Book Review: How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

When Jill’s father dies, her mother decides to adopt a baby from a pregnant teen whom she meets through an online website while they are still newly mourning.  Jill thinks it’s a bad idea and when Mandy comes to live with them in Colorado, Jill and her mother discover that certain details about the pregnancy were not told truthfully.  Jill is convinced that she needs to hire the intriguing R.J. Desai, a former high school classmate and Loss Prevention Associate for the bookstore where she works, to investigate and prove that Mandy is not trust-worthy.  Jill, who had become withdrawn from her friends after her father’s death, finds a new sense of purpose with this endeavor as well as a way to begin to connect to people who are still living again.  In the process, she becomes surprised by the turn of events and what she learns not only about Mandy, but also about herself. 

On the other hand, Mandy is trying to find salvation for her baby with a family who will not only want, but love and care for her – something her own mother was unable to give her.  However, this outcome would leave Mandy alone in the world without a familial bond.  As Mandy’s feelings for her unborn child grow, she not only questions if this is the best decision for her baby, but also who will save her or if she can save herself. 

Told through alternating chapters of narrating voices by the two teen girls, different perspectives emerge about the whole heart-wrenching situation.  This is the endearing story about the power of love, the struggle to define family, and how to survive loss.

Recommended Grade Level: 6-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Pages: 352

This book review was written by Adult Services Librarian, Chryssi Gumina.

Teen Lock-In

Our first summer teen lock-in will be Friday, June 29th, 6:30-10:30PM for teens entering grades 7-12.  There will be a marshmallow challenge, pizza, snacks, gaming, a candy sushi competition and crafts. Registration and a permission slips must be submitted by 9PM on Wednesday, June 27th.   Registration is available on our website and permission slips are available in the Children's room, in the Teen Place or online here: http://www.lmxac.org/mata/lockInPermSlip.pdf .

Also, don't forget to sign up for our summer reading club to be entered into weekly raffles. Stop by the front desk to sign up today!