Whoa. Yep. This was a… whoa book. I mean, I finished it and just stared at a wall for five minutes. I’m not even kidding. It’s a book I tear up talking about. Or in this case, writing about it. Hang on, lemme grab some tissues. Kay. Got my tissues. *deep breath.* (Sorry, I’m a crier, alright?!)
Title: Once was Lost
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 1, 2009
Source: bought at consignment sale
Synopsis: 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.
From what I’ve noticed, Sara Zarr writes some pretty deep books. I got this one at a consignment sale, and I recognized the author’s name. It wasn’t until I got home I realized Sara Zarr is also the author of The Lucy Variations, a book I totally DNF’d (Did Not Finish), because it was, uh, boring. I could see how some people might think this one is boring, too, and in the beginning I’m gonna be honest. It was all I could do to not just throw the book across the room. The whole mood of the book was so SAD!
Let me explain. PK. (Preacher’s Kid.) Whose mom just landed in rehab because of a DUI. And her father may or may not be flirting with the young youth pastor. And one of her friend’s (or more-than-a-friend) sister has just disappeared. Uh-huh. Sam’s starting to doubt God, and I was starting to doubt this book. Buuut I kept going, and it was ah-maaaaz-ing. Grace. (Hahahahaha! See that? What I did there? Once Was Lost. Amazing Grace. Yep.)
The main character, Sam, was completely confused. About God, love, her mom, her dad, her friends. Basically, her whole life. I seriously wondered how Sara Zarr could pack so much in such a short book. But one way or the other, she did, and it was awesome.
The little love story was pretty good, but what I really appreciated about the romance in this book is it’s not the main plot. If anything, the relationship between Sam and her love interest, Nick, got them both through some hard times. But then it wasn’t like they were together just because they were hurting. It was more than that. It was perfect. And the way it ended was perfect, too. It left you wondering, but pretty confident in how it would turn out.
Okay, THE ENDING. The ending was PERFECT. I know I’m throwing that word around a lot in this review, but it seriously was. But it was sad, too. (I know, I know, I’m not making any sense.) It just sort of left me stunned. Plus I finished it at night, and the thought of the 13-year-old girl who went missing in the book tugged at my heart. Because that happens everyday. And it freaks me out. But the great thing about this book is Sam learns that whether or not you know it, God’s got everything in his hands.
While we’re talking about the girl who went missing in the book. This book has some pretty heavy material. [learn_more caption=” Spoilers! (More Detail about the content; if you’re not sure about reading this, or are a younger reader, have your parents check this out. ;)”] The girl does end up being found, but as it turns out, she was kidnapped by a 47-year-old man no one even ever suspected, an organist at their church. (I know, awful and creepy!) It doesn’t say what he did to her or go into detail. (It just gives that. The facts.) The book talked about the fact that the girl could have been murdered, but nothing went into detail. As the story progresses, it’s on the news that a human hand is found in the woods, but it’s not linked to the little girl who went missing, and it’s kind of joked about. “Hey, everyone, if you’re missing a hand, call this number on the radio…” Still, the book does have some content that may not be appropriate for younger readers, or depending on your standards. [/learn_more]
Overall, this book was incredible! Five stars!
So does this sound like something you’d like to read? Have you read Once Was Lost, or any books by Sara Zarr?
I’ve heard about this book. I wasn’t sure I wanted it though, mostly because of the content. Even though this sounds like a tear jerker, (which I love in books, to be quite honest) the material sounds to heavy for my taste. That type of thing happens in the world all the time and it upsets me so much, but I know my family and friends are always in a bubble that’s resistant to things like that. I think I’ll pass on this book but I’m glad I saw your review before I bought it… 🙂
I completely understand where you’re coming from. I can see the content is a little iffy. I’m glad that you read my review still. 😉 That’s why I love book reviews, because I either find great books to read or find the books I know to avoid, haha.
