Once I Was Lost

Reader: Sabrina K
Age: 15
Title: Once I Was Lost
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Pub Date: October 09
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book has a great message to never give up, even in your darkest moments—that there is always the slightest bit of hope somewhere, in any situation. This book has a great message of showing that during the hard times you can decide to either make the best of it—and be optimistic, or do the complete opposite.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The author did a great job showing that every one person is important and affects one another. The character Sam realizes this when Jody goes missing. In the story, even people that knew her just a bit were affected by the loss of her and were there to support her family in help to find her. And that they were willing to do whatever it took to get her back.
Comments: At times it was a bit overlapping with all the subplots going on and some details were stressed out a bit too much. But overall it was a great story that had a deep and powerful message behind it.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover did tempt me to pick it up—it was visually intriguing. It did reflect the content of the book because Sam was always talking about fixing the garden/yard to make it look similar to the one at New Beginnings, the rehab facility her mother was staying at. This flower was one of them that Sam mentioned I believe and it, to me, represents hope—which is the main theme throughout the story.
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal