Voices of the Lost and Found gives the reader a well-written collection of short stories, each crafted in a distinctively different voice than the one before. How author Dorene O’Brien manages to carry all these personalities around in her head, I can’t even begin to imagine. But this, together with edgy story lines and delicious irony, is what makes Voices of the Lost and Found an impressive work.
Eleven stories in all, the characters are truly the heart of the book. From the gripping story of a graffiti artist (Way Past Taggin’) to the humorous tale of a fishery worker whose boss was murdered with only his left hand remaining (No Need to Ask), the narration is so realistic you’ll swear you’re hearing voices. I don’t know if it’s this way for everyone, but when I read, it’s usually my own voice slightly altered to fit the character. Men are a little lower register, sometimes with an accent, but it’s still me in there. With O’Brien’s work, I heard actual voices. Please don’t turn me in. I just tell it like it is.
I had the honor of interviewing Dorene O’Brien about her experiences writing this book. I’ll be posting that tomorrow, so make sure and stop by.
If you want to hear voices in your head too, you’re in luck. I have one extra copy of Voices of the Lost and Found to give away. There are three ways to win: All subscribers are already entered into this and all future giveaways, so if you aren’t subscribed, you can do so in the right hand column of this page. Or you can leave a comment telling me what interests you about this book. (Something more than “sounds good” is kindly requested.) You can also link back to this post in your blog for an entry. Do all three, and you have three entries! I’ll draw a winner on at midnight EST on April 27th, 2008.
Special thanks go out to Bloggy Giveaways, who does a fantastic job of promoting. They’re hosting a giveaway carnival right now, so if you like winning things, this is your spot.
I will need a new read in a day jor 2. Thanks for the giveaway
I tend to shy away from short stories but the description of the vivid characters intrigues me.
sounds great
This sounds interesting!
sounds like a great read
the premises for the stories sound really interesting
Would love to read this book! Please enter me for this giveaway! Thanks
I’m an avid reader and love different genre’s – this looks great!
I love to read and this is something different than what I’d normally pick out. Several short stories. I think it would be an interesting read.
I love short stories! With two small children its sometimes hard to make it through a complete novel! But I love to read!
I’d love to read this book! The other voices in my head need some company!
Sounds like a very interesting book
this sounds like a great read; i love books of short stories
I am a mom of twin toddlers with a blog so short stories are all I have time for!
The way you described the narrators makes this book sound so good! I would love something new for my shelf. Thanks!
I love short stories because you can read the whole thing in one sitting.
Oh my gosh, this looks so goooood! I’d love to win!
I would love to win this!
i enjoy a good suspense, thrill filled story. i liked your blog so much that i subscribed too
keep up the great work!
Great giveaway! I hope i’m the lucky winner!
I love reading, especially short stories!
I’ve come to the realization after many years of experiencing the same thing, that hearing “voices” in one’s head is a sign that the book you’re reading is a darn good read. Sadly, the experience seems to be few and far between as not every book is darn good enough!
This looks like a great book. Please sign me up.
Sounds really interesting! I’d really like to find out what these voices have to say!
his left hand remaining (No Need to Ask) Only one of 11 interesting story lines. Pick me, I can never find enough good reads
I’m going to be moving across country soon and won’t have time to read as much as I would like, so a book filled with short stories would be perfect for me. Thanks for the contest.
I am intrigued by the collection of short stories with all the diverse interesting characters.
intriguing book – something a little bit different – looking forward to getting it from the library if I dont win it!
Love the dichotomeis/Lost/Found; Can’t wait if possibly selected to “find out”/ Best of luck to all who enter. Many Thanks
This looks like a great book.
I’m always searching for good reads. Count me in.
please enter me
I am a big fan of short stories. I’d love to read this book.
Sounds like a great book – I hope I win. Thanks for all the great contests!
I love reading short stories
and the title of the book
and hearing voices has sparked
my interest.Books that are
different from the norm delight
me
sounds like a real good read i need something good right now
The idea of different characters with their own distinctive points of view interests me.
Wow, I’m thrilled by the responses the book and review have generated! Thanks much to all, especially to Diane. Since everyone can’t be a winner, perhaps instead you can read a couple of the stories on my web site at http://www.doreneobrien.com. If you like those you can order the book–most likely at a discount–from Amazon, Borders or B & N.