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The Reel Life of Zara Kegg
Three years after her mother' s death, 16-year-old Zara is still settling into life in Carolina Beach, N.C., where she knows almost no one. Working as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre— a rundown movie house that shows only vintage ' 50s sci-fi and horror flicks— Zara spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups, and the occasional existential crisis (with popcorn). Then she meets Zachary, whose " Z" name feels like fate. His clothes don' t match, his stories don' t always add up, and he might be the most interesting person she' s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm— and wonders if trust is possible. When her boss tasks her with organizing a Valentine' s Day Godzilla marathon— complete with 150 inflatable Godzillas on the roof— Zara must confront the chaos in her own life. Like any good Godzilla movie, the big question who will survive, and who will be crushed?
214 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Brad Barkley
11 books54 followersBrad Barkley is the author of the novels Money, Love (Norton), and Alison's Automotive Repair Manual (St. Martin’s), two collections of short stories, and three YA novels with Penguin: Scrambled Eggs at Midnight , Dream Factory, and Jars of Glass. Brad has won numerous awards, including four Individual Artist Awards from the State of Maryland and a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. His short fiction has appeared in nearly thirty magazines, including Southern Review, Georgia Review, the Oxford American, Glimmer Train, and the Virginia Quarterly Review, which twice awarded him the Emily Balch Prize for Best Fiction. His work was anthologized in New Stories from the South: The Year's Best. A native of North Carolina, he lives in Western Maryland with his wife Kristin and their dog, Millie Grace. When not working, he plays as a hang glider pilot and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 26, 2026
This was a cute young adult coming of age story. I enjoyed following and getting to know Zara as she works at an old movie theater. I think Zara is a character that many people will be able to relate to as she struggles with the loss of her mom and falls in love with Zachary. I loved the various old movie references and the complex characters in this short novel. Overall this was a great, heartfelt read.
Thank you to @booksforwardpr for the gifted copy.
Thank you to @booksforwardpr for the gifted copy.
Did Not Finish
July 29, 2026dnf so early. not my thing
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It’s winter in the seaside town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, and 16-year-old Zara Kegg is stuck in her usual spot – running the projector at the Palace and screening the weird, low-budget Carnival of Souls (1962 and standard fare for this revival house) to a typically sparse audience of regulars. But then something out-of the-ordinary does happen. Mr. Inconsistent (as she’s dubbed him), a cute boy who doesn’t go to her school and wears the weirdest combinations of clothes, knocks on the door and introduces himself as a fellow “Z”: Zachary. He’s going to become yet another “reel” in Zara’s life, which already requires split-second timing, mechanical aptitude, uncommon athleticism, and the ability to tune out distracting stuff like emotions and relationships. On her plate currently: grief for her beloved mom who died from cancer 3 years ago, a formerly attentive dad who may be sliding into alcoholism and unemployment, a disintegrating car, 100% of the responsibility for running the Palace (given her flaky boss), and absolutely no friends. As Zara falls hard for Zachary, she is forced to confront the conflict between her uncompromising views on honesty and the discovery that her new boyfriend has hidden his bipolar disorder diagnosis, along with other consequential parts of his life. Meanwhile, her boss tasks her with securing an inflatable Godzilla to promote an upcoming monster marathon and her quest to figure out how to inflate the 60 T-Rexes she ultimately decides are a suitable substitute develops into a comedy all its own. She does have one confidant, the cool English teacher at school, Ms. Yamada. She runs the chess club, which has only 2 lonely members, Zara and Carla, neither of whom even like chess that much, but bend to their sponsor’s warmth and sharp Harley-Davidson bike. It may sound like a lot of moving parts, but Barkley uses the process of changing reels in older films, described in careful detail for unfamiliar readers, as a metaphor that ties the elements together.
