Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things

I found this book to be an absolute delight. It was fun and engaging, with real mysteries and intrigues while also being very whimsical. Max was so much fun, with his acting and painting and very real need to "figure things out" on his own, and the supporting characters were just as great. I liked the almost fairy-tale feeling that overarched the whole story. I sure wish I'd had it to read when I was in grade 4 or 5 because I would have absolutely loved it then, too. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. ( )

Grade: middle school, main character Max is 12 years old and attempts to live "independently" (with the help of his (Grammie who lives next door) when his parents leave him behind to pursue an exciting acting opportunity abroad.

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The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voigt

Max is only 12 years old when his parents leave him behind while they pursue a potentially exciting acting opportunity abroad. His father dramatically emphasizes that Max is old enough to be 'independent" and has no qualms about leaving him alone. Fortunately, Max has a Grammie who lives next door to help him begin to unravel a mystery when he is unable to locate his parents. Its amazing how Max rises to the occasion of being independent! He cleverly uses his father's theatre costumes to assume the roles needed to complete his job as "detective." To his chagrin, he has become as skilled at acting as his theatrical parents!

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I received this book from NetGalley to read and review.
ACR NetGalley pub 2013 ( )

Interesting characters , a little slow but still enjoyable. I'm curious to see how kids like it. ( )

I didn't finish this. Partly because I realized I was supposed to be reading a different book with the same title, but also because I didn't really see the point of it. There's an overarching plot of Max trying to find out where his parents are, but it doesn't seem all that important to Max or his grandmother. The plot seems to be Max figuring out how to make money so he can be independent of his Grammie and live in his house, even though he's only 12. It feels like the plot isn't really moving, so I'm setting this aside for now. It is cute and good for a middle grade book. I may come back to it at some point. ( )

Ah, Mister Max. What an intriguing young fellow he was. I have to tell you that, although most will list this as Middle Grade, I think it bridges the gap. It's true that our hero is a mere twelve years old. However he's wise well beyond his years and, I won't lie, his personality is infectious. Max Starling is one of those characters who is going to cause a lot of readers to smile, no matter what their age.

I'm sure you're wondering why, if I loved Max so very much, I rated this book as I did. Let me explain. The characters in this book are superb. Every single one, from Max's grandmother right on down to Pia, Max's would be apprentice, is well fleshed out. Each character has their own set of quirks. Each has their own distinct personality that makes them instantly likable, or unlikable, as the story calls for. I can't deny that I was impressed by Cynthia Voigt's characters. Max and his comrades were great fun to follow.

Sadly, it was the story line itself that fell short for me. Max's back story is fascinating enough. Raised by theatrical parents, left alone due to mysterious circumstances, and trying to manage all by himself at only twelve years old. I was excited by the prospect of what he might get up to. Still, as enjoyable as some of the situations he found himself in were, it all read very slowly. It takes a long time for anything exciting to happen in Max's story. When it did, I read eagerly. Then I'd be left waiting for the next bit of excitement. I can't say for certain, but if I was left wanting I'm sure that a younger reader would be as well.

The ending also threw me for a loop. There isn't so much a cliffhanger as there is an abrupt end to it all. I was happy to glimpse at least some of what was to come, but I really wish more had been tied up. Despite everything though, I know I'll come back for more. Max was able to peak my interest, and I want to see what happens to him, and his family, in the next book. ( )