Sara Zarr Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Sara Zarr
Sara Zarr is an American author of literature and young adult fiction known for her simple yet profound stories. The Cleveland born author started in the commercial printing industry, but when this career didn’t take off, she went back to doing what she does best- write.

Zarr’s writing is unique, and she has a way of creating characters that linger in your mind, way after you are done reading. When she is not writing, Zarr enjoys watching reality TV, playing poker online, and reading blogs. The author currently resides in Salt Lake City and lives with her husband and pets.

Sweethearts
Sweethearts tells the story of Jennifer, otherwise known as Fattifer. When she was nine, Jennifer was the target for school bullies thanks to her weight. In her innocent mind, she knew that everyone but Cameron Quick hated her. While the rest of her schoolmates enjoyed taunting her, Cameron was kind and sweet, and every minute Jennifer spent with him turned to be the best time of her life. Jennifer loved Cameron deeply.

Similarly, Cameron did not hide the fact that he cared little about what other people thought about him or his relationship with Jennifer. Because of Cameron’s don’t care attitude, he and Jennifer become the most popular pariah pair in school. This did not bother them at all, and as long as they were together, life was perfect.

Things change when Cameron moves away. Jennifer is heartbroken for a while, but she later decides to focus on transforming herself. As she grows older, the weight starts to fall off, and Jennifer gets the body she always desired. Eight years later, the now seventeen-year-old girl is among the most popular girls in school. When Cameron Quick comes to town again, he is confronted by a beautiful girl who is also popular in school. Despite all the changes, Jennifer still loved Cameron, and his feelings for her never changed. How does the story end for these two lovebirds? Will Cameron and Jennifer rekindle their love and enjoy their happily-ever-after?

Jennifer is an interesting character. As the author goes back and forth in time, it is easy to see how much she has grown over time. Cameron is the perfect friend, and it is admirable that at a time when peer pressure is rife, he doesn’t like other people’s opinions cloud his judgment. The romance between Jennifer and Camron feels real, and you can’t help but hope they stick together in the long term. The author paints a perfect picture of what most kids go through at school. Social dynamics keep on changing, but most of the kids in school want to fit in.

Sweethearts is an adorable book with an inspiring message. It is the story of childhood, love, longing, absence, choices, and change. Cameron leaves quite a mark in Jennifer’s life, and years later, she has not forgotten how her best friend made her feel. While the prose is quite simple, this story will move you. The author explores the bittersweet nature of relationships when people get in and out of our lives. It is also easy to identify with Jennifer and all her struggles and be glad that her experiences shape the person she becomes. After reading this book, you will have a hard time imagining that this is a work of fiction, given how real the story sounds.

How to Save a Life
How to Save a Life stars Jill and Mandy, two teenage girls going through challenging times. Jill has just lost her father. As she goes through the grieving process, Jill cannot help but think about all the fun times she enjoyed with her father. The young girl can also see the impact her father’s death has on her mother. Most times, Jill wishes things could go back to the way they used to be. Mandy, on the other hand, is trying to run away from a difficult situation at home. To make things even worse, she is pregnant with no means to raise a child.

Mandy had tasted the bitter end of rejection. Her mother had made it clear to her that she was unwanted, and her step-father didn’t like her either. The teenage girl could not wait to get away from home, but first, she needed to get a non-toxic environment for her child. Scared and dejected, Mandy meets Robin, Jill’s mum. Robin is ready to adopt Mandy’s baby, but this decision doesn’t make everyone in the house happy. Despite the resistance, Robin is determined to take care of Mandy’s baby.

Jill thinks that her mother is trying to replace her father by welcoming a stranger into their home. Mandy is all too happy to move away from her abusive step-father. Unfortunately, it seems like trouble will follow her wherever she goes. It is not hard to see that Jill doesn’t want Mandy in her home, and her awkward questions do not make life any better. Will Jill understand where Mandy is coming from and treat her with the kindness she needs?

This story is told from Jill and Mandy’s points of view. These girls have both been shaped by their circumstances, and Mandy comes off as the more mature one of the two teenagers. While Jill seems rude, it is understandable that she is just dealing with her loss, albeit in an unhealthy way. Isolating from friends is common among people who are grieving, so it is not odd that Jill pushes her loved ones away. Despite their flaws, the two main characters are likable. The rest of the cast is intriguing, and all the characters play a role in making this story come together.

How to Save a Life is the story of family, loss, and letting go. This book comes with a type of calmness that will draw you in and keep you glued to the end. The author skillfully weaves the dual narration of Jill and Mandy; two young girls stay true to their characters. With an increasing pace, the author takes you on a journey through Jill’s and Mandy’s life and the challenges that they encounter in their journeys.