I really enjoyed getting to know Zara, a kid shouldering far more responsibility than she should, which will make her especially relatable to this audience. Despite the presence of people who care about her, no one is getting the whole picture. No one sees how much she misses her mom or how trying to keep her dad going is exhausting or how Mr. Wendt just needs to hire someone beyond that loser Walter to help out at the Palace. Part of the real joy of this book is spending time with this wonderful character who believably matures over the course of the story, reveling in her own newly recognized skills and people’s capacity for change. The arc of Zara’s relationship with her dad and the growing realization that there’s comfort in their shared grief was the best part of the book for me. Although Dad’s problems feel real and adult, they never veer into melodrama and his gradual transition to involvement and productivity felt just realistic and hopeful enough for teens to buy into. The Palace itself is a terrific setting, and Barkley brings it vividly to life, with its popcorn stench, ridiculous (and real) monster movie titles, and endless punchlist of chores. Most characters cue as white except for Ms. Yamada, who is Japanese-American. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
I really enjoyed getting to know Zara, a kid shouldering far more responsibility than she should, which will make her especially relatable to this audience. Despite the presence of people who care about her, no one is getting the whole picture. No one sees how much she misses her mom or how trying to keep her dad going is exhausting or how Mr. Wendt just needs to hire someone beyond that loser Walter to help out at the Palace. Part of the real joy of this book is spending time with this wonderful character who believably matures over the course of the story, reveling in her own newly recognized skills and people’s capacity for change. The arc of Zara’s relationship with her dad and the growing realization that there’s comfort in their shared grief was the best part of the book for me. Although Dad’s problems feel real and adult, they never veer into melodrama and his gradual transition to involvement and productivity felt just realistic and hopeful enough for teens to buy into. The Palace itself is a terrific setting, and Barkley brings it vividly to life, with its popcorn stench, ridiculous (and real) monster movie titles, and endless punchlist of chores. Most characters cue as white except for Ms. Yamada, who is Japanese-American. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy
It's been three years since Zara and her dad moved to Carolina Beach, and both are still struggling with the loss of her mother. Her father has been distancing himself, neglecting responsibilities at work, while the move has left Zara without real friends. Her one refuge is her job as a projectionist at the Palace Theatre, where she can watch people, indulge in 1950's sci-fi and horror movies, feed her coffee and popcorn habit, and keep in shape with her routine of pushups between reels.
Then one night, Zachary, whom she calls "Mr. Inconsistent", knocks on the booth door to report that the film is "wobbly." The two seem to have an instant connection. Zara even feels a strange sense of fate in the fact that both of their names start with a Z. But the more time that she spends with him, the more she realizes how little she actually knows. Whenever she asks questions about his past, his school, or where he's from, he's vague about the details, dodges the questions or changes the subject.
Gradually, Zachary begins to open up to Zara. He introduces her to his grandfather Marvin and shows her the single-wide trailer they share on the edge of the fairgrounds. He talks to her about his idol, inventor Jimmy McManus, and his dream of becoming like him. Yet, beneath his enthusiasm, Zara senses a boy carrying sadness, secrets, and a quiet struggle.
When Zara is tasked with organizing a Valentine's Day Godzilla marathon, complete with a life-size inflatable Godzilla on the theater roof, she throws herself into the project. But just as she feels like she has come up with a plan to pull it off, Zachary and his grandfather abruptly hitch up their trailer and move south. Once again, Zara is left behind, trying to move forward while feeling abandoned and lied to.
The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a tender coming-of-age story with the nostalgic, slightly melancholy tone of a John Green novel, a blend of sadness, curiosity and introspection. Zara is a very compelling protagonist, sharp witted, unafraid to call out her dad when he drifts from his syndicated sports column into writing about Skee-Ball and dance shows. All while still wrestling with the truth of her mother's illness and the people she feels misled her. Zachary brings humor and light into her lonely existence at the movie theatre, pushing her to examine her feelings and to question what her purpose is and whether she needs to become someone else in order to feel like she belongs. The Godzilla marathon adds levity, while the old films evoke a warm nostalgia of popcorn, flickering screens, and the comfort of sharing the moment with someone who matters. A wonderful story about the people who step into your life and make a huge impact.
Then one night, Zachary, whom she calls "Mr. Inconsistent", knocks on the booth door to report that the film is "wobbly." The two seem to have an instant connection. Zara even feels a strange sense of fate in the fact that both of their names start with a Z. But the more time that she spends with him, the more she realizes how little she actually knows. Whenever she asks questions about his past, his school, or where he's from, he's vague about the details, dodges the questions or changes the subject.
Gradually, Zachary begins to open up to Zara. He introduces her to his grandfather Marvin and shows her the single-wide trailer they share on the edge of the fairgrounds. He talks to her about his idol, inventor Jimmy McManus, and his dream of becoming like him. Yet, beneath his enthusiasm, Zara senses a boy carrying sadness, secrets, and a quiet struggle.
When Zara is tasked with organizing a Valentine's Day Godzilla marathon, complete with a life-size inflatable Godzilla on the theater roof, she throws herself into the project. But just as she feels like she has come up with a plan to pull it off, Zachary and his grandfather abruptly hitch up their trailer and move south. Once again, Zara is left behind, trying to move forward while feeling abandoned and lied to.
