Lost and Found

Very interesting premise. It was entertaining to read about the game show aspect but the author also deftly handled the character back stories. They were nicely woven into the narrative so that the reader could learn what had driven them to compete. The characters were very real and very human and I found myself really rooting for some of them. This is one of the best books I've read in some time due to its combination of originality and realism.

I have loved reality TV since Real World. I know ... A lot of people don't understand it. This book helped me to understand why I love it. It's the people. The characters that we come to know over the course of their shows. Granted, this book has far more interesting and likeable characters than most reality shows. You can also skip the cliffhangers, and breeze right through to find out who wins. (I had a hard time putting the book down.0 I loved this book. It's beautifully written and well researched. There's just the right amount of detail about the destinations visited. Fun read. Whether you like reality TV or not.

I absolutely loved Dogs of Babel and was a little hesitant about this book. I have already read a book on reality tv, and although it was entertaining, not spectatcular. This book, however, does not disappoint. No it's not DOB, but Parkhurst's writing and story telling ability are great. Plus, tonight I caught the show Treasure Hunter's on NBC and it's like they took the idea from this book. I know the show has been on all summer, but she had the idea for this book long before that show came out. You don't have to be a fan of reality tv to like this book, and some of the issues that were brought up in DOB that may have put people off are not in here (although, the whole ex-gay thing is a little controversial). I highly recommend you get this book and book clubs should consider it for their next read!

Lost and Found reality TV show is down to its final twelve contestants consisting of six two players per team on a round-the-world scavenger hunt. The winning duo earns a million dollars. With cameras following each person, jet lagged bone weary contestants are over the edge as the punishing tests have taken their toll. Their so-called images established for the show have worn thin and exposed is more of the real inner person as this dirty dozen survived so far the great race that is nearing the finish line. Eighteen year old Cassie and her widowed mom Laura do not talk about the baby that the older member gave away for adoption or the father of the child. Former child protégés Juliet and Dallas squabble over who is the star of their team. Siblings Carl and Jeff debate each other whether their comedic routines are loved or hated by others especially their ex wives. Trying to recapture the past, former high school lovers Betsy and Jason instead realize they have moved past one another. Dot.com superstars Trent and Riley struggle with everyday living so they hoped this adrenalin rush will return them to their glory days. Finally former homosexual turned born again Christians Justin and Abby conclude that their marriage has not ended their desires for sinful same sex. Manipulated and maneuvered the twelve reveal all to the candid camera. Rotating perspective of the ensemble cast leads to each of the twelve and the avaricious producer having differing personalities, which makes this satire of greed fun to read. The story line uses the zany global scramble as a cover for a character study; readers learn what motivates each of the baker's dozen (contestants and the producer) especially when everyone is exhausted and masks are easily torn asunder. Humorous and poignant, everyone seems more lost than found. Harriet Klausner

It's a worldwide treasure hunt, and there are seven teams in the game. Lugging everything from aviator caps to parrots to fake sushi, the players are after a million-dollar prize. The teams are as dynamic as the game, each with their own secrets. There's the mother and daughter with the strained relationship, the brothers who share all the jokes, the former child stars, the former high school sweethearts, a Christian couple, the millionaire buddies, and the flight attendants. In true reality show fashion, nothing is as it seems, and secrets have a way of exploding in their keepers' faces. The question each player must answer is whether the prize is worth the journey. Each chapter is told first person by a different character. This technique is effective from the standpoint that the reader gets hints into the key players' lives. It's reminiscent of the reality show trend of privately interviewing the players during the game, only more intimate. While rounding out the complete picture, it also helps the reader keep track of the game's progress. Lost and Found is a fast pace take on American culture and how signing up for a reality show can ruin or mend lives. In truth, it becomes a parable for "what you want isn't always what you need." Parkhurst delivers a clever, sometimes funny, sometimes heart-wrenching tale sure to leave its mark. This read is most definitely worth your time. Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer 5/22/2006