O Pioneers! – Willa Cather

Rating: 3/5

Lost References:

I only included this book because it was on some other peoples’ Lost books lists, for the flimsiest of reasons. The main character in the book is named Alexandra, and she’s in love with a man named Carl. This may possibly have a connection to Danielle’s daughter Alex(andra) and her boyfriend Karl, who both lived with the Others for most of their lives.

Thoughts:

What disappointed me was the way the book is advertised as a book with a strong heroine, supposedly an area of interest of this author. However, there are two major female characters, and neither really fit the part. I thought Alexandra might, since she was a good businesswoman who kept the farm going. But in the end, she had an emotional breakdown and only got better when the man she loved came back to her. The other main woman was Marie. First, she cheated on her husband, which is really the exact opposite of strength. Her issues are only solved by her death, which is also not the way to go. But I’m only bringing this up because of the book’s reputation. I’ll try to judge it on its own, not based on my expectations. Overall, the book went from bland to tragic and then tried to pull off a happy, or at least bittersweet ending. None of the characters were particularly memorable. It made a fine tribute to pioneer life in all its diversity, which was perhaps its strongest point. I didn’t hate the book, but I don’t need to read it again.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Rating: 5/5

Lost References:

Juliet pretends to play the movie of this book for Jack, though her tape really contains a secret message. Also, there’s an Other named Harper.

Thoughts:

It’s a tale of morality, like Lost. Also like Lost, it’s particularly well-told. One could argue that both are from the perspective of a naïve narrator. Scout in Mockingbird is a child, and while the Losties only have one child amongst them, they fumble about just as much as Scout while trying to understand the strange world around them.

Fun Fact: I share a birthday with Harper Lee.

Carrie – Stephen King

Rating: 2/5

Lost References:

Juliet chooses this book (her favorite) for the Others’ book club, even though Ben doesn’t like it. (Oddly, when Ben is later captured by the Losties, he asks Locke for Stephen King to read. Of course, this may have been part of his cover.) Juliet’s sister, Rachel, also has a copy of the book.

Fun Fact: Emilie de Ravin (Claire on Lost) played Chris Hargensen in the 2002 TV movie version of Carrie.

Thoughts:

Carrie is a disturbed, repressed girl with a supernatural gift. Since she’s a high schooler, she naturally uses it to get back at bullies. Low points: Carrie and her mother (both pretty crazy and unlovable), the ending (rushed, despite the novel being Stephen King’s usual doorstop length). High points: Stephen King (whose masterful control of the English language makes up for a lot), the Prom Scene (it’s a classic for a reason).