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ashleyelmreads's review against another edition
2.0
This book starts out bland. Dark. Sad. Depressing. Then gets interesting with Jody’s disappearance. Then in the last few pages, everything is solved and there’s a happy ending.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautifully written book about a pastor's daughter whose mother is in rehab for a DUI. Everyone loves her father and he seems to be able to talk to anyone but his own daughter. A young girl goes missing in town, and Sam's life seems to unravel. While religion definitely plays a role in this book, it doesn't feel forced. The plot does move a bit slowly, which will bother some readers, and Sam doesn't always speak up for herself, which may be frustrating for some. The language is gorgeous, and I highly recommend it.
scythefranz's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5
I have read 5 books from Sara Zarr (including this one) and I can say that this book is my least favorite. Not that it wasn't good. It was good. I bet some people will like it more than I do. (Actually, some Goodreads people liked it more than I do haha). It's just that I didn't get attached whole-heartedly with the main character, who is Samara. And sometimes, I did feel I can't connect with the story either. I mean, one moment I understand what is happening and the next moment, I don't.
But even though with what I've mentioned above, I did feel the emotions within this book and its characters: the pure sadness, worry, anger, suffering and recovering, that really moved me in one way or another. Besides, these flawed and complex characters made the story engaging to read.
What We Lost is still a compelling read for me, despite my issues with it, which tackled serious life and spiritual issues and will remind you of what you lost.
“I wonder how you're supposed to know the exact moment when there's no more hope.”
I have read 5 books from Sara Zarr (including this one) and I can say that this book is my least favorite. Not that it wasn't good. It was good. I bet some people will like it more than I do. (Actually, some Goodreads people liked it more than I do haha). It's just that I didn't get attached whole-heartedly with the main character, who is Samara. And sometimes, I did feel I can't connect with the story either. I mean, one moment I understand what is happening and the next moment, I don't.
But even though with what I've mentioned above, I did feel the emotions within this book and its characters: the pure sadness, worry, anger, suffering and recovering, that really moved me in one way or another. Besides, these flawed and complex characters made the story engaging to read.
What We Lost is still a compelling read for me, despite my issues with it, which tackled serious life and spiritual issues and will remind you of what you lost.
beths0103's review against another edition
4.0
This book could have been a disaster. A depressing premise and brooding first person narrator could definitely turn the reader off. But Sara Zarr writes with such lyrical beauty that it works without making you feel completely bummed out.
kaitrosereads's review against another edition
5.0
Once Was Lost was my first ever book by Sara Zarr. I know I am very behind most bloggers and I plan to remedy that as soon as possible. If her other books are anything like this one, I know I will love them.
When I first started reading Once Was Lost, I wasn’t sure I would even be able to finish it. I really don’t like books about religion. It’s not really the topic that turns me off, it’s the writing. Most religious books are preachy and I can’t stand that. I read to get away from being told what to do. Luckily, Once Was Lost wasn’t like any other book about religion that I have read. It wasn’t preachy at all and all the religious matter had to do with the storyline. It didn’t detract from the book at all.
Also, this was not your typical religious family. Samara’s dad was the pastor at one of the many churched in their tiny town. Everyone knew him and his family, but nobody really knew what that family was like. Eventually Samara realizes that not even she knows what her family is truly like because they are forced to lie and pretend to be perfect, when they are anything but. Once Was Lost is Samara’s journey to find that truth with the help of some new friends and some old ones.
Overall, I think this is one of the best books I have read recently. The storyline was really captivating and I just wanted to keep reading. I think if you give this book a shot, you won’t want to put it down either!
When I first started reading Once Was Lost, I wasn’t sure I would even be able to finish it. I really don’t like books about religion. It’s not really the topic that turns me off, it’s the writing. Most religious books are preachy and I can’t stand that. I read to get away from being told what to do. Luckily, Once Was Lost wasn’t like any other book about religion that I have read. It wasn’t preachy at all and all the religious matter had to do with the storyline. It didn’t detract from the book at all.
Also, this was not your typical religious family. Samara’s dad was the pastor at one of the many churched in their tiny town. Everyone knew him and his family, but nobody really knew what that family was like. Eventually Samara realizes that not even she knows what her family is truly like because they are forced to lie and pretend to be perfect, when they are anything but. Once Was Lost is Samara’s journey to find that truth with the help of some new friends and some old ones.
Overall, I think this is one of the best books I have read recently. The storyline was really captivating and I just wanted to keep reading. I think if you give this book a shot, you won’t want to put it down either!
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
Sam's in a tough spot in her world. She's been struggling - silently - at home, trying to keep her "perfect" family appearing that way - perfect. Because her dad's the pastor. But, suddenly, her mom's in rehab and her friends who went away for the summer come back and she's struggling to fit back in - still holding all her secrets in.
