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The Beautiful Lost
Here are three things to know about
1. Ever since her mother left, Maia's struggled with depression -- which once got so bad, she had to go to an institution for a while. She doesn't want to go back.
2. Maia's sure that if she finds her mother, if the two of them can talk about whale songs and constellations, then everything will be okay again.
3. She's in love with Billy, the handsome, brooding boy who lives in the group home in town. He doesn't seem to know that Maia exists... until now.
When Maia sets off on a road trip in search of her mom, Billy unexpectedly comes along. They drive up the East Coast, stopping along the way for lobster rolls and lighthouses. Maia learns that Billy has dark secrets of his own -- and wants to outrun his past, too. But what will the future hold if they reach their destination?
From internationally bestselling author Luanne Rice, this is a sweeping, stunning story about the surprising directions our hearts can take.
1. Ever since her mother left, Maia's struggled with depression -- which once got so bad, she had to go to an institution for a while. She doesn't want to go back.
2. Maia's sure that if she finds her mother, if the two of them can talk about whale songs and constellations, then everything will be okay again.
3. She's in love with Billy, the handsome, brooding boy who lives in the group home in town. He doesn't seem to know that Maia exists... until now.
When Maia sets off on a road trip in search of her mom, Billy unexpectedly comes along. They drive up the East Coast, stopping along the way for lobster rolls and lighthouses. Maia learns that Billy has dark secrets of his own -- and wants to outrun his past, too. But what will the future hold if they reach their destination?
From internationally bestselling author Luanne Rice, this is a sweeping, stunning story about the surprising directions our hearts can take.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
384 people are currently reading
2525 people want to read
About the author
Luanne Rice
109 books3,145 followersLuanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-eight novels, translated into thirty languages. Rice often writes about love, family, nature, and the sea. Most recently she has written thrillers, including one based on a murder that affected her family. She received the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award for excellence and lifetime achievement in the Literary Arts category.
Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree and invited her to donate her papers to the College’s Special Collections Library. They are archived in the Luanne Rice Collection.
Rice has also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from St. Joseph University in West Hartford, Conn.
Several of Rice's novels have been adapted for television. Her monologue for the play Motherhood Out Loud premiered at Hartford Stage and has been performed Off-Broadway in NYC and at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Rice is a Creative Affiliate of the Safina Center. She lives in southeastern Connecticut.
Connecticut College awarded Rice an honorary degree and invited her to donate her papers to the College’s Special Collections Library. They are archived in the Luanne Rice Collection.
Rice has also received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from St. Joseph University in West Hartford, Conn.
Several of Rice's novels have been adapted for television. Her monologue for the play Motherhood Out Loud premiered at Hartford Stage and has been performed Off-Broadway in NYC and at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Rice is a Creative Affiliate of the Safina Center. She lives in southeastern Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
November 25, 2018
A story about a depress girl having a road trip, with a cute boy in tow? I am in. And i do not disappoint. This book is cute. It has minimum drama. Focusing on finding urself during the road trip and overcome ur fear.
Maia the despress girl, runs away from home to find her mother. Just based on snippet email she get from her mother, she is set in adventure. Billy is a boy in the tow. He too also wants to escape from his group home. And as result their journey is one of a kind. Throw in a mild romance, then u have a wonderful book.
The healing journey not only come from the romance but also wisdoms from people they met during their journey. Also sone whales.
I feel like i want to grab my bag and just run. Run away with or without boy in tow and explore the world.
4 stars
Maia the despress girl, runs away from home to find her mother. Just based on snippet email she get from her mother, she is set in adventure. Billy is a boy in the tow. He too also wants to escape from his group home. And as result their journey is one of a kind. Throw in a mild romance, then u have a wonderful book.
The healing journey not only come from the romance but also wisdoms from people they met during their journey. Also sone whales.
I feel like i want to grab my bag and just run. Run away with or without boy in tow and explore the world.
4 stars
December 3, 2017
This is the most "wanderlust" book ever. It just really puts you in the mood to go travel the world. It makes me want to get in the car, and go on a road trip to anywhere, for however long it takes. This book is definitely part of my bucket list: go on a road trip to anywhere with someone I love, and figure out the details as we go. This girl has depression because her mother left her and her family and she struggles with it. She's on anti-depressants, and she's even been institutionalized, after she tried to kill herself the previous year. On top of all that, she's in love with this mysterious guy who has a bad reputation because his father killed his mother and he was an accomplice. One day, this girl just gets sick of being sad, and she gets the idea that if she finds her mother, her mother will love her and they will live happily ever after. She goes to say goodbye to the guy, but he insists on coming with her because he's sick of living in a group home. They go, travel through Quebec, and New Brunswick, and try to find her mother based on memories of her mother, what she likes, and the few letters the daughter has received from her. They are trying not to be found, because they are all over the news, and they are trying to not get caught. They switch cars, sleep in abandoned inns, work on boats to make money for ferry rides, etc. Then, finding her mother is not as it seems, as she is confronted by dark secrets that make her question everything. It's intense. The girl and guy also begin to fall in love, and make a pact to never go back. It's a super intense book about family, friends, love, finding yourself, secrets, lies, conflict, about how the grass isn't always greener on the other side, trusting others, how people aren't how they seem, and to be careful about who you trust. It's also about taking risks, following your instinct, and seeing where it takes you. It's about taking your own journey, and learning from mistakes. It's just a heartfelt book that you will not be able to put down (I read the entire thing in 2 hours, best usage of a sunday afternoon ever!!). I really liked that there were so many Canadian references. They went through Quebec, and New Brunswick , and I love those places because I visited them last summer, and I loved the references they made to the wilderness of New Brunswick and abundances of trees. I liked how they talked about the French influence in these areas, and the Native people's story about how their religion was mobbed and their struggles. I liked how they really emphasized the culture of the East coast- lobster rolls, beaches, sand coins, etc. I also liked how they found trekkers, one of which was a witch who spoke to ghosts, because black magic and voodoo are big in the East Coast. The author really did her research, it was evident by the detail in the book, and I liked how it was more than just a road trip. There was history, and culture, and so much more!
June 26, 2020
I thought that this book was good
November 12, 2017
I'll be blunt.
I did not like this book.
The writing was dreadful, the characters were unrealistic, I felt that Billy and, to some degree, Maia, had no backstory., the author switched from about a hundred different topics in the span of a paragraph, and the dialogue kept jumping around without any good conjunctions.
I started feeling that I was forcing myself to read rather than actually reading because I enjoyed it, near the ending of chapter one. I was actually really close to dropping the book and picking up something, hopefully, better but I forced myself to go on. Despite the terrible grammar and missing conjunctions, I was more or less interested in the actual story. Well, up until we got to George or Gabriel or whatever his name was, and the Innu. I lost 98% of interest there. But still, I kept reading. And honestly, I don't think it was worth it. I'm feeling that it was a complete waste of my time and I could have, instead, used that time to read something else. Perhaps a contemporary I've wanted to read for some time, or a classic, or re-reading any Morgan Matson book; but not this, anything but this.