The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a tender coming-of-age story with the nostalgic, slightly melancholy tone of a John Green novel, a blend of sadness, curiosity and introspection. Zara is a very compelling protagonist, sharp witted, unafraid to call out her dad when he drifts from his syndicated sports column into writing about Skee-Ball and dance shows. All while still wrestling with the truth of her mother's illness and the people she feels misled her. Zachary brings humor and light into her lonely existence at the movie theatre, pushing her to examine her feelings and to question what her purpose is and whether she needs to become someone else in order to feel like she belongs. The Godzilla marathon adds levity, while the old films evoke a warm nostalgia of popcorn, flickering screens, and the comfort of sharing the moment with someone who matters. A wonderful story about the people who step into your life and make a huge impact.
July 9, 2026
The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a delightful coming-of-age story about a 16-year-old girl coping with the death of her mother and navigating the ins and outs of life in a small coastal town.
Zara works as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre— a rundown movie house that shows only vintage 1950s sci-fi and horror flicks— Zara spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups, and the occasional existential crisis (with popcorn). She lives with her journalist father, who's career hasn't been the same since her mom died three years ago, and her life in Carolina Beach, NC feels lonely and small...until she meets Zachary.
Zachary isn't like anyone Zara has ever met before. His clothes never match, his stories don’t always add up, and he might be the most interesting person she’s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm and wonders if she can really trust him.
Then Zara's boss tasks her with organizing a Godzilla movie marathon— complete with 150 inflatable Godzillas on the roof— and Zara must not only figure out how to pull off the most epic Godzilla movie marathon event ever, but confront the chaos that's happening in her personal life and with Zachary at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate the raw honesty Brad Barkley brings to the story through Zara and Zachary. Both of them are struggling - she is lonely, still mourning her mother, and watching her father throw his career down the drain; he struggles with a mental illness and doesn't fully know how to cope - but when they are together, things are different. Zara and Zachary help each other manage their chaotic lives by being there for one another. Even when Zachary breaks Zara's trust, she is still drawn to him and seeks his companionship. Neither Zara or Zachary have perfect lives or know how to deal with what is happening around them, but they understand their need for each other, and learn how to help one another.
I think this a book many teenagers will be able to see themselves in. The situations Zara and Zachary face, the emotions they feel, their interactions with those around them, and their relationship with each other are realistic and relatable.
This book is a heart-warming journey for both the characters and the reader. There are ups and downs, and you're not sure if Zara and Zachary will make it through, but you are 100 percent rooting for them the whole time.
Zara works as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre— a rundown movie house that shows only vintage 1950s sci-fi and horror flicks— Zara spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups, and the occasional existential crisis (with popcorn). She lives with her journalist father, who's career hasn't been the same since her mom died three years ago, and her life in Carolina Beach, NC feels lonely and small...until she meets Zachary.
Zachary isn't like anyone Zara has ever met before. His clothes never match, his stories don’t always add up, and he might be the most interesting person she’s ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm and wonders if she can really trust him.
Then Zara's boss tasks her with organizing a Godzilla movie marathon— complete with 150 inflatable Godzillas on the roof— and Zara must not only figure out how to pull off the most epic Godzilla movie marathon event ever, but confront the chaos that's happening in her personal life and with Zachary at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate the raw honesty Brad Barkley brings to the story through Zara and Zachary. Both of them are struggling - she is lonely, still mourning her mother, and watching her father throw his career down the drain; he struggles with a mental illness and doesn't fully know how to cope - but when they are together, things are different. Zara and Zachary help each other manage their chaotic lives by being there for one another. Even when Zachary breaks Zara's trust, she is still drawn to him and seeks his companionship. Neither Zara or Zachary have perfect lives or know how to deal with what is happening around them, but they understand their need for each other, and learn how to help one another.
I think this a book many teenagers will be able to see themselves in. The situations Zara and Zachary face, the emotions they feel, their interactions with those around them, and their relationship with each other are realistic and relatable.
