Caroline B. Cooney has written a heartfelt book about how families change. Lutie Painter is a high school student whose mother is a drug addict and is not really a part of her life. Lutie lives with her grandmother until her she fell off her porch and died. Her favorite class is choir, until the choir teacher brings in someone to quiz Lutie about her family's "lost songs." These were passed down from generation to generation.....songs from the days of slaves that have great historical and possibly monetary value. Lutie doesn't want to share them, she believes that the belong to her. Lutie's pastor thinks she should and donate the money to her church. Lutie isn't sure what to do. With the pressures of school, her friends, and so called friends,Lutie has some grown up decisions to make. I liked the book. It was interesting. Caroline Cooney is a solid writer. I had to stick with this a bit but it was well worth it. A book with hope, and heart. It's obvious Cooney knows her stuff when describing music, especially organ music, and that's not a very broad niche. I felt her authentic voice when she talked about the feelings those sweeping pieces would bring out in her character, Doria, who was an incredible musician. The voice was not as authentic when she described Lutie, our African-American singer, but the descriptions were poetic. At risk kids, the cultural differences between rich and poor, Yankee and Southerner permeated this story. I think kids with music in their souls would like this book, but it will be a tough sell unless they have that connection. (much like Notes from an Accidental Band Geek)Well worth it for those kids with an interest.
What do You think about The Lost Songs (2011)?
I liked this well enough, but it didn't have the same suspense or tension that I expect from Cooney.
—joanne3198
I rarely give 5 stars but I absolutely LOVED this book! Read it for yourself, it's a must read!
—anni