Also, was I the only one who found the ending kind of creepy? From the point where Maia starts spontaneously yelling about how her mother killed her, up until the end of the book, I was creeped out.
So, yeah. 1 star for this book. And if I could give it less, I would.
I did not like this book.
The writing was dreadful, the characters were unrealistic, I felt that Billy and, to some degree, Maia, had no backstory., the author switched from about a hundred different topics in the span of a paragraph, and the dialogue kept jumping around without any good conjunctions.
I started feeling that I was forcing myself to read rather than actually reading because I enjoyed it, near the ending of chapter one. I was actually really close to dropping the book and picking up something, hopefully, better but I forced myself to go on. Despite the terrible grammar and missing conjunctions, I was more or less interested in the actual story. Well, up until we got to George or Gabriel or whatever his name was, and the Innu. I lost 98% of interest there. But still, I kept reading. And honestly, I don't think it was worth it. I'm feeling that it was a complete waste of my time and I could have, instead, used that time to read something else. Perhaps a contemporary I've wanted to read for some time, or a classic, or re-reading any Morgan Matson book; but not this, anything but this.
Also, was I the only one who found the ending kind of creepy? From the point where Maia starts spontaneously yelling about how her mother killed her, up until the end of the book, I was creeped out.
So, yeah. 1 star for this book. And if I could give it less, I would.
July 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ sad story but such a cute read !!
May 8, 2019
Instalove? Checked
Bad depiction of depression? Checked
Bad characters? Checked
Bad seettings? Checked
Animal cruelty freely displayed and detailed? Checked
Oh god what a ride. I hated this book, I just wanted to finish to savor this moment, when I do a review of what's definitely the worst book i've ever read.
The mc sucks, she's cocky, she tries to pass as selfless and caring, but she's not. She's all about herself and her needs. Then there's this guy who went through really hard shut and he's all of the sudden agreeing to travel with her, with no conditions, with her being nobody important, he gives her all his money to travel and to feed her, and still gets nothing in return cause he has no character.
some scenes were so fake i had to laugh, like the one of them crossing the border without any ID. Like, what?
This book was ridiculous.
Bad depiction of depression? Checked
Bad characters? Checked
Bad seettings? Checked
Animal cruelty freely displayed and detailed? Checked
Oh god what a ride. I hated this book, I just wanted to finish to savor this moment, when I do a review of what's definitely the worst book i've ever read.
The mc sucks, she's cocky, she tries to pass as selfless and caring, but she's not. She's all about herself and her needs. Then there's this guy who went through really hard shut and he's all of the sudden agreeing to travel with her, with no conditions, with her being nobody important, he gives her all his money to travel and to feed her, and still gets nothing in return cause he has no character.
some scenes were so fake i had to laugh, like the one of them crossing the border without any ID. Like, what?
This book was ridiculous.
March 7, 2020
”We were beautiful beasts who’d gotten injured by life, by loss of trauma or shock, and if we could just get the splinters out of our paws, we’d be fine.”
With a clichéd instalove plotline, horrible mental illness rep, and a main character who is extremely hard to like despite having a seemingly sympathetic storyline, this book was a big fat no for me.
With a clichéd instalove plotline, horrible mental illness rep, and a main character who is extremely hard to like despite having a seemingly sympathetic storyline, this book was a big fat no for me.
July 25, 2024
It has truly been a minute since I’ve read a good book and a captivating story 🙌🏽 what an emotional roller coaster adventure packed into 286 pages! ♥️ this one has a place in my heart 😌📖
May 16, 2017
The book "The Beautiful Lost" is a emotional, romantic and inspirational book. This book was amazing. I really enjoyed going on this big adventure with Maia and Billy. The book made me feel sad because Billy was really close to his mom and how his dad killed his mom just made me feel very sad and emotional. The book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and I absolutely loved this book. Maia loved her mom so much and is on "the plan" to find her with an unexpected friend coming along. They are both trying to outrun their past and this book is just amazing. I recommend this book to anyone that would want to enjoy a romantic book.
July 1, 2017
This is a beautiful, heartfelt and touching story of a young woman whose mother leaves her. Depression envelopes her and she has to find her mother. She needs answers and her mother's arms which she craves. Luanne Rice opens the door for us to see what depression is like. How fleeting it can be and how courageous this character was as she journeys out to find her mother with the help of a boy who understands her more than she initially knows.
The Beautiful Lost is such an important YA novel for both young readers as well as us adult readers.
The Beautiful Lost is such an important YA novel for both young readers as well as us adult readers.
December 15, 2017
This book is probably a good fit for middle and high schoolers. I like that it was clean. I also appreciated the perspective on depression and how getting help is a good thing. But the story and characters just didn't click for me. But I keep thinking that the younger crowd would really like this book.
July 15, 2017
Not very realistic. Who goes on a car trip with someone they barely know?
March 6, 2022
I loved this book! It was so good! I loved the story and adventure that Maia and Billy went on together.
April 15, 2022
“Change didn’t have to be sad… It might pierce your heart at first, but if you let go, it could carry you to a better place” (Rice 282).
This quote stating the highs and lows of change holds great significance as it eclipses the themes of self discovery and self-acceptance. Self-acceptance is a prevalent conflict endured by the protagonist,Maia, throughout the majority of the novel due to her battle with traumatic changes and loss in her life which lead to depression, but she becomes accepting of herself towards the resolution when getting the help she needs. The author communicates to readers that although change can be very difficult to accept or achieve alone, it can prosper greater things such as discovering and creating one’s best version of themselves.
In the fictional novel “The Beautiful Lost” by Luanne Rice, I admire the extent the author takes in explaining whale terminology and physicality to readers because it gives me an opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of sea life. For example, the protagonist, Maia, explains how whales are extremely intellectual and communicative by mentioning how they “sing” underwater to demonstrate their joy or sorrow. Additionally, Rice does a great job in walking the reader through Maia’s and Billy’s journey from Connecticut to Canada by explaining in detail their experiences and interesting encounters with other strangers they run into. For instance, Maia and Billy spontaneously encounter a young couple on the back roads of Canada and the author emphasizes their love for frogs, nature, and most importantly spirits that send a message which leaves Maia feeling skeptical about her mother’s longing. Moreover, I especially like the resolution of the storyline because Maia and Billy end up being together despite the odds at stake with their family’s differences. The author makes a good choice in ending the novel on a positive note as Maia and Billy rekindle their relationship and young love for each other. It would be disappointing for these characters to go their separate ways after the bond they create on their road trip. Also, the novel is very relatable for younger generations because the characters go through challenges many young aged people face. In particular, Maia’s struggle with depression is a focal point of the novel due to the author emphasizing her time at Turner, a mental rehab facility, and her unstable outbursts of sadness like the one she suffers after finding out about her mother’s secret life. Many teenagers like Maia who suffer with mental illnesses such as depression can relate when reading this novel and feel a sense of solitude with the character. However, I do not like the author's logic or connection between Catherine characters earlier on in the novel. For example, Maia’s crush, Billy, whom she hardly talks to at school decides to run away with her without actually knowing anything about her. Therefore, the novel could benefit by creating a more personal connection among the main characters because it would make the novel have a less faulty storyline.
