Leftovers

by Heather Waldorf

Fifteen-year-old Sarah Greene's father—chef by day, camera buff by night—choked to death on a piece of steak. It was the best day of Sarah's life. But a year later, Sarah still struggles with the legacy of her father's abuse. While other girls her age are determined to find boyfriends and part-time jobs and dresses for the prom, Sarah is on a search-and-destroy to find the shoe box containing her father's collection of kiddy porn. After a brief skirmish with the law, Sarah is sentenced to do community service hours at Camp Dog Gone Fun, a summer program for shelter dogs. With the love of a big goofy dog named Judy, the friendship of Sullivan, a guy with problems of his own, and the support of a few good adults, Sarah begins to understand her past and believe in a brighter future.

Genres: Young Adult, Abuse, Juvenile, Canada

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Heather Waldorf was born in Ottawa and raised in small-town Eastern Ontario. She now lives in Toronto with Moose, a twelve-year-old golden retriever. Heather is addicted to green tea, jigsaw puzzles, mystery novels and the TV show Bones. Also a lover of the great outdoors, she's never written a novel that doesn't, at some point, put the main character in a canoe.

Heather received her fine arts degree from York University and her adult education degree from Brock University. She is a full-time counselor at a North York group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Heather's experience as a social worker and her passion for the outdoors inspired her to write Fighting the Current, her first book for young adults.

Reviews

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried straight up cried when I pieced together the title before the book outwardly stated it. I found my self crying multiple times through out the book. At how hard she tried to hide everything at how hard she tried to just get rid of it all and carried that burden. How everyone thought she wanted to be just like her dad when she didn't even care he was dead that somewhere in side her she was just happy to be free. I cried when it all came crashing down and she had to try and explain everything. I loved how she was always supported at camp even though they didn't know what was wrong. I love her big goofy pup best friend. I love how she does end up falling in love. I love how she makes friends. I love how even though the book is sad there is still light and she still moves past her burden. I get emotional thinking about the book. I really recommend it, though it may upset people with similar pasts with family members who were like her father in the book.

[❤ Aly ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the authors writing style. I also enjoyed the concept and main character.

Sarah was sent to Camp Dog Gone Fun after stealing her mother's boyfriend's car. She begins to get close to Sullivan. She starts to use Sullivan to get out of the camp. Along the way, she starts to fall for Sullivan. She also starts to take care of Judy, the owner of the camp's dog. Sarah also starts to cook for the campers, people and dogs. Did I mention that her father was a chef? He was something else as well and Sarah did not want anyone to find out. What did her father do?

[Tianna Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved it, could personally relate to the photographs. Many older men have used threats, my vulnerability and my fear of being left alone, to get what they want out of me. Which was mainly just nudes, even though they were the adults and knew what they were doing was wrong, against the law, illegal etc. That didn't stop them and this book has made me realize that it wasn't my fault in all of these situations, I was the child and they were the adults who should have known better, to say no and turn away and never have asked for such things from me.

So thank you Heather Waldorf for making me realize, that I'm a victim but I'm also still more then what those men have had me , asked me or talked me into doing. It has helped me to much by reading your novel and it really touched me thank you.

[Petra Willemse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty fast read about a complex topic. At times, the novel seems to oversimplify which does a disservice to the complexity.

[Lyla Hewitson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3 ⭐️

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com

In most cases, when a father dies, their daughter would be distraught, but in Sarah Greene's case relief floods over her. With his death, it means that there will be no more chances for her father to abuse her and take pictures. Along with the relief, though, comes a nagging feeling due to a still-hidden shoebox in her father's old restaurant filled with questionable photos that she is determined to destroy.

When her desperation to find the box hits an all-time high, she takes her mother's car and crashes it - landing her in a whole heap of trouble with the law. Her punishment: doing summer-long community service at Camp Dog Gone, where shelter dogs go for a vacation.

While at "camp," Sarah befriends a big romping dog named Judy - who is just as troubled as Sarah - another troubled soul, Sullivan, and several other people who help her turn her life around slowly but surely. As she comes to realize what is important in her life, she breaks out of her shell that the past created and starts to heal, looking towards a brighter future.

