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Sweethearts
As children, Jennifer Harris and Cameron Quick were both social outcasts. They were also one another's only friend. So when Cameron disappears without warning, Jennifer thinks she's lost the only person who will ever understand her. Now in high school, Jennifer has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be---but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.
When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.
From the National Book Award nominated author of Story of a Girl, Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.
When Cameron suddenly reappears, they are both confronted with memories of their shared past and the drastically different paths their lives have taken.
From the National Book Award nominated author of Story of a Girl, Sweethearts is a story about the power of memory, the bond of friendship, and the quiet resilience of our childhood hearts.
217 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2008
249 people are currently reading
15763 people want to read
About the author
Sara Zarr
19 books1,292 followersSara Zarr is the acclaimed author of ten books, most recently Goodbye from Nowhere, and Courageous Creativity: Advice and Encouragement for the Creative Life--a book on creativity for the young and young-at-heart. She’s a National Book Award finalist and two-time Utah Book Award winner, and is the host and producer of the This Creative Life podcast. Her first book, Story of a Girl, was made into a 2017 television movie directed by Kyra Sedgwick. She lives with her husband and cat, Mr. Donut, in CA and UT.
How I use goodreads: To log books I read in a year, books I want to read, and books by authors who were on my podcast, This Creative Life. (Those also turn up on my read shelf though I haven't necessarily read them!) I don't use the rating system but I will jot some notes about the books if I remember!
How I use goodreads: To log books I read in a year, books I want to read, and books by authors who were on my podcast, This Creative Life. (Those also turn up on my read shelf though I haven't necessarily read them!) I don't use the rating system but I will jot some notes about the books if I remember!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,812 reviews
January 15, 2009
Bleh. I kept thinking I would start liking this book, but I never did. I just wasn't sympathetic to the character at all, and I felt like the author was shoving it down my throat that I should sympathize with this poor girl who has had it so hard.
And through the whole book, she keeps alluding to this deep, dark secret thing that happened to her as a child . . . you get little pieces of that story as mini-flashbacks, but she doesn't reveal the whole thing, to keep you in suspense, I guess. Finally, at the end of the book, you find out . . . NOTHING happened! So why is this the defining moment of her life? Why does it make her start binge eating when she thinks about it?
Spoiler ahead -- And the most frustrating thing was that the author has built this whole story around a relationship the main character had with a childhood friend whom she loves more than anyone else. He comes back after 8 years, and all she does is think about him and want to be with him. In fact, she is the very reason he came back, so clearly, he's feeling the same way. But do they end up together? No, he goes back home to California, and the book ends.
And through the whole book, she keeps alluding to this deep, dark secret thing that happened to her as a child . . . you get little pieces of that story as mini-flashbacks, but she doesn't reveal the whole thing, to keep you in suspense, I guess. Finally, at the end of the book, you find out . . . NOTHING happened! So why is this the defining moment of her life? Why does it make her start binge eating when she thinks about it?
Spoiler ahead -- And the most frustrating thing was that the author has built this whole story around a relationship the main character had with a childhood friend whom she loves more than anyone else. He comes back after 8 years, and all she does is think about him and want to be with him. In fact, she is the very reason he came back, so clearly, he's feeling the same way. But do they end up together? No, he goes back home to California, and the book ends.
October 9, 2015
""Because love, love is never finished. It circles and circles, the memories out of order and not always complete."
I read this as a way to cure my reading slump thinking this would be a cutesy read but I once again committed this fatal flaw of judging the book by its cover.
But although I erred about this being a light, easy read, I'm still very glad that I read the book because this is one of the most genuine realistic YA fiction I've ever read.
At the age of nine, Jennifer or more popularly known as "Fattifer" was the school's target of all bullies. Everybody seems to hate her except for Cameron Quick, the sweetest, most carefree young boy and together, they made the most popular pair of pariahs in their school. They didn't care though as long as they had each other.
Eight years later, the readers are introduced to the new Jennifer (now called Jenna). Accepted and part of the school's elite group, Jenna is finally living a "good" life. But the Jennifer inside is still attached to Cameron Quick who vanished into thin air eight years ago. Care to find out the rest of the story? Then I suggest you read the book.
Truthfully, I find so many flaws in the book. The irregular transitions, the flawed plot, the lack of resolution and yet it's amazing that it still managed to puncture my heart.
The writing is simple but truly very adorable, there are so many lines I want to quote. The messages of the story are also very inspiring and very true and although the ending left me in quiet tears, I must say that this is one of the sincerest bittersweet conclusions I have read.
"There are certain people who come into your life, and leave a mark...Their place in your heart is tender; a bruise of longing, a pulse of unfinished business. Just hearing their names pushes and pulls at you in a hundred ways, and when you try to define those hundred ways, describe them even to yourself, words are useless."
* I have Neil to thank for this very memorable read. You do have excellent taste in books!
I read this as a way to cure my reading slump thinking this would be a cutesy read but I once again committed this fatal flaw of judging the book by its cover.
But although I erred about this being a light, easy read, I'm still very glad that I read the book because this is one of the most genuine realistic YA fiction I've ever read.
At the age of nine, Jennifer or more popularly known as "Fattifer" was the school's target of all bullies. Everybody seems to hate her except for Cameron Quick, the sweetest, most carefree young boy and together, they made the most popular pair of pariahs in their school. They didn't care though as long as they had each other.
Eight years later, the readers are introduced to the new Jennifer (now called Jenna). Accepted and part of the school's elite group, Jenna is finally living a "good" life. But the Jennifer inside is still attached to Cameron Quick who vanished into thin air eight years ago. Care to find out the rest of the story? Then I suggest you read the book.
Truthfully, I find so many flaws in the book. The irregular transitions, the flawed plot, the lack of resolution and yet it's amazing that it still managed to puncture my heart.
The writing is simple but truly very adorable, there are so many lines I want to quote. The messages of the story are also very inspiring and very true and although the ending left me in quiet tears, I must say that this is one of the sincerest bittersweet conclusions I have read.
"There are certain people who come into your life, and leave a mark...Their place in your heart is tender; a bruise of longing, a pulse of unfinished business. Just hearing their names pushes and pulls at you in a hundred ways, and when you try to define those hundred ways, describe them even to yourself, words are useless."
* I have Neil to thank for this very memorable read. You do have excellent taste in books!
April 3, 2012
3.5 stars I have only read one Sara Zarr book before this one, 2011's How to Save a Life, and as I read Sweethearts all I could think about was how much the author has grown as a writer in the three years since this one was written. I love the theme of this book overall, which explores the bittersweetness of people coming in and out of your life; I didn't even mind that we don't learn as many details about what happened to Cameron back in the past as we might've hoped. Or that the main character spends so much of the novel frozen in time.
What kept me from enjoying this more than many of my friends have, however, is that emotional urgency and truth often seemed to be secondary to the writing style. I think the structure of alternating back and forth, and the cliffhangers that purposefully were staged because of that, just left me feeling too jumbled and disjointed. Especially since it's fairly easy to guess what's going on, and there are only so many times you can chop up one very important anecdote/flashback without leaving the reader frustrated.
Jenna herself also felt a little unreal to me. While I thought the author did a great job with writing a believable character who feels out of place even though she has everything she thought she'd ever wanted (I especially liked the moment when she equates sex with her boyfriend with her fixation on food--enjoyable, but something that she also wished were over so she could move on with her life), it was stretches believability to me that Jenna was so self-aware that she could pinpoint Cameron's departure as the catalyst for her changing herself and her relationship with her mom, and that that became such a driving force in her life. Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware of how strongly certain relationships can pull at you, particularly childhood ones. But Jenna seemed to think of so little else and was such a stranger in her own land that it felt very odd and not entirely realistic.
I really loved Steph, however, and the note of truth in that friendship. And Cameron's letter and the unresolved feelings that lie there felt very real. I just wish I felt as strongly connected to the overall plot of the story, although I'm still very much looking forward to this author's next book. So overall, I did like it, though I didn't quite love it the way I thought I would.
What kept me from enjoying this more than many of my friends have, however, is that emotional urgency and truth often seemed to be secondary to the writing style. I think the structure of alternating back and forth, and the cliffhangers that purposefully were staged because of that, just left me feeling too jumbled and disjointed. Especially since it's fairly easy to guess what's going on, and there are only so many times you can chop up one very important anecdote/flashback without leaving the reader frustrated.
Jenna herself also felt a little unreal to me. While I thought the author did a great job with writing a believable character who feels out of place even though she has everything she thought she'd ever wanted (I especially liked the moment when she equates sex with her boyfriend with her fixation on food--enjoyable, but something that she also wished were over so she could move on with her life), it was stretches believability to me that Jenna was so self-aware that she could pinpoint Cameron's departure as the catalyst for her changing herself and her relationship with her mom, and that that became such a driving force in her life. Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware of how strongly certain relationships can pull at you, particularly childhood ones. But Jenna seemed to think of so little else and was such a stranger in her own land that it felt very odd and not entirely realistic.
I really loved Steph, however, and the note of truth in that friendship. And Cameron's letter and the unresolved feelings that lie there felt very real. I just wish I felt as strongly connected to the overall plot of the story, although I'm still very much looking forward to this author's next book. So overall, I did like it, though I didn't quite love it the way I thought I would.
