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Mackenzie, Lost and Found
Fifteen-year-old Mackenzie Hill knows something is up when she arrives home to find her father making a home-cooked dinner, instead of his standard delivery pizza. But nothing prepares her for the bombshell announcement: Mackenzie and her dad, alone since the death of her mother a year ago, are moving to Jerusalem, where her father has taken a position as a visiting professor at a university.
The adjustment from life in Canada to life in Israel is dramatic - though it's eased somewhat when Mackenzie is befriended by an American girl in her new school. The biggest shock of all comes when Mackenzie faces the wrath of her new friends, new community, and even her own father after she begins dating a Muslim boy.
The adjustment from life in Canada to life in Israel is dramatic - though it's eased somewhat when Mackenzie is befriended by an American girl in her new school. The biggest shock of all comes when Mackenzie faces the wrath of her new friends, new community, and even her own father after she begins dating a Muslim boy.
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2008
2 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Kerbel
46 books216 followersDeborah Kerbel was born in London, England, but grew up in Toronto, Canada.
A finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Award, the 2010 Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year Award, 2019 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book, and winner of the 2020 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, Deborah is the author of ten books for young readers of all ages.
Currently, Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two book loving teens, and a schnoodle named Fred.
Visit her at www.deborahkerbel.ca
A finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Award, the 2010 Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year Award, 2019 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book, and winner of the 2020 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, Deborah is the author of ten books for young readers of all ages.
Currently, Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two book loving teens, and a schnoodle named Fred.
Visit her at www.deborahkerbel.ca
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 31, 2020
Loved this book. Fascinating tale of young love in a forbidden world. Romeo and Juliet meets Raiders of the Lost Arc in the Middle East.
December 15, 2009
Review
Mackenzie, Lost and found is the utterly original, beautifully crafted story of a forbidden love.
I thought Mackenzie and Nasir were such realistically portrayed characters. They were easy to relate to and I have a good feeling they will be very hard to forget. I particularly found Nasir to be an intriguing character. There was just something about him that was just so different from other male love interests in YA books and I don't just mean the fact that he's Muslim, though that probably played some part. Mackenzie and Nasir's relationship was genuine and based on the more important things, like being able to really talk to each other. Though at times it seems their relationship is developing too quickly, I had to remember that this book takes place over nearly a year of time. For this reason, I found myself wishing this book had been much longer so I could have watched their relationship develop and grow more, instead of just getting glimpses.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is a very unique, and in some ways, possibly controversial story. However, I only loved it all the more for it. I have to give serious kudos to Deborah Kerbel for writing this wonderful book. There are very few authors out there who would dare to write a story about a romance between a Caucasian Canadian girl and a Muslim boy.
Deborah Kerbel's writing style definitely helped me form a closer connection to the story and its characters. I found it was suprisingly easy for me to picture the setting of Jerusalem. Now, everyone knows I love alternating perspectives in a book. After all, don't most people? Furthermore, I thought it was especially important that this book was written with alternating perspectives for numerous reasons. For starters, the insight I got into the Muslim culture. Another is that I got to know Nasir's opinions on his own culture and on others. Plus there is the obvious reason of getting to know both side of the story in general.
The ending, well, lets just say the ending was not my favorite aspect of this book. There were parts about it that I liked and parts I really didn't. What I liked about the ending was that I could really see how Mackenzie had changed throughout the book and, in a way, she finally finds closure on a couple of things. However, this book also left me with a huge, nagging question that I really wish had been answered. I believe anyone who has read this book knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is an impressive, memorable book that I'll never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this book to anyone. Of course, there are always going to be those who aren't going to be keen on the idea of this book, but I think Mackenzie, Lost and Found is one that even they should read. I know it is one I'll be re-reading and I'm proud to have it in my personal library.
Mackenzie, Lost and found is the utterly original, beautifully crafted story of a forbidden love.
I thought Mackenzie and Nasir were such realistically portrayed characters. They were easy to relate to and I have a good feeling they will be very hard to forget. I particularly found Nasir to be an intriguing character. There was just something about him that was just so different from other male love interests in YA books and I don't just mean the fact that he's Muslim, though that probably played some part. Mackenzie and Nasir's relationship was genuine and based on the more important things, like being able to really talk to each other. Though at times it seems their relationship is developing too quickly, I had to remember that this book takes place over nearly a year of time. For this reason, I found myself wishing this book had been much longer so I could have watched their relationship develop and grow more, instead of just getting glimpses.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is a very unique, and in some ways, possibly controversial story. However, I only loved it all the more for it. I have to give serious kudos to Deborah Kerbel for writing this wonderful book. There are very few authors out there who would dare to write a story about a romance between a Caucasian Canadian girl and a Muslim boy.
