The Lost Songs

Caroline B. Cooney

Hardcover, 256 pages

Published October 11th 2011 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN:  0385739664 (ISBN13: 9780385739665) 

 

This is a book I would definitely pick up again. The Lost Songs follows 4 totally different teens with only 1 thing in common. Music. Cooney does switch narrators between them so the reader can get their different perspectives. I found this worked well for this story. Being inside of each teen's head brings the stories together fluidly and allows the story to complete well by the ending. I did like the characters. Cooney gave just enough background of each to give the characters a little fuller depth to what each was struggling with as a teen. The one thing that I thought wasn't quite right was the character, Lutie, having 2 different residents and choosing daily between which aunt to stay with. Over all, though, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/WriterRating: 5 out of 5 ControllersReview Source: PublisherReviewer: AimeeKayI was soooo excited I got to read this anthology. I am sooo glad I wasn’t disappointed. I have to admit the only reason I jumped at the chance to read and review Songs of Love Lost and Found was because it has a story by Tanith Lee in it. She is one of my all time favorite writers. Fortunately, all the stories were good, not just Lee’s, and before I knew it I found myself already finished!There are only five stories in the book and they are all about love in one way or another. Not all the stories had happy endings, but each was well-written and drew me in, from the first page to the last. The Marrying Maid – sweet and funny.The Blue Boots - I so thought would end differently than it did!You, And You Alone - so mysterious and moving at the same time.Under/Above the Water – definitely had to pay attention during this one.Demon Lover – wasn’t sure how this one was going to end either. I think if I have any complaint about the anthology or any of the stories it contains, it would be that I wish there could have been more stories or that I wish some of them were longer. I’m definitely giving this one 5 out of 5 controllers! The ones with the little crowns this one was that good!

Review taken from my blog, The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

First Sentence:
"Lutie Painter had never skipped school before."

Ever since I found out that Caroline B. Cooney had a new book releasing (its already out) I knew that I would have to read it. Was The Lost Songs comparable to her previous works that I have read, no. The reason I say no is because The Lost Songs is nothing like anything I have read by her before. You'll find out below why its so different from her other books and why I loved it so.

The Lost Songs has to be one of the most vivid and beautifully written books of Ms. Cooney's that I have read to date.
What really made this an enjoyable read for me would have to be, well, that it was a new Caroline B. Cooney book and how she masterfully conquered a different type of book from what I have read by her before, as well, as that she yet again was able to pull me so far into the lives of her characters that I failed to accomplish more than devouring her book till the last page was turned. I always look forward to new books by her because had I not read her (and a few other authors) I may not be the reader that I am today. So a thank you to CBC for always entertaining me with her genius.

The one bad thing about The Lost Songs is that it made me tear up near the end as Lutie realized that she has not been as kind as she should have been, and that she was not trying her best to reach out to those who needed her. It was just sad especially since the realization came a little too late for her to be able to reach out to one who could have used a hand or encouraging word. I am not saying that this was bad, I just do not like to cry or almost cry. Because that means that I have to put the book down till the almost tears vanish and I can clearly see the page again. If sad books make you well up, I would suggest having tissues at hand when reading this one.

Final Verdict: The Lost Songs this book deeply touched me and was just brilliantly beautiful...one of the best books I have read that was filled with hope, faith and a sense of community.

The Lost Songs earns 5 of 5 pineapples.