June 8, 2017
It's the kind of a book you sink into and feel immersed in the world and story. It was a quiet but compelling read and I enjoyed pretty much every minute of it. Zarr has this way of writing so that her sentences are emotive in the most subtle and unassuming of ways. I don't know how she does it, as her prose is quite simple, yet I felt moved as the story unfolded and I was captivated by both Jenna and Cameron's story.
Cameron and Jenna are achingly flawed and struggling within themselves. The romance between them may be understated compared to other wildly falling-in-love YA, but the bond between them feels all the more stronger for it. It actually felt real.
At the end, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I liked this one more than Zarr's Story of a Girl which had the same lingering, quiet emotional feel about it. This story will definitely linger and the message resonates. Especially Cameron's story which is painful and makes you want to reach into the book and wipe his past and pain away.
I don't want to say too much, as I really enjoyed reading it without knowing the direction the plot will take. But I will say, I think Zarr has her own little niche at really tapping into how teens think and feel and she presents a realistic struggle without making things easy on the characters or giving readers the happily ever after that so many books create.
It's like a blend of: Bloom - Elizabeth Scott and The Only Alien on the Planet - Kristen Randle (in terms of plot, themes, feel), but really Zarr has her own style that is different from other YA authors. I recommend it if you like realistic contemporary reads and are not afraid of a not-so-perfect ending...
Oh - and the cover = <3. It has a lovely matt texture and the eaten heart matches the themes in the book and the use of white space is evocative.
Cameron and Jenna are achingly flawed and struggling within themselves. The romance between them may be understated compared to other wildly falling-in-love YA, but the bond between them feels all the more stronger for it. It actually felt real.
At the end, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I liked this one more than Zarr's Story of a Girl which had the same lingering, quiet emotional feel about it. This story will definitely linger and the message resonates. Especially Cameron's story which is painful and makes you want to reach into the book and wipe his past and pain away.
I don't want to say too much, as I really enjoyed reading it without knowing the direction the plot will take. But I will say, I think Zarr has her own little niche at really tapping into how teens think and feel and she presents a realistic struggle without making things easy on the characters or giving readers the happily ever after that so many books create.
It's like a blend of: Bloom - Elizabeth Scott and The Only Alien on the Planet - Kristen Randle (in terms of plot, themes, feel), but really Zarr has her own style that is different from other YA authors. I recommend it if you like realistic contemporary reads and are not afraid of a not-so-perfect ending...
Oh - and the cover = <3. It has a lovely matt texture and the eaten heart matches the themes in the book and the use of white space is evocative.
October 3, 2015
“Life was mostly made up of things you couldn’t control, full of surprises, and they weren’t always good. Life wasn’t what you made it. You were what life made you.”
When I saw it on the bookstore I didn't hesitate to buy it because hello it's a Sara Zarr's book. This is the third book I've read from her; first is Roomies, then How to Save A Life which both I really like.
The first time I read the synopsis I thought this will be a typical love story of kiss-y kiss-y and whatnot but I am mistaken. It's more of that. Sweethearts is a story of absence, longing, love, childhood, change, choices and the adage "people come and go".
It spoke of how someone can really leave a mark not just in our hearts but in our lives; on how even we changed a lot (for better or for worse) we can't deny the fact that we missed our old self, our old life. It showcased the importance of choices and family; and love that it is a powerful feeling but the degree of how to give it really depends on people. You know, sacrifices and priorities.
It is really hard to review a realistic fiction books but all I can say is I love these kind of novels. They don't have a compelling plot but they have something to compel within me and I'm happy with that.
January 26, 2013
There are some friends in my past, from high school and college, that I really miss. I don't know why I lost touch with them but I did. I am talking about people I feel that marked me in an indelible way and yet somehow situations shifted and we were no longer in touch. This was before cell phones and emails, maybe it would be different now, if I was growing up now. Maybe not. But every now and again I am sad about it, about the loss of them -- wondering where we would be as friends if I had done what I was supposed to and stayed in touch. I guess regret is normal with the passing of time. But it sucks.
What if you had a chance to meet that person again that you miss so much? How would it be? If you ran in to them now, talked to them now, who you are now .. and they just join your current life now, as you are now. What would happen? Do you stay who you are or do you revert, degress, devolve? Can this fantasy ever turn out good?
Sweethearts tries to answer this question. Sara Zarr does it in her typical fashion with richly crafted characters that appear in situations that seem so real and solid that I may have experienced them at one point in my life.
Even though it is a mere 217 pages, this book addresses in a thorough manner parental neglect, childhood abuse, bullying, overeating, and the stress of high school social relationships. I am not sure how Zarr manages to do it, but she is brilliant. Despite my love for this book, Story of a Girl and How to Save a Life are my favorites by her so far. But it is a silly ranking, maybe even a waste of time because all three are amazing. When this story ended I cried. I cried for the characters and maybe I cried for myself. It isn't a sad book or a depressing book, but it is real.
What if you had a chance to meet that person again that you miss so much? How would it be? If you ran in to them now, talked to them now, who you are now .. and they just join your current life now, as you are now. What would happen? Do you stay who you are or do you revert, degress, devolve? Can this fantasy ever turn out good?
Sweethearts tries to answer this question. Sara Zarr does it in her typical fashion with richly crafted characters that appear in situations that seem so real and solid that I may have experienced them at one point in my life.
Even though it is a mere 217 pages, this book addresses in a thorough manner parental neglect, childhood abuse, bullying, overeating, and the stress of high school social relationships. I am not sure how Zarr manages to do it, but she is brilliant. Despite my love for this book, Story of a Girl and How to Save a Life are my favorites by her so far. But it is a silly ranking, maybe even a waste of time because all three are amazing. When this story ended I cried. I cried for the characters and maybe I cried for myself. It isn't a sad book or a depressing book, but it is real.
May 1, 2013
I expected to like Sweethearts a lot. I thought it would be a super-cute romance. But it's an hour after reading, and I'm in shock. This is a book that delves much deeper than romance. It's a book that stays with you and demands that you think about it afterwards.
It's very hard for me to tell you much of what happens in Sweethearts without spoiling things, but suffice to say that each and every character, from Jenna to Cameron to Estelle the fish has an important role to play in this novel - and none of them are archetypes. They're all so real and so complex that I feel bad for even thinking that I disliked some of the characters. Because even the ones who made mistakes are just learning about themselves and trying to figure things out in a really imperfect world.
Zarr's writing is skillful and perfect. Every single word was chosen with care. Every image was nuanced and rendered perfectly, without cliche. The writing was so seamless and the characters so real and the plotting so neatly done that I barely noticed that I was reading. I was there with Jenna and Cameron - in fact, I really felt I was Jenna.
Read the rest of this review at Mostly YA Lit
It's very hard for me to tell you much of what happens in Sweethearts without spoiling things, but suffice to say that each and every character, from Jenna to Cameron to Estelle the fish has an important role to play in this novel - and none of them are archetypes. They're all so real and so complex that I feel bad for even thinking that I disliked some of the characters. Because even the ones who made mistakes are just learning about themselves and trying to figure things out in a really imperfect world.
Zarr's writing is skillful and perfect. Every single word was chosen with care. Every image was nuanced and rendered perfectly, without cliche. The writing was so seamless and the characters so real and the plotting so neatly done that I barely noticed that I was reading. I was there with Jenna and Cameron - in fact, I really felt I was Jenna.
Read the rest of this review at Mostly YA Lit
July 2, 2012
Sweethearts disappointed me.
Jennifer and Cameron were best friends in Elementary, the two outcasts that the other children picked on. When Cameron disappeared without even saying 'good-bye', Jennifer knew it was time to change. Now Jennifer's in high school, pretty, popular and completely different from the girl she was when she was younger. When Cameron reappears, they are both reminded of their shared childhood memories. Since they last saw each other 8 years ago, their lives have taken two different paths.
It sounds really interesting and exciting, right? You all want to know how their lives have changed? You all want to know what happens? Well, I can tell you now that this book was one big disappointment. Nothing really happened, the characters were dull and I didn't really feel anything while reading the book.
Jennifer is a confused, whiny, weak and annoying teenage girl with nothing interesting to say. One thing that really bugged me was the fact that she had a boyfriend, Ethan, who was both pushy and needy. He wants to have sex with Jennifer at any moment that their parents aren't at home. And you know what makes it worst? Whenever they did have sex Cameron was on her mind! Oh god, what a messed up girl. She keeps saying how she loveed Ethan, blahblahblah, but it's LIES! ALL LIES!
Another thing: Nothing happened. All the book is really about is a teenage girl remembering her past while falling for a guy she hardly knows. I felt that the book had no excitement, no gripping story line and no real purpose. Half the time I was wondering what Jennifer was rambling on about.
I have seen many reviews that say that this book was amazing and perfect for those who love romance. All I can say is: WHAT ROMANCE?! ARE THE WORDS PRINTED IN INVISIBLE INK?! AM I MISSING SOMETHING?! There. Was. No. Romance. What are you on about? Yes, there was pointless sex and relationship ups and downs, but romance? No, no, no! I think we're talking about different books. There was nothing romantic or worth the title 'romantic' in this book. None whatsoever.
The only reason I'm rating this book 2 is because I liked Cameron's letter at the end, I felt that it was well thought out and touching.
Sweethearts is one of those books that I wouldn't recommend to anyone. End of. Good-bye. The end.
Read more of my reviews at Falling Books!
