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Kathleen M. (Mesa, AZ)
Quirky and Charming with a Little Bit of Angst
Libby Weeks is the author of a children's fantasy series, known as F.T. Goldhero.. Peanut Bixton, age 11, a passionate follower of these very intricate stories and lets everyone know it. Now, I'm not a fan of fantasy books but that's ok because this book is contemporary fiction about the two main characters and their desire to get the last book of the series written. The point of view is through the ever-busy minds of these two main characters. Both characters are unique and quirky in their own ways. They both have their own set of complications and anxieties to overcome. The plot is mainly about those. The
…more finishing of the series moves the story along.
I was surprised at how much I loved this book. There was not a dull moment in the story. Nor did it ever slow down. This is Stephanie Booth's first book, and I can't wait to see what other books she has up her sleeve. Libby Lost and Found is full of imagination, problem solving, adventure and the tiniest bit or romance. I hope you fall in love with Libby. Her story will remind you of the first book you ever fell in love with as a child. It's that good. I highly recommend! (less)I loved this book because it is a book about books, which is a favorite theme of mine. The characters were diverse, each with their own specific issue/problem that they were facing. The way their stories diverged and came together by the end was touching and satisfying.
I was very impressed with how the author had "a story within a story" going on throughout the book. The beloved fictional children's series portrayed in this novel was detailed and its characters themselves flesh out, similar in character to the world J.K. Rowling created in her Harry Potter series.
What touched my heart about this novel was the
…more concept of memories. I don't want to give away too much…so I will close by encouraging everyone to read this great book. You will fall in love with one of the main protagonists, Peanut, and root for her dream to come true! (less)This was overall a good read - did it in one sitting. The premise is great - another trying to finish the last book in her series discovers she has Alzheimer's which is interfering with her ability to complete the ending. Thus, the need to find a ghost writer. The ultimate choice is a surprise and it puts Libby on a plane to meet the writer and, in a surprise twist, an adoptive family and love. Some of the writing was a bit disjointed and it felt like there was some missing content, but, then again, it could have been the author's premise of Alzheimer's. It may have been a technique to make the reader feel the
…more effects of the disease. The book was funny at the same time sad. The author has a great and quirky imagination. The characters were well formed, if a bit out there. Again, a really, really great premise with a well developed plot. All and all, a good solid read! (less)This is a well written book along similar lines such as Ove or Brit-Marie was here. I didn't like it as well as I'd hoped but the writing kept me going all the way through. I am definitely willing to read more by this author.
Carole C. (Willow Street, PA)
Libby Lost and Found: Imagination Magnified
Many authors have, at times, suffered Writer's Block, but not in the way Libby Weeks, the creator of an outrageously successful series of children's books about the Falling children, has. Libby, only in her early forties, has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Now her rapidly failing memory is rendering her incapable of finishing the sixth and final book which will save the Falling children from the diabolical magic of The Unstopping, a villain in Libby's books --the outcome which thousands of fans await. Written under the name of F. T. Goldhero to protect shy Libby's identity, the books create more
…more publicity with the promise of a large reward to the person who can identify F. T. Goldhero and more stress for Libby as her publishers push for the final manuscript.
Libby's need for help to finish this last book of the series leads her to seek out Pandora "Peanut" Bixton, an ardent eleven-year-old fan with problems of her own, who lives across the country in Colorado. This most unlikely duo, along with Peanut's "family" combine to take the reader on a journey of imagination, emotion, humor, and intrigue. In lesser hands, this would not have been a book of choice for me; however, Stephanie Booth delivers a funny, touching, and ultimately rewarding novel of layered stories within stories, stunning imagination, refreshing humor, and restored hope.
If you can relate to readers for whom a book can become their world, my advice is to get a copy of Libby Lost and Found and prepare to Ante Up! (less)I'm not much of a fantasy fan, but this book sounded like fun and I thought I'd give it a try. I was not disappointed. As others have said, it was a roller coaster of a ride that included dementia, family dynamics, friendship and real life challenges. Libby, who is an author struggling with dementia, establishes a relationship with an eleven year old fan, Peanut, who helps her navigate and come to terms with her inability to write. Together they create a path forward that is full of twists and turns and keeps the reader entertained until the end. A good summer read and escape.
Gail B. (Albuquerque, NM)
Adult Fantasy or YA?
Three stories in one: Libby Weeks, suffering from anxiety and Alzheimer; the Falling Children series by F.T. Goldhero, the mysterious author; the Bixton family with brilliant daughter Peanut--all dysfunctional. Once I accepted the premise that Libby has dementia and writer's block, the book was easier to understand. But who is its audience? Young Adult with too much "language"? Or Adult Fantasy?
So much cruelty, beginning with a publisher driven by profit at the expense of its author; friendless eleven year old Peanut, damaged at birth but brilliant; a school teacher, more childish than her students; pre-teen
…more girls doing what girls often do at that age; a fading Colorado mountain town which bears a striking resemblance to the setting of Libby's novels;
I struggled with "Libby Lost and Found" but managed to get through it and appreciated the author's imagination. (less)Libby Weeks is the anonymous author of a famous series of children's books, similar in type to Harry Potter. The final book in the series is in the process of being completed when Libby is diagnosed with an early onset and quick progressing form of dementia. Her condition prevents her from completing the final book for all the fans of the Falling Children series.
Peanut Bixton, the 11 year old superfan of the series, knows all of the books by heart. She finds comfort in reading and rereading the books. The Falling Children series is her only lifeline in the confusing and anxiety-riddled world of junior high
…more school.
At times, Libby Lost and Found, breaks boundaries between reality and imagination. The book is genre-bending crossing into fantasy, mystery, family saga, and coming of age. At times it is confusing, frustrating, and the readers of this novel may wonder…what kind of journey are they taking?
And yet, in the end, this endearing novel reveals the life-giving force of stories and the healing power of imagination. Stick with this journey and smile at its final words of wisdom. (less)
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