This book is unlike any that I have read before. It takes a dark subject - sexual abuse - and turns it into a journey of healing. Using a fun background, the author explores the hurt that accompanies abuse and how other people (or animals, in this case) help to heal. The plot turned out to be really cute and I loved the setting with all of the dogs running around.

The characters were also quite interesting. Sarah was so guarded that at times it was hard to see who she really was, but as the end of the book approached it was neat to see her personality really unfold. I also really like Sullivan. He seemed like such a happy-go-lucky kind of guy until you found out about his secrets, which made him very realistic. Another aspect that really stood out to me was the characterization of the dogs. Each had their own unique personality that made the reader feel as if they were curled up at their own feet.

LEFTOVERS really has it all - humor, reality, family drama, and a little bit of romance to satisfy all reader's interests. It was a great book that I really enjoyed and urge you all to go out and pick up a copy for yourself.

[E. Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't quite as intense as I'd expected -- one of its core themes is sexual abuse -- and I found the author's treatment of this theme a little too light. However, the story was compelling. Taking place on a small island in the St. Lawrence River (close to Ottowa, Ontario), this is the story of Sarah Greene, who, after stealing and crashing her mom's boyfriend's car, is sentenced to community service at Camp Dog Gone Fun, a charity that treats misfit dogs to a summer of leisure. What her the judge, her fellow campers, and even her mother and her boyfriend, Tanner, don't know is that the reason she freaked out was that having her picture taken freaks her out. So when Tanner got out his brand new digital camera and asked Sarah to smile, all she could think of was the "secret" nude photos her dad had been taking of her up until he choked on a piece of steak and died. At the camp, though, Sarah throws herself into the work, cooking meals for her fellow delinquents and fin ding companionship not only in her special project -- a wild, enormous pup named Judy -- but also in Sullivan, the director's stepson. If she lets herself, this could be the summer that allows Sarah to heal, and her unexpected friendships with everyone at Camp Dog Gone Fun -- four-legged and biped alike, might just get her through. While I would have liked to see more grit in the story, LEFTOVERS ultimately makes a painful story of sexual abuse more accessible for readers who might not otherwise pick it up. Dog lovers will appreciate the canine hijinx and stories of rehabilitation, and Sarah's wacky sense of humor and conversational narrative shine a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a lovely, fast read that will find a place in the hearts of many young readers.

[Wisterious Woman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Waldorf tackles another difficult topic—child sexual abuse. You know all along that something happened to Sarah when she was a kid but the author succeeds in peeling away the details bit by bit so you never know the whole situation until the last chapter. Sarah ends up spending her summer in a community service camp after committing a crime. The camp is situated on an island in Canada where unwanted dogs are taken care of by delinquent teenagers in the hope that scooping poop and participating in the other required chores will reform them. Sarah is helped along on her journey to deal with the past by a dog that needs a lot of love and discipline as well as another teenager that is a cancer survivor. Sarah’s very likeable and despite the challenging subject it is a an upbeat story, an easy quick read with a bit of a romance and lots of Dog Gone Fun (the name of the summer camp)!

I appreciated the book because it explores a topic that teenagers really need to think more about: what is privacy and should people be able to give permission first before you take their photo or post it in places where other people can see it? Is it okay to use a camera phone to spy on people and photograph them without their knowledge? How should you decide which pictures on your phone you send to other people? Facebook owns the photos you post so how will that influence you when you post pictures on your page of illegal activities or show another person in a bad light? What are your legal and moral obligations when you ‘publish’ photos that you have taken? Even though this book doesn’t ask these questions specifically, it might lead into some good book group discussions regarding these topics.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I'll admit that it took a few chapters to draw me in but once it did, I couldn't place it down for very long.

I really liked the premise of Leftovers. Although many forms of abuse have been covered in past YA novels, I found Heather Waldorf's take on a familiar and difficult subject to be refreshing and different especially the idea behind Camp Dog Gone Fun which introduced the reader to a multitude of interesting characters and scenarios.