This quote stating the highs and lows of change holds great significance as it eclipses the themes of self discovery and self-acceptance. Self-acceptance is a prevalent conflict endured by the protagonist,Maia, throughout the majority of the novel due to her battle with traumatic changes and loss in her life which lead to depression, but she becomes accepting of herself towards the resolution when getting the help she needs. The author communicates to readers that although change can be very difficult to accept or achieve alone, it can prosper greater things such as discovering and creating one’s best version of themselves.
In the fictional novel “The Beautiful Lost” by Luanne Rice, I admire the extent the author takes in explaining whale terminology and physicality to readers because it gives me an opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of sea life. For example, the protagonist, Maia, explains how whales are extremely intellectual and communicative by mentioning how they “sing” underwater to demonstrate their joy or sorrow. Additionally, Rice does a great job in walking the reader through Maia’s and Billy’s journey from Connecticut to Canada by explaining in detail their experiences and interesting encounters with other strangers they run into. For instance, Maia and Billy spontaneously encounter a young couple on the back roads of Canada and the author emphasizes their love for frogs, nature, and most importantly spirits that send a message which leaves Maia feeling skeptical about her mother’s longing. Moreover, I especially like the resolution of the storyline because Maia and Billy end up being together despite the odds at stake with their family’s differences. The author makes a good choice in ending the novel on a positive note as Maia and Billy rekindle their relationship and young love for each other. It would be disappointing for these characters to go their separate ways after the bond they create on their road trip. Also, the novel is very relatable for younger generations because the characters go through challenges many young aged people face. In particular, Maia’s struggle with depression is a focal point of the novel due to the author emphasizing her time at Turner, a mental rehab facility, and her unstable outbursts of sadness like the one she suffers after finding out about her mother’s secret life. Many teenagers like Maia who suffer with mental illnesses such as depression can relate when reading this novel and feel a sense of solitude with the character. However, I do not like the author's logic or connection between Catherine characters earlier on in the novel. For example, Maia’s crush, Billy, whom she hardly talks to at school decides to run away with her without actually knowing anything about her. Therefore, the novel could benefit by creating a more personal connection among the main characters because it would make the novel have a less faulty storyline.
June 20, 2023
1.5 STARS
I only hide negative reviews for spoilers so that I can explain why the story was so bad.
Maia blames her depression on her father’s remarriage to Astrid after her mother left town. Using binoculars, she secretly stalks Billy, a classmate who lives in a group home. Although Maia’s father and stepmom worry she’s suicidal again, she decides to runaway to find her mother in Canada (without knowing he mother’s address or taking any money) but first she has to say goodbye Billy (although they aren’t friends) and SURPRISE, he wants to come with her. (Insert rolling eyes emoticon)
Billy’s companionship turns out to be a good thing, because SURPRISE although he’s a foster child he has a secret stash of money and a truck they can take. The two teens only have to retrieve it from the house where his father murdered his mother. (Insert rolling eyes emoticon)
Billy’s dad is in jail, his grandparents and girlfriend abandoned him because they think the fourteen-year-old willingly helped his father escape (apparently being a perfect kid all his life means nothing and nobody considered he may have been manipulated).
Maia is selfish and self-centered, never considering the feelings of her friends and father who worry that she’s suicidal. Luanne Rice seems to use depression as a metaphoric get out of jail card free, which to me puts mental illness in a bad light.
Being abandoned by her mother had to be exceedingly traumatic and a lot of kids like Maia would conceptualize their missing parent as a tragic, perfect hero kept away by the other parent. But Maia doesn’t use common sense. Her mother says she has limited email access, doesn’t give her address and only writes snail mail yet she’s doing research for the government.
Maia’s mother is horrid, basically encouraging and praising the unstable teen for finding her. SURPRISE her mom has a new husband and baby. Oops, I didn’t know how to tell you.
I liked Billy, although he was a little too perfect. His backstory was great, but I never bought into everyone abandoning him and blaming him because his dad was a murderer.
The ending was the best part of THE BEAUTIFUL LOST, although also a little too perfect. Billy “betrays” Maia by calling her father for help. Astrid turns out not to be an evil stepmother, she actually understands and helps Billy reconcile with his grandfather and Maia asks to return to the psych hospital where she recovers, vowing never to go off her meds again.
I only hide negative reviews for spoilers so that I can explain why the story was so bad.
Maia blames her depression on her father’s remarriage to Astrid after her mother left town. Using binoculars, she secretly stalks Billy, a classmate who lives in a group home. Although Maia’s father and stepmom worry she’s suicidal again, she decides to runaway to find her mother in Canada (without knowing he mother’s address or taking any money) but first she has to say goodbye Billy (although they aren’t friends) and SURPRISE, he wants to come with her. (Insert rolling eyes emoticon)
Billy’s companionship turns out to be a good thing, because SURPRISE although he’s a foster child he has a secret stash of money and a truck they can take. The two teens only have to retrieve it from the house where his father murdered his mother. (Insert rolling eyes emoticon)
Billy’s dad is in jail, his grandparents and girlfriend abandoned him because they think the fourteen-year-old willingly helped his father escape (apparently being a perfect kid all his life means nothing and nobody considered he may have been manipulated).
Maia is selfish and self-centered, never considering the feelings of her friends and father who worry that she’s suicidal. Luanne Rice seems to use depression as a metaphoric get out of jail card free, which to me puts mental illness in a bad light.
Being abandoned by her mother had to be exceedingly traumatic and a lot of kids like Maia would conceptualize their missing parent as a tragic, perfect hero kept away by the other parent. But Maia doesn’t use common sense. Her mother says she has limited email access, doesn’t give her address and only writes snail mail yet she’s doing research for the government.
Maia’s mother is horrid, basically encouraging and praising the unstable teen for finding her. SURPRISE her mom has a new husband and baby. Oops, I didn’t know how to tell you.
I liked Billy, although he was a little too perfect. His backstory was great, but I never bought into everyone abandoning him and blaming him because his dad was a murderer.
