The Department of Lost and Found

Natalie Miller, a 30-year-old political aide in New York City, receives a breast cancer diagnosis the same week her boyfriend leaves her for another woman. She begins chemotherapy treatments while trying to maintain her demanding career working for a female senator. During her treatment, Natalie starts reconnecting with her past by tracking down her five most significant ex-boyfriends. She also keeps a diary documenting her experiences with cancer and begins forming an unexpected bond with her oncologist. Between medical appointments and work commitments, Natalie grapples with questions about her life choices, her relationships, and her future. Her mother moves in to help care for her, forcing Natalie to confront their complex relationship. The novel explores themes of self-discovery and resilience, showing how life's biggest challenges can lead to personal transformation. Through Natalie's journey, the story examines how people redefine themselves when faced with mortality and loss.

Readers found this to be a light but meaningful story about self-discovery through illness. Many connected with the protagonist's journey through breast cancer treatment and her process of re-examining past relationships. What readers liked: - Authentic portrayal of cancer treatment experiences - Balance of serious themes with humor - Natural character growth - Relatable workplace and dating scenarios What readers disliked: - Some found the protagonist initially unlikeable - Political campaign subplot felt unnecessary to many - Several readers noted pacing issues in the middle - Some wanted more resolution with certain characters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (85 ratings) "The author nails the small details of chemo treatment without making the story depressing," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review mentioned: "Started slow but evolved into a thoughtful examination of how we view our past choices."

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🌟 Author Allison Winn Scotch wrote this novel partly inspired by her own experience watching close friends battle breast cancer in their early thirties 📝 The protagonist's journey through chemotherapy was extensively researched through interviews with oncologists and cancer survivors to ensure medical accuracy 🎵 Each chapter opens with a song that was #1 on the Billboard charts on a significant date in the main character's life, creating a musical timeline of memories 💼 The novel explores the high-pressure world of New York politics, drawing from the author's previous career as a contributor to political publications 🤍 The book's original working title was "The Life List," referring to the protagonist's habit of making lists to maintain control during chaos