Jennifer and Cameron were best friends in Elementary, the two outcasts that the other children picked on. When Cameron disappeared without even saying 'good-bye', Jennifer knew it was time to change. Now Jennifer's in high school, pretty, popular and completely different from the girl she was when she was younger. When Cameron reappears, they are both reminded of their shared childhood memories. Since they last saw each other 8 years ago, their lives have taken two different paths.
It sounds really interesting and exciting, right? You all want to know how their lives have changed? You all want to know what happens? Well, I can tell you now that this book was one big disappointment. Nothing really happened, the characters were dull and I didn't really feel anything while reading the book.
Jennifer is a confused, whiny, weak and annoying teenage girl with nothing interesting to say. One thing that really bugged me was the fact that she had a boyfriend, Ethan, who was both pushy and needy. He wants to have sex with Jennifer at any moment that their parents aren't at home. And you know what makes it worst? Whenever they did have sex Cameron was on her mind! Oh god, what a messed up girl. She keeps saying how she loveed Ethan, blahblahblah, but it's LIES! ALL LIES!
Another thing: Nothing happened. All the book is really about is a teenage girl remembering her past while falling for a guy she hardly knows. I felt that the book had no excitement, no gripping story line and no real purpose. Half the time I was wondering what Jennifer was rambling on about.
I have seen many reviews that say that this book was amazing and perfect for those who love romance. All I can say is: WHAT ROMANCE?! ARE THE WORDS PRINTED IN INVISIBLE INK?! AM I MISSING SOMETHING?! There. Was. No. Romance. What are you on about? Yes, there was pointless sex and relationship ups and downs, but romance? No, no, no! I think we're talking about different books. There was nothing romantic or worth the title 'romantic' in this book. None whatsoever.
The only reason I'm rating this book 2 is because I liked Cameron's letter at the end, I felt that it was well thought out and touching.
Sweethearts is one of those books that I wouldn't recommend to anyone. End of. Good-bye. The end.
Read more of my reviews at Falling Books!
November 3, 2017
This is my second time around reading Sweethearts. I love the story so much and I love how the characters grow and develop throughout. Sara Zarr has a way of developing characters with intense backstories without using very many pages. Jennifer and Cameron are both survivors that help each other get through things no child should experience. The "unfinished business" of their story almost breaks my heart because I will always want more from them.
May 12, 2020
“I do have more memories of Cameron, things I know for sure, good and bad. Like: (…) How us being together all the time made us a bigger target, the whole of our exile being greater than the sum of our outcast parts. How we didn’t care because we had each other.”
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I loved that ending and it was so perfect and exactly what would happen if this book was real life… but I couldn’t help being underwhelmed by the whole story. I wish I hadn’t started off my Zarr-ventures with How To Save a Life because that book spoiled me. But even though I wasn’t too struck with the story and the characters… the writing, in true Zarr form, was breath-taking and toe-tingling.
High Points.
Cameron. Jennifer. Drama club. The past. Strength. Friendship. Childhood. First loves. Security. Letters. Dollhouses. Family. Cheap, blue rings. That ending.
Low Points.
You know when you finish a book and you’re like: eh.
But you can’t pinpoint why? This was one of those books for me.
I didn’t like Jenna as a narrator and I’m not sure why. I wish this book had been told from Jennifer’s p.o.v, I connected with her a lot more and I would have loved to see what she would have come up with.
Also, and I hate to keep comparing it to HTSAL… but I’m gonna do it anyway, I so wish that this book was told from dual perspective. Cameron’s story was so compelling and the snapshots I got just wasn’t enough. I didn’t feel like I knew him at all.
I love the cover but it gives me the overwhelming urge to snaffle delicious sweet treats all the live long day.
Heroine.
Just building on more of what I said above, Jenna was a tricky heroine. I didn’t hate her and she wasn’t too dumb or that much of a push-over and she kind of had a good head on her shoulders.
I feel like I may need to use more italics to emphasize my point. It seemed like Jenna was just there.
She wasn’t making waves and I like my heroines to make waves.
Jennifer on the other hand (who was Jenna before she became Jenna… don’t worry, she’s not an alien. OR IS SHE?!) was brilliant. She was feisty, she was strong, she was no nonsense, but she was also vulnerable and I had a lot of time for her.
I just couldn’t help but think Jenna was a shell of what she used to be and it made me sad. Maybe that was the point…. But it still made me sad.
Love Interest. Hero.
Yeah, he’s a hero, right?
He’s definitely not a love interest… unless you count mine. Which then, yeah he’s totally a love interest.
Sorry… what was I saying?
Oh yes Cameron. Oooh Cameron. You little cherub.
I won’t talk too much about you because I think you’re background is best not known if you haven’t read the book.
But I loved you in the past, the present and the future. And I wish we’d heard things for your side.
Also, I always thought that sending anonymous bouquets of “sun golden” roses was the epitome of romance… and it still is.
But, let me tell you, making a girl a dollhouse for her birthday from scratch would come pretty damn close.
Theme Tune.
Basic Space by The XX
Whenever listen to The XX is always have this urge to turn the lights off in my room, crawl under the covers and just immerse myself within their music. The same thing goes when I read a book by Ms Zarr.
"I’m setting us in stone
Piece by piece before I’m alone
Air tight before we break
Keep it in
Keep us safe"
Fragility, desperation, loss, hope, determination, love.
When I thought of Jenna and Cameron’s relationship, I instantly thought of this song.
It's just stunning.
“I’ve been underwater
Breathin’ out and in
I’m think I’m losin’ where you end and I begin”
Boy Angst.
2/10. You’ll probably wonder why I’ve even bothered putting this in because the scoring is so low. But I wanted to include two points, not for Jenna, but for me. This is just a personal gripe but it annoys me so much:
Why do YA heroines always need a mysterious and sexy boywith dark hair to make them realise that their current boyfriend is dull, boring, chauvinistic and blonde not right for them?
Ethan: Whatever with you and your entire existence.
Sadness Scale.
8/10. You’ll probably wonder why, seeing as I’ve been whinging all the way through this review, I’ve given it such a high rating. This is all down to Ms Zarr’s ability to write emotion like it’s coming from her soul.
Or something equally as dramatic and metaphorical.
Her writing is so subtle and quiet but oh my gosh can she pack a punch when she wants to. Her writing is so raw and powerful that even though I wasn’t fussed about Jenna, I couldn’t look away just in case I missed a sentence that made my heart tremble.
We all know that there’s certain Aussie lady who can portray human emotions in this way (and when I say this I mean clutch at your heart and shake your soul and make your muscles ache with the beauty of the words and… um well, you get it) but I have to say, judging by the feeling of shock, awe, numbness and understanding I feel after I’ve finished one of her books, Ms Zarr is standing right beside her.
I don’t want to go into the nitty gritty of the story, because like I said, it’s best not knowing.
But this book is truly sad considering every thing that happens to the characters in the past and the present. However, the issues are dealt with tact, understanding and, most importantly, without judgement.
Recommended for.
People who like to read books that are about friendship. People who aren’t fussed about a clear happily-ever-after. People who like dollhouses. People who have ever wished they could press the reset button on their life. People who like it when they get notes in their lunchboxes. People who enjoy Milky Ways. People who have ever wondered what happened to their primary school crush. (Basically, he got HOT)
Initial Final Page Thoughts.
I loved that ending and it was so perfect and exactly what would happen if this book was real life… but I couldn’t help being underwhelmed by the whole story. I wish I hadn’t started off my Zarr-ventures with How To Save a Life because that book spoiled me. But even though I wasn’t too struck with the story and the characters… the writing, in true Zarr form, was breath-taking and toe-tingling.
High Points.
Cameron. Jennifer. Drama club. The past. Strength. Friendship. Childhood. First loves. Security. Letters. Dollhouses. Family. Cheap, blue rings. That ending.
Low Points.
You know when you finish a book and you’re like: eh.
But you can’t pinpoint why? This was one of those books for me.
I didn’t like Jenna as a narrator and I’m not sure why. I wish this book had been told from Jennifer’s p.o.v, I connected with her a lot more and I would have loved to see what she would have come up with.
Also, and I hate to keep comparing it to HTSAL… but I’m gonna do it anyway, I so wish that this book was told from dual perspective. Cameron’s story was so compelling and the snapshots I got just wasn’t enough. I didn’t feel like I knew him at all.
I love the cover but it gives me the overwhelming urge to snaffle delicious sweet treats all the live long day.
Heroine.
Just building on more of what I said above, Jenna was a tricky heroine. I didn’t hate her and she wasn’t too dumb or that much of a push-over and she kind of had a good head on her shoulders.
I feel like I may need to use more italics to emphasize my point. It seemed like Jenna was just there.
She wasn’t making waves and I like my heroines to make waves.
Jennifer on the other hand (who was Jenna before she became Jenna… don’t worry, she’s not an alien. OR IS SHE?!) was brilliant. She was feisty, she was strong, she was no nonsense, but she was also vulnerable and I had a lot of time for her.
I just couldn’t help but think Jenna was a shell of what she used to be and it made me sad. Maybe that was the point…. But it still made me sad.
Yeah, he’s a hero, right?
He’s definitely not a love interest… unless you count mine. Which then, yeah he’s totally a love interest.
Sorry… what was I saying?
Oh yes Cameron. Oooh Cameron. You little cherub.
I won’t talk too much about you because I think you’re background is best not known if you haven’t read the book.
But I loved you in the past, the present and the future. And I wish we’d heard things for your side.
Also, I always thought that sending anonymous bouquets of “sun golden” roses was the epitome of romance… and it still is.
But, let me tell you, making a girl a dollhouse for her birthday from scratch would come pretty damn close.
Theme Tune.
Basic Space by The XX
Whenever listen to The XX is always have this urge to turn the lights off in my room, crawl under the covers and just immerse myself within their music. The same thing goes when I read a book by Ms Zarr.
"I’m setting us in stone
Piece by piece before I’m alone
Air tight before we break
Keep it in
Keep us safe"
Fragility, desperation, loss, hope, determination, love.
When I thought of Jenna and Cameron’s relationship, I instantly thought of this song.
It's just stunning.
“I’ve been underwater
Breathin’ out and in
I’m think I’m losin’ where you end and I begin”
Boy Angst.
2/10. You’ll probably wonder why I’ve even bothered putting this in because the scoring is so low. But I wanted to include two points, not for Jenna, but for me. This is just a personal gripe but it annoys me so much:
Why do YA heroines always need a mysterious and sexy boy
Ethan: Whatever with you and your entire existence.
Sadness Scale.
8/10. You’ll probably wonder why, seeing as I’ve been whinging all the way through this review, I’ve given it such a high rating. This is all down to Ms Zarr’s ability to write emotion like it’s coming from her soul.
Or something equally as dramatic and metaphorical.
Her writing is so subtle and quiet but oh my gosh can she pack a punch when she wants to. Her writing is so raw and powerful that even though I wasn’t fussed about Jenna, I couldn’t look away just in case I missed a sentence that made my heart tremble.
We all know that there’s certain Aussie lady who can portray human emotions in this way (and when I say this I mean clutch at your heart and shake your soul and make your muscles ache with the beauty of the words and… um well, you get it) but I have to say, judging by the feeling of shock, awe, numbness and understanding I feel after I’ve finished one of her books, Ms Zarr is standing right beside her.
I don’t want to go into the nitty gritty of the story, because like I said, it’s best not knowing.
But this book is truly sad considering every thing that happens to the characters in the past and the present. However, the issues are dealt with tact, understanding and, most importantly, without judgement.
Recommended for.
People who like to read books that are about friendship. People who aren’t fussed about a clear happily-ever-after. People who like dollhouses. People who have ever wished they could press the reset button on their life. People who like it when they get notes in their lunchboxes. People who enjoy Milky Ways. People who have ever wondered what happened to their primary school crush. (Basically, he got HOT)
September 25, 2008
Hmmm.... Clearly, I am in the minority where this book is concerned. And I am wondering if it's because I didn't read it with my eyes, but with my ears. Print vs. Audiobook: Does It Make a Difference? I'm thinking maybe it does.
I liked Jenna Vaughn, but I grew a little impatient with her. I wanted her to just give her friends a perfunctory explanation and let it be enough. I wanted her to stop obsessing over Cameron Quick. I wanted her to be more assertive with moody Cameron and keep asking for answers until she got them. Still, I understood her high school anxieties, and I liked her.
Cameron was another story. He's supposed to be the brooding hero, I suppose, but I just didn't like him very much. I understand the overnight disappearance and other things over which he had no control. But now that he's older and he does have control over some things, he just seems to be completely oblivious to others' feelings. He waltzes into Jenna's life unannounced and expects her to go where he wants, do what he wants, without discussion. He climbs in through her window in the middle of the night. He sleeps in her car without bothering to ask or even let her know. In fact, he won't answer her questions and refuses to discuss anything for the longest time. When she doesn't want to go to his old house and relive horrible memories, and asks for a little more time to prepare herself, he gets annoyed. I just didn't like him very much.
Which brings me back to my question about print vs. audiobooks: Can the way a narrator reads the book affect the way you interpret situations and relate to the characters? My determination: yes.
Sara Zarr, the author, read the book for the audio version. She did a fine job, but I think I realize now why I didn't like Cameron much. I think it's because of the way she voiced him. His voice never revealed emotion, unless he was annoyed, and even then it wasn't much. So I got this impression of him as a self-absorbed teenager who does what he wants, when he wants, however he wants, with no concern for what anyone else thinks or if anyone else is inconvenienced by his actions. If you know someone is planning a nice dinner for you, you don't say you're going to the post office and walk out the door and not come back for hours. It's rude. It's thoughtless. It's self-absorbed. And you certainly don't leave for good, in the middle of the night, without saying goodbye. Again. Even though I understood he'd had a terrible, abusive childhood, I just had a hard time working up a lot of compassion when he seemed to have that attitude. Thank goodness for his Christmas letter; it provided a bit of redemption in my mind.
Maybe if I'd read it myself, I would've had a different voice for Cameron. Maybe he wouldn't have sounded so... whatever about everything. Maybe....
I liked Jenna Vaughn, but I grew a little impatient with her. I wanted her to just give her friends a perfunctory explanation and let it be enough. I wanted her to stop obsessing over Cameron Quick. I wanted her to be more assertive with moody Cameron and keep asking for answers until she got them. Still, I understood her high school anxieties, and I liked her.
Cameron was another story. He's supposed to be the brooding hero, I suppose, but I just didn't like him very much. I understand the overnight disappearance and other things over which he had no control. But now that he's older and he does have control over some things, he just seems to be completely oblivious to others' feelings. He waltzes into Jenna's life unannounced and expects her to go where he wants, do what he wants, without discussion. He climbs in through her window in the middle of the night. He sleeps in her car without bothering to ask or even let her know. In fact, he won't answer her questions and refuses to discuss anything for the longest time. When she doesn't want to go to his old house and relive horrible memories, and asks for a little more time to prepare herself, he gets annoyed. I just didn't like him very much.
Which brings me back to my question about print vs. audiobooks: Can the way a narrator reads the book affect the way you interpret situations and relate to the characters? My determination: yes.
Sara Zarr, the author, read the book for the audio version. She did a fine job, but I think I realize now why I didn't like Cameron much. I think it's because of the way she voiced him. His voice never revealed emotion, unless he was annoyed, and even then it wasn't much. So I got this impression of him as a self-absorbed teenager who does what he wants, when he wants, however he wants, with no concern for what anyone else thinks or if anyone else is inconvenienced by his actions. If you know someone is planning a nice dinner for you, you don't say you're going to the post office and walk out the door and not come back for hours. It's rude. It's thoughtless. It's self-absorbed. And you certainly don't leave for good, in the middle of the night, without saying goodbye. Again. Even though I understood he'd had a terrible, abusive childhood, I just had a hard time working up a lot of compassion when he seemed to have that attitude. Thank goodness for his Christmas letter; it provided a bit of redemption in my mind.
Maybe if I'd read it myself, I would've had a different voice for Cameron. Maybe he wouldn't have sounded so... whatever about everything. Maybe....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2008
I know STORY OF A GIRL was a National Book Award finalist, but I didn't love it--while the story was realistic, the main character just wasn't one that I clicked with as a reader. But I've been reading Sara's blog off-and-on for a good while and really appreciate that she always has really interesting things to say. I'd been more than curious to read SWEETHEARTS ever since she said on there awhile back that she'd been thinking and writing about how "we all have the faces we show to the people we meet."
SWEETHEARTS clicked with me on a personal level b/c I had an inexplicably close male friend myself as a kid, and he, too, disappeared from my world at a certain point, (though due to far less mysterious circumstances). But I think the emotional response I had is probably similar to the reaction many will have, b/c I do think this novel would be a real what-if exploration for anyone who's had and lost a significant friend. I think teens will appreciate it for this same reason--that the author understands just how significant even our early friendships relationships can be to the way we define ourselves. And I like what she has to say about how our capacity to love, to change, to grow, and yet, still, to stay the same.
The "mystery" keeps this story tight and taut and moving along, making it more than just an emotional journey. The secondary characters are all well-drawn, too, esp. the boyfriend who just doesn't understand what is happening--or why his girlfriend is slipping away from him. All in all, I'm impressed with the characterization, and the themes. This is only Sara Zarr's second novel, but I think she's figured out things as a writer in two books that really set her apart. I'm eager to see what's next from her.
SWEETHEARTS clicked with me on a personal level b/c I had an inexplicably close male friend myself as a kid, and he, too, disappeared from my world at a certain point, (though due to far less mysterious circumstances). But I think the emotional response I had is probably similar to the reaction many will have, b/c I do think this novel would be a real what-if exploration for anyone who's had and lost a significant friend. I think teens will appreciate it for this same reason--that the author understands just how significant even our early friendships relationships can be to the way we define ourselves. And I like what she has to say about how our capacity to love, to change, to grow, and yet, still, to stay the same.
The "mystery" keeps this story tight and taut and moving along, making it more than just an emotional journey. The secondary characters are all well-drawn, too, esp. the boyfriend who just doesn't understand what is happening--or why his girlfriend is slipping away from him. All in all, I'm impressed with the characterization, and the themes. This is only Sara Zarr's second novel, but I think she's figured out things as a writer in two books that really set her apart. I'm eager to see what's next from her.
August 30, 2016
It needs a better ending! I think I am going to try to stay out of the young adult books now because all of them have the same problem! The ending!
December 31, 2008
Nine-year-old Jennifer Harris, cursed with a lisp and baby fat, is friendless until she gets up to the courage to talk to Cameron Quick, a poor, awkward boy who is also a social outcast. They are instant soul mates until Cameron mysteriously moves away without saying good bye. Eight years later Jennifer Harris has become Jenna Vaughn, a skinny, popular high-schooler with a hunky boyfriend. Yet she is still haunted by the memories of her childhood friend. When Cameron suddenly reappears at school, Jenna finds it increasingly difficult to keep up her new image and at the same time hide from her past and the horrific secret they share.