The ending was the best part of THE BEAUTIFUL LOST, although also a little too perfect. Billy “betrays” Maia by calling her father for help. Astrid turns out not to be an evil stepmother, she actually understands and helps Billy reconcile with his grandfather and Maia asks to return to the psych hospital where she recovers, vowing never to go off her meds again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
Wow! This book is amazing and I called the ending 100%! If you're looking for a good mental health awareness book, this is it. I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this, and I was pleasantly surprised. Maia made me realize some big things, and my heart hurt reading about her challenges.
*SPOILERS AHEAD!*
Holy cow people, this book was so good! I've got to earn some money ASAP so I can buy it. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT IS!
Character Breakdown:
Maia (MG)- She's got depression, has been hospitalized for it, and is on medication. She also miss her mother. None of this stops her from doing what she wants though. Her character is very relatable, and so, so amazing.
Billy (MB)-Dream guy right here. His father murdered his Mother when he was 7. 10? Some age in there. He helped his dad get away, only because it was his father and he still... I don't know. He still felt something for his dad I guess. Anyway, he lived in a group home after his father went to jail and his grandparents didn't want him. He helps Maia go on her road trip, and learns what it means to trust and be free.
Maia's Dad-Despite the first read you get on him, he's a really good guy.
Astrid-I hated her when the book started, and now I love her. She's more than half the mother Maia ever had, and despite her flaws, she loves Maia.
Maia's Mom-Evil. I'm so glad I have such a great Mom because, Maia's is horrible.
Book Content:
Plot-Very good. Road trip with your one true love, running from your past, and running from your parents? Ditching school and running? All of these make one heck of a good plot.
Violence- Mentions of suicide and one character has a murder for a father.
Sexual Stuff-Nothing, just kissing if you want to count that.
Romance-I didn't like it at the beginning, but it still had me smiling like all chick-flicks do, but by the end... it was perfect.
Setting-Takes place all over the upper east coast (i.e Connecticut, Maine, those places) and in Canada
*SPOILERS AHEAD!*
Holy cow people, this book was so good! I've got to earn some money ASAP so I can buy it. THAT'S HOW GOOD IT IS!
Character Breakdown:
Maia (MG)- She's got depression, has been hospitalized for it, and is on medication. She also miss her mother. None of this stops her from doing what she wants though. Her character is very relatable, and so, so amazing.
Billy (MB)-Dream guy right here. His father murdered his Mother when he was 7. 10? Some age in there. He helped his dad get away, only because it was his father and he still... I don't know. He still felt something for his dad I guess. Anyway, he lived in a group home after his father went to jail and his grandparents didn't want him. He helps Maia go on her road trip, and learns what it means to trust and be free.
Maia's Dad-Despite the first read you get on him, he's a really good guy.
Astrid-I hated her when the book started, and now I love her. She's more than half the mother Maia ever had, and despite her flaws, she loves Maia.
Maia's Mom-Evil. I'm so glad I have such a great Mom because, Maia's is horrible.
Book Content:
Plot-Very good. Road trip with your one true love, running from your past, and running from your parents? Ditching school and running? All of these make one heck of a good plot.
Violence- Mentions of suicide and one character has a murder for a father.
Sexual Stuff-Nothing, just kissing if you want to count that.
Romance-I didn't like it at the beginning, but it still had me smiling like all chick-flicks do, but by the end... it was perfect.
Setting-Takes place all over the upper east coast (i.e Connecticut, Maine, those places) and in Canada
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
This is a book about finding love in an unexpected person and learning the truth about the person you thought knew you best.
It’s also a story about depression, the insidious emotional quagmire that drowns the soul and the battle that has to be waged daily to rise above.
The characters of Maia and Billy are so easy to like, and their journey of discovery and hope is beautiful to watch.
Maia’s euphoric highs are rivaled by her crushing lows, and her dawning realization about her mother shows an amazing strength. Billy, meanwhile, demonstrates resourcefulness and wisdom far beyond his years, brought about because of his own tragic past.
Though it’s hard to imagine two 16-year-olds able to evade police and parents for so long, the story has an authentic vibe when it comes to families, culture, and believing in the power of love.
It’s also a story about depression, the insidious emotional quagmire that drowns the soul and the battle that has to be waged daily to rise above.
The characters of Maia and Billy are so easy to like, and their journey of discovery and hope is beautiful to watch.
Maia’s euphoric highs are rivaled by her crushing lows, and her dawning realization about her mother shows an amazing strength. Billy, meanwhile, demonstrates resourcefulness and wisdom far beyond his years, brought about because of his own tragic past.
Though it’s hard to imagine two 16-year-olds able to evade police and parents for so long, the story has an authentic vibe when it comes to families, culture, and believing in the power of love.
Read
December 21, 2018Personal Response:
I loved The Beautiful Lost because it always kept me wanting more. I really connected to this book because I have been through some of the same things with my own family. I believe the author does a good job of not letting there be a dull moment in the book. I wish there was a second book or a movie.
Plot:
The book The Beautiful Lost starts out with Maia struggling to decide whether or not she is going to tell her friends she is going to run away to find her mom. Her friends start to become suspicious when she just leaves school after sixth period and doesn’t tell anyone. When she comes back to school the next day, they bombard her with a bunch of questions, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. She knows tonight has to be the night she leaves. When she gets home from school, she makes sure she has her mom's keys to her old car and packs a bag for the long trip ahead. She needs to say goodbye to Billy and tell him how she really feels; however, when she tells him he feels the same way and wants to run away with her. Billy and Maia take off on their trip, but they don't get too far when Maia’s phone starts blowing up with phone calls and texts from her father. Billy tells Maia she has to get rid of her phone because they can track her off of it. They both decide to throw their phones out the window. Billy knows they have to get a different vehicle, so they head to Billy’s grandparent’s old house to pick up Billy’s truck his grandfather had saved for him. Once they get their new vehicle, they are on the road again. They make it pretty close to Canada without any complications until they decided to stop at one of the old places where Maia and her mom use to visit. They get caught by some of her mom’s old friends. Once they get out of there and back on the road, they make a promise to never go back home without and a fight or leave each other. Maia still has the map that was given to her when she was little of where the cabin is, so Maia knows where her mother has to be. Maia and Billy arrive in the small little town. It didn’t take long until they found her mother. Maia and Billy both realize from the moment they get there that something is off because she didn’t want to answers any of Maia questions. Her mom came out with the truth and introduces Maia and Billy to her new family; her husband and new baby daughter. Maia is shocked because her mom didn't leave because she can’t stand her dad, she left because she has another man in her life.
Characterization:
Maia - Maia is one of the main characters of the book. Her mother left when she was a little girl and Maia is still struggling with that. Her dad remarried to a lady she very much dislikes because her stepmom doesn’t want her around. She struggles with anxiety and depression ever since her mom left and she has tried to harm herself in many different way. In result of her harming herself, Maia’s dad and stepmom has sent her to a special hospital to get the help she needs. Maia has always thought her mom is a wonderful person and only left because she couldn’t handle being her with dad, but she wants nothing to do with Maia.
