The Lost Story

A huge step up from [b:The Wishing Game 62926992 The Wishing Game Meg Shaffer https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684817680l/62926992.SY75.jpg 95993000], Meg Shaffer's debut, although considerably darker as well. One of those rare books that casts a spell while you're reading it, even though its weaknesses quickly become apparent if you think too hard after the last page. For example, the Storyteller Corner gimmick is way too twee and totally unnecessary. And Schaffer tries to cram too much plot into 350 pages. But none of that matters when you're in the midst of the magical experience. My advice is to let go of any 2024 cynicism (I know that's a big ask) and allow yourself to believe that a good story can literally save your life. Here's how much The Lost Story captivated me: the new e-reader I ordered arrived today, but I finished the last third of the book on my creaky old Kindle because I couldn't stop reading long enough to set up the new one.N.B. It's best to go into The Lost Story not knowing much about the labyrinthine plot. But I have to ask this, hoping it isn't too spoilery: why doesn't the blurb mention that the book has a queer love story at its heart? Who is the publisher afraid of (besides several state governments and the Republican platform)?