I compulsively read this book until I finished but didn't know what to think afterward. Initially I felt a little let down by the melancholy mood it left me in. Though this is ultimately a hopeful story about love between two teens, it's definitely not another teen romance novel. I knew this going into it, but I didn't expect it to be quite as heartbreaking. That being said, Zarr writes excellent characters in whom you become emotionally invested. Her deftly woven flashbacks of the unspeakable experience they shared do make it a real page turner. Zarr's portrayal of the power of childhood relationships and the permanent marks they make is spot-on. I felt both for the characters and for myself. It brought some of my childhood and teenage wounds to the surface - close friendships that never saw closure; memories of childhood bullying and social exclusion that still hurt. For better or for worse, this is realistic teen fiction at its best :)
I compulsively read this book until I finished but didn't know what to think afterward. Initially I felt a little let down by the melancholy mood it left me in. Though this is ultimately a hopeful story about love between two teens, it's definitely not another teen romance novel. I knew this going into it, but I didn't expect it to be quite as heartbreaking. That being said, Zarr writes excellent characters in whom you become emotionally invested. Her deftly woven flashbacks of the unspeakable experience they shared do make it a real page turner. Zarr's portrayal of the power of childhood relationships and the permanent marks they make is spot-on. I felt both for the characters and for myself. It brought some of my childhood and teenage wounds to the surface - close friendships that never saw closure; memories of childhood bullying and social exclusion that still hurt. For better or for worse, this is realistic teen fiction at its best :)
January 15, 2011
This book fails in the exact same way Story of a Girl failed. Story of a Girl is the superior book, but it's flaws were disguised under decent plot lines and an interesting main character. Sweetheart lacks a plot, which isn't a problem when you're writing a character driven story. Unfortunately, the characters in Sweethearts, even the main character Jenna, are all two dimensional. While in Story of a Girl, only one plot line fell flat because of weak characterization, in Sweethearts all of the story lines fall flat because, not only are they not interesting, but the characters are boring stereotypes.
The plot of this story is very simple. Eight years ago Cameron Quick and Jennifer were best friends. Then he left without saying goodbye. Jennifer thought he was dead. Jennifer lost 25lbs, changed her name to Jenna, and started washing her own laundry to make friends. Now she has a boyfriend, she's beautiful, and she's popular. Then Cameron comes back and turns her life upside down.
Not a bad idea in and out of itself. But if you're looking for a romance, look elsewhere. The title is misleading. Cameron and Jenna never get involved. In fact, this book is a lot like Bloom, by Elizabeth Scott. I have a had time saying which is better because they were both pretty bad. But like in Bloom, the girl has a perfect boyfriend who she can't bear to loose. In Sweethearts his name is Ethan. Ethan is a self-absorbed jerk. The classic boyfriend stereotype if we want to perpetrate that cheating on said boyfriend is ok.
He's so one dimensional it's not even funny. We have Steph, the boy crazy friend. Also one dimensional. Then we have Katy, the ADHD whiny friend that you wish you could just kick. Of course she falls in love with Cameron and we get some fake melodrama there.
The main mystery of this book is Cameron's past. It's not really much of a surprise so I'll just say it. Through a series of flashbacks we find out that Cameron's father was abusive and was abusing his kids, random kids, and his kid's friends. In fact, I thought he was a child molester. It's alluded to, but never fleshed out. In fact, nothing in this book is ever fleshed out. It's like one big trailer.
The whole book felt like the build up to something, but ultimately we never get any payback. Jenna has issues with binge eating and a lisp, but they're never brought up again. Apparently Cameron isn't psychologically scarred. The friendship in this book wasn't awesome as the blurb would have you believe. It just felt kinda passive-aggressive and clingy.
Cameron himself is another story. As the central object to the plot he fails. He's just not that interesting. Now if the book was from his point of view, that might be worth reading. He's the one with the issues. Jenna has no problems. She fixed them herself. Jenna needs to help Cameron. But unfortunately we're never given the chance to really see him outside of Jenna's perfect image of him in her mind. He's like a manic pixie gone wrong.
There's also a lot of Mormon bashing in this as well. I didn't really have that much of a problem ignoring it, but I felt it was too over dramatic. Do Mormons seriously make that big of a deal out of their religion? I don't think so. As the only black kid in a few of my schools, I never felt the need to transfer to another school. I think the author just felt like bashing Mormons.
This never felt like a complete book. It's a definite two star book. Read, Story of a Girl instead. Or if you want the exact same story told in a much better way go to Deviantart and read the AU by Irrel. I expected more from Sara Zarr.
The plot of this story is very simple. Eight years ago Cameron Quick and Jennifer were best friends. Then he left without saying goodbye. Jennifer thought he was dead. Jennifer lost 25lbs, changed her name to Jenna, and started washing her own laundry to make friends. Now she has a boyfriend, she's beautiful, and she's popular. Then Cameron comes back and turns her life upside down.
Not a bad idea in and out of itself. But if you're looking for a romance, look elsewhere. The title is misleading. Cameron and Jenna never get involved. In fact, this book is a lot like Bloom, by Elizabeth Scott. I have a had time saying which is better because they were both pretty bad. But like in Bloom, the girl has a perfect boyfriend who she can't bear to loose. In Sweethearts his name is Ethan. Ethan is a self-absorbed jerk. The classic boyfriend stereotype if we want to perpetrate that cheating on said boyfriend is ok.
He's so one dimensional it's not even funny. We have Steph, the boy crazy friend. Also one dimensional. Then we have Katy, the ADHD whiny friend that you wish you could just kick. Of course she falls in love with Cameron and we get some fake melodrama there.
The main mystery of this book is Cameron's past. It's not really much of a surprise so I'll just say it. Through a series of flashbacks we find out that Cameron's father was abusive and was abusing his kids, random kids, and his kid's friends. In fact, I thought he was a child molester. It's alluded to, but never fleshed out. In fact, nothing in this book is ever fleshed out. It's like one big trailer.
The whole book felt like the build up to something, but ultimately we never get any payback. Jenna has issues with binge eating and a lisp, but they're never brought up again. Apparently Cameron isn't psychologically scarred. The friendship in this book wasn't awesome as the blurb would have you believe. It just felt kinda passive-aggressive and clingy.
Cameron himself is another story. As the central object to the plot he fails. He's just not that interesting. Now if the book was from his point of view, that might be worth reading. He's the one with the issues. Jenna has no problems. She fixed them herself. Jenna needs to help Cameron. But unfortunately we're never given the chance to really see him outside of Jenna's perfect image of him in her mind. He's like a manic pixie gone wrong.
There's also a lot of Mormon bashing in this as well. I didn't really have that much of a problem ignoring it, but I felt it was too over dramatic. Do Mormons seriously make that big of a deal out of their religion? I don't think so. As the only black kid in a few of my schools, I never felt the need to transfer to another school. I think the author just felt like bashing Mormons.
This never felt like a complete book. It's a definite two star book. Read, Story of a Girl instead. Or if you want the exact same story told in a much better way go to Deviantart and read the AU by Irrel. I expected more from Sara Zarr.
January 3, 2009
Maybe this is more of a meditation-using-fiction than it is a novel. It's a beautiful evocation of how it feels when someone has a permanent effect on you but it simply can't be seen or understood from the outside. The years-later epilogue that some have found odd was a necessity, I felt, to make it clear that there could not be a romantic ending -- something the adult knows but the teenager doesn't.
January 20, 2023
3.5 rounded up
July 25, 2013
I bought three more Sara Zarr books immediately after finishing How to Save a Life - this being one of them. Her writing spoke to me like a Marchetta novel does, although her stories seem sadder. I saved them for when I craved something emotionally distressing to read, but unfortunately, this didn't quite hit the right buttons.
Sweethearts was the story of Jennifer and Cameron, childhood best friends who were separated after a tragic event. Jennifer was the kid whom no one wanted to hang out with. Her mom was a single mother who worked long hours and went to nursing school at night, leaving her on her own most of the time. As a result, she didn't always have clean clothes, didn't always eat right and didn't always behave. She shoplifts, steals food, and binge-eats when she feels sad. She often gets bullied at school and had no friends until Cameron befriends her. They had each other, and it didn't matter that they didn't have any other friends. But Cameron was harboring a secret. He'd often miss school, or come to school silent, and a few days later he'd come around and act his normal self as if nothing happened.
One absence turned out longer than usual and Jennifer started to worry about him, especially after they had a shared experience which led to her finding out his secret. At first she thought that he moved away and just didn't say goodbye, but the bullies at school told her that he died. None of her teachers or even her mom denied this, and so she believed that Cameron was truly dead. After that, she mourned him and buried herself along with her memories of him.
Fast forward to eight years later, Jennifer Harris is now Jenna Vaughn. She's no longer the overweight kid who had no friends. After her mom started working as a nurse and remarried, they moved to a nicer neighborhood. Jenna switched schools and was able to reinvent herself. She was a popular kid who did well in school, had a group of friends and a cute boyfriend. Life was steady and good until her 17th birthday when she unexpectedly receives a letter from Cameron saying that he was back.