Billy- Billy is the second main character of the book. Billy has had a rough life since he was little with his parents always fighting and never getting along. Billy isn't liked very much in his school because everyone knows his dad has killed his mom. The whole town believes Billy’s dad kidnapped him and forced him to go along with him after killing his mom, but Billy has asked his dad if he could go along. Billy has always liked Maia’s personality but was always afraid to talk to her, so when she showed up at his house he took the chase to go run away with her.
Setting:
The Beautiful Lost first starts in Crawford, Connecticut. As the story is progressing Maia and Billy travel up the east coast to cut across to Canada to Tadoussac where Maia thinks her mom lives. This book takes place in late May early June. Canada is a major part of the story, because this is where Maia’s whole life has changed. This time period is important because it shows kids in this generation who are struggling with depression and anxiety that there is help out there for them and they shouldn't keep everything to themselves.
Thematic Connection:
The theme of The Beautiful Lost is the surprising directions people's hearts can take them. It shows in this book when Maia decides her best option is to run away and find her mom whom she has loved and missed dearly since she left. Her opinion of her mother quickly changes when she finds out her mother has never cared for her and has a new life with her newborn daughter.
Recommendation:
I recommend The Beautiful Lost to young adults who are from the ages of 12-18 because it has a lot of hard moments to understand. This book would be good for young adults who are interested in learning more about how to deal with a parents leaving or struggling with depression and anxiety. This book would be good for young adults who like romance and action based book.
I loved The Beautiful Lost because it always kept me wanting more. I really connected to this book because I have been through some of the same things with my own family. I believe the author does a good job of not letting there be a dull moment in the book. I wish there was a second book or a movie.
Plot:
The book The Beautiful Lost starts out with Maia struggling to decide whether or not she is going to tell her friends she is going to run away to find her mom. Her friends start to become suspicious when she just leaves school after sixth period and doesn’t tell anyone. When she comes back to school the next day, they bombard her with a bunch of questions, trying to figure out what is wrong with her. She knows tonight has to be the night she leaves. When she gets home from school, she makes sure she has her mom's keys to her old car and packs a bag for the long trip ahead. She needs to say goodbye to Billy and tell him how she really feels; however, when she tells him he feels the same way and wants to run away with her. Billy and Maia take off on their trip, but they don't get too far when Maia’s phone starts blowing up with phone calls and texts from her father. Billy tells Maia she has to get rid of her phone because they can track her off of it. They both decide to throw their phones out the window. Billy knows they have to get a different vehicle, so they head to Billy’s grandparent’s old house to pick up Billy’s truck his grandfather had saved for him. Once they get their new vehicle, they are on the road again. They make it pretty close to Canada without any complications until they decided to stop at one of the old places where Maia and her mom use to visit. They get caught by some of her mom’s old friends. Once they get out of there and back on the road, they make a promise to never go back home without and a fight or leave each other. Maia still has the map that was given to her when she was little of where the cabin is, so Maia knows where her mother has to be. Maia and Billy arrive in the small little town. It didn’t take long until they found her mother. Maia and Billy both realize from the moment they get there that something is off because she didn’t want to answers any of Maia questions. Her mom came out with the truth and introduces Maia and Billy to her new family; her husband and new baby daughter. Maia is shocked because her mom didn't leave because she can’t stand her dad, she left because she has another man in her life.
Characterization:
Maia - Maia is one of the main characters of the book. Her mother left when she was a little girl and Maia is still struggling with that. Her dad remarried to a lady she very much dislikes because her stepmom doesn’t want her around. She struggles with anxiety and depression ever since her mom left and she has tried to harm herself in many different way. In result of her harming herself, Maia’s dad and stepmom has sent her to a special hospital to get the help she needs. Maia has always thought her mom is a wonderful person and only left because she couldn’t handle being her with dad, but she wants nothing to do with Maia.
Billy- Billy is the second main character of the book. Billy has had a rough life since he was little with his parents always fighting and never getting along. Billy isn't liked very much in his school because everyone knows his dad has killed his mom. The whole town believes Billy’s dad kidnapped him and forced him to go along with him after killing his mom, but Billy has asked his dad if he could go along. Billy has always liked Maia’s personality but was always afraid to talk to her, so when she showed up at his house he took the chase to go run away with her.
Setting:
The Beautiful Lost first starts in Crawford, Connecticut. As the story is progressing Maia and Billy travel up the east coast to cut across to Canada to Tadoussac where Maia thinks her mom lives. This book takes place in late May early June. Canada is a major part of the story, because this is where Maia’s whole life has changed. This time period is important because it shows kids in this generation who are struggling with depression and anxiety that there is help out there for them and they shouldn't keep everything to themselves.
Thematic Connection:
The theme of The Beautiful Lost is the surprising directions people's hearts can take them. It shows in this book when Maia decides her best option is to run away and find her mom whom she has loved and missed dearly since she left. Her opinion of her mother quickly changes when she finds out her mother has never cared for her and has a new life with her newborn daughter.
Recommendation:
I recommend The Beautiful Lost to young adults who are from the ages of 12-18 because it has a lot of hard moments to understand. This book would be good for young adults who are interested in learning more about how to deal with a parents leaving or struggling with depression and anxiety. This book would be good for young adults who like romance and action based book.
December 11, 2022
I liked this book a lot more than The Lemon Orchard by the same author. This book was sad but beautiful.
June 15, 2017
Rice, Luanne The Beautiful Lost, 304pgs. Point Publishing, 2017. $10.79 Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
When her mother leaves, Maia sinks in to a deep depression. The depression worsens when her father is going to get married again to Astrid. Maia’s depression gets so bad that she needs to be hospitalized for her own safety. Maia wants things to go back to the way they used to be; just her, her father and her mother. Maia dutifully takes her medication, but misses her mother. She dreams of finding her and together they will watch whales and listen for whale songs.
Maia has a secret crush on Billy, a boy that attends her school, but lives in a group home. Rumors swirl about his troubled past. Maia watches out her window every night for Billy in his window up on the hill.
Astrid thinks Maia needs to be hospitalized again for her own protection. Maia secretly sneaks out of the house and runs away. Surprisingly, Billy comes with her. Billy knows a lot about how to evade authorities and how to stay hidden. Together Maia and Billy go on a road trip full of surprises and personal discoveries.
This was an amazing story, and I was unable to put it down. First I thought I wouldn’t like it because of all the talk about depression, teen suicide and running away. However, the book was not like I first thought. I loved the way Maia and Billy’s friendship developed, how they came to trust each other and how they dealt with what happened when it wasn’t what they had imagined at all. This is a book about self discovery, standing up for what is right, believing in yourself and being strong even when things do not go right. There is always a better way and you will always come through the hard times. There are several really great passages in this book and they are so well expressed.