I NEED this book. Honestly, books that explore a character whose faith is really stretched and tested are the best. The Hiding Place and Unbroken explored that concept and both of them touched my heart and inspired me. Once Was Lost sounds like it did the same thing, and I hope I get to read it soon.
You really do! I’m so excited to read The Hiding Place. Is Unbroken also a book? I lovelovedloved the movie. I’ve never gone through anything so tough to make me doubt God; and I hope that I if I do, I’ll draw closer to Him. That’s why I love books like these, because they really give me perspective.
Yes! Unbroken is also a book! There’s two versions: the original and the young adult version. I read the original version, and it was amazing. There is some war content what with the torture and Louie Zamperini’s alcholism, which is true to his story so I didn’t mind it. I’m sure the young adult version is a bit toned down, though.
OMG! I’ve got to read it. I’ll probably go with the young adult version. That’s so great. I’m so glad I know that now! Thanks, Ana. 🙂
I had gotten this book from the library, but never actually opened it. I sorta put it aside, and then never read it again. I still don’t know if I should give it another try or not, because it doesn’t seem like my kind of book.
I read Roomies by Sara Zarr. I loved the concept of two roommates emailing back and forth, and deciding what to do with their life. But, there were some parts where I TOTALLY wanted to throw the book at the wall. (I couldn’t because I was reading it on my kindle.)
It did sit on my shelf for a while, but I liked it once I got into it. I always regret doing that, but I put off books way more often that I should!
I love books that have characters writing letters/emails/journal entries/etc. It’s such an interesting way of writing a story.
Lol! I totally know what you mean! 😀
Oooh. I think I’ll check if my library has this. Its been a while since I’ve read a sad book. I’ll look into it.
I just realized how many books I left out of my book list :/ oh well. If you want i can tell you the titles.
I dreamt about Kiera Cass last night. Lol. I just thought it was funny. It was really kind of weird.
I think I’m going to start a journal today. I’m just going to use a notebook I got for my birthday.
Did you like my letter? I know the actual letter was a bit boring.
I hope you do! 😉
Okay, let me know and I’ll add them. I reeeallly need to get to work on my book list. it’s actually kind of hard to think up books on the spot.
I DID TOO. Isn’t that weird??
That’s great! I love journaling. It’s such a great experience.
Yeah, I did. Short letters are okay, too. Mine will be a bit shorter, too.
Lovely review, Emily! I should consider reading this, it sounds fairly interesting. I haven’t read many books that involve religious themes (sadly!) but I think I’ll check this one out 😉
Am I supposed to be able to read spoilers? It won’t let me click on the down arrow 🙁 I really want to see what kind of content there is, as I am pretty conscientious about that. Thank you for recommending the book!! 😀
Thank you! In that case, I do hope you check this out. Like Ana and I were saying above, I love books that explore a character’s faith being tried and stretched. It always gives me perspective.
You should be able to click the arrow, if you want. I just did that so those who didn’t want to look at it could avoid it. I’m not entirely sure why. Try refreshing the page, perhaps, and then try? I’ll see if I can fix that. it does give away the ending, though. 🙂
Emily, I love the way you write your reviews! ^_^ Haha, and the book photography really looks good together with your review!
Alright. Moving on. This is the first time I’ve heard of this book (*hides face in shame*), but you totally convinced me! I love the idea of the book, and the synopsis was really interesting. OH and plus, when you said that the ending was perfect, I am suddenly very curious! I have a thing for sad endings, and I know how negative that sounds, but sad endings always give me more feelings!
So yes, I’ll definitely be looking this one up in Goodreads! Adding it to my TBR 🙂 Thanks so much for the review Emily!
Thank you!! That means a lot. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of this one, since it was rainy outside, and the cloudy skies went perfect with the cover of the book. 😀
I hadn’t heard of it until I saw it at the consignment store! I can’t believe it. Oh, I completely understand. Sad endings are the best. If I’m an author someday, I hope my endings make people cry! It sounds awful, but I really do!