Deborah Kerbel's writing style definitely helped me form a closer connection to the story and its characters. I found it was suprisingly easy for me to picture the setting of Jerusalem. Now, everyone knows I love alternating perspectives in a book. After all, don't most people? Furthermore, I thought it was especially important that this book was written with alternating perspectives for numerous reasons. For starters, the insight I got into the Muslim culture. Another is that I got to know Nasir's opinions on his own culture and on others. Plus there is the obvious reason of getting to know both side of the story in general.
The ending, well, lets just say the ending was not my favorite aspect of this book. There were parts about it that I liked and parts I really didn't. What I liked about the ending was that I could really see how Mackenzie had changed throughout the book and, in a way, she finally finds closure on a couple of things. However, this book also left me with a huge, nagging question that I really wish had been answered. I believe anyone who has read this book knows exactly what I'm talking about.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is an impressive, memorable book that I'll never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend this book to anyone. Of course, there are always going to be those who aren't going to be keen on the idea of this book, but I think Mackenzie, Lost and Found is one that even they should read. I know it is one I'll be re-reading and I'm proud to have it in my personal library.
February 18, 2009
An enjoyable tale of star-crossed love. Mackenzie is a believable and sympathetic heroine. Wonderful characters are made more vivid by the city of Jerusalem which almost felt like a character itself. I loved the taste of that exotic city that author, Kerbel, gave us. She very gently encourages the reader to think about the complexities of living in such a volatile place.
May 9, 2009
Still dealing with the tragic loss of her mother, the last thing Mackenzie Hill expects or wants is to be forcibly removed from her native Canada to attend an archeological dig in Israel with her eccentric father. Living in foreign Jerusalem couldn’t be more different than her safe home in the Western Hemisphere, with the soldiers everywhere, different languages Mackenzie can’t understand, and currency she doesn’t know how to use—an entire new mix of cultures. Mackenzie slowly gets used to this new life, eased by becoming friends with an American girl who can empathize with her. But her romantic involvement with a Palestinian boy shows her another side of Israel—still culturally rich and unique but also dangerous. Now Mackenzie has to find a way to navigate her mounting problems of grief from her mother’s death, her forbidden relationship with Nasir, and her unintended involvement with a shady black market scheme of stolen artifacts.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is an ambitious mystery, romance, and coming of age story that also tackles the issues of cultural clashes, poverty, and overcoming grief. In this attempt Kerbel is mostly successful, particularly in her superb depiction of Israel. I enjoyed Kerbel’s accurate portrayal of the different cultures and religious that mix in this small country and the disputes that arise from their contact; however, the depth of these rifts between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and references to certain regions near Israel such as the West Bank may not be comprehended by readers who haven’t previously studied the history of the Middle East. The mystery with the black market and its connection to Nasir’s, Mackenzie’s boyfriend, family is cleverly intertwined and realistic, showing the negative effects poverty has on the desperately poor. Mackenzie’s personal struggles that accompany growing up are also interesting to read about, and I liked how her trip to Israel ended up being a sort of spiritual cure for her. I really enjoyed these most important aspects of the novel, but the rest needed to be better refined. The romance is slightly clichéd, most of Mackenzie’s background remains unknown, Nasir is poorly characterized, Mackenzie’s first person narration is awkwardly combined with snippets from Nasir’s life, and the ending is disappointingly cut off. These little details are a little bothersome, but I nevertheless appreciate this creative novel.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found appeals to a wide audience, including anyone who enjoys romances, mysteries, history, culture, or coming of age novels. Fans of Cruel Summer by Alyson Noël, Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, and Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab will also like this culturally relevant novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Mackenzie, Lost and Found is an ambitious mystery, romance, and coming of age story that also tackles the issues of cultural clashes, poverty, and overcoming grief. In this attempt Kerbel is mostly successful, particularly in her superb depiction of Israel. I enjoyed Kerbel’s accurate portrayal of the different cultures and religious that mix in this small country and the disputes that arise from their contact; however, the depth of these rifts between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and references to certain regions near Israel such as the West Bank may not be comprehended by readers who haven’t previously studied the history of the Middle East. The mystery with the black market and its connection to Nasir’s, Mackenzie’s boyfriend, family is cleverly intertwined and realistic, showing the negative effects poverty has on the desperately poor. Mackenzie’s personal struggles that accompany growing up are also interesting to read about, and I liked how her trip to Israel ended up being a sort of spiritual cure for her. I really enjoyed these most important aspects of the novel, but the rest needed to be better refined. The romance is slightly clichéd, most of Mackenzie’s background remains unknown, Nasir is poorly characterized, Mackenzie’s first person narration is awkwardly combined with snippets from Nasir’s life, and the ending is disappointingly cut off. These little details are a little bothersome, but I nevertheless appreciate this creative novel.
