The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Novelist Summary: Taking refuge in fairy tales after the loss of his mother, twelve-year-old David finds himself violently propelled into an imaginary land in which the boundaries of fantasy and reality are disturbingly melded.
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5 comments:
This is so gruesome - very grisly descriptions of decapitated bodies, bizarre human/animal joinings that are as sick as anything Josef Mengele could have dreamed up- haven't finished it yet, but nighmares could be the outcome for folks who read this....I'd recommend it as a let's drop it off the list.
Nancy Kirsch
Similar to the allure of Harry Potter books, but more gruesome. I think this book would especially appeal to teenagers. Have been listening to it on tape and it leaves you in a quandry between wanting to listen more and simply shut off the gore. Very imaginative. I would also recommend dropping it from the list based on the level of violence.
I, too, read the Book of Lost Things, and although there was some blood and guts in it there was also a wonderful message of growing up and life and death and the struggles that are inevitable and the relationships that make it, perhaps, all worthwhile. I think the book was a bit long (I don’t think anyone has an editor anymore), but I really liked it.
Now – do I think RARI is ready for fantasy – which is really what the book is? Not sure. Fantasy is a very personal choice and many adults choose not to read it (just like some chose not to read Shadow Divers, because it was non-fiction).
Gore aside this is a very good book & very well written. Everyone should have a little fantasy in their life..lol.. but is RARI ready for some??? Maybe - maybe not....
from Pat Brinegar:
This charming story about an 11-year-old boy who, having lost his mother and gained a step-mother (and later, a new brother), immerses himself in books and fantasy. The books talk by virtue of The Crooked Man who enters his life and adds to the enchantment. The variations on (Grim)fairy tale themes, the likes of Hansel and Gretl, Snow White, as well as the battles with wolves and monsters in an underground raised garden might very well tax the endurance of many readers.
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