This book is a heart-warming journey for both the characters and the reader. There are ups and downs, and you're not sure if Zara and Zachary will make it through, but you are 100 percent rooting for them the whole time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sixteen-year-old Zara Kegg is still adjusting to her mother's death three years prior. In her small seaside tourist town of Carolina Beach, winters don't provide much entertainment. Zara fills her time with Chess Club which consists of her, her friend Carla and their teacher Ms. Yamada and her job as a projectionist at the Palace Theatre. The Palace only shows vintage sci-fi and horror films, attracting few visitors during the winter. From her booth, Zara spots a young man whom she deems Mr. Inconsistent. When Mr. Inconsistent finds his way up to the booth, Zara is intrigued. Zachary travels with the fair and doesn't go to school. Zara is fascinated by how Zachary thinks and lives, but as his actions become more erratic, she worries about his safety. In addition, her boss at the theatre gives Zara an impossible task. To advertise their upcoming Godzilla marathon, Zara must find a giant inflatable Godzilla for the theatre. Zara may not be able to find exactly what she needs for the theatre, but she might be able to help Zachary, Ms. Yamada and her father.
The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Zara's character is complex, featuring hardships, triumphs, and interesting relationships. After her mother passed, Zara's outlook changed; she began valuing truth above everything else. She also became part caretaker for her father, who had chosen to take risks with his job and view people differently. Zachary enters Zara's life, introducing inconsistency and unpredictability, which she welcomes unhesitatingly. With Zachary, Zara learns that she can change and grow in her relationships. She also welcomes a shared grief with her father which neither of them had explored before. Zachary's mental illness also opens up a broader understanding of the world for Zara as she learns how to trust, rebuild and find happiness. The Palace Theatre provides a wonderful backdrop with quirky movies and a boss who acts unconventionally but believes in Zara unconditionally. A unique story of change, growth and finding yourself featuring Godzilla.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. Zara's character is complex, featuring hardships, triumphs, and interesting relationships. After her mother passed, Zara's outlook changed; she began valuing truth above everything else. She also became part caretaker for her father, who had chosen to take risks with his job and view people differently. Zachary enters Zara's life, introducing inconsistency and unpredictability, which she welcomes unhesitatingly. With Zachary, Zara learns that she can change and grow in her relationships. She also welcomes a shared grief with her father which neither of them had explored before. Zachary's mental illness also opens up a broader understanding of the world for Zara as she learns how to trust, rebuild and find happiness. The Palace Theatre provides a wonderful backdrop with quirky movies and a boss who acts unconventionally but believes in Zara unconditionally. A unique story of change, growth and finding yourself featuring Godzilla.
This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review.
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June 3, 2026“The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a charming, emotionally layered young adult novel that blends grief, self-discovery, friendship, and first love with a quirky cinematic backdrop that makes the story feel both unique and deeply engaging. Brad Barkley creates an atmospheric setting in the old Palace Theatre that immediately pulls readers into Zara’s isolated yet imaginative world.
What stood out most was Zara’s voice wry, introspective, and quietly vulnerable. Her life as the sole projectionist in a fading movie house gives the story a nostalgic, almost magical realism tone, where classic sci-fi and horror films echo her inner emotional landscape. The arrival of Zachary introduces both emotional warmth and uncertainty, creating a compelling dynamic filled with curiosity, attraction, and the slow building of trust.
The story also shines in its balance of humor and emotional depth. Beneath the quirky details like late-night existential crises, coffee-fueled routines, and a Valentine’s Day Godzilla marathon the novel explores real themes of grief, loneliness, and the difficulty of opening up after loss. Zachary’s hidden struggles add another layer of emotional tension, making the relationship feel thoughtful and grounded rather than superficial.
Ultimately, The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance that will appeal to YA readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional authenticity, quirky settings, and a strong sense of individuality and emotional growth.”
What stood out most was Zara’s voice wry, introspective, and quietly vulnerable. Her life as the sole projectionist in a fading movie house gives the story a nostalgic, almost magical realism tone, where classic sci-fi and horror films echo her inner emotional landscape. The arrival of Zachary introduces both emotional warmth and uncertainty, creating a compelling dynamic filled with curiosity, attraction, and the slow building of trust.
The story also shines in its balance of humor and emotional depth. Beneath the quirky details like late-night existential crises, coffee-fueled routines, and a Valentine’s Day Godzilla marathon the novel explores real themes of grief, loneliness, and the difficulty of opening up after loss. Zachary’s hidden struggles add another layer of emotional tension, making the relationship feel thoughtful and grounded rather than superficial.
Ultimately, The Reel Life of Zara Kegg is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance that will appeal to YA readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional authenticity, quirky settings, and a strong sense of individuality and emotional growth.”
