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Parties are not Madeline's thing.
Being social isn’t her thing. She’s a five-foot eight-inch industrial -strength loser. She’s invisible. She’s no one. She could drop dead in class and no one would notice.
So why does she accept an invitation — from someone she barely knows — to the party of the year?
Certainly not because Mark Alister is going. Popular, attractive, universally desired Mark Alister. A boy like that would never even look at a trainwreck like her!
But . . . he does! He talks to her! They fall in love! And they live happily ever after. The end.
Yeah — not a chance. Maybe if she lived in a Disney movie. In reality, Madeline has walked straight into a trap — one which no amount of wishing on stars can save her from. Mark is going to make her face everything she’s been hiding from for the past seven years. And the truth about Madeline Parker could either fix her, and make her worthy of being loved . . . or it could kill her.
Or both.
Being social isn’t her thing. She’s a five-foot eight-inch industrial -strength loser. She’s invisible. She’s no one. She could drop dead in class and no one would notice.
So why does she accept an invitation — from someone she barely knows — to the party of the year?
Certainly not because Mark Alister is going. Popular, attractive, universally desired Mark Alister. A boy like that would never even look at a trainwreck like her!
But . . . he does! He talks to her! They fall in love! And they live happily ever after. The end.
Yeah — not a chance. Maybe if she lived in a Disney movie. In reality, Madeline has walked straight into a trap — one which no amount of wishing on stars can save her from. Mark is going to make her face everything she’s been hiding from for the past seven years. And the truth about Madeline Parker could either fix her, and make her worthy of being loved . . . or it could kill her.
Or both.
2 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 8, 2010
A friend of mine suggested this book to me and I'm glad they did because I rarely stray from the Science Fiction/Fantasy world. While I consider this book "Chick Lit," it kept me more than entertained. In fact, the only time I stopped reading it was when I was too tired to continue. Although I'm a male, it was interesting to see Madeline's point of view and watch her change for the better, even though there was more than enough adversity she had to deal with.
It began to lag a bit in the middle of the story, but the last 100-150 pages were fun and exciting. I finished those last pages in one day.
The humor in the writing was right up my alley. I would recommend this book to just about anyone!
It began to lag a bit in the middle of the story, but the last 100-150 pages were fun and exciting. I finished those last pages in one day.
The humor in the writing was right up my alley. I would recommend this book to just about anyone!
February 8, 2010
This novel tells the relatable story of a former misfit Madeline Parker, and her transition from akward high school ugly duckling to artistically talented and attractive University of Oregon coed, to a girl finally comfortable in her own skin.
Madeline lost her mother to a tragic accident and was raised alone by her well-meaning, but often work-a-holic father. Losing her mother at such a young age took it's toll on Madeline's self esteem and confidence, and her clumsiness, quirky wardrobe, and multitude of freckles didn't help matters either. After a traumatizing experience at a senior party leads to a serendipitous encounter with Mark, a popular guy at her school who also happens to be a kindred spirit, Madeline's entire world begins to change. Upon hearing that Mark has left for college at UO, Madeline decides to seize a chance opportunity presented to her by Syd McBride, a professional photographer from the south who has a soft spot for lost souls looking for a second chance. Madeline enrolls in college and cultivates her gift for photography, makes friends with her quirky roomates (who each has their own story as to why they came to live with Syd)and becomes romantically involved with a coworker. A series of events unfold for Madeline, as finally comes to find herself, almost lose herself, and then find herself again. There is heartbreak and near tragedy along the way.
Madeline herself is a delightful protagonist, full of good humor and sarcasm, but is down to earth and has a vunerability that makes her easy to relate to. The other characters of the story, particularly Madeline's roomates, were all unique and likable. Mark is also interesting as the non-stereotypical, emotionally vunerable jock, who hasn't gotten it all figured out just yet. Mark's most interesting moments come out during short segments of the book told from his point of view. My favorite part of the book is where Syd explains to Madeline the meaning or the garden in her office, and the symbolism therein.
Great debut novel.
Madeline lost her mother to a tragic accident and was raised alone by her well-meaning, but often work-a-holic father. Losing her mother at such a young age took it's toll on Madeline's self esteem and confidence, and her clumsiness, quirky wardrobe, and multitude of freckles didn't help matters either. After a traumatizing experience at a senior party leads to a serendipitous encounter with Mark, a popular guy at her school who also happens to be a kindred spirit, Madeline's entire world begins to change. Upon hearing that Mark has left for college at UO, Madeline decides to seize a chance opportunity presented to her by Syd McBride, a professional photographer from the south who has a soft spot for lost souls looking for a second chance. Madeline enrolls in college and cultivates her gift for photography, makes friends with her quirky roomates (who each has their own story as to why they came to live with Syd)and becomes romantically involved with a coworker. A series of events unfold for Madeline, as finally comes to find herself, almost lose herself, and then find herself again. There is heartbreak and near tragedy along the way.
