Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

By Jonathan Safran Foer

"Oskar Schell, the nine-year-old son of a man killed in the World Trade Center bombing, searches the city for a lock that fits a black key his father left behind. As Oskar roams New York, he encounters a motley assortment of humanity who are all survivors in their own way. His goal is hopeful, but the past speaks a loud warning in stories of those who've lost loved ones before." - HELM

Why was this book challenged?

Extremely Loud and Incredibly close banned book element tile.

Banned book element tile

Reasons: Sexual Content, Language

  • Bustle documents the 2015 banning of Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close from an honors English curriculum at Mattoon High School in Illinois. Parents objected to sexual content and alleged vulgarities. In response, the principal pulled the book.

  • See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the differences between a challenge and a ban.

Ways to read this book at STCC!

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Additional Resources and Accessibility

If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.

Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:

Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: