Unlocking the Meaning of Lost: An Unauthorized Guide - Softcover

Lynnette Porter; David Lavery

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1402207263 ISBN 13: 9781402207266

Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc, 2006

Synopsis

Examines the mysteries, plotlines, and characters of the popular ABC network series, "Lost," and explores the spiritual and philsophical concerns of the show.

About this title

About the Author

Lynnette Porter is an associate professor in humanities in the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has written critical analysis of The Lord of the Rings. She lives in Daytona, Florida.

David Lavery is the author of nine books, including studies of Twin Peaks, The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Reviews

ABC's hit show, Lost, goes under the knife as Porter, a humanities professor, and Lavery, who has written studies about other shows including Twin Peaks, investigate the show's mysteries and provide valuable explanations of the show's plotlines and characters, along with speculation as to how they may be interlinked. The authors analyze the show's predecessors-Gilligan's Island, Jurassic Park and the Stephen King novella, The Langoliers-and posit "Lost's ongoing narrative drive is modeled, in what may be a television first, on the storyworld of video games." Loftier questions dealing with philosophical and spiritual concerns (Is technology good or bad? How do people define who they are? Does man have free will, or is he controlled by destiny?) are posed and left to the reader to ponder. The writers are remarkably conversant with the show and the subculture it's spawned, and though this makes for an insightful and satisfying read, the narrative can get bogged down in debating contradictory or insignificant details. With easy-reading plot summaries, intriguing predictions and swift overviews of the show's philosophical underpinnings, the book is sure to be a hit with fans.
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In just a little under two seasons, the ABC drama Lost has already garnered a devoted and fervent fan base and helped turn things around for a struggling network. Porter and Lavery venture inside the phenomenon, examining the different aspects of the show that have garnered it such a loyal audience. From a title that carries meaning on many different levels to the religious symbolism in the show to characters that defy the stereotypes they first appear to fit so neatly into, Porter and Lavery show just how inventive Lost is. They also delve into how the show's creators and writers created buzz for the show, building excitement through hype before the show even began. They've retained that fan base by going far beyond the hour of new drama each week--official Web sites tease and illuminate the show's mysteries, and the writers and cast even take time to visit fan sites to gauge audience reaction and theories about the show. An all-encompassing guide for those who want to dig deeper into this complex, compelling show. Kristine Huntley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1402207263
• ISBN 13: 9781402207266
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 293