Mackenzie, Lost and Found appeals to a wide audience, including anyone who enjoys romances, mysteries, history, culture, or coming of age novels. Fans of Cruel Summer by Alyson Noël, Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, and Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab will also like this culturally relevant novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
November 14, 2012
Reviewed by Breanna F. for TeensReadToo.com
15-year-old Mackenzie Hill is still recovering from the loss of her mother when her father announces that they're moving to Israel because he was offered a position at a university there.
Being torn away from the only home she has ever known in Toronto, Canada, is not Mackenzie's idea of a good time. Her father promises that if after three months she still doesn't like it there, she can move back to Canada, and she plans to do just that.
But soon Mackenzie meets an American girl named Marla who has lived in Israel for a few years. They discover that they have something in common, and she helps to show Mackenzie around. In no time at all, the two become best friends.
Also, Mackenzie discovers an amazingly cute boy named Nasir who works at a little shop near her apartment. Soon (even though Nasir's parents would forbid it if they knew) Mackenzie and Nasir start dating, little to the knowledge of Mackenzie's father and Nasir's parents.
Soon the three-month period is up - and Mackenzie doesn't mention going back home. Things are going so well and Mackenzie is actually happy with her life. But one day something happens that will quickly change everything..
First off, I have to say that this book was pretty intense. There was indeed a point where I cried. The whole book moved at a pretty fast speed, and near the end it was action-packed, which was a surprise (but it was a good surprise). Not one part of MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND was dull to me.
After the first few chapters of just Mackenzie talking it switches, and most every other chapter after that is a chapter told from Nasir's point of view. So the story is told from two different points of view, which I always like.
Ms. Kerbel is a strong writer and I definitely look forward to reading something else by her. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in what's going on in the Middle East, and to readers who don't mind a heart-wrenching story.
15-year-old Mackenzie Hill is still recovering from the loss of her mother when her father announces that they're moving to Israel because he was offered a position at a university there.
Being torn away from the only home she has ever known in Toronto, Canada, is not Mackenzie's idea of a good time. Her father promises that if after three months she still doesn't like it there, she can move back to Canada, and she plans to do just that.
But soon Mackenzie meets an American girl named Marla who has lived in Israel for a few years. They discover that they have something in common, and she helps to show Mackenzie around. In no time at all, the two become best friends.
Also, Mackenzie discovers an amazingly cute boy named Nasir who works at a little shop near her apartment. Soon (even though Nasir's parents would forbid it if they knew) Mackenzie and Nasir start dating, little to the knowledge of Mackenzie's father and Nasir's parents.
Soon the three-month period is up - and Mackenzie doesn't mention going back home. Things are going so well and Mackenzie is actually happy with her life. But one day something happens that will quickly change everything..
First off, I have to say that this book was pretty intense. There was indeed a point where I cried. The whole book moved at a pretty fast speed, and near the end it was action-packed, which was a surprise (but it was a good surprise). Not one part of MACKENZIE, LOST AND FOUND was dull to me.
After the first few chapters of just Mackenzie talking it switches, and most every other chapter after that is a chapter told from Nasir's point of view. So the story is told from two different points of view, which I always like.
Ms. Kerbel is a strong writer and I definitely look forward to reading something else by her. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in what's going on in the Middle East, and to readers who don't mind a heart-wrenching story.
Read
December 8, 2010http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
Mackenzie Lost and Found is an intriguing novel of survival. Mackenzie, who has recently lost her mom in a tragic accident, is hurting, frustrated with her father and sad. When her dad moves them to Israel Mackenzie fully intends to leave with her return ticket to Canada in three months. Mackenzie meets Marla, a US citizen whom she shares a common loss with, and Nasir, a Muslim boy who she forms a forbidden relationship with. Both of these friends will change Mackenzie forever as she discovers herself, deals with her loss and ultimately tries to survive.