I thought Sammy was great. Grumpy and secretive - and angry at her father's lack of trying but, when he tries, she still doesn't let him help her.
And a story about a young girl realizing her parents aren't perfect.
I thought Sammy was great. Grumpy and secretive - and angry at her father's lack of trying but, when he tries, she still doesn't let him help her.
And a story about a young girl realizing her parents aren't perfect.
michreadsmanybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Sara Zarr is one of my favourite YA authors. Her past novels have been nothing short of amazing and so I wasted no time delving into this one.
I love stories that focus largely on family. It's always been an element that I've greatly enjoyed reading about and Once Was Lost definitely touches upon this subject. I really enjoyed the contrast between Sam's parents and how differently they both went about dealing with their personal issues. Everything about this novel, especially the characters, were so realistic that they could have been anyone's family, anyone's parents. I sympathized greatly with these characters and by the time everything was said and done, cared a great deal about them which to me is always very important.
I liked how this novel touched upon religion. It was not preachy in any sense and focused on Sam as she questioned her faith, something she'd always accepted with little hesitation until her life started crumbling around her, giving her a reason to do so. I enjoyed reading about Sam's perspective on her faith as it evolved throughout Once Was Lost.
Romance lovers-there's a hint of romance in this novel although like is Sara's past two novels, it is not the major selling point of this story, more like a sub plot that shook things up and added an element of suspense as well as a positive outlet for Sam. It was very sweet and I felt added great contrast in relation to all of the difficult things that Sam was having to deal with in her life.
All in all, I loved this book and highly recommend it. From my experience, you can't go wrong with any Sara Zarr novel.
I love stories that focus largely on family. It's always been an element that I've greatly enjoyed reading about and Once Was Lost definitely touches upon this subject. I really enjoyed the contrast between Sam's parents and how differently they both went about dealing with their personal issues. Everything about this novel, especially the characters, were so realistic that they could have been anyone's family, anyone's parents. I sympathized greatly with these characters and by the time everything was said and done, cared a great deal about them which to me is always very important.
I liked how this novel touched upon religion. It was not preachy in any sense and focused on Sam as she questioned her faith, something she'd always accepted with little hesitation until her life started crumbling around her, giving her a reason to do so. I enjoyed reading about Sam's perspective on her faith as it evolved throughout Once Was Lost.
Romance lovers-there's a hint of romance in this novel although like is Sara's past two novels, it is not the major selling point of this story, more like a sub plot that shook things up and added an element of suspense as well as a positive outlet for Sam. It was very sweet and I felt added great contrast in relation to all of the difficult things that Sam was having to deal with in her life.
All in all, I loved this book and highly recommend it. From my experience, you can't go wrong with any Sara Zarr novel.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
2.0
Sam is the daughter of a pastor. She struggles with her faith (or doubt) as her mother enters "suggested" rehab following a DUI. Then a young girl from youth group disappears and causes more turmoil and doubt.
Character is well-developed. But I never felt a resolution to Sam's doubts (though it is stated that she hears God). Could be a good book ... but I'm not sure it would help a teen grabbling with issues similar to those in the story.
All-in-all: Find another story if you are struggling with your faith
Character is well-developed. But I never felt a resolution to Sam's doubts (though it is stated that she hears God). Could be a good book ... but I'm not sure it would help a teen grabbling with issues similar to those in the story.
All-in-all: Find another story if you are struggling with your faith
brendaclay's review against another edition
4.0
Anyone who's ever had the rug ripped out from under them will relate to this honest novel. Sam's mother is in rehab, and her pastor dad is in denial and making some bad decisions of his own. After a member of the youth group is kidnapped, Sam can't decide whether anything or anyone - including God - is trustworthy.
As a Christian brought up in the church, I think the setting, tone, and perspective of this book are spot on. I admire Sara Zarr's ability to convey respect without giving in to Christianese. This is an excellent read for those who believe, those in serious doubt, and those who have walked away from faith.
As a Christian brought up in the church, I think the setting, tone, and perspective of this book are spot on. I admire Sara Zarr's ability to convey respect without giving in to Christianese. This is an excellent read for those who believe, those in serious doubt, and those who have walked away from faith.
hereisenough's review against another edition
4.0
Really good. A little bit boring at moments, but I so understood her… the plot was scary and moving and I LOVE HIM. just saying.
some moments were wow. and it's not huge on the Christian thing, which I found refreshing for Christian fiction. Non believers will enjoy this too.
some moments were wow. and it's not huge on the Christian thing, which I found refreshing for Christian fiction. Non believers will enjoy this too.