Madeline herself is a delightful protagonist, full of good humor and sarcasm, but is down to earth and has a vunerability that makes her easy to relate to. The other characters of the story, particularly Madeline's roomates, were all unique and likable. Mark is also interesting as the non-stereotypical, emotionally vunerable jock, who hasn't gotten it all figured out just yet. Mark's most interesting moments come out during short segments of the book told from his point of view. My favorite part of the book is where Syd explains to Madeline the meaning or the garden in her office, and the symbolism therein.
Great debut novel.
December 11, 2015
Have you ever finished reading a book and thought, Man, that main character felt so... real? This is one of those books. I know Madeline Elizabeth Parker. I know her past. I know the terrible things she has gone through. I was there with her, through some of it anyway. As a fly on the wall. No, more than that. More than just an eye-witness. I was a thought-witness. And through the tough experiences she goes through in the book, I longed to reach out and pat her on the back, or give her a hug, share some words of comfort or advice... but I couldn't. So I had to trust the other characters to do it for me.
This story is told from the heart. A.K. Williams delves into some deep darkness everyone has likely felt at some point or another in their lives. But it isn't all sadness. It isn't all about hopelessness. It's about a person becoming more than she was. It's a person discovering for the first time that she is more than just a hate-magnet. A person who is lost, but finds herself.
Treat yourself to this book. It'll have a lasting effect on you. It'll change the way you view yourself, as well as those around you.
Now, Mr. A.K. Williams, I want to know Gina's story.
This story is told from the heart. A.K. Williams delves into some deep darkness everyone has likely felt at some point or another in their lives. But it isn't all sadness. It isn't all about hopelessness. It's about a person becoming more than she was. It's a person discovering for the first time that she is more than just a hate-magnet. A person who is lost, but finds herself.
Treat yourself to this book. It'll have a lasting effect on you. It'll change the way you view yourself, as well as those around you.
Now, Mr. A.K. Williams, I want to know Gina's story.
December 28, 2015
I really truly enjoyed this. I struggled with Madeline's inner thoughts/rambling but I loved her. The poor girl had so much turmoil and pain and I felt for her. I related here and then but overall I felt like I could've been her friend. Loved mark. Loved the way he made her feel. I wanted more of the two of them! Everyone give it a read.
January 28, 2020
A.K. Williams delivers a great story that’s equal parts funny and powerful in Life Lost and Found! When Madeline is partially tricked into attending a party, she’s forced to confront her demons…or succumb to them. Williams has found the perfect balance between humor and meaningfulness that makes Life Lost and Found linger in your mind far after reading. If you’re looking for some good YA with depth, definitely check this one out!
July 30, 2019
I want more
This book made me feel things. It reminded me of moments in my life. It also sucked me in and made me want to know more of Madeline Parker's story! A truly great story with a message for everyone. I loved it!
This book made me feel things. It reminded me of moments in my life. It also sucked me in and made me want to know more of Madeline Parker's story! A truly great story with a message for everyone. I loved it!
July 30, 2019
Wow this book made me feel things from my own life! I want more from this character. It was an amazing story that can inspire all of us!!!
January 7, 2016
I believe I have struggled with mental health issues since I was young; I can definitely pinpoint episodes, severe ones in fact, in late adolescence and wasn't diagnosed until I was 35 and suicidal. While the author covers heavy themes such as bullying, suicidal ideations, etc. it is done in a light-hearted hopeful way.
Spoiler alert- not huge ones, but in order to discuss some elements I want it, my review does give away some plot points.
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The heroine Madeline is extremely insecure because she been bullied since she can remember, even to the point of people suggesting she kill herself. It starts off difficult to read, to see the awful things kids do to others.
BUT it improves quickly. Mark picks up a token she loses. Mark is the good looking boy that couldn’t possibly have ever even noticed Madeline, except to possibly ridicule her along with the other popular kids he hangs out with. BUT Mark isn’t as put together as he seems. I loved how the author showed the struggles of the "uber-popular" Mark who actually has a crush on Madeline and finds that her quirkiness gives her depth that most of the other girls he dates lack. I think that in many instances of teenage (and beyond) angst, it's easy to feel like you are the only one struggling with a certain problem, but when you realize that we all have struggles and with certain hard ones (body image) we ALL struggle with similar issues. This realization that many of our struggles are similar to others is helpful in feeling a sense of belonging and has been so instrumental in my own personal recovery process. The characters in this book go through many struggles we all have or currently face and the author adeptly and with great humor introduces several different ways different characters figure out their own struggles.