I really enjoyed this novel by Deborah Kerbel. Her writing is easy to get lost in. She makes the story come to life as the words seemingly jump off the page. The characters are very real and well developed. I finished this book feeling as if the story actually happened. The author did a wonderful job researching this book. The majority of the novel takes place in Jerusalem, Israel and its surrounding areas. As a result there is a lot of culture, laws, traditions and religions that differ from Mackenzie’s life in Canada. Deborah researched these aspects thoroughly. The novel was a great read; I enjoyed learning a little more about this region, people and culture through the book. It was an insightful story.
I finished this novel quickly and was most uncertain about the ending. The novel leaves the outcome of some aspects to the imagination of the reader. I liked and disliked this aspect. Ultimately I think it is for the best, but at first I just wanted that instant gratification in knowing for sure the outcome of these aspects instead of deciding for myself. As I had time to let the novel process I was happy I wasn’t told a specific ending. It let me be free to think outside of the box and come to my own conclusions even though the book hints towards a particular idea of a conclusion. I would recommend this book for readers twelve and above. The novel is YA in nature but can easily be read and enjoyed by adults also.
Mackenzie Lost and Found is an intriguing novel of survival. Mackenzie, who has recently lost her mom in a tragic accident, is hurting, frustrated with her father and sad. When her dad moves them to Israel Mackenzie fully intends to leave with her return ticket to Canada in three months. Mackenzie meets Marla, a US citizen whom she shares a common loss with, and Nasir, a Muslim boy who she forms a forbidden relationship with. Both of these friends will change Mackenzie forever as she discovers herself, deals with her loss and ultimately tries to survive.
I really enjoyed this novel by Deborah Kerbel. Her writing is easy to get lost in. She makes the story come to life as the words seemingly jump off the page. The characters are very real and well developed. I finished this book feeling as if the story actually happened. The author did a wonderful job researching this book. The majority of the novel takes place in Jerusalem, Israel and its surrounding areas. As a result there is a lot of culture, laws, traditions and religions that differ from Mackenzie’s life in Canada. Deborah researched these aspects thoroughly. The novel was a great read; I enjoyed learning a little more about this region, people and culture through the book. It was an insightful story.
I finished this novel quickly and was most uncertain about the ending. The novel leaves the outcome of some aspects to the imagination of the reader. I liked and disliked this aspect. Ultimately I think it is for the best, but at first I just wanted that instant gratification in knowing for sure the outcome of these aspects instead of deciding for myself. As I had time to let the novel process I was happy I wasn’t told a specific ending. It let me be free to think outside of the box and come to my own conclusions even though the book hints towards a particular idea of a conclusion. I would recommend this book for readers twelve and above. The novel is YA in nature but can easily be read and enjoyed by adults also.
Read
April 8, 2013Three months. Mackenzie just has to suffer through three months in a foreign country where she doesn’t know the language, the customs or anyone other than her father. When Mackenzie’s father told her that they would be moving to Israel for a year so he could oversee an archeological dig near Jerusalem, she had flatly refused to go. However, he had eventually agreed that if she was truly miserable after three months, he’d arrange to send her home. Life in Jerusalem does indeed prove very different for Mackenzie, and she discovers that she has much to learn. Things become easier when she finds a friend in Marla, a girl who understands the pain that Mackenzie is still grappling with as she mourns her mom’s recent passing. Then there is Nasir, the Palestinian boy that she finds herself drawn to. When she and Nasir begin to see each other in secret, Marla is openly critical. Hurt by her friend’s refusal to accept her relationship with Nasir, Mackenzie ignores Marla’s warnings. When things start to spiral out of control, Mackenzie realizes that her actions may have dire consequences for both her and Nasir. Like Mackenzie herself, readers are sure to fall under the spell of Jerusalem and its many charms as the author adroitly conveys a sense of the land, its people and its rich history. While she depicts the tension and the ever-present threat of violence simmering near the surface of ordinary life, she also captures the awesomeness of its ancient ties. Mackenzie is taken aback to discover that even young people her age are very politically and socially aware, and struggles with the pressure from her peers to “take a side.” She also discovers that people’s feelings and convictions not only run deep, but are also very complex and multi-layered. Her story gives readers much to think about even while leaving them uneasy about Nasir’s fate.
Reviewed by Lisa Doucet in Canadian Children's Book News
Spring 2009 VOL.32 NO.2
Reviewed by Lisa Doucet in Canadian Children's Book News
Spring 2009 VOL.32 NO.2
March 16, 2011
Forbidden Love is always a good story in any book. The author took risk and in my opinion paid off. The description are easy to picture like if you are their taking part in the story. You read in different POV's and understand each side. Even though it is about forbidden love its written in a new fresh and different way. The way the author wrote it you can easily loose yourself at times. This book will offer folklore, religion and traditions from where the story takes place. The ending was what brought down my rating for the book, it just wasn't what I like for how the book to end.
