Oskar Schell, age 9, sets off on a crucial, covert mission that will take him to all five boroughs of New York City. His objective is to locate the lock that a peculiar key that belonged to his late father, who perished in the World Trade Center on September 11, matches. Oskar will meet survivors of all kinds through this seemingly impossible job, setting off on an exciting, moving, frequently amusing, and ultimately therapeutic adventure. Jonathan Safran Foer explores the horrors of our nation's trying past with comedy, sensitivity, and amazement.