I also appreciated the relationship Madeline and Gina shared. At their first meeting, Gina seemed tough, confident and put together. After knowing each other for a while Gina opens up and reveals she has some big struggles as well but that it's important to move beyond them, to stop caring what people think about you. When she reveals her struggles in Chapter 15, Madeline thinks to herself, "It was hard to imagine a confident, independent woman like Gina being teased or ridiculed by anyone.... she was so beautiful, in her strong, dark way..."
Gina explains how she got over all the ridicule, "... I decided to stop caring what people think... “Easy? I never said it was easy.” Gina turned toward (Madeline) a little. “Look, Maddy, you may already know this, but life can be a living hell—in the most real, literal sense. And even when it’s not quite that bad, it can still leave you “a wreck, wouldn’t you say?” Madeline bobbed her head in agreement. “Exactly. So don’t make it even harder on yourself by worrying about stupid things that don’t matter and are completely out of your control. Think about it. That guy over there, crossing the street—let’s say he saw you trip earlier. If he thought you were the dumbest, clumsiest moron of a girl he’d ever seen—what difference would it make? How would that affect you at all? His random, pointless opinion doesn’t suddenly change your friends, your work, your grades, your bank account—nothing. It only affects you if you let it, which means the solution is simple—don’t let it. You have more important things to worry about..."
Gina continues more urgently, “You can’t listen to them. You can’t keep repeating what they’ve told you over and over in your head. Do not give them that power. Do not give anyone, anywhere that power over you.” She closed her eyes for a second, seeming to collect herself. “Look, I know what I’m saying. I know it’s way, way easier said than done—I really do. And you’ll never stop caring one hundred percent, no matter what."
Brilliant advice for all of us! I plan to read it again. I also gifted a hard copy to my daughter and a dear friend who is currently struggling with some big issues.
Spoiler alert- not huge ones, but in order to discuss some elements I want it, my review does give away some plot points.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The heroine Madeline is extremely insecure because she been bullied since she can remember, even to the point of people suggesting she kill herself. It starts off difficult to read, to see the awful things kids do to others.
BUT it improves quickly. Mark picks up a token she loses. Mark is the good looking boy that couldn’t possibly have ever even noticed Madeline, except to possibly ridicule her along with the other popular kids he hangs out with. BUT Mark isn’t as put together as he seems. I loved how the author showed the struggles of the "uber-popular" Mark who actually has a crush on Madeline and finds that her quirkiness gives her depth that most of the other girls he dates lack. I think that in many instances of teenage (and beyond) angst, it's easy to feel like you are the only one struggling with a certain problem, but when you realize that we all have struggles and with certain hard ones (body image) we ALL struggle with similar issues. This realization that many of our struggles are similar to others is helpful in feeling a sense of belonging and has been so instrumental in my own personal recovery process. The characters in this book go through many struggles we all have or currently face and the author adeptly and with great humor introduces several different ways different characters figure out their own struggles.
I also appreciated the relationship Madeline and Gina shared. At their first meeting, Gina seemed tough, confident and put together. After knowing each other for a while Gina opens up and reveals she has some big struggles as well but that it's important to move beyond them, to stop caring what people think about you. When she reveals her struggles in Chapter 15, Madeline thinks to herself, "It was hard to imagine a confident, independent woman like Gina being teased or ridiculed by anyone.... she was so beautiful, in her strong, dark way..."
Gina explains how she got over all the ridicule, "... I decided to stop caring what people think... “Easy? I never said it was easy.” Gina turned toward (Madeline) a little. “Look, Maddy, you may already know this, but life can be a living hell—in the most real, literal sense. And even when it’s not quite that bad, it can still leave you “a wreck, wouldn’t you say?” Madeline bobbed her head in agreement. “Exactly. So don’t make it even harder on yourself by worrying about stupid things that don’t matter and are completely out of your control. Think about it. That guy over there, crossing the street—let’s say he saw you trip earlier. If he thought you were the dumbest, clumsiest moron of a girl he’d ever seen—what difference would it make? How would that affect you at all? His random, pointless opinion doesn’t suddenly change your friends, your work, your grades, your bank account—nothing. It only affects you if you let it, which means the solution is simple—don’t let it. You have more important things to worry about..."
Gina continues more urgently, “You can’t listen to them. You can’t keep repeating what they’ve told you over and over in your head. Do not give them that power. Do not give anyone, anywhere that power over you.” She closed her eyes for a second, seeming to collect herself. “Look, I know what I’m saying. I know it’s way, way easier said than done—I really do. And you’ll never stop caring one hundred percent, no matter what."
Brilliant advice for all of us! I plan to read it again. I also gifted a hard copy to my daughter and a dear friend who is currently struggling with some big issues.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews