Name: Sweethearts
ISBN: 9780316029261

Sara Zarr

As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also one another's only friend. So when Cameron disappears without warning, Jennifer thinks she's lost the only person who will ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be -- but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend. When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken. From National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr, Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.

Sweethearts

After losing her soul mate, Cameron, when they were nine, Jennifer, now seventeen, transformed herself from the unpopular fat girl into the beautiful and popular Jenna, but Cameron's unexpected return dredges up memories that cause both social and emotional turmoil.

Hannah Yang

Sweethearts was definitely not what I expected it (read: not a cute, light, fluffy read about cookies or something). I know I haven't rated it super highly, but let me start by saying that I definitely recommend it. If you ever have the chance to, pick it up.

I think the reason I enjoyed this was its length: only about 200 pages, which wasn't too long or too short. If the story was shorter, it wouldn't have been complete; if it was longer, it would have dragged on. Sweethearts is the story of Jennifer and Cameron, childhood best friends (only friends) who were unfortunately separated. Now, Jennifer's "Jenna" and she's left behind her friendless, miserable childhood days. But she still can't shake the fact that Cameron disappeared without a trace. Then, as suddenly as he leaves, he returns.

Let me cut in by saying Cameron's return disappointed me a little. The blurb intrigued me so much: When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken. It sounded like it would be a magical past-hunting story where the two get to know each other again. Nope. While Cameron's return is not without fanfare, and it was definitely significant, the only time they tried to confront the memories of their past together didn't even happen. 

And although they have certainly gone down different roads, they barely even talk about it. It's like their relationship went in a standstill and is continuing without missing a beat. It's sort of good because that really shows the strength of their friendship, but also bad because.. what about the plot? There were so many things that could have happened that didn't. So much unused potential in this story.

The writing was nice, though - I enjoyed the alternating Jennifer/Jenna perspectives and slowly getting to see what happened in Jennifer's past with Cameron. Although this is a YA book (probably because of the physical relationship with Jenna/Ethan & the drinking that occurs later?), it's written relatively simply, so it was a super quick read for me.

The characters were... alright. Jenna seemed so plain to me. Physically attractive, nice personality, funny (though: why does she always have to say she's making a joke in the narration?), has an adorable boyfriend, lots of good friends, nice house and family.. she seems like a pretty average kid to me. There just wasn't all that much complexity to her character.

Cameron was not much better. He sort of just came and went throughout the story (literally and non-literally) and didn't leave much of an impact on me. There were a few moments with Jenna that I enjoyed, but otherwise.. he unfortunately faded into the background for me. How can one of the main characters fade into the background, you wonder? 

I'll tell you: a very annoying, overprotective boyfriend called Ethan. I really didn't like him. He was just a permanently concerned boyfriend who spent most of the novel mad at Jenna or Cameron or both. Yet, he was in so many parts of the story that I couldn't ignore him if I tried. I was hoping the book would be focused on Jenna and Cameron's relationship and how they came together again, but instead, I get Jenna's whiny boyfriend. Whoop-de-doo.

I think the reason I'm still recommending Sweethearts is because I genuinely enjoyed the novel and I thought it was a quick enough read to be worth your time. The plot is unique, so if you're looking for something to refresh your bookworm brain, this could be your pick! It was a simple story and didn't have any lasting impact on me, but by the end I thought, huh, that was cute and nice. 

Although it deals with some darker topics (barely) Sweethearts manages to keep things on the lighter side. I know the ending was probably supposed to be sad or thought provoking, but it wasn't for me. It was just a satisfying conclusion to a nice story that's worth a read.


  There's one I always come back to: me and Cameron Quick, lying on the ground in an aspen grove on a golden fall day, the aspen leaves clattering and quaking the way they do. Cameron turning to me, reaching out a small and dirty hand, which I take and do not let go.

Mae Erceg

I seriously want what Jennifer and Cameron have: this soulmate-like bond where the only comfort they need in the world is just laying next to each other. They have no need to speak or act like a couple (like having sex or kissing). They just get each other and love each other's company. It's mind blowing but incredibly sweet. I will infinitely love this book <33

Jeannette Ordas

After Zarr's Story of a Girl, I was pretty excited to find this in my stack of library holds. It does not disappoint. Classic YA subject matter, well written and real characters. I loved it.

Autumn 

** spoiler alert **
           I loved it but still am not satisfied with the ending. I know they really realized their love and got to the point of love that every one talks about and want to reach it: Knowing each other without really being with each other. but I'd rather a happy ending that was touchable not that I like graphic stories or am a materialist but at least I won't ache for a cheesy story at the end.

Milana Marie Waller

I’m just overall confused with this plot ... what happened ? Did Jenna/Jennifer change ? I just don’t really understand . The beginning was really good , with the flashbacks and such . But ... Cameron and Jenna aren’t a couple, yet they love each other and hold hands and stuff ? I am just ... what ??

Oh , and what is this cover//title and what does it have to do with the he actual book and or play whatsoever ??! NOTHING AT ALL ! Ugh . 


Yes. The writing style of this book entertained me . However , the plot was awful . I dunno , maybe I just don’t get it . But I am glad I didn’t pay full price for this book .

Sweethearts

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