Pros & Cons / Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Hi!

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my years of posting book reviews, it’s that good books will make writing a novel seem effortless, even if doing so is anything but. With well-paced plots and characters rich with development, Lisa Graff’s work serves as a prime example of superb reads and writing. Lost in the Sun is Graff’s latest release for middle grade readers, and it contains the same elements that made her past novels a success: an engaging and realistic protagonist, complex family relationships, and a tearjerker of a story. I enjoyed it immensely, and it kicked off what has been a terrific summer break for reading. My full review is below!

Everyone says that middle school is awful, but Trent knows nothing could be worse than the year he had in fifth grade, when a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent with a brain full of terrible thoughts he can’t get rid of. Trent’s pretty positive the entire disaster was his fault, so for him middle school feels like a fresh start, a chance to prove to everyone that he’s not the horrible screw-up they seem to think he is. 

If only Trent could make that fresh start happen. It isn’t until Trent gets caught up in the whirlwind that is Fallon Little—the girl with the mysterious scar across her face—that things begin to change. Because fresh starts aren’t always easy. Even in baseball, when a fly ball gets lost in the sun, you have to remember to shift your position to find it. {Goodreads}

Need more convincing? Here’s what other reviewers had to say.
“The truth is; I may never be able to offer you fancy words and magical sentences, but what I can tell you is that in the 90 days since I finished Lost In The Sun, I think about it almost every single day. I think about how I’ve never loved so many characters in one single book” {read the rest of the review at Sharp Read HERE}.

“Lisa Graff is the author of the highly regarded A Tangle of Knots, and there’s a lot to admire about this book, too. She draws a moving portrait of Trent in all his self-imposed torment, fighting back — or, on at least one occasion, succumbing to — the volcanic rage that’s forever bubbling up inside of him” {read the rest of the review at The New York Times HERE}.

“Graff tackles the unimaginable and makes the subject manageable. Students who read this unflinching portrayal of grief and forgiveness will walk away changed. I can’t recommend this one enough” {read the rest of the review at Prose and Kahn HERE}.

Let’s discuss! Have you read any of Lisa Graff’s books before? If so, do you have a favorite? {My own continues to be A Tangle of Knots}. Finally, what have YOU been reading this summer? I’m always up for a recommendation!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!