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   Summary and Book Reviews

Once Was Lost: Summary and book reviews of Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr, plus links to an excerpt from Once Was Lost and a biography of Sara Zarr.

Once Was Lost

Once Was Lost
by Sara Zarr
Hardcover: Oct 2009,
224 pages.
Paperback: Jan 2011,
224 pages.

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Critics' Opinion:   good
Readers' Rating:  Not Rated
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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.

BOOK REVIEWS

Good BookBrowse
At its heart, Once Was Lost is about a girl living through family life so painful that it causes her to question her long-held faith in God. It's a good book for thinking and reflecting, for feeling and remembering. I recommend it to anyone who has lived through tough times and has found herself asking: Is there a God? And if so, where is he?  (Reviewed by Pam Watts).
Full Review Members Only (639 words).

Media Reviews

Good  Publishers Weekly
Beyond delivering a gripping story, Zarr has a knack for exposing human weakness in the ordinary.

Good  School Library Journal
This multilayered exploration of the intersection of the spiritual life and imperfect people features suspense and packs an emotional wallop.

Very Good  Kirkus Reviews
Starred Review. This rare combination of in-depth character study and gripping mystery relies on a strong sense of emotional truth to do justice to some tough subject matter without graphic or violent scenes. Riveting.

Very Good  School Library Journal
This multilayered exploration of the intersection of the spiritual life and imperfect people features suspense and packs an emotional wallop.

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