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

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