris Bohjalian is an excellent writer, and his descriptions of people and events are wonderful. There is just no joy in the book, and I admit, it was depressing.

Rating: 2/5

Describe the book in three words: Depressing, discouraging, disgusting

Would you recommend?: No, just not my type of material. I know that the real world exists, but this was just too much.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: I did not enjoy this book. I may read another book by Bohjalian out of curiosity. There is enough of this subject matter on the TV news and newspapers.

Susan K. of Myrtle Beach, SC
Pacing was slow and characters were unsympathetic.

Rating: 2/5

Describe the book in three words: Disappointing, shallow, naivete

Would you recommend?: I would not recommend to anyone other than a fan of the author.

Describe the book in three sentences or fewer: The social theme of the sex trade was a worthy subject matter, but by using the vehicle of a bachelor party with despicable characters, it reduced the impact of Alexandra's plight. Dialect was contrived with some dropping of consonants, which would be forgivable if I had liked the story.