The title isn’t the only thing that makes this book perfect for a Get Lost in a Book review; it’s a terrific read! John Connolly has cleverly woven a captivating story, set during WWII, about a 12-year-old boy named David who finds himself in another world on a quest to find his way back home.

Grieving for his mother and struggling to adjust to his father’s new marriage and the arrival of his new brother Georgie, David, lonely and confused, begins to hear books whispering to him. His father, worried because of the strained relationship between David and his new stepmother and brother, sends him to a psychiatrist whose brand of therapy causes an irate Jung book to fling itself off the shelf during David’s therapy session. Reality and imagination continue to mingle, with David seeing a strange “crooked man” lurking about the house and gardens.

After an explosive argument between David and his stepmother, he retreats through a passage he finds in the garden and finds himself in a strange world of beasts and twisted fairy tales (this is not a book for young children). Aided by a kind woodsman and a brave knight, David has to make his way to the king’s castle to find “The Book of Lost Things” which he believes will help him find a way home.

I loved the twists on classic fairy tales woven through this story. I think my favorite was the Marxist seven dwarfs who reveal that they actually conspired to kill snow white and framed the nearest wicked queen!

If you love the work of L. Frank Baum, and you’re not too adult to enjoy a good adventure complete with sorcery, knights, monsters, and magic, then you’ll love this book. I can’t reveal more of the story without giving away its secrets, so I suggest you find a copy as soon as you can and enjoy the adventure.

Tags: Book of Lost Things, John Connolly