There were parallels between this and HtSaL. I particularly thought that Zarr uses the mother-daughter relationship subplot quite effectively. They're neither close nor are they enemies, but there's a level of discomfort and a need to sweep things under the rug rather than confront each other. At first glance the main issue seems to be about Cameron - why he disappeared, what happened to him in the years between and why he's back. But the discovery to be made is really about Jenna and the effect Cameron's leaving had on her. When he came back, her life was turned upside down and memories started flooding back. Feelings of hurt, confusion and abandonment resurfaced and these made her question her relationship with her mom, her friends, her boyfriend and even how she views herself.
I easily connected to Jenna but had trouble understanding Cameron. I appreciated that he was not made to look like a pitiful character despite traumatic events in his life but in the end, I felt that the unfinished business remained unfinished. For instance, he said that he came back for Jenna. Okay, and then what? I didn't feel that there was any ploy to pull what they had in the romantic direction (like in Eleanor & Park) but I also didn't understand what he wanted to achieve in terms of their relationship. I liked that he was an independent man-child who genuinely loved Jenna and was concerned about how his presence affected her life. Jenna, on the other hand, appeared like a shallow teen who was mainly concerned about pleasing others. she was also a victim - a victim of neglect. I've learned that they too can have equal or greater lasting scars only they're not as obvious because you can't see the consequences physically.
Despite falling short of resolutions I still enjoyed this book in its entirety. I LOVED the writing. It didn't have the emotional pull that I was looking for but I still loved reading about the closeness between Jenna and Cameron. This would be one of the few instances where I think a sequel/companion novel (in a future setting) would be a good idea. I wouldn't mind if it were to be in Cameron's POV either.
Sweethearts was the story of Jennifer and Cameron, childhood best friends who were separated after a tragic event. Jennifer was the kid whom no one wanted to hang out with. Her mom was a single mother who worked long hours and went to nursing school at night, leaving her on her own most of the time. As a result, she didn't always have clean clothes, didn't always eat right and didn't always behave. She shoplifts, steals food, and binge-eats when she feels sad. She often gets bullied at school and had no friends until Cameron befriends her. They had each other, and it didn't matter that they didn't have any other friends. But Cameron was harboring a secret. He'd often miss school, or come to school silent, and a few days later he'd come around and act his normal self as if nothing happened.
One absence turned out longer than usual and Jennifer started to worry about him, especially after they had a shared experience which led to her finding out his secret. At first she thought that he moved away and just didn't say goodbye, but the bullies at school told her that he died. None of her teachers or even her mom denied this, and so she believed that Cameron was truly dead. After that, she mourned him and buried herself along with her memories of him.
Fast forward to eight years later, Jennifer Harris is now Jenna Vaughn. She's no longer the overweight kid who had no friends. After her mom started working as a nurse and remarried, they moved to a nicer neighborhood. Jenna switched schools and was able to reinvent herself. She was a popular kid who did well in school, had a group of friends and a cute boyfriend. Life was steady and good until her 17th birthday when she unexpectedly receives a letter from Cameron saying that he was back.
There were parallels between this and HtSaL. I particularly thought that Zarr uses the mother-daughter relationship subplot quite effectively. They're neither close nor are they enemies, but there's a level of discomfort and a need to sweep things under the rug rather than confront each other. At first glance the main issue seems to be about Cameron - why he disappeared, what happened to him in the years between and why he's back. But the discovery to be made is really about Jenna and the effect Cameron's leaving had on her. When he came back, her life was turned upside down and memories started flooding back. Feelings of hurt, confusion and abandonment resurfaced and these made her question her relationship with her mom, her friends, her boyfriend and even how she views herself.
I easily connected to Jenna but had trouble understanding Cameron. I appreciated that he was not made to look like a pitiful character despite traumatic events in his life but in the end, I felt that the unfinished business remained unfinished. For instance, he said that he came back for Jenna. Okay, and then what? I didn't feel that there was any ploy to pull what they had in the romantic direction (like in Eleanor & Park) but I also didn't understand what he wanted to achieve in terms of their relationship. I liked that he was an independent man-child who genuinely loved Jenna and was concerned about how his presence affected her life. Jenna, on the other hand, appeared like a shallow teen who was mainly concerned about pleasing others. she was also a victim - a victim of neglect. I've learned that they too can have equal or greater lasting scars only they're not as obvious because you can't see the consequences physically.
Despite falling short of resolutions I still enjoyed this book in its entirety. I LOVED the writing. It didn't have the emotional pull that I was looking for but I still loved reading about the closeness between Jenna and Cameron. This would be one of the few instances where I think a sequel/companion novel (in a future setting) would be a good idea. I wouldn't mind if it were to be in Cameron's POV either.
June 5, 2011
I don't know what I expected when I first read this' book description. But it's safe to say that it wasn't what I got.
This book is raw, it is tragic and nostalgic but it's full of hope too. And love.
I've never read a book about the kind of love this two teenagers have. Jennifer and Cameron, they were best friends
back in elementary school. Actually they were each other's only friend. Due to the fact that they were practicaly
the only non-mormon kids in their school, and also Jennifer was overweight and both of them were poor.
Back in the day they have no one besides eachother. Jennifers mom worked in the mornings and went to school at night.
Cameron's father was abusive. The only highlight in both these kids lives was the time they spend together.
After a horrible incident involving Cam's violent father and Jennifer's ninth birthday, Cameron left town without saying goodbye. Jennifer thought he was dead, but he wasn't. He's now back and with him the memories are coming back.
The ones she thought she had forgotten. Her insecurities about being a chubby kid, the terror she felt that ninth birthday,
and the longing for her long lost friend hit her hard. She's confused and hurt. But she's also happy.
Cameron's life has been rough. Very. You can't imagine how sad his life has been. Everytime I read the parts about him
my heart would break. Literally. There's such a strong aura of sadness around him that I just wanted to reach inside the book
and pull him into a hug and tell him it was going to be okay.
I was glad he had Jennifer, even though she didn't know what to do or say, she was there for him even if not physically there,
she was always thinking about him, always loyal and supportive even if she herself was having problems, like her compulsive eating disorder.
As I read the last few pages, I got sadder and sadder. I have to warn you, the ending is not sugar coated and wrapped with a bow.
It's not what I expected and it's definitely not what I wanted. My heart broke and I'm still sad. But the good think is that it's left open,
so I still have hope Cameron and Jennifer will one day return to where they belong. With each other. Filling that space in both their hearts that
no other person can ocupy.
Although If I could I would change the ending in a blink of an eye. I really think both Cameron and Jennifer deserve the happiness
that would come when they finally get together. The romance is there but at the same time it isn't and I think that's the missing piece this
book needs.
So yeah, it was a beautifully sad book.
About a friendship that I am sure I won't forget.
About returning (if only for while) to that person that's not your soulmate, but a part of your soul.
This book is raw, it is tragic and nostalgic but it's full of hope too. And love.
I've never read a book about the kind of love this two teenagers have. Jennifer and Cameron, they were best friends
back in elementary school. Actually they were each other's only friend. Due to the fact that they were practicaly
the only non-mormon kids in their school, and also Jennifer was overweight and both of them were poor.
Back in the day they have no one besides eachother. Jennifers mom worked in the mornings and went to school at night.
Cameron's father was abusive. The only highlight in both these kids lives was the time they spend together.
After a horrible incident involving Cam's violent father and Jennifer's ninth birthday, Cameron left town without saying goodbye. Jennifer thought he was dead, but he wasn't. He's now back and with him the memories are coming back.
The ones she thought she had forgotten. Her insecurities about being a chubby kid, the terror she felt that ninth birthday,
and the longing for her long lost friend hit her hard. She's confused and hurt. But she's also happy.
Cameron's life has been rough. Very. You can't imagine how sad his life has been. Everytime I read the parts about him
my heart would break. Literally. There's such a strong aura of sadness around him that I just wanted to reach inside the book
and pull him into a hug and tell him it was going to be okay.
I was glad he had Jennifer, even though she didn't know what to do or say, she was there for him even if not physically there,
she was always thinking about him, always loyal and supportive even if she herself was having problems, like her compulsive eating disorder.
As I read the last few pages, I got sadder and sadder. I have to warn you, the ending is not sugar coated and wrapped with a bow.
It's not what I expected and it's definitely not what I wanted. My heart broke and I'm still sad. But the good think is that it's left open,
so I still have hope Cameron and Jennifer will one day return to where they belong. With each other. Filling that space in both their hearts that
no other person can ocupy.
Although If I could I would change the ending in a blink of an eye. I really think both Cameron and Jennifer deserve the happiness
that would come when they finally get together. The romance is there but at the same time it isn't and I think that's the missing piece this
book needs.
So yeah, it was a beautifully sad book.
About a friendship that I am sure I won't forget.
About returning (if only for while) to that person that's not your soulmate, but a part of your soul.
October 26, 2008
Finally Jena is the person she wants to be. No longer is she Jennifer Harris from her elementary school days. She isn’t fat anymore, she doesn’t live in a crummy apartment and she isn’t teased anymore.
The new girl, Jena, has it all. She is popular, has a boyfriend, a handful of friends, and lives in a nice house. As much as she would like, Jena can’t let go of her past. Her memories continue to haunt her, especially her memories of Cameron. Cameron Quick was Jennifer’s only friend in elementary school, they were misfits together, a perfect match. They only had each other and it was okay. Until the day that Cameron didn’t show up to school. Until the day that Jennifer finds out that Cameron died. Then Jennifer only had herself.
