The Myth of Lost: Solving the Mysteries and Understanding the Wisdom
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Average customer review:Product Description
Can a television show provide insight into the meaning of our lives? The Myth of Lost explores a fascinating solution to the mysterious television series and reveals how the show contains startling hidden wisdom that can be used in real life.
From haunting whispers and tropical polar bears, to a shapeless monster and an omnipresent set of numbers, Lost has provided a never-ending supply of questions and few answers. Using the characters and themes from the show, Marc Oromaner delves into its complexities while uncovering a simple, yet fulfilling, resolution that can provide meaning for everyone. According to the myth of Lost, the world we live in is an illusionary wonderland created to challenge us to reach new heights. Through intriguing examples, Oromaner explains how this myth can help us find the clues in our own lives, and ultimately, solve them.
Many of us have been lost at one time or another, yet Oromaner illustrates that we are all connected, and are here to improve ourselves and help others do the same. By deciphering the mysteries of a groundbreaking series, The Myth of Lost introduces us to a new way of thinking and shows how we play an integral part in determining our own fate.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #50996 in Books
- Published on: 2008-09-17
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 184 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
"A compelling, fascinating read for fans of the show. I've pondered numerous ways the Lost producers could end the series, but rarely has anyone presented an argument as detailed as the one found in The Myth of Lost. I was mightily impressed with Oromaner's Lost knowledge, and I'm interested to see if his theory ties into the final seasons of the show. I had a lot of fun reading the book, and I hope my review encourages people to pick it up." -- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
"Oromaner doesn't just speculate as many other Lost theorists do, he points to evidence in the show to back up nearly every aspect of his theory. As a result, The Myth of Lost is extremely persuasive. I haven't come across another explanation that is this complete. There are thousands of theories floating around about what is actually taking place on that island, but most of them are either too convoluted, have gaping holes or both. Oromaner's theory is the best I've read and is easy to follow. The book itself is a lot of fun with writing that is intelligent and witty, yet retaining a conversational feel. In short, The Myth of Lost is a must-read for serious Lost fans (and hopefully the Lost writers)". -- Shannan Korn, The Tailsection's "lost_grrl" and forum administrator
"Oromaner’s theory in The Myth of Lost is impressive in how it explains almost everything in a neat and simple package. I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, or shouting, "Oh my God, he totally called it!!" when Oromaner provided either theoretical support or predictions. I highly encourage anyone who enjoys reading and understanding more about Lost to read this book. Oromaner does an absolutely amazing job covering every base, from the characters and mysteries to the subplots and all the connections. Besides Lost fans, I’d even recommend The Myth of Lost to anyone who is looking for answers and insight into their own lives." -- Aimee Noto, The Lost Initiative podcast
From the Publisher
Since the premiere of Lost over four years ago, the immensely popular show has started a phenomenon unlike anything ever seen before. Lost's increasingly twisted plot lines, fascinating characters, and bizarre scenarios have kept millions of viewers coming back for more, hoping for clues to unravel its mystery. Author Marc Oromaner aims to help viewers make sense of it all with his book, The Myth of Lost: Solving the Mysteries and Understanding the Wisdom. By offering an intriguing solution and deciphering what it means in the real world, Oromaner reveals that Lost isn't just a television show, it's a spiritual guide to understanding life.
From the Author
The Myth of Lost offers a solution to all mysteries of the hit TV show and what they mean in the real world. This solution is simple yet fulfilling, satisfying diehard fans while providing meaning for everyone.
Here are three clues to what it's all about:
1. Ever notice how all the survivors on Lost are either very rich, have a close relative who's very rich, or are criminals? And the show goes out of its way to point this out.
2. You know that chikita-chik chickita-chik chickita-chik sound the smoke monster makes? Wanna know what that sound is from? Perhaps you've even found it to be familiar? Especially if you live in New York. What is it? According to producers, it's the sound of a receipt being printed out of a New York City taxicab. Even more interesting, when Rose first heard the sound of the monster during the pilot episode, she said that it sounded familiar to her--and Rose is from the Bronx. Hmmm...
3. It's no secret that all of the survivors on Lost have some pretty major issues. And whenever they solve them, they die. A lot of people thought that this was proof that they were in purgatory. I believe there's a much more intriguing reason--a reason more befitting of a show called, Lost.
Customer Reviews
Fun and Engaging Read
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.
Lighthearted and Enlightening!
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.
A must-read for serious Lost fans
I can't speak for the casual fan because I've been an obsessed Lost fan since the Pilot episode, and I've posted literally thousands of times on the various Lost fan forums.
I just recently finished The Myth of Lost, and I'm astonished at how much I enjoyed it, considering I've read many abbreviated versions of the basic premise of the theory on the various Lost fan forums, and I'd never once bought into that premise.
The Myth of Lost has me revisiting everything I've ever thought about the show. It's the only theory I've read, to date, that can account for both the monster and the pregnancy problem. It's the best explanation I've ever read for the purple sky event and the whispers.
The book was written before Season 4 and at first I thought, "well, much of S4 disproves it". But when I look back at large and small S4 events and think them out, I'm increasingly persuaded that Oromaner's premise is sound. I'm even bouncing it against the Season 5 spoilers, and it still holds.
I'm not sure how much to say here about the premise. Mainly out of respect for all the work the author put into it, but also because some folks might prematurely judge the premise without reading the book, and that would be a shame.
Any part of the book I'd quote here wouldn't do it justice; the whole IS greater than the sum of the parts.
The Myth of Lost is a must-read for everyone who's ever written, commented on, or pondered a theory about the Lost mysteries, great and small. I'll be keeping this book close by as I watch Season 5.




