New York Times bestselling author John Connolly’s unique imagination takes readers through the end of innocence into adulthood and beyond in this dark and triumphantly creative novel of grief and loss, loyalty and love, and the redemptive power of stories. High in his attic bedroom, twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother. He is angry and alone, with only the books on his shelf for … the books on his shelf for company. But those books have begun to whisper to him in the darkness, and as he takes refuge in his imagination, he finds that reality and fantasy have begun to meld. While his family falls apart around him, David is violently propelled into a land that is a strange reflection of his own world, populated by heroes and monsters, and ruled over by a faded king who keeps his secrets in a mysterious book… The Book of Lost Things.
An imaginative tribute to the journey we must all make through the loss of innocence into adulthood, John Connolly’s latest novel is a book for every adult who can recall the moment when childhood began to fade, and for every adult about to face that moment. The Book of Lost Things is a story of hope for all who have lost, and for all who have yet to lose. It is an exhilarating tale that reminds us of the enduring power of stories in our lives.
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Sometimes as an author, you read a book that is SO good, you almost quit your own career because perfection has been achieved. You want to just sit and stare adoringly at it. That’s how I feel about John Connolly’s “The Book of Lost Things.”
This book was a recommendation after I bought a Neil Gaiman book. It’s a very dark, mind-bending adventure of reality vs. fantasy, coming-of-age novel. Although it was a little dark for my taste, I found myself enjoying the overall storyline and growth of the young protagonist. It made me think. That’s the beauty of a good book.
I first read this book years ago when I was probably only 13 or 14. I remembered it as being a rather beautiful take on fairytales, and while it is still that, reading it again as an adult has made clearer all the darkness and sadness of this book. It’s really not a very happy read, turning grim fairytales even grimmer, and there are more …
The Book of Lost Things is a charming but dark adult fairy tale. I could read this book again and again.
4 stars to John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things. I added this to my “To Read” list sometime in 2015 as it reminded me a little bit of the “Once Upon a Time” TV series which I love. And it didn’t disappoint!
Story
A young adult novel focusing on a young boy’s quest to fit in his earthly world and survive in his fantasy world in 1940’s …
When I first read John Connolly’s Book of Lost Things, I thought to myself, It’s too late. Somebody’s already written the book I wanted to write.
Now I didn’t actually have the same plot or characters in mind, but the book’s theme, mood, and style encapsulated the perfect elements of the grim adventure I wished to create.
The Book of Lost …
Connolly takes you through the dark side of fairy tales. While this book may be geared for young adults, don’t let it fool you. Every moment David travels through twisted dreamscape he is in danger and facing truths he may not be prepared for.
Very, very different. John Connolly is one of my favorite authors; everything he’s written has been excellent, in my opinion. One must be a fan of paranormal or supernatural/mystery, I believe, in order to really appreciate the style. But the writing is exquisite. “The Book of Lost Things” is also different; fairy tales for adults perhaps? I don’t …
Our main character, David, has just lost his mother. In his grief he is feeling angry and alone. He keeps to himself, spending most of his time in his room, reading. The books whisper to him reminding him of how alone he is.
Soon – his dad remarries, and he gets a little brother named Georgie. David feels more alone than ever. One day, he is …
I have never find a tales so dark before, or should i say, i don’t find one other than this?
i always loved to read fairy tales and the everything related to magic, castle, curse and all.
but this one.. oh dear, this is so dark i’am so afraid reading it in the midnight. because of this book, i search everything about the real story of all …
One of my favorite books ever
First time I read this book I could not put it down till I read the whole book! 🙂
This book started out a little intense for me…the main character goes through so much in such a short amount of time. I found myself connecting to the character very easily and so felt his emotions rather strongly and it took me a bit to get through that first part. As I kept reading I found the tale to be enchanting, and horrifying, and …