Flash forward eight years to Jennifer’s new life as Jena on the morning of her 17th birthday. Jena always thinks of Cameron the most on her birthdays, ever since it happened. After her birthday dinner with her parents Jena sees a note in her mail box and assumes it is a surprise from her boyfriend. The note however is from another boy from her life, Cameron.
I loved this book. The characters are multi-dimensional, as well as their relationships. Jena may seem like she has everything, but she is scarred in more ways then one. Her character is beyond believable. The story is complex and is about so much more than a bittersweet relationship of unfinished business. This is my first time reading a novel by Zarr, but I plan on reading her previous novel Story of a Girl.
The new girl, Jena, has it all. She is popular, has a boyfriend, a handful of friends, and lives in a nice house. As much as she would like, Jena can’t let go of her past. Her memories continue to haunt her, especially her memories of Cameron. Cameron Quick was Jennifer’s only friend in elementary school, they were misfits together, a perfect match. They only had each other and it was okay. Until the day that Cameron didn’t show up to school. Until the day that Jennifer finds out that Cameron died. Then Jennifer only had herself.
Flash forward eight years to Jennifer’s new life as Jena on the morning of her 17th birthday. Jena always thinks of Cameron the most on her birthdays, ever since it happened. After her birthday dinner with her parents Jena sees a note in her mail box and assumes it is a surprise from her boyfriend. The note however is from another boy from her life, Cameron.
I loved this book. The characters are multi-dimensional, as well as their relationships. Jena may seem like she has everything, but she is scarred in more ways then one. Her character is beyond believable. The story is complex and is about so much more than a bittersweet relationship of unfinished business. This is my first time reading a novel by Zarr, but I plan on reading her previous novel Story of a Girl.
November 5, 2010
Wow. Great read! So many emotions! Totally... Gutwrenching. I loved this book, although at times it was a tad slow and a little depressing. I read it in about 4 hours straight, which I very rarely do. The ending wasn't as I hoped but there's s beautiful lesson here about friendship and what it really means to love someone with all you have, even if no one else understands or knows why. Definitely worth a read, and I'll be reading more by Sara Zarr soon.
May 3, 2012
3.5.
I purposely went into this one not having read any reviews and not knowing what the real meat of the story was. In many ways I'm glad I did, and in other ways, I wish I had been more prepared. This was a powerful but painful read. I'm about the last person to read it, but I waited because I wanted to save it for when I needed a good, strong contemporary. Consider this one to have delivered.
Jenna's new identity in high school is her saving grace. It's what's helped her move on from the past, which included Cameron, a boy who she's been led to believe died. But when he comes back into her life, the one she's so carefully constructed, things fall apart. She has to face the things she's shoved away, and so does he. Ultimately, it changes both of them, I think, for the better.
With the notion of restraint, I appreciated, too, how Zarr gives us just enough of the other competing challenges in Jenna's life without making them huge issues. There's religion, social/peer acceptance, dating, adjusting to a new family situation, her weight and body image issues, her tendency for petty theft sometimes (of food, contributing to her weight/body image issues) and hell, even learning how to drive and gain independence from that family/social pressure all packed into this short book. But the focus never sways too far away. These things only help build Jenna. They don't define her.
This was a real story of friendship and how it shifts and changes. Even though the last chapter felt a tiny bit lesson-y on that topic, I liked it. Zarr has a way with words and feelings, and I think this one ranks up close to "How to Save a Life" for me in how much I responded to it.
I purposely went into this one not having read any reviews and not knowing what the real meat of the story was. In many ways I'm glad I did, and in other ways, I wish I had been more prepared. This was a powerful but painful read. I'm about the last person to read it, but I waited because I wanted to save it for when I needed a good, strong contemporary. Consider this one to have delivered.
Jenna's new identity in high school is her saving grace. It's what's helped her move on from the past, which included Cameron, a boy who she's been led to believe died. But when he comes back into her life, the one she's so carefully constructed, things fall apart. She has to face the things she's shoved away, and so does he. Ultimately, it changes both of them, I think, for the better.
With the notion of restraint, I appreciated, too, how Zarr gives us just enough of the other competing challenges in Jenna's life without making them huge issues. There's religion, social/peer acceptance, dating, adjusting to a new family situation, her weight and body image issues, her tendency for petty theft sometimes (of food, contributing to her weight/body image issues) and hell, even learning how to drive and gain independence from that family/social pressure all packed into this short book. But the focus never sways too far away. These things only help build Jenna. They don't define her.
This was a real story of friendship and how it shifts and changes. Even though the last chapter felt a tiny bit lesson-y on that topic, I liked it. Zarr has a way with words and feelings, and I think this one ranks up close to "How to Save a Life" for me in how much I responded to it.
December 5, 2008
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Jenifer was a fat kid with only one friend. I also was I fat kid when I was little, people picked at me all the time. It was sad, I usually went home in tears. Jenifer was not the richest kid at kid either. Cameron was Jenifer’s one friend. Jenifer and Cameron were always together. Cameron even lived with Jenifer and her mother for a week. Jenifer’s father left her mother. Cameron had a hard life. Cameron’s father seemed kina of crazy, to me. Once when it was Jenifer’s birthday Cameron made her a dollhouse and she went over to his house, even though she wasn’t allowed to, to see it. His father called him dumb and gay. He made them both sit there and play doctor because he said that’s what little boys should be playing. That was a memory Jenifer would never forget.
Later on Cameron just up and moved. No goodbye, no nothing. It was very sad. Kids at school told Jenifer he died and she passed out. Jenifer went home and didn’t go to school for the next two days. Jenifer was all by herself. I didn’t like this part of the book very much. I could just imagine if my only friend died, I would probably kill myself. I wouldn’t go back to school and there’s no way my dad could make me. Jenifer’s mother found a man, a good man, and got a nursing job. They moved in with Allen, boyfriend, and Jenifer changed her whole life. I’ve always wanted to move to a new school and change everything about me but I’m not good with making friends.
Jenifer soon became Jenna. She had lost all her “baby” fat and was beautiful. She had the friends, she had the boyfriend, and she was living a normal life. Later on, her died sweetheart came back. She was amazed and afraid. She couldn’t help but to want to be with him. Ethan, her boyfriend was a little jealous of Cameron and didn’t like it much. Yeah if I was Ethan I would have been jealous too.
This book was great. I loved it. If you like romance this is a good book for you.
Jenifer was a fat kid with only one friend. I also was I fat kid when I was little, people picked at me all the time. It was sad, I usually went home in tears. Jenifer was not the richest kid at kid either. Cameron was Jenifer’s one friend. Jenifer and Cameron were always together. Cameron even lived with Jenifer and her mother for a week. Jenifer’s father left her mother. Cameron had a hard life. Cameron’s father seemed kina of crazy, to me. Once when it was Jenifer’s birthday Cameron made her a dollhouse and she went over to his house, even though she wasn’t allowed to, to see it. His father called him dumb and gay. He made them both sit there and play doctor because he said that’s what little boys should be playing. That was a memory Jenifer would never forget.
Later on Cameron just up and moved. No goodbye, no nothing. It was very sad. Kids at school told Jenifer he died and she passed out. Jenifer went home and didn’t go to school for the next two days. Jenifer was all by herself. I didn’t like this part of the book very much. I could just imagine if my only friend died, I would probably kill myself. I wouldn’t go back to school and there’s no way my dad could make me. Jenifer’s mother found a man, a good man, and got a nursing job. They moved in with Allen, boyfriend, and Jenifer changed her whole life. I’ve always wanted to move to a new school and change everything about me but I’m not good with making friends.
Jenifer soon became Jenna. She had lost all her “baby” fat and was beautiful. She had the friends, she had the boyfriend, and she was living a normal life. Later on, her died sweetheart came back. She was amazed and afraid. She couldn’t help but to want to be with him. Ethan, her boyfriend was a little jealous of Cameron and didn’t like it much. Yeah if I was Ethan I would have been jealous too.
This book was great. I loved it. If you like romance this is a good book for you.
December 5, 2008
I was never bullied or picked on when I was in middle school, but novelist
made me feel as if I had been there right along with main character Jennifer Harris.
The story of how as a child Jennifer was ridiculed and bullied. But making it
through with her one and only friend Cameron Quick. Then suddenly he
disappears.
Cameron Quick is the only reason I kept reading this book. He made me feel all
of his emotions. I suffered right along with him. He also was so open. I never
had to guess what he was thinking.
Before Cameron’s disappearance both Jennifer and Cameron had never been
popular. Jennifer was described as a the little fat girl. Cameron was just
poor. As was Jennifer. But who needed popularity when they had each other?
They basically were each others family.
Sweet Hearts is filled with many characters. Although many of these characters
were boring and insignificant to the story. Most of these characters show up
around her “new” life.
After Cameron randomly shows back up in Jennifer’s “new” popular life she is thrust
back into the dark memories of her childhood. She struggles with wanting to remember the good things between them. But is left unsatisfied. She still loves Cameron, but what about her boyfriend Ethan?
I never really got the theme of the story. I would have to say the theme is you never
forget your first love. With memories of the past. You can get through anything with
the bond of friendship.
The setting takes place in modern day times. In a small town much like the one we
live in ourselves.
We live in a world where we make decisions everyday. But if you want to find out what
particular decisions Jennifer and Cameron must make you will just have to read
the book to find out!!
made me feel as if I had been there right along with main character Jennifer Harris.
