McElhaney - Extremely Loud post 1

When reading the first few chapters it was clear that the story was being told to sound like it was coming from a nine-year-old’s mouth. But with further exploration it becomes evident, at least to me, that this is no ordinary nine-year-old boy. Oskar is very smart, but he seems to be suffering from some sort of social disorder. The boy has no filter and no fear of strangers in such a way that suggests some form of autism. His awkwardness and obsession over one topic in finding the lock that fits the key could be symptoms of Aspergers. His tendencies of anxiety and social awkwardness definitely fit the bill along with the fact that he simply cannot function unless he searches for the lock. The book is very interesting if he really is a victim to the disorder as it would then be not only the traumatic hangover of 9/11 on a young boy, but a young boy who already suffers from the inability to grasp trauma completely. I find the concept intriguing and can’t help but pick up details that help imply that he is a very special boy. Details that could also be considered as symptoms. Even if Oskar does not actually suffer from any disorder as it seams he does, the concept of the effect of trauma on those with the inability to fully grasp the concept of trauma is an intriguing topic to me.