June 18, 2026
4.5 stars
Thanks to Fitzroy Books for an advanced copy of The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley to review! The cover and the premise of this book intrigued me, so I was excited to dive into the story. The vibes of this book definitely feel like something from John Green or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. It's a nostalgic, coming-of-age story that examines grief, mental illness, and learning to move forward.
Zara is a main character who you can fall in love with right from the beginning. At the onset, she is a little lost and a little lonely. She's trying to figure out how to help her dad move on from her mom's death, all the while trying to figure out her own grief. Zachary is a bit chaotic, both helping Zara to move outside of her comfort zone but also frustrating her at the same time. I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic, especiallly as they try to figure out some really complex mental health issues.
The small town portrayed in the book is also quirky, and you'll fall in love with some of the side characters. Especially Ms. Yamada and Mr. Wendt. Their little community comes together for the theatre that Zara works at, and it's nice to see them bloom at a community towards the end of the book.
If you're nostalgic for the sort of classic, golden age YA feel, definitely pick this book up as a part of your summer reading! It will stick with you long after you finish reading it.
Thanks to Fitzroy Books for an advanced copy of The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley to review! The cover and the premise of this book intrigued me, so I was excited to dive into the story. The vibes of this book definitely feel like something from John Green or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. It's a nostalgic, coming-of-age story that examines grief, mental illness, and learning to move forward.
Zara is a main character who you can fall in love with right from the beginning. At the onset, she is a little lost and a little lonely. She's trying to figure out how to help her dad move on from her mom's death, all the while trying to figure out her own grief. Zachary is a bit chaotic, both helping Zara to move outside of her comfort zone but also frustrating her at the same time. I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic, especiallly as they try to figure out some really complex mental health issues.
The small town portrayed in the book is also quirky, and you'll fall in love with some of the side characters. Especially Ms. Yamada and Mr. Wendt. Their little community comes together for the theatre that Zara works at, and it's nice to see them bloom at a community towards the end of the book.
If you're nostalgic for the sort of classic, golden age YA feel, definitely pick this book up as a part of your summer reading! It will stick with you long after you finish reading it.
June 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this one!! I don't read a lot of what I consider contemporary fiction, but the few I pick out for myself are always amazing. I found it easy to connect with Zara. Watching her wake up to the life she has was how I felt a couple of years ago. When you get into a routine, never break it, and start isolating yourself a little too much, then life starts to go by slowly. But, breaking out of that slump by meeting someone new or making time to do things outside of your daily routine will really change life for you in the best possible way. This is exactly what happens to Zara; she meets someone new and it turns her life around. Throughout most of the book though, before the good part comes, I was pretty stressed worrying what might happen to Zara and Zachary. I can't say much because I might accidentally spoil the book, but the build up for the ending made it that much better. I mean, even though I figured the book would have a happy ending, it could have gone sideways so fast. (maybe I've been reading too much horror and thriller lately XD) Very thankful for the happy ending Mr. Barkley 🙏 it was SOO sweet 🥰
June 19, 2026
🎥 What do vintage monster movies, first love, and a rooftop full of inflatable Godzillas have in common?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley. This charming YA coming-of-age story follows Zara as she navigates grief, friendship, first love, and figuring out where she belongs in a new town. Working as the projectionist at a quirky old movie theater gave the story a unique and nostalgic atmosphere that immediately drew me in.
Zara's voice felt authentic and relatable, and I loved watching her grow as she connected with the mysterious Zachary while dealing with the challenges life keeps throwing her way. The mix of humor, heart, and emotional depth made this a fun yet meaningful read. The classic sci-fi movie references and Godzilla-themed chaos were the perfect bonus!
✨️Thank you to Books Forward PR and Brad Barkley for sharing The Reel Life of Zara Kegg with me.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley. This charming YA coming-of-age story follows Zara as she navigates grief, friendship, first love, and figuring out where she belongs in a new town. Working as the projectionist at a quirky old movie theater gave the story a unique and nostalgic atmosphere that immediately drew me in.
Zara's voice felt authentic and relatable, and I loved watching her grow as she connected with the mysterious Zachary while dealing with the challenges life keeps throwing her way. The mix of humor, heart, and emotional depth made this a fun yet meaningful read. The classic sci-fi movie references and Godzilla-themed chaos were the perfect bonus!
✨️Thank you to Books Forward PR and Brad Barkley for sharing The Reel Life of Zara Kegg with me.
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January 29, 2026Reviewing for professional magazine- see review there.
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