Mackenzie a girl from Canada who lost her mother in a tragic accident. Her father decides to move them to Israel, which of course makes Mackenzie very sad on top pf everything else. Mackenzie then meets her new friend Marla, who is a American and they gel well since they have similar stories. Finally Mackenzie meets Nasir, he is a Muslim boy. Well lets just say things spark and this is where the forbidden love begins. I recommend this book to Young Adults and Adults.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
Mackenzie a girl from Canada who lost her mother in a tragic accident. Her father decides to move them to Israel, which of course makes Mackenzie very sad on top pf everything else. Mackenzie then meets her new friend Marla, who is a American and they gel well since they have similar stories. Finally Mackenzie meets Nasir, he is a Muslim boy. Well lets just say things spark and this is where the forbidden love begins. I recommend this book to Young Adults and Adults.
review link: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...
July 9, 2013
what an amazing and sweet love story.
Mackenzie (Muck-and-zee) was born and raised in Canada. Suddenly, her dad moves the to Israel and she is plunked right into a new world. A new culture, language, customs and deep rooted religious beliefs.
and she is female - not the safest thing to do. She doesn't know right from wrong or even how to communicate.
So she doesn't stray far from her front door, just mainly stumbling to the local corner store. And her gum and candy habit isn't what brings her there.
Meet Nasir. A boy raised Muslim in Jerusalem. He's instantly drawn to Mackenzie. He knows English and wishes every day to speak to her. But he's terrified of doing it - knowing his parents would never approve and that it would never be allowed. And he knows what others think of him and his faith.
A coming of age set in the beautiful landscape of Israel. It's a lovely story and I enjoyed it. I would have loved at least 200 more pages ;)
Mackenzie (Muck-and-zee) was born and raised in Canada. Suddenly, her dad moves the to Israel and she is plunked right into a new world. A new culture, language, customs and deep rooted religious beliefs.
and she is female - not the safest thing to do. She doesn't know right from wrong or even how to communicate.
So she doesn't stray far from her front door, just mainly stumbling to the local corner store. And her gum and candy habit isn't what brings her there.
Meet Nasir. A boy raised Muslim in Jerusalem. He's instantly drawn to Mackenzie. He knows English and wishes every day to speak to her. But he's terrified of doing it - knowing his parents would never approve and that it would never be allowed. And he knows what others think of him and his faith.
A coming of age set in the beautiful landscape of Israel. It's a lovely story and I enjoyed it. I would have loved at least 200 more pages ;)
February 27, 2011
Characters
If there was a weak part in this novel, it was the characters. Mackenzie, while a nice character, was very whiny at times. Also, at times she didn't act her age, and that annoyed me a bit, but not too much. Some of the characters just didn't seem REAL, and I wish they would've been more real -- I think I would've liked this novel a lot more.
Plot
The idea of the book was fabulous. While the idea of "forbidden love" has been done before, this book makes it different and original. That's really all I can say -- it was really good, and really original in the way it was done.
Wow Factor
Very wowed. Many people had told me it was a good book, but I wasn't sure -- some of the summary sounded cliche, and I was thinking that might ruin it, but it wasn't cliche.. it was really good. Four hearts.
If there was a weak part in this novel, it was the characters. Mackenzie, while a nice character, was very whiny at times. Also, at times she didn't act her age, and that annoyed me a bit, but not too much. Some of the characters just didn't seem REAL, and I wish they would've been more real -- I think I would've liked this novel a lot more.
Plot
The idea of the book was fabulous. While the idea of "forbidden love" has been done before, this book makes it different and original. That's really all I can say -- it was really good, and really original in the way it was done.
Wow Factor
Very wowed. Many people had told me it was a good book, but I wasn't sure -- some of the summary sounded cliche, and I was thinking that might ruin it, but it wasn't cliche.. it was really good. Four hearts.
November 28, 2012
I didn't expect to really like this book, but as I read through it, I loved it. Until, the ending. God how I hate it, I wanted to cry. Its so not fair. I mean Deborah spent all this time on their relationship and they don't even end up together! You don't even find out what happens to him!!!!!! Its ludicrous!!!! I swear! Can someone please tell me theres a sequel??
Want to Read
August 2, 2012i really want to get this book like now, dam library doesn't have it. think I'm gonna go look for it somewhere else
September 26, 2014
Im not sure exactly why but, i absolutely enjoyed reading this! It just got my attention the more i read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews