Customer Reviews

The Myth of Lost: Solving the Mysteries and Understanding the Wisdom

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

In The Myth of Lost, Marc Oromaner has an idea about what is really happening on the mysterious unnamed island and exactly how the many mysteries will come together in the end. He proposes a theory, provides evidence for that theory, and effectively argues how it will play out. Many readers have examined his belief and concluded that his ending will turn out to be correct, yet some are skeptical. The question I asked myself while I was reading, however, wasn't "Is he right?" but rather "Is this plausible?" And yes, his solution is definitely plausible. Even if you don't agree with his premise, you will still gain insight into the characters, will look at our beloved show through the author's perceptive eyes, will toss around something you haven't considered before. And it's just plain fun.

A myth is a story used to teach others about who we are and the world in which we live. Sometimes a myth may contain elements of the supernatural to explain what is natural to those of us who need to be bonked over the head to grasp any piece of truth. Lost is certainly a myth. To demonstrate this, Oromaner carefully lays out the structure of Lost and the reasons that it is much, much more than just a story. He walks us through Jung's archetypes and explains why there is something familiar to us about Kate, Jack, Locke, Hurley etc., all with his own unique voice.

A myth is also designed to teach, to tell a cautionary tale, to illustrate principles we each could learn to successfully navigate our way through life. Holding to that, Oromaner then turns the myth around for us to apply our knowledge of Lost and myth to our own lives. If that sounds hokey, it isn't. He took something that could have been preachy and made it worth considering.

Oromaner understands what a myth is and how it elevates one of the things we universally love the most - stories. Not that he confuses myth with storylines, and he is careful to define the difference between the two. He separates the true mysteries, the myth, (what is the smoke monster) from the surface mysteries, the storyline. (will Kate pick Jack or Sawyer)

Readers are guided through some of the most confounding mysteries of the show and provided an explanation. He addresses Smokey, The Others, Dharma, the mommy/baby issue, the numbers, Jacob, The Black Rock, and why the show often starts with a close-up of an eye etc. Perhaps his most convincing argument pertains to Hurley and some of his connections, such as Leonard Simms, Dave, and the numbers. Hurley is our every man, and he voices our, the viewer's, confusion in a humorous, simplistic way. In a similar vein, Oromaner's theory fits seamlessly when we view Hurley through this solution.

Other pleasures in the book are Oromaner's sense of humor. There is an offbeat suggestion that Ana Lucia will be "dug up and discovered to have been a man", which made me both laugh out loud and remember how little I liked her character. And for the few who didn't detest Nikki and Paolo, this book is the closest thing they will get to a defense. Also, Oromaner helped me revisit some of Locke's inconsistencies to see him more clearly. He also shares my love of Desmond's role in the myth. And any mention of Desmond is one worth reading. As a whole, his writing is clear, direct, and fast paced. Lost ties in multiple pop culture, literary, spiritual, and philosophical references; Oromaner does the same. Whether you agree or disagree with his theory, the book is well thought out, with an explanation that works for the puzzles big and small, some better than others, including the doomed Henry Gale and his balloon.

Among many reasons to geeky too list here, I watch Lost primarily because it's fun and engaging. This is the same reason I love Oromaner's book. Plus, holding the book in my hands and turning each page allowed me to dwell in the Lost world just a bit longer, for I'm always happy to disappear in there.

For those who have trouble coming to grips with Oromaner's suggested ending, consider this. The ending of a story is never what a myth is all about; the journey is the most significant. The journey is the reason we keep turning every page, why we pay to sit through a movie, the reason we connect to a particular character (Desmond) or develop an intense hatred for other characters. (Ana Lucia anyone?) In Lord of the Rings, for example, I was pleased at the end when Frodo finally threw the ring into the fire, relieved when he and Sam made it home safely, and happy to watch Aragorn marry Arwen. However, the real satisfaction, the reason I read each book and watched all three movies more often than I should admit, was because I fell in love with the characters and was inexplicably drawn in to their journey. The same is true with Lost. I engage each week because I love getting one question answered only to have two more spring up. I love the people, the weirdness, the conflict.

I tuned into this book for much the same reason that I read articles about the show and scour the internet for people's theories... to prolong my own journey in Lost. Even though Oromaner has suggested an ending, it is NOT all about the ending. It's the process, the fun, the speculation. Oromaner doesn't have to be right about the ending, though he may well be. It's about each of us getting lost in the island's freakiness. Oromaner's book is part of my lost journey, my love of solving the puzzle. But if we believe in what a myth does, the ending is only one part of the whole.

The next puzzle for me to solve is what exactly I'm going to do with my life once Lost is over.

