STORY OF A GIRL deals with certain actions and their consequences–much more realistically than some similar books I’ve read recently. Not that the others weren’t good, but in those, the actions are a part of the book, and it’s all resolved nicely within a few weeks of what happens. By starting her story years after the event that sets off all of this, Sara Zarr makes the resolution much more realistic.
When she was thirteen, Deanna’s father caught her with her seventeen-year-old brother’s friend, Tommy, in the back of his car having sex.
Three years later, Deanna knows she made a mistake. She didn’t love Tommy; she’s not even sure that she liked him. She made a mistake, and she’s more than ready to forget it every happened and moved on.
Problem is, nobody’s willing to let her. Not only at school but in her own home, Deanna has the reputation of slut, despite the fact that she’s only ever been with Tommy, and that was years ago. Even her father still thinks that of her. The only people she trusts are her older brother and his girlfriend who live in the basement with their baby, and her two best friends, Lee and Jason. To everyone else, she’s just a slut.
That is, until she gets a job at the local pizza parlor and meets one more person who believes in Deanna for who she is. While her boss is a great guy, Deanna isn’t sure about this job, one that’s forced her to confront her past much more directly than she’d like: Tommy is a fellow employee there. Yes, that Tommy.
Sara Zarr is an amazing writer who has written a wonderful and painfully realistic novel about the far-reaching consequences of sex. This theme has been one I’ve noticed recently in my reading, and I think Sara Zarr does the best job of realistically telling the story of what could happen, and it’s a lot messier than some of the other stories I’ve read about the consequences of sex. The problems of the characters in these other novels seem to be a lot more clear-cut and easier to resolve than Deanna’s, or they’re at least resolved quickly.
In STORY OF A GIRL, it’s more realistic, and, on top of that, fabulously written. The story flows nicely, and it’s told in the believable voice of Deanna, a very three-dimensional character. The other characters are quite lifelike as well, but Deanna is the best of these. The way these characters all interact has obviously been well-thought out, and the characters stay true to what they’re written as all through the novel, which is quite an accomplishment. Everything is held together marvelously, resulting in a wonderful must-read for all teenagers and adults!
Rating: 10/10
December 31, 2006 at 4:15 am
omg< i loved this book! Will you make a second one? That would be the best!I read the book in 1 hour.You are a exellent writer and i hope to read more of your writing.
December 31, 2006 at 4:18 am
i couldnt put this book down after i picked it up. this book has shown me and has taught me many important things. you are an amazing writer and i personally hope you make another one!
April 14, 2009 at 4:20 pm
this is a really great book once you start to read it you want more and more and you never want to but it down. i hope you continue with the great work you do. this is my favorite book. and im not the type that likes to read any books but as long as its by you i will ead them all day. keep it up.
April 30, 2010 at 10:38 pm
This was the absolute best book ever and I REALLY hope that you will make another book!
November 30, 2010 at 8:19 pm
this is such a wounderful book. i would really like to see another book written soon:)
April 15, 2011 at 2:15 am
This is a really good book. i loved how you portrayed Deanna and the many themes used in the book. Well done!
By the way, i can’t wait for the MOVIE TO COME OUT IN 2011. its going to be so good. For more info on the MOVIE, go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1699509/. :)
March 22, 2012 at 1:33 pm
this book sucked
October 1, 2015 at 9:27 pm
I love this book too it is one of my favorites. ✨😅
October 22, 2012 at 8:54 pm
very good book
October 22, 2012 at 8:54 pm
what is the plot
October 22, 2012 at 8:55 pm
love the book
October 22, 2013 at 11:29 pm
I loved this book! best book ever <3
October 1, 2015 at 9:28 pm
what is the theme ?? 💄