Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Melanie Foust for TeensReadToo.com
Since Sam's father is a pastor, the church members seem to expect Sam, short for Samara, and her family to be perfect.
They each deal with the pressure in different ways. Her father manages by always being there for the church, whenever anyone needs him, even if it is to the detriment of his own family. Sam's mother started drinking, just a little, then a little more, and is now in rehab. Sam is trying to be the glue that holds her family together, but things have unraveled far past her control.
Her faith in something, anything out there, used to come so easy, but now she is unsure. Her father continues to play the role of a perfect pastor, while turning a seemingly blind eye to the needs of his own household. Sam's not even sure if her mother wants to see her anymore.
When a young girl from Sam's town is kidnapped, the local tragedy affects everyone. Added to the burdens Sam already carries, it's way too much for her to handle on her own.
Sara Zarr, also the author of STORY OF A GIRL and SWEETHEARTS, has written a book in which the writing is quite lyrical, and the struggle Sam has with her faith is one that will mirror many teens' experience. With superbly well-developed characters, by the end of the book, you'll feel like you know them all.
ONCE WAS LOST is beautiful. A book in which the journey is just as important as the destination.
Since Sam's father is a pastor, the church members seem to expect Sam, short for Samara, and her family to be perfect.
They each deal with the pressure in different ways. Her father manages by always being there for the church, whenever anyone needs him, even if it is to the detriment of his own family. Sam's mother started drinking, just a little, then a little more, and is now in rehab. Sam is trying to be the glue that holds her family together, but things have unraveled far past her control.
Her faith in something, anything out there, used to come so easy, but now she is unsure. Her father continues to play the role of a perfect pastor, while turning a seemingly blind eye to the needs of his own household. Sam's not even sure if her mother wants to see her anymore.
When a young girl from Sam's town is kidnapped, the local tragedy affects everyone. Added to the burdens Sam already carries, it's way too much for her to handle on her own.
Sara Zarr, also the author of STORY OF A GIRL and SWEETHEARTS, has written a book in which the writing is quite lyrical, and the struggle Sam has with her faith is one that will mirror many teens' experience. With superbly well-developed characters, by the end of the book, you'll feel like you know them all.
ONCE WAS LOST is beautiful. A book in which the journey is just as important as the destination.
Helpful Score: 1
Sara Zarr's third novel is a triumph, a novel whose gentle pacing and complicated protagonist stole my heart. ONCE WAS LOST is the definition of YA realistic fiction: the characters are flawed, the ending's not exactly perfect, and the course of the novel has its ups and downs--but together, they create a tale that resonates with you.
Sara Zarr is not afraid to leave you with more questions than you have answers. The protagonist, Sam, goes through problems that seem both unique and yet completely relatable at the same time. The story is about the impact of a kidnapping on a church, but ONCE WAS LOST is more about Sam's adolescent turmoil of not fitting in and feeling misunderstood and alone than it is about religion. Sam questions her faith, but in the end it's about her faith in herself and her ability to come out alright in the end--a journey that everyone takes.
Subtly complex supporting characters and stellar writing combine to make ONCE WAS LOST a success. Read it for a thought-provoking time--this one's going to snatch up the awards.
Sara Zarr is not afraid to leave you with more questions than you have answers. The protagonist, Sam, goes through problems that seem both unique and yet completely relatable at the same time. The story is about the impact of a kidnapping on a church, but ONCE WAS LOST is more about Sam's adolescent turmoil of not fitting in and feeling misunderstood and alone than it is about religion. Sam questions her faith, but in the end it's about her faith in herself and her ability to come out alright in the end--a journey that everyone takes.
Subtly complex supporting characters and stellar writing combine to make ONCE WAS LOST a success. Read it for a thought-provoking time--this one's going to snatch up the awards.
