Book Review: 102 Days of Lying About Lauren by Maura Jortner

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the 102 DAYS OF LYING ABOUT LAUREN by Maura Jortner Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Book:

Title: 102 DAYS OF LYING ABOUT LAUREN

Author: Maura Jortner

Pub. Date: June 20, 2023

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 227

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/102-DAYS-OF-LYING-ABOUT-LAUREN

After being abandoned by her mother in a most unusual place, a defiant heroine sticks to her plan for staying hidden—even though getting caught could mean saving her life.

Twelve-year-old Mouse calls an amusement park home.

Nobody notices her, and that’s the way she likes it. Mouse sweeps the streets and wears a uniform she “borrowed” and sleeps on the top floor of the Haunted House of Horrors. She knows which security guards to avoid, eats the bagel left out each morning for the Ghost of Summer (a popular theme park legend), and even has the taco guy convinced that her lunch is paid for. She has her special hiding methods down to a science. 

But one morning, a girl named Cat comes looking for Lauren Suszek. Cat notices her, and Mouse doesn’t like it. Mouse cannot let this nosy pest find out who she really is! If Mouse gets discovered living in the park, Mama might come back for her, and Mouse doesn’t want that. Or—even worse?—Mama might not come back at all. 

Mouse knows she can lose this girl without blowing her cover. She just has to follow her rules. A carefully constructed life in the park is all she needs. Right? 

Anchored by memorable characters and an extraordinary setting, Maura Jortner’s brilliant debut novel is bursting with grit, humor, and heart.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection 

Reviews:

“Debut author Jortner’s writing is smooth and interesting. . . .”—Kirkus Reviews

“A moving debut from Jortner that retains a sense of adventure while lightly exploring an experience of abandonment.”—Publishers Weekly

“Mouse is a main character to root for—with plenty of spunk, humor, and heart.” —Ben Guterson, Edgar Award-nominated author of Winterhouse

“Hilarious, absorbing, and immensely endearing, here is a story that will have your whole heart. This book is alive with ‘Park Magic.'” —Chris Baron, author of Sydney Taylor Notable Book The Magical Imperfect
 
“Told with the feel of a classic, 102 Days of Lying about Lauren is a truly special book full of hope, friendship, and heart—all the things you need to weather the worst of storms.” —Ally Malinenko, author of Ghost Girl

 

Why Should You Read This?

“102 Days of Lying About Lauren” by Maura Jortner is a remarkable and heartwarming debut novel that follows the journey of a brave and resourceful twelve-year-old girl known as Mouse. Abandoned by her mother in an amusement park, Mouse has created a hidden world for herself, determined to stay unnoticed and avoid the possibility of being found by her mother. However, her carefully constructed life takes an unexpected turn when a girl named Cat starts looking for Lauren Suszek, drawing attention to Mouse’s secret existence.

The novel skillfully portrays Mouse as a defiant and independent heroine, navigating the challenges of survival and evading discovery in a most unusual home—the amusement park. Her unique perspective and survival skills make her an endearing protagonist who captures readers’ hearts from the very beginning.

Maura Jortner excels in creating a vibrant and immersive setting—the amusement park, with its rides, secrets, and legends, becomes an integral character in the story. Mouse’s interactions with the park and its inhabitants add layers of charm and intrigue, making the novel stand out with its originality.

The narrative beautifully explores themes of family, identity, and the power of human connections. As Mouse grapples with the fear of her mother’s return and the uncertainty of her future, readers are taken on an emotional roller-coaster, witnessing her strength and determination to stay hidden, while also yearning for the love and acceptance she deserves.

The dynamic between Mouse and Cat adds depth to the story. Cat’s relentless search for Lauren Suszek forces Mouse to confront her past and the possibility of her mother returning. This confrontation with the truth becomes a pivotal moment in Mouse’s journey of self-discovery.

The author’s writing style is both gritty and heartwarming, striking a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt emotion. The story unfolds with a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and invested in Mouse’s quest for safety and belonging.

“102 Days of Lying About Lauren” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. Maura Jortner’s poignant debut novel stands out with its memorable characters, extraordinary setting, and underlying themes of hope and perseverance.

In conclusion, “102 Days of Lying About Lauren” is a captivating and heartfelt coming-of-age tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Mouse’s courage and wit, combined with the amusement park’s magical allure, create a captivating narrative that leaves a lasting impression. Maura Jortner’s debut is a true gem in the middle-grade genre, and her future works will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated by readers who enjoy stories bursting with grit, humor, and heart.

 

About Maura Jortner:

Maura Jortner teaches creative writing and literature at Baylor University. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and a cat that can do tricks. Though she doesn’t do big roller coasters, she loves a good haunted house attraction. This is her debut novel. 

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of 102 DAYS OF LYING ABOUT LAUREN, US Only.

Ends July 25^th, midnight EST

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