The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr

My 2 cents:

The Lucy Variations is a very interesting book. Author Sara Zarr is a National Book Award Finalist and has written four previous YA novels, including Story of a Girl.

Zarr's newest book, barely out on bookshelves this summer, is destined for critical acclaim. Set in San Francisco (Zarr's hometown), The Lucy Variations is a page-turner from the first page, with Lucy unsuccessfully giving CPR to her 10-year-old brother's piano teacher, to the very last, with Lucy grandly making “her entrance” in a surprise ending.

I love a flawed heroine. 16-year-old Lucy is that. She's also a brilliant pianist, beautiful, wealthy, confused, traumatized, and a bit self-absorbed. She's a sister, a best-friend, a daughter, grand-daughter, and high-school student who's trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She's crushing on her English teacher and fighting with her mother. In short, Lucy's sixteen.

Young adults will identify with Lucy's life, and adults will find plenty to relate to, as well. Especially when it comes to crossing the line between supporting your kids and pressuring them into doing something they don't want to do.

Length: 304 pages

Worth Your Time? Yes. A riveting read.



Bonus: For more about the author and her work, check out Sara
Zarr, The Official on Facebook.

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