I have been a LOST devotee since the premiere, even though I have become more confused with each passing episode. Even feeing that way, I still found the show interesting and fun and figured (hoped) that there has to be some big payoff at the end.

I picked up Oromaner's book wanting to read a theory on the solution to the show without it being spoiled. Well, I got that and more. The author presents a solution that makes so much sense that I can't imagine LOST ending any other way. The overall theory Oromaner provides fits the show perfectly and then he takes almost every character (including ones I don't remember) and gives them a "purpose" that fits his solution. A few of the ideas seem a little far fetched, but they are definitely fun to read. The author also points out dozens of meaningful connections the show makes to "our world" that I never picked up on; from pop culture references to Renaissance philosophers.

And finally, and most importantly, this book exposes the spiritual meaning behind the theory and how it really does apply to how we live our own lives and how we can live them better. This is not heavy reading; it's written in a light, positive way by someone who seems to be very insightful.

I watched this show all along having no idea that it was designed to be so much more than just a prime time vehicle for ABC. After reading Oromaner's solution, I look forward to watching the show with a different eye. It will still be entertainment but now I know there is something much bigger for me hiding in the story. (and I can't wait to see if this theory is right). Read this book...you'll laugh, you'll think and you'll wonder.

I'm a lost fan. Not a huge one, but been watching since episode 1. Ever
since I started watching, I let the show come to me versus searching for
answers. After 4 years I was getting a little frustrated and wanted to know
more. That's when I found this book. WOW. Lot's of answers, but does not
ruin the LOST experience at all. If anything, I'll watch the show with new
eyes. Challenges you to view the show in a different way from week to week.
Not sure I 100% agree with final theory, but love the fact that everything
fits together. 1 more note. How this book/story takes a turn to relate to
the universe and your life was a little unexpected, but made it an adventure
worth experiencing. Definitely written from a male perspective and even has
some witty humor. Go ahead, lose yourself in it.

The author's theory is based on Seasons 1-3 and therefore fits accordingly. At first I wasn't too crazy about the theory proposed but the more I read, it started to make sense. However, Season 4 and the current 5th Season shows that the theory has a lot of holes. I would be interesting to see how the author would reconcile his theory with the events that have happened on the show since the book was published. Some of his theory would hold up with certain scenes or events but not a vast majority of them. The rescue of the Oceanic 6, the big time travel element and the return to the Island by Jack, Kate, Sayid, Hurley, Sun, Locke and Ben are particular elements that make the simulation theory problematic.

Also, the author is a bit high on himself and his theory at times wihtout needing to be. He gets a little self-righteous at times. He repeatedly makes the assumption that the producers and writers of LOST have no idea about the depth of the show and its themes. It's pretty clear to me, especially in Seasons 4 and 5, that the writers had every detail nearly concocted from the show's inception. I think they understand it extremely well and considering that the show hasn't waned in story or character development, LOST should come to a satisfying conclusion.

And while I appreciate the author's decision to not get too immersed in all of the relationship details, he is too quick to dismiss many aspects of the show as "soap opery." I believe he underestimates some key dialogue and connections that taken as a whole paint the mythic story and experience that is LOST.

What's more interesting at this point is the themes and the relationships that exist in the show. Eventually they will point toward a conclusion that may have the best parts of various theories but will be completely unique and amazing on its own.

Still, this is a good book to get the thoughts and discussions going and the author hits the nail on the head with the analyzation of the characters and how their stories effect the understanding of our own stories and relationships.

One of the most frustrating aspects of being a LOST fan is that it is OFF the air for so long in between seasons. The Myth of LOST is so engaging, in-depth, and full of richness, that you actually feel like no time has passed while you wait for the next installment! Marc Oromaner is clearly able to delve into this complex show at a higher level than most, but he also has the remarkable ability to put those ideas and concepts into a format that makes you feel like someone finally put your thoughts together for you. I loved this book for so many reasons, and do not want to spoil it any further with my own analysis.

Starved for something LOST related to feed my obsession between seasons, I took a friend's recommendation and read this book. Of all the LOST theories I've heard on podcasts or read on websites, Oromaner's theory is by far the most fleshed out. The author fits major character stories, minor character stories, obscure flashbacks, island adventures, and completely out of left field Nicky and Paulo episodes into his over- arching theory for the show- sometimes seamlessly and sometimes with a crowbar, but always nice and snug. I found myself looking for holes a few chapters in- "There's no way he's going to be able to fit THAT into his theory," only to find he was up to the challenge a few pages ahead. I won't give away the overall big idea of the book, but I will say that if the show doesn't play out the way Oromaner predicts it will, then he should take his ideas and write something himself. Whether you would be satisfied with the ending the author predicts for LOST or not, you have to appreciate that this guys gears are turning.

