Lost and Found editor Kris Jacen

[Rick]

New for May 2013, an anthology featuring 11 stories by 10 popular writers; Dakota Chase, DC Juris, Jeff Erno, Tabatha Heart, Caitlin Ricci, Diana Adams, DH Starr, Michele L. Montgomery, MF Kays and T.A. Webb. All giving up their time, talent and royalties to bring awareness and assistance to LGBTQI youth.

Blurb:
Some statistics say that 40% of all homeless teens are GLBT. They’re on the streets after their families have thrown them away, told them that they don’t matter, that they’re not normal. Well, guess what? Those families are wrong. This collection of stories by ten talented authors spans the spectrum (historical, paranormal, transgender, cutter, gay) to show that – it’s okay, there are people out there that care, and these teens are perfect just the way they are.

All royalties from this anthology are being donated to Lost-n-Found Youth in Atlanta, Georgia. A wonderful charity working with these teens, helping them find their new place and get on their feet.

My Review:
Lost and Found features 11 incredible stories with young people at a point in life where they are feeling isolated or hopeless and then discover how things can turn in a brighter direction. These are stories that affirm every life's absolute value and the need for hope. Our brave protagonists have their lives pulled out from under them through intolerance and bigotry. We also meet people who offer hope and a helping hand along the way.

A personal favourite is "A Ghost of a Chance" by Diane Adams, the story of Carter, a young guy feeling lonely and unloved and prone to self-harm incidents. He meets Phillip in an amazingly rich dream sequence/alternate reality. It was so beautiful to read along as he moves from ambivalent about life and living to firmly dedicated to live-on and find love. As I finished this story, I had tears streaming down my face. Joyful tears at the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. And also some sad tears, thinking about those already lost. It is powerful stuff and a testament to the writing skills flowing through this anthology.

There's an eclectic mix of stories, mainly contemporary, but also paranormal and a wonderful historical. Some stories are interconnected and continue the narrative, or jump forward to a later time in life, or provide an alternate point of view.

All 10 authors are donating their royalties to Lost-n-Found Youth Inc, a non-profit working with teens to help them find their new place and get on their feet. I purchased my copy directly from Featherweight Press to maximize royalty payments and cut out middlemen.

A definite 5 star read and one that I am certain to re-visit. Engaging, entertaining and heartwarming, I found myself thinking about people in my own life and also those whose real life circumstances I can only imagine. I finished this book wanting to do more and spread hope. Congratulations and thank you to all involved.