Review:

‘Lost & Found’

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     Members of Hampton Village Book Club, an inspirational book group sponsored by Lovett Memorial Library of Pampa, Texas, and hosted by Hampton Village housing development in Pampa, recently chose to read “Lost & Found: One Daughter’s Story of Amazing Grace” by Kathryn Slattery.

     Slattery, according to the bio on the book flap, has been associated with “Guideposts” and has other books in addition to “Lost & Found” to her credit.

     “Lost & Found” actually spawned a very lively and in-depth discussion among HVBC members (also referred to here as HVBC’ers). Slattery writes of her turbulent and often disappointing relationship with her mother as well as her struggles with an eating disorder at a time when little was known about eating disorders and little help was available.

     This blogster thoroughly enjoyed “Lost & Found.” However, not all HVBC’ers agreed. The main objection to this biographical, non-fiction title was its narrow triangulation on the main character and the resulting lack of action intermingled with the prose. There is no doubt the book is introspective. It is navel-gazing at its best couched in the humblest of terms. Consequently, readers who like a few thrills — even in their non-fiction selections — will be disappointed.

     The latter half of the book is faith-filled and interlaced with enlightened discoveries-slash-observations by Slattery. On the minus side, this blogster felt Slattery let her father off with somewhat of a free pass. The ending is positive if lacking in resolution. The book will more than likely resonate with readers who’ve experienced troubled relationships with their mamas.

     In fact, several HVBC’ers — who deeply identified with the mother/daughter conflict would, I think — or, rather, I speculate — give the book a solid four stars out of five. Alas, this blogster, who has been blessed to have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with her mother, gives the memoir a solid three stars which is good, but far from ‘absolutely marvelous.’ (Disclaimer: This blogster seldom hands out five stars! Therefore, three stars by this blogster is good.)

     Check-out “Lost & Found” on the shelves of Lovett Memorial, 111 N. Houston. The book is shelved upstairs with the biographies. Call or stop by the front desk of the library for more information, 806.669.5780.

     HVBC meets once a month in the main office at Hampton Village on Alcock. Visitors are welcome. The group will next meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, June 23 at Hampton Village. For more information, contact the library.