Sweethearts--Sara Zarr (Book Review)

Sometimes you finish a book and you have a thousand little things you want to tell people about it. Other times, you finish a book, and you just want to let it sit there. You don't want to pull it apart and analyze what was good, what could have been better, what techniques the author used to draw you into the story. Sweethearts was that type of book, which is why I haven't reviewed it yet even though I finished it over 3 weeks ago.

Jennifer was unpopular and friendless in elementary school after her best friend Cameron disappeared. She was told he had died, and grieved deeply for the loss of this sweet boy who had always been there for her. Now she's 17, has changed schools, her name, and her life. Into this new life, Cameron reappears. The book answers the question of whether Jenna can fit Cameron into her new life, and how each of them cope with the painful aspects of their shared past.

What I loved most about this book is that it shows a deep love which is as strong as romantic love but isn't the same thing. Love doesn't need to be put into a little box in order to be important. What a great message, especially in a YA novel, and Zarr's characters backed it up perfectly.

Sara Zarr also wrote the fabulous Story of a Girl, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. Sara can be found at Sarazarr.com, or read interviews with her at Maw Books or Becky's Book Reviews. Becky was kind enough to ask Sara what song she thinks best captures the bond between Jenna and Cameron, thus providing the song for the Worducopia soundtrack: Satellite, by Guster.

Sweethearts is also reviewed by Nymeth.