Once Was Lost
by Sara Zarr

    ONCE WAS LOST by Sara Zarr
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  10/1/09
    Publisher:  Little, Brown
    Reviewed by:  Melanie Foust
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Since Sam's father is a pastor, the church members seem to expect Sam, short for Samara, and her family to be
    perfect.

    They each deal with the pressure in different ways. Her father manages by always being there for the church,
    whenever anyone needs him, even if it is to the detriment of his own family. Sam's mother started drinking, just a
    little, then a little more, and is now in rehab. Sam is trying to be the glue that holds her family together, but things
    have unraveled far past her control.

    Her faith in something, anything out there, used to come so easy, but now she is unsure.  Her father continues to
    play the role of a perfect pastor, while turning a seemingly blind eye to the needs of his own household.  Sam's not
    even sure if her mother wants to see her anymore.

    When a young girl from Sam's town is kidnapped, the local tragedy affects everyone.  Added to the burdens Sam
    already carries, it's way too much for her to handle on her own.

    Sara Zarr, also the author of STORY OF A GIRL and SWEETHEARTS, has written a book in which the writing
    is quite lyrical, and the struggle Sam has with her faith is one that will mirror many teens' experience.  With superbly
    well-developed characters, by the end of the book, you'll feel like you know them all.  

    ONCE WAS LOST is beautiful.  A book in which the journey is just as important as the destination.