Hope and Other Lost Things by Morgan Park is an exploration of love and self-discovery.
Julia’s world is shattered when her wife, Marin, leaves without a word, leaving her with fractured memories and a love story with missing pieces. After a sparkly encounter with a mysterious woman, Julia’s old self resurfaces, bringing her back to a sense of hope.
When the board hires an outside company to analyze her school, Julia comes face-to-face with Erin, the woman she almost brought home from the bar the night before. Julia is forced to confront her past due to their strong connection, a familiarity with Erin’s touch, and a magnetic pull that cannot be ignored.
Can Julia rediscover the hope she thought was lost forever, or will the hollowness of Marin’s absence overtake her completely? Will Erin be the exact home she always deserved, or will the past creep back in?
Writing
Morgan Park has crafted a poignant narrative that delves deep into the human experience of heartbreak and the journey toward healing. Julia’s story resonates with authenticity, offering readers a glimpse into the raw emotions and struggles that accompany such a profound loss. The seamless integration of past and present allows for a rich exploration of Julia’s emotional landscape, offering readers a fuller understanding of her journey toward acceptance and moving forward.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Julia’s story is filled with profound emotional depth and raw vulnerability. This isn’t a warm fuzzy story but one that will tear you to pieces and slowly put you back together. The portrayal of Julia’s struggles with heartbreak and healing are extremely authentic. Her internal conflicts and turmoil are relatable and I could empathize with her struggles. Anyone who has suffered heartbreak can identify with at least some aspect of Julia’s story. Along the way, Julia makes some questionable decisions, decisions that from the outside looking in could easily be judged. But these actions are a reminder that healing isn’t the same for everyone and that people make decisions that may seem irrational or questionable to outsiders but are actually necessary steps toward healing.
Erin’s character is a pillar of support and stability for Julia amidst her tumultuous emotional journey. Despite Julia’s complexities and the challenges they face in their relationship, Erin’s unwavering compassion and kindness shine through, highlighting her resilience and capacity for understanding. The dynamic between them, with Julia’s hot and cold demeanor juxtaposed with Erin’s steadfast presence, adds layers of depth to their interactions and their evolving connection. While some may think she’s a glutton for punishment, my romantic heart was right there with her through every longing look, small touch, and comforting hug. Erin’s devotion and support are a bright light in their story.
While this book is heavy with swirling emotions, there is a lightness to it that keeps it from spiraling too far into the dark. Hope, ever elusive and always just out of Julia’s sight is there, just beyond her reach. Readers can see it because they get glimpses of it in Erin’s warm smile and (Julia’s best friend) Keegan’s humor and nosiness. It’s hope that keeps this story balanced. It’s this play between light and dark, hope and despair that kept me engrossed in the story.
Heads Up
Depressive thoughts and cancer scares
The Conclusion
Hope and Other Lost Things is a powerful portrayal of the struggle that is life after a devastating heartbreak. When a person struggles to get up each day, put one foot in front of the other, and figure out how to fully live without the person they thought they would spend the rest of their life with. It’s raw, real, and captivating. Morgan Park’s ability to capture the essence of heartbreak as well as her attention to detail, insight, and wisdom kept me turning the pages. The fantastic writing paired with authenticity makes this a fantastic read!
Excerpt from Hope and Other Lost Things by Morgan Park
“Is this taken?” a voice asked in the distance.
She was pulled back to reality in full force–a sudden smack in the face shattering the bliss of mindlessness. Music blared in the background as if the muffled stereo had turned on at that very moment, begging to drown out the raucous cackles of the men who had one too many beers.
She glanced over at the bartender, Greg, who flashed his charming smile at a group of giggling girls. One hand balanced a tray full of vodka cranberries while the other wiped an already sticky counter.
Even when the world came back into view–the clarity at an optometrist exam after they flip the correct prescription onto the goggles floating in front of your face–it still hadn’t clicked that someone was talking to her.
Julia’s gaze shifted to the woman by her side, her right hand resting on the stool and a glass of white wine in her left. The woman’s captivating green eyes gazed right through her, embracing every aspect of her, imperfections and all. They didn’t scan over her glass of clear liquor, questioning her choice of drink. They didn’t merely graze her face before moving on. No, they looked deep into her soul and emerged on the other side. When was the last time someone looked at her like that?
“The seat,” the woman said, small wrinkles forming on her forehead as the corners of her mouth curved upwards, “are you saving it for someone?”
“Oh! I’m sorry,” Julia stammered, pulling her attention away from the fact that the woman’s eyes glistened like spring raindrops even in the dim lighting. “No, not at all. Please, sit.”
With an effortless grace, the woman pulled out the stool, its movement devoid of any noise at all. She sat her wine down first, carefully not clinking the glass on the sticky lacquer of the counter. Her outfit matched her confident demeanor, an undertone floating through the air that she’d done this before.
She wore fitted gray dress pants tailored to accentuate her subtle curves, tapering slightly at the ankles. Julia looked up just as she slung her perfectly pressed blazer across the stool and perched on it. Her sheer white blouse was neatly tucked into the front of her pants. Shoulder length golden brown curls bounced with each movement as she found her comfort on the worn wooden stool.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1915905406
Publisher: Spectrum Books
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