Sara Zarr

As the tragedy of a missing girl enfolds in her small town, fifteen-year-old Samara, who feels emotionally abandoned by her parents, begins to question her faith.

Once Was Lost

Jeannette Ordas

I was so happy that finally this book had come onto my nightstand, via library holds. I loved Sara's previous 2 books so much, so I'm a bit disappointed about this latest one (but honestly, maybe it was just all the religious stuff that skeeved me out). Regardless, it's still a very well written book but it just didn't have the same impact or resonate with me as much. Sam is lost. She's questioning everything from god, to her parents to her friends yet most of the conversations are all done in internal monologues. She never let's anyone in nor does she vent out her anger...especially with her dad. Maybe that's what I was like at 15 but somehow I kind of doubt it.

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel. In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

Izza

This book made me question my beliefs... weird lol!

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. When your father's a pastor, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reasons to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel. In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed--about God, your family, and yourself--is transformed.

Once Was Lost

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