📚 1/52 ~ The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

genre: fiction, fantasy, children

“Once upon a time — for that is how all stories should begin — there was a boy who lost his mother.”

A classic way to start a book possessing anecdotes of loss, war, imagination, magic, survival, and love, all seamlessly integrated with twisted yet intriguing versions of the fairy tales we’ve all enjoyed reading while growing up.

Spoiler Alert: No spoilers, ever!

1. Why this, why now 🤔

The Book of Lost Things is a peculiar choice for most to start the year with. However, the book has been on my list for a while now, ever since I learned that this is my wife’s (girlfriend then) all-time favorite book!

2. Quotes of the book 🤯

• “[…] for in every adult dwells the child that was, and in every child waits the adult that will be.” ~ John Connolly

• “Everything you can imagine is real.” ~ Pablo Picasso

• “Not every ruler wears a crown, and the real power often lurks behind the throne.” ~ John Connolly

3. Going deep 🧐

After losing his mother, unwillingly welcoming a stepmother, and seeing half of his father’s attention going towards his newly born half-brother, David dives deep into the world of books and stories, which defines the next phase of his reality, intertwined with imagination.

Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into a wild abyss, which at first seems to be paradise, David learns the hard truths of life pushing through one battle after the other. The tale is as old as life itself, with a mix of good, bad, and the in-between surrounding and seemingly influencing every step the young boy takes as he tries to survive in a world that’s constantly trying to eat him alive.

You’re in for a treat if you enjoy an adventure through the unknown, sometimes even dark, catching you by surprise. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in magic or otherwise, this fable will keep you on your toes (fingers here), making you eagerly want to know what transpires next.

4. The author 😎

For a writer who is known for his mystery novels, The Book of Lost Things comes as a surprise to many, other than the author himself, who reiterates his use of common concepts throughout his work. Nevertheless, he feels it’s his most important work and I couldn’t agree more. Despite not reading any of his other books.

This illustrated edition from 2017 includes an afterword, personal notes from the author, and the original versions of the fairy tales used in the book.

5. Reviews 🤩

• Me: 4.5/5

• Goodreads: 4/5

• Amazon: 4.4/5

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Thanks for reading my first-ever newsletter. Every subscriber, comment, and suggestion is invaluable. So feel free to engage as you like.

As I am finishing up writing this edition, the next part of this series, The Land of Lost Things, just arrived at my doorstep. However, I won’t be starting it immediately, honoring my code of alternating between fiction and non-fiction every week.

Moving forward, there may be changes to the structure and time of send as I’m trying to find the best way to write, but rest assured, you will always get it on a Monday.

Book for Week 2/52: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

Happy new week! ✌️

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