Book Review – The Department of Lost...

I received this book through the Fictions Readers group here at Gather. I've been very picky about which books I would like to read and evaluate because I'm not the type of person who can read just anything. If the story doesn't have a good theme, subject or isn't in my mystery-thriller genre, I typically am unable to read it. Once I read the synopsis of The Department of Lost & Found, I really wanted to read this novel, and am thrilled I got the opportunity to do so.

The main character, Natalie, is diagnosed with breast cancer. Her current boyfriend decides to end their relationship at the same time. As she begins chemo treatments, Natalie decides to contact the major past loves of her life to find out what went wrong and why the relationships ended. The story follows Natalie through her battle with cancer, its treatment, the effects the disease has on those around her and most importantly, the effects the cancer has on her sense of self. Natalie changes a lot throughout the novel and the reader gets to join her for that journey.

I have friends who have recently undergone breast cancer treatment, an aunt who is currently in remission, and a step father who has inoperable cancer and has been given a certain amount of time before it ends his life. Because of all of this, the novel's theme was one I could easily relate to.

I received and began reading The Department of Lost & Found on April 29. I completed the book yesterday evening, May 2. It's a quick read and one of those books that some could easily read in one sitting. I purposely stayed away from articles the author has written on Gather about this novel until I was finishing it up. I didn't want to be influenced in any way while I was reading the story.

I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. The easy flowing, conversational-style writing drew me right into the work, making me feel instantly comfortable. I found myself having a difficult time putting the book down because it simply felt good to read it. I was eager to see what happened next and didn't want to wait to find out. There also were several parts of the story where I found myself nodding along, wiping the tears from my eyes, laughing out loud, and generally cheering Natalie on. The author did a great job of putting the reader in the shoes of someone who is battling cancer and finding them self in the midst of it all.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever had their life touched by cancer, cancer survivors, and individuals who have found themselves nearing midlife and are still searching for their own identity. It's a great read and wonderful story.

You won't be disappointed.