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL Reviewer Ellen-Anita librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
When her mother leaves, Maia sinks in to a deep depression. The depression worsens when her father is going to get married again to Astrid. Maia’s depression gets so bad that she needs to be hospitalized for her own safety. Maia wants things to go back to the way they used to be; just her, her father and her mother. Maia dutifully takes her medication, but misses her mother. She dreams of finding her and together they will watch whales and listen for whale songs.
Maia has a secret crush on Billy, a boy that attends her school, but lives in a group home. Rumors swirl about his troubled past. Maia watches out her window every night for Billy in his window up on the hill.
Astrid thinks Maia needs to be hospitalized again for her own protection. Maia secretly sneaks out of the house and runs away. Surprisingly, Billy comes with her. Billy knows a lot about how to evade authorities and how to stay hidden. Together Maia and Billy go on a road trip full of surprises and personal discoveries.
This was an amazing story, and I was unable to put it down. First I thought I wouldn’t like it because of all the talk about depression, teen suicide and running away. However, the book was not like I first thought. I loved the way Maia and Billy’s friendship developed, how they came to trust each other and how they dealt with what happened when it wasn’t what they had imagined at all. This is a book about self discovery, standing up for what is right, believing in yourself and being strong even when things do not go right. There is always a better way and you will always come through the hard times. There are several really great passages in this book and they are so well expressed.
MS, HS – ESSENTIAL Reviewer Ellen-Anita librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
December 1, 2017
Wonderful young adult novel
What a heartbreaking, yet triumphant and hopeful story that explores depression. No doubt someone who reads this story will see herself in it and perhaps feel less alone, and hopefully reach out for help. As beautifully written as Luanne Rice’s “grownup” books.
What a heartbreaking, yet triumphant and hopeful story that explores depression. No doubt someone who reads this story will see herself in it and perhaps feel less alone, and hopefully reach out for help. As beautifully written as Luanne Rice’s “grownup” books.
March 22, 2017
I loved this book so much! I had a little trouble getting past the part about the maggots, but others than that this book was amazing. The Beautiful Lost is well written and emotional, while at the same time inspiring and romantic. This book is wonderful and the Author's Note was lovely. ❤️
February 3, 2019
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January 29, 2020
The Beautiful Lost is a realistic fiction novel by Luanne Rice. It follows 16-year-old Maia on her journey to find her mom. Ever since her mom left three years ago, Maia has struggled with depression. Once, she was put into an institution after a failed suicide attempt. Since then, she never missed a day of meds to make sure she doesn’t have to return. But after three years of taking them, the meds begin to fail. With the risk of going back to Turner (the mental hospital), she decides to run away to find her mother.
Maia was okay with leaving her dad and stepmom, Astrid, but she couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye to her long-time crush, Billy Gorman. Billy has lived in a group home ever since his father murdered his mother in their family home, and nine months later, he still feels like he doesn’t belong. So he comes along on Maia’s journey in an attempt to escape his dark past.
Other than what she knows from watching Billy through her bedroom window, Billy is a complete stranger to Maia. But as they drive up the East coast, Maia learns new dark secrets about Billy’s past that weren’t on the headlines. She finds that she and Billy aren’t that different and that maybe her love for him can be more than just a crush.
Along the way, Maia and Billy make many stops. They meet new people, stop for snacks, and even find more clues to where her mother may be. Through all of these things, they realize that the only people they can trust are each other. They make a pact to never go back, and they promise each other that, no matter what happens, they will never return to Crawford.
As they reach their destination, though, everything changes. Promises are broken and everything they’ve planned for their future falls apart. Hurt and broken, Maia can see her life slipping away, and she is left to decide if she should hold on until things get better, or if she should just let go.
My favorite part was at the end of the book when Maia and Billy are dancing to the same song they had danced to during their first dance. It showed how much things have changed since then, but it also shows that some things would never change. Maia says, “When the song ended, we kept dancing. The music changed, and so had we, but we couldn’t stop singing ‘Wagon Wheel.’” This part shows how far Maia and Billy had come since their journey and how much more they still had to go. This part also reminded us and them that change can actually be good.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with depression or who is trying to get away from their past. The story shows us that things will get better and that change might not always be a bad thing.
Maia was okay with leaving her dad and stepmom, Astrid, but she couldn’t bear the thought of saying goodbye to her long-time crush, Billy Gorman. Billy has lived in a group home ever since his father murdered his mother in their family home, and nine months later, he still feels like he doesn’t belong. So he comes along on Maia’s journey in an attempt to escape his dark past.
Other than what she knows from watching Billy through her bedroom window, Billy is a complete stranger to Maia. But as they drive up the East coast, Maia learns new dark secrets about Billy’s past that weren’t on the headlines. She finds that she and Billy aren’t that different and that maybe her love for him can be more than just a crush.
Along the way, Maia and Billy make many stops. They meet new people, stop for snacks, and even find more clues to where her mother may be. Through all of these things, they realize that the only people they can trust are each other. They make a pact to never go back, and they promise each other that, no matter what happens, they will never return to Crawford.
As they reach their destination, though, everything changes. Promises are broken and everything they’ve planned for their future falls apart. Hurt and broken, Maia can see her life slipping away, and she is left to decide if she should hold on until things get better, or if she should just let go.
My favorite part was at the end of the book when Maia and Billy are dancing to the same song they had danced to during their first dance. It showed how much things have changed since then, but it also shows that some things would never change. Maia says, “When the song ended, we kept dancing. The music changed, and so had we, but we couldn’t stop singing ‘Wagon Wheel.’” This part shows how far Maia and Billy had come since their journey and how much more they still had to go. This part also reminded us and them that change can actually be good.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with depression or who is trying to get away from their past. The story shows us that things will get better and that change might not always be a bad thing.
March 1, 2018
This book starts out with some heavy, heavy stuff. I use the word heavy, because it feels so weighty, so awfully real.
Then we get to the road trip and it all goes to shit.
Am I meant to believe any of this? Because I don't. Maybe if Maia and Billy were a little older. Maybe if they actually knew each other before he decides to jump in her car and scoot off to fuck-knows-where. If they were older, the time frame could be extended, and the amount of people they met who were so conveniently lovely and willing to help would have been spread out. As it is, I found the plot really fucking contrived. It didn't flow naturally, like a river through the fjords they were so obsessed with. It just felt like a bunch of points being hit, a culmination of the things the writer wanted to happen strung together on a cross-country washing line.
Nobody acted like a human. The mother was a dumbass with her reactions. And stories about American and Canadian Natives are SO IMPORTANT, but none of it here felt real. It felt like being hit over the head with a rubber hammer, the Native people only being characterised by the fact they were Native. Don't even get me started on the Franglais till lady. For fuck's sake, I hate code-switching in fiction when the people in the conversation aren't both bilingual. Maybe I'm nitpicking, blah blah blah, but as a bilingual English/French speaker, I would not respond with "bien sûr!" if someone asked me, in English, if I speak English. Fucking hell. It's not a bilingual bonus, it just hurts.
Maia was a fucking idiot half the time, too, with her daft internal monologue about posting selfies with her co-runaway to Instagram. Maybe that was meant to show character development later on. I don't know. I also don't care because I was BORED.
BOOOOOOOOORRRRRREEEEEEDDDD.
I have a few niggles with the writing style, namely the fact that every time someone is introduced we get a cookie cutter description of the person, and it honestly got on my nerves. There's also the abundance of modal verbs - it was almost like, it seemed as if - and all it did was contribute to the whole lot of telling that was happening. Nothing was really shown. Subtlety didn't really exist in this book. I like a little nuance. I didn't really find it here, what with all the VERY SPECIFIC MODALS, like "she had to be eleven!" Specifically eleven. Nothing else.
Bringing it all back round to the contrivances, there were some things that could totally have been solved if people actually communicated like human beings. (Mild spoilers in this paragraph.) For example, after deleting her first email address to stop everyone emailing her, why didn't Maia's mum make a second account specifically to email Maia? If she knew her daughter was coming to find her, surely she'd feel some kind of parental duty to make sure she was safe in the backwater wilderness of Canada, even if she didn't want her to know about her new family (which is also a VERY STUPID THING to keep away from your own fucking child, and she had no right to make some kind of judgement call on Maia's mental health like that.) So some of that is due to the character being a dick.
I didn't hate all of it, though. I liked the way it ended. I liked the fact Maia had to face the consequences for stopping her meds in such an irresponsible way. And I liked the author's note, if that counts.
But all in all I didn't really care about anything that was happening, and for fuck's sake confining yourself to a pick up truck for a week is not a healthy way to form a romantic relationship with someone you barely know - at least not one that lasts beyond the week.
1.5 stars is enough.
Then we get to the road trip and it all goes to shit.
Am I meant to believe any of this? Because I don't. Maybe if Maia and Billy were a little older. Maybe if they actually knew each other before he decides to jump in her car and scoot off to fuck-knows-where. If they were older, the time frame could be extended, and the amount of people they met who were so conveniently lovely and willing to help would have been spread out. As it is, I found the plot really fucking contrived. It didn't flow naturally, like a river through the fjords they were so obsessed with. It just felt like a bunch of points being hit, a culmination of the things the writer wanted to happen strung together on a cross-country washing line.
Nobody acted like a human. The mother was a dumbass with her reactions. And stories about American and Canadian Natives are SO IMPORTANT, but none of it here felt real. It felt like being hit over the head with a rubber hammer, the Native people only being characterised by the fact they were Native. Don't even get me started on the Franglais till lady. For fuck's sake, I hate code-switching in fiction when the people in the conversation aren't both bilingual. Maybe I'm nitpicking, blah blah blah, but as a bilingual English/French speaker, I would not respond with "bien sûr!" if someone asked me, in English, if I speak English. Fucking hell. It's not a bilingual bonus, it just hurts.
Maia was a fucking idiot half the time, too, with her daft internal monologue about posting selfies with her co-runaway to Instagram. Maybe that was meant to show character development later on. I don't know. I also don't care because I was BORED.
BOOOOOOOOORRRRRREEEEEEDDDD.
I have a few niggles with the writing style, namely the fact that every time someone is introduced we get a cookie cutter description of the person, and it honestly got on my nerves. There's also the abundance of modal verbs - it was almost like, it seemed as if - and all it did was contribute to the whole lot of telling that was happening. Nothing was really shown. Subtlety didn't really exist in this book. I like a little nuance. I didn't really find it here, what with all the VERY SPECIFIC MODALS, like "she had to be eleven!" Specifically eleven. Nothing else.
Bringing it all back round to the contrivances, there were some things that could totally have been solved if people actually communicated like human beings. (Mild spoilers in this paragraph.) For example, after deleting her first email address to stop everyone emailing her, why didn't Maia's mum make a second account specifically to email Maia? If she knew her daughter was coming to find her, surely she'd feel some kind of parental duty to make sure she was safe in the backwater wilderness of Canada, even if she didn't want her to know about her new family (which is also a VERY STUPID THING to keep away from your own fucking child, and she had no right to make some kind of judgement call on Maia's mental health like that.) So some of that is due to the character being a dick.
I didn't hate all of it, though. I liked the way it ended. I liked the fact Maia had to face the consequences for stopping her meds in such an irresponsible way. And I liked the author's note, if that counts.
But all in all I didn't really care about anything that was happening, and for fuck's sake confining yourself to a pick up truck for a week is not a healthy way to form a romantic relationship with someone you barely know - at least not one that lasts beyond the week.
1.5 stars is enough.
August 3, 2017
Отзыв в моем блоге: https://momentarythingsbymarochka.tum...
Я по профессии психолог и обычно стараюсь некритично относиться к персонажам с депрессией, склонным к самоубийству и т.д. (потому что чисто профессионально об этом читать обычно крайне сложно). Но, хотя автор и написала в конце, что это в какой-то степени автобиографичная книга, всё равно ощущение было, что она не слишком хорошо разбирается в проблеме.
Все время хотелось встряхнуть героиню и закричать: «Да приди в себя». Ну, в какой-то степени встречей с материю автор это сделала и сама, так что некая реалистичность в книге все же имеется. Но мне герои (оба) очень не понравились. Они раздражающе наивные, да, им по 16 и у них очевидные проблемы с головой… Но одна, простите, этакая королева драмы, мечтающая о внимании (чуть что случись, сразу попытка самоубийства). А другой просто, извините, «дурачок» (как он с отцом грабил дома, хотя уже не маленький был, меня поразило).
На мой взгляд, книга «не фонтан». Во-первых, повторюсь, раздражали герои. Во-вторых, она просто скучная. Герои едут и едут, говоря всю дорогу примерно об одном и том же. И читатель только и ждет: «Ну, когда они уже доедут до ее матери, она ее разочарует, у нее будет нервный срыв… и все такое». Ах, да, к слову, книга не просто предсказуемая, она абсолютно невероятно шаблонная. Я таких читала миллиард, и все было понятно с первой страницы. Прямо все. Никаких неожиданных поворотов не было. Ни одного.
В общем и целом - скукота.
Я по профессии психолог и обычно стараюсь некритично относиться к персонажам с депрессией, склонным к самоубийству и т.д. (потому что чисто профессионально об этом читать обычно крайне сложно). Но, хотя автор и написала в конце, что это в какой-то степени автобиографичная книга, всё равно ощущение было, что она не слишком хорошо разбирается в проблеме.
Все время хотелось встряхнуть героиню и закричать: «Да приди в себя». Ну, в какой-то степени встречей с материю автор это сделала и сама, так что некая реалистичность в книге все же имеется. Но мне герои (оба) очень не понравились. Они раздражающе наивные, да, им по 16 и у них очевидные проблемы с головой… Но одна, простите, этакая королева драмы, мечтающая о внимании (чуть что случись, сразу попытка самоубийства). А другой просто, извините, «дурачок» (как он с отцом грабил дома, хотя уже не маленький был, меня поразило).
На мой взгляд, книга «не фонтан». Во-первых, повторюсь, раздражали герои. Во-вторых, она просто скучная. Герои едут и едут, говоря всю дорогу примерно об одном и том же. И читатель только и ждет: «Ну, когда они уже доедут до ее матери, она ее разочарует, у нее будет нервный срыв… и все такое». Ах, да, к слову, книга не просто предсказуемая, она абсолютно невероятно шаблонная. Я таких читала миллиард, и все было понятно с первой страницы. Прямо все. Никаких неожиданных поворотов не было. Ни одного.
В общем и целом - скукота.
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March 25, 2019Name: Lexie Toney
Book title: The Beautiful Lost
Personal Response-
The book The Beautiful Lost is a really good book for teens and young adults. Not only was it a good book, but it always grabbed my attention and it never made me want to put down the book or stop reading it. The main thing that I loved about the book was the way that it was formatted. The author kind of led you on some hints that would eventually happen in the book, but it didn’t spoil the whole purpose of the book. The author did an overall great job while writing this book.
Plot/Summary-
Ever since Maia’s mother left, Maia has been super depressed. Her dad remarried and Maia was not too happy. Maia has been determined to see her mother again since her mother left her and her dad alone. Maia then decides to go on a road trip and run off and Billy, her crush decides to come with. While on the trip they have to escape without getting caught and try to find her mother. Maia and Billy go through Connecticut up the coast to Canada, where her mother is living. On the way, they meet new people, explore around, and try new things. The one main question is if they will ever find her mother or not.
Who should read this book?-
After reading this book, I think that this book is perfect for teens or young adults. The book has some mysteriousness to it, which makes people never want to stop reading it. When I first did some research on it before reading the book, I heard that many young adults and teens had enjoyed this book and really liked it. I rate this book five out of five stars.
Book title: The Beautiful Lost
Personal Response-
The book The Beautiful Lost is a really good book for teens and young adults. Not only was it a good book, but it always grabbed my attention and it never made me want to put down the book or stop reading it. The main thing that I loved about the book was the way that it was formatted. The author kind of led you on some hints that would eventually happen in the book, but it didn’t spoil the whole purpose of the book. The author did an overall great job while writing this book.
Plot/Summary-
Ever since Maia’s mother left, Maia has been super depressed. Her dad remarried and Maia was not too happy. Maia has been determined to see her mother again since her mother left her and her dad alone. Maia then decides to go on a road trip and run off and Billy, her crush decides to come with. While on the trip they have to escape without getting caught and try to find her mother. Maia and Billy go through Connecticut up the coast to Canada, where her mother is living. On the way, they meet new people, explore around, and try new things. The one main question is if they will ever find her mother or not.
Who should read this book?-
After reading this book, I think that this book is perfect for teens or young adults. The book has some mysteriousness to it, which makes people never want to stop reading it. When I first did some research on it before reading the book, I heard that many young adults and teens had enjoyed this book and really liked it. I rate this book five out of five stars.
August 31, 2018
Ever since Maia’s mother left, she has struggled with depression wich got so bad she had to go to an institution. She does not want to go back, but she has a few secrets which could lead her right back to where she started. Maia is in love with Billy Gorman, a boy with a mysterious past who lives in the group home in her town and doesn't even know who she is ...or at least for now. Maia has another secret, her dad has recently got married to Astrid who is nothing like her mother and never will replace her and that's why Maia has a grand plan. She wants to leave town to find her mom, she believes if they reconnect everything will be better, she missed her mom and the only contact she had ever gotten were letters, “she wrote me every two weeks, sometimes more often, on cream vellum stationery sealed with red wax.” For Maia this wasn't enough, she wanted to see and hear her mother again. When Maia starts off on the road trip, a weird thing happens, Bill decides to come along. As they drive up the east coast making stops along the way they soon start to discover things about their pasts. As they become closer they wonder what will happen once they reach their destination and if they still want to.
The beautiful lost by luanne rice is a book I would highly recommend you to read it's romantic inspirational and more relatable than most fiction books. This book was a page turner for me, if you are looking for a good book I highly recommend The Beautiful Lost.
The beautiful lost by luanne rice is a book I would highly recommend you to read it's romantic inspirational and more relatable than most fiction books. This book was a page turner for me, if you are looking for a good book I highly recommend The Beautiful Lost.
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January 30, 2020The book starts with Maia, who has a plan to escape from her father and stepmom to see her mother.Why is Maia so eager to see her mother? Next, she tries to escape the first time but forgot the keys to the car in her room. Maia's plan still continues and she tries again and this time she actually makes it out and in the car and heads out of town. Go Maia, woah!! She stops at the park by the orphan house and doesn't know if she should go tell her crush Billy bye or not, so she just stays in the car. Billy sees her, asks her what she is doing, and then jumps in with her!! They head off and Maia turns off her phone so the police can't track her. Finally, the get to Billy old cottage and his grandparents cottage. They grabbed things and then switched from her car to Billy's grandpa's old truck. Maia got to see where Billy's mom died in their old cottage. This book is really good, oh my gosh!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
I wavered between 3 and 4 stars. First, I'll just mention that it was so different than what I expected. I've read dozens of Luanne Rice's books and I had no idea she also wrote YA Fiction. So that's on me--I suppose I should've known before I started it. YA Fiction isn't my favorite genre, but this was OK.
The book started really slowly for me. I was truthfully a little bored with it until about halfway through the road trip. Without giving too much away, when they got to where they were going and things started to peak, then I couldn't put it down. I just wish that had happened 100 pages sooner.
I'll also say, as someone who works at a community mental health agency, I did think that the author did an amazing job of painting a vivid picture of what teenage mental health issues can look like and how they affect friends and family too.
The book started really slowly for me. I was truthfully a little bored with it until about halfway through the road trip. Without giving too much away, when they got to where they were going and things started to peak, then I couldn't put it down. I just wish that had happened 100 pages sooner.
I'll also say, as someone who works at a community mental health agency, I did think that the author did an amazing job of painting a vivid picture of what teenage mental health issues can look like and how they affect friends and family too.
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