Review: Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Feb 6, 2011 by shanyn

Title: Once Was Lost
Paperback, 224 pages
Author: Sara Zarr
Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication Date: January 4, 2011 (paperback)
Source: Publisher
Buy: Amazon

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Book Summary:
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.

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Review:
I had not read any Sara Zarr prior to Once Was Lost, but I certainly want to now.

I love a great contemporary book, and that’s exactly was this was. The characters were real, the problems were gritty, and the struggle with faith was very well portrayed. The entire book was so realistic and flowed so well that I had no problem finishing it in a day.

I guess I’m not even really sure what to say about Once Was Lost. The title fits perfectly, Sam’s struggles are not forced and her solutions aren’t, either. The ending isn’t abrupt nor something you’re necessarily expecting, and I was completely satisfied as I turned the last page.

Buy: Amazon

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