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.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
