THE BEAUTIFUL LOST

Hallie Clarke does a fantastic job narrating the intense love and sadness that are teen Maia's life. Maia describes the debilitating effects of depression and her suicide attempt with a matter-of-fact tone that lets the imagery of the words speak for itself. Clarke gives Maia more emotion when she expresses her displeasure with the woman who is her soon to be her stepmother. Disdain and a desperation to be left alone also fill Maia's voice. Maia has struggled with depression since her mother left, and Maia is determined to find her. Billy, a boy in her class who lives in a group home, is haunted by his own troubles. Soon, he and Maia are unlikely companions on a road trip to find her mom. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2018]