The story of how as a child Jennifer was ridiculed and bullied. But making it
through with her one and only friend Cameron Quick. Then suddenly he
disappears.
Cameron Quick is the only reason I kept reading this book. He made me feel all
of his emotions. I suffered right along with him. He also was so open. I never
had to guess what he was thinking.
Before Cameron’s disappearance both Jennifer and Cameron had never been
popular. Jennifer was described as a the little fat girl. Cameron was just
poor. As was Jennifer. But who needed popularity when they had each other?
They basically were each others family.
Sweet Hearts is filled with many characters. Although many of these characters
were boring and insignificant to the story. Most of these characters show up
around her “new” life.
After Cameron randomly shows back up in Jennifer’s “new” popular life she is thrust
back into the dark memories of her childhood. She struggles with wanting to remember the good things between them. But is left unsatisfied. She still loves Cameron, but what about her boyfriend Ethan?
I never really got the theme of the story. I would have to say the theme is you never
forget your first love. With memories of the past. You can get through anything with
the bond of friendship.
The setting takes place in modern day times. In a small town much like the one we
live in ourselves.
We live in a world where we make decisions everyday. But if you want to find out what
particular decisions Jennifer and Cameron must make you will just have to read
the book to find out!!
March 17, 2009
I really wanted to like this book, but there was something about it that just didn't ring true.
First of all, growing up as one of the only Mormons in a non-Mormon area, the references to being a non-Mormon in Mormon country struck me as someone throwing in all these references to mean Mormons just because she's got a chip on her shoulder. Yes, I know what it's like to be the one that doesn't fit in religiously (yes, some people are that stupid--both Mormons and non-Mormons alike in how they treat the religious minority), but it didn't fit into the book at all. It was jarring because it had no purpose. The book would have been much better without it or in an entirely different setting.
Secondly, I have a hard time believing the mother, who was so open about everything else, wouldn't have sat down and explained to her daughter why her friend disappeared. Why are so many moms dysfunctional in teen books? Most aren't in real life. It seems like pandering to the teen mentality with stereotypes instead of painting an honest picture.
Third, I just didn't like Cameron. His whole character grated on me every time he came on the page. I can't explain it, but it just seemed like there would have been more said between the two of them. I have had friends in abusive situations, and they really relied on good friends who would listen to them--it helped them cope.
I did actually like Jenna's character and her self-doubts about how much she's changed. I thought Zarr showed well the inner turmoil that goes on that way. I just didn't like the rest of it.
First of all, growing up as one of the only Mormons in a non-Mormon area, the references to being a non-Mormon in Mormon country struck me as someone throwing in all these references to mean Mormons just because she's got a chip on her shoulder. Yes, I know what it's like to be the one that doesn't fit in religiously (yes, some people are that stupid--both Mormons and non-Mormons alike in how they treat the religious minority), but it didn't fit into the book at all. It was jarring because it had no purpose. The book would have been much better without it or in an entirely different setting.
Secondly, I have a hard time believing the mother, who was so open about everything else, wouldn't have sat down and explained to her daughter why her friend disappeared. Why are so many moms dysfunctional in teen books? Most aren't in real life. It seems like pandering to the teen mentality with stereotypes instead of painting an honest picture.
Third, I just didn't like Cameron. His whole character grated on me every time he came on the page. I can't explain it, but it just seemed like there would have been more said between the two of them. I have had friends in abusive situations, and they really relied on good friends who would listen to them--it helped them cope.
I did actually like Jenna's character and her self-doubts about how much she's changed. I thought Zarr showed well the inner turmoil that goes on that way. I just didn't like the rest of it.
March 26, 2010
Heartbreaking:)
I went into this book knowing that's it's depressing, despite the title and cover.
Sure enough, this was a very sad, very sweet and a very beautiful read.
Some bonds can never be broken or forgotten and this is what Sweethearts is about.
Jenna and Cameron have a cold childhood history that connects them for the rest of there lives. Even when apart, they are in each others very soul. This was brilliantly bittersweet, and my heart hurt for the both of them.
Apart of me wishes it could of been different for them in the end, but when I think about it, it's better this way. I'm even surprised that I liked it so much, considering what this book entails, but it leaves a certain mark on you that you can't seem to forget.
Moving, touching, memorable.
A heart aching read.
I went into this book knowing that's it's depressing, despite the title and cover.
Sure enough, this was a very sad, very sweet and a very beautiful read.
Some bonds can never be broken or forgotten and this is what Sweethearts is about.
Jenna and Cameron have a cold childhood history that connects them for the rest of there lives. Even when apart, they are in each others very soul. This was brilliantly bittersweet, and my heart hurt for the both of them.
Apart of me wishes it could of been different for them in the end, but when I think about it, it's better this way. I'm even surprised that I liked it so much, considering what this book entails, but it leaves a certain mark on you that you can't seem to forget.
Moving, touching, memorable.
A heart aching read.
February 24, 2019
3.5
Not the story I expected + Jenna and Cameron were both frustrating, but still a good story.
Reading Challenge Categories:
-February Bookish Bingo: Heart on the cover
-#ReadingUSA: Utah
Not the story I expected + Jenna and Cameron were both frustrating, but still a good story.
Reading Challenge Categories:
-February Bookish Bingo: Heart on the cover
-#ReadingUSA: Utah
March 23, 2013
I think this was a bittersweet story about a two childhood sweethearts who grew up to find each other again. It definitely wasn't a cute, fun read. Interestingly, I wasn't sucked into the story the entire way through, and I did feel Zarr made Cameron and Jenna's past just a little too over the top, but I did sympathize with the them and the other characters in this book.
The reason why I didn't rate this book higher was because I didn't feel that Jenna really showed much character development until the last 10 pages of the book, where a quick summary of her enlightened view was jammed packed into the last several pages. Even then, it was more of an acceptance of the situation, rather than learning and moving on. And while she understood what Cameron and Ethan had meant to her, I had expected her to come to some realization with her parents and her other friends. Also, I don't think her eating and five-finger-discount problems were ever resolved.
However, I found that the two people who did show character development were Cameron, especially with his decision at the end, and Jenna's mother. There were times that I felt Zarr overdid it with making Cameron and Jenna's situation as grim as possible, as she tried to put everything in there to pull on our emotional strings. At the same time, I felt the ending was really powerful in that it wasn't cliche and what you would expect to happen.
Overall, I thought it was a sweet read, and I honestly felt a pang in my chest near the end, before Christmas explained some stuff. While I wouldn't want to change the end, I just wish Zarr had addressed other issues in the book so that I would feel that Jenna actually developed as a character outside the boys department.
The reason why I didn't rate this book higher was because I didn't feel that Jenna really showed much character development until the last 10 pages of the book, where a quick summary of her enlightened view was jammed packed into the last several pages. Even then, it was more of an acceptance of the situation, rather than learning and moving on. And while she understood what Cameron and Ethan had meant to her, I had expected her to come to some realization with her parents and her other friends. Also, I don't think her eating and five-finger-discount problems were ever resolved.
However, I found that the two people who did show character development were Cameron, especially with his decision at the end, and Jenna's mother. There were times that I felt Zarr overdid it with making Cameron and Jenna's situation as grim as possible, as she tried to put everything in there to pull on our emotional strings. At the same time, I felt the ending was really powerful in that it wasn't cliche and what you would expect to happen.
Overall, I thought it was a sweet read, and I honestly felt a pang in my chest near the end, before Christmas explained some stuff. While I wouldn't want to change the end, I just wish Zarr had addressed other issues in the book so that I would feel that Jenna actually developed as a character outside the boys department.
Read
May 4, 2017this is the best teenage drama book I have read but the end got me so sad I hated it and I love it it was a very interesting book and dramatic.It has much to do with the drama life and the teen life.
April 12, 2013
So, you know when it's dinnertime and you're kinda hungry, but you don't really feel like making anything, or you don't have any food in the house and you're too lazy to go out and get some groceries, and so you just have toast? And the toast does its job and fills you up, but there's nothing special about it? It's not the best toast you've ever tasted, you don't close your eyes and say, "Mmmmmm!" while you're eating it. It's just filler.
This book was the literary equivalent of toast for dinner. It was a book. It had characters that were character-shaped and a plot that was plot-shaped. There was nothing truly objectionable about anything, but nor was there really anything to get excited over. It wasn't a total waste of an evening, but there are better things I could have filled my head with.
I kept thinking as I read that this book was Sarah Dessen lite. Take a Sarah Dessen book and turn the volume down on everything from drama to trauma to romance, and you're left with Sweethearts.
I read this book for a book club and was honestly surprised that we found enough to talk about that we filled a whole hour because to me, it was just so bland.
I have minor quibbles and minor praise, but all my opinions are so minor I don't even feel it's worth bringing them up.
Meh.
This book was the literary equivalent of toast for dinner. It was a book. It had characters that were character-shaped and a plot that was plot-shaped. There was nothing truly objectionable about anything, but nor was there really anything to get excited over. It wasn't a total waste of an evening, but there are better things I could have filled my head with.
I kept thinking as I read that this book was Sarah Dessen lite. Take a Sarah Dessen book and turn the volume down on everything from drama to trauma to romance, and you're left with Sweethearts.
I read this book for a book club and was honestly surprised that we found enough to talk about that we filled a whole hour because to me, it was just so bland.
I have minor quibbles and minor praise, but all my opinions are so minor I don't even feel it's worth bringing them up.
Meh.
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