Overall, this was a fun and interesting read that makes me look forward to the next season even more. I gave it the full amount of stars for being entertaining and educational.

I have to admit, I did not watch LOST when it was on the first year...or the second year for that matter. However, I was given Season I by a friend and told "I can't believe you don't watch this show. You would love it. Just give it a chance." Well, about three seasons in one weekend later I was in love and hooked! So when the opportunity to read The Myth of Lost came about, I jumped at the chance. For those who love the TV series, the book is a must read. Oromaner's hypotheses are brilliant! It's unbelievable the way this guy thinks! I can't imagine the show ending any other way and I think I'll be really disappointed if it does. But what's truly special is the way Oromaner challenges us all to rise up and be our best selves. The book is honest about how easy it is to lose our true selves but it's also filled with hope and wonderment for the possibilities that exist if we are willing to "listen to the whispers," "take a leap of faith" and plunge head first into our destinies!

I purchased the Myth of Lost last week, after finding it on Amazon.com. It is fascinating, and I spent a "lost" weekend reading it. This book is highly recommended for "Lost" fans, even those who don't want to read spoilers, because nothing the author says is all that terribly surprising (at least it wasn't to me). One thing I found particularly interesting is the references the author makes to predecessors -- Blade Runner, Total Recall especially. Some of the early rumors about season 5 lead me to believe that Oromaner is onto something! Highly recommended.

As far as interpreting LOST goes, I found that Marc's book calmed me down and made me less concerned with trying to understand everything and more excited about seeing how these characters (including the Island) evolve over the course of the series. It made me want to watch every episode again because I know I'll do it with a fresh perspective...which is always fun, right?

But THE MYTH OF LOST is much more than just an exploration of the show. It offers a way of looking at life. Marc is so knowledgeable about life (from classic literature to pop culture and everything in between!) and so humorous and so open. Part SECRET, part PSYCHOLOGY, part MYTHOLOGY, Marc weaves all of his knowledge into a wonderful tapestry that can actually serve to guide you, if you let it.

My favorite line is underlined in RED and helped me see the light:

"...don't just wish for your dreams to be fulfilled, know that they will be, and act accordingly."

Indeed.

THANK YOU, MARC! I can't WAIT to read your next book: "The Layman's Answers to Everything"

Being a Lost dropout who ran out of patience for the show, I haven't kept up with any Lost blogs, Lost books, or any Lost episodes after season two. However, an interest in spirituality and Joseph Campbell (author of Myths to Live by) was enough for me to give this Lost book a chance.

As stated in the preface, there are two main reasons the author decided to write The Myth of Lost. Firstly, being disappointed by endings of various sci-fi movies and TV shows (and fearing the same for Lost), Oromaner shares his theories that he feels keep in line with the universal truths that are past down in myths. The second reason is to illustrate how Lost can make sense out of our own lives.

The first part of the book was great. Oromaner explains with clarity what myths are and why they are so important in this day and age. He uses everything in the media--movies, TV shows, pop songs, even the Bible to illustrate his points with a spoonful of humor. His chapter on archetypes is excellent. During the middle part of the book (The Lost Solution) however, Oromaner loses some steam for a reader like me. My main critique is that by focusing in on mainly one theory the section becomes somewhat repetitive. I would have preferred if Oromaner went into depth regarding multiple theories and analyzed each of their mythological relevances respectively. Nonetheless, Oromaner deserves credit because he kept it interesting enough to read through sections of characters and scenarios that are unfamiliar territory for me. The author is at his best when he is psychologically analyzing a character, recognizing anagrams hidden within the show, and illustrating how its many mysterious elements can all fit into his theory. On a side note, while I don't think Oromaner's main theory is going to blow any lost fans away, there are some very intriguing aspects to it which make it definitely worth reading and I was pretty impressed with how it all fit together. As stated by Oromaner, "according to the myth of lost, the world we live in is an illusion--a materialistic wonderland created to help us experience ourselves as individuals." The last section of the book focuses on how to apply this knowledge to our everyday lives. He touches on the controversial Laws of Attraction and challenges us to live within a new thinking paradigm that Lost depicts. This section, for me, was the book's best. My only critique here is that I wish it were longer--especially when compared to the other sections of the book.

I think most Lost viewers will really enjoy the book since it makes the show's messages relevant on a personal level. I'm giving it four stars because I enjoyed it even though I walked away from the show. Also, Oromaner--despite not writing the book I wish he'd written--did accomplish what he clearly defined in his preface, and did it in a way that I found intriguing and fun to read. Finally, he might succeed in getting a stubborn lost dropout back into being Lost.