As far as characters go, I really liked Sarah. I thought her emotions and actions to be realistic. I also really enjoyed some minor characters as well, especially Sullivan who I thought to be very quirky and adorable.

My only complaint is that I wish this book would have been longer. I felt like there could have been more development as far as some characters were concerned. I don't think Sarah was lacking but I do feel that a lot of the minor characters (other "volunteers" at Camp Dog Gone Fun and so on) would have been really fantastic had they been drawn out more. I also feel that many scenarios and situations could have been further played out as well.

Aside from that, I really liked this book. One little plus is that Leftovers takes place in Canada which is always great for me because when the author mentioned particular landmarks or locations, I knew exactly what she was referring to. It was a nice and welcomed change.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Recommended Grade Level 8th-12th
• Author Style- Great dialogue
Camp Dog Gone Fun was the perfect place for Sarah to get back on the right tracks. Sarah is a teenage girl who had some legal issues, for punishment Sarah was sent to Camp Dog Gone Fun for the summer. While Sarah is there Dr.Fred finds this dog named Judy. Judy is a hyper dog who had a rough puppyhood just like Sarah. Judy and Sarah both hates cameras too.

At home things were rough for Sarah she has to deal with a bunch of bad memories about her dad. When her dad dies she feels relieved. Why would you be relieved if your dad dies? Sarah has good reasons… Sarah was sent to Camp DGF for the summer. Sarah is looking for this box of Polaroid’s in her dads restaurant but when her mom is going to sell it Sarah needs to find a way to get there before her mom.

Sullivan is this nice sweet guy who has problems of his own that Sarah meets at Camp GDF. At first Sarah is just using him to get to the restaurant but then she ends up falling in love with him.

Towards the end of the summer something in Sarah’s life happens something really bad. At about midnight Sarah’s mom shows up with her lawyer and a cop. Sarah feels so embarrassed. The next day she and Taylor talk bout what happened and Sullivan feels upset that Sarah told Taylor before she told him. Sarah may be thinking how I got into this mess!!!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah won't let people take her picture. In fact, when it happens she sometimes loses control. When her mom's boyfriend tried to take her picture, she bolted out, stole his car, and crashed it into a statue. That is why she is sentenced to spend her summer doing community service - working at a camp for troubled dogs. People ask Sarah why she did it, but she doesn't tell them. She has a secret about her dead father - he used to take pictures of her naked. This book is fast paced and good. The characters are likeable and I found myself wanting to know what happens to them. This was a satisfying book. I loved the relationships between Sarah and Judy, a dog at the camp, and between Sarah and Sullivan, the camp owner's teenage son.

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sarah Greene's father sexually abused her. And now he's dead. She couldn't be happier.

Now, that's a heavy description. I went thinking, 'Hey! This has dogs, yesss'. But this wasn't my cup of tea. (Except for them doggiesss)

I found myself slowly starting to dislike Sarah. The constant lying and trying to keep what happened to her a secret got tiring. I think keep something horrible like that to yourself, isolating yourself really, for years is harder then telling someone and being ashamed.

I didn't like any of the characters, I didn't connect with them. I really liked Sarah's assigned dog though :) What was her name, Roxy? Can't remember but she was a cutie.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend but if you happen upon this book, give it a chance. It just might be what you're looking for.

[Anna Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has scars or "leftovers" for the sake of the book title. I feel like it started out a little slow but it really picked up and I loved this book for many reasons. Not only for all of the animal references, since I am a huge animal lover, but for the fact that the main character, Sarah, was basically on her own, trying to handle her inner battles. Having done similar things like this myself, I completely understood why she chose to keep things to herself and why she had such a hard time with having her picture taken. I loved this book and I really believe that anyone who has had a traumatic experience in their life, should read this.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had just randomly picked this book up one day from the library not even bothering the read the back. Which now I'm glad I hadn't because I probably would have put it back on the shelf. This book isn't one I would typically read.
And as I started to read it I knew that this book was just something amazing. It deals with the hard subject of child abuse, but it's done in such a tactful way, the author really makes your heart go out to the characters, and I'm not ashamed to admit it I did cry while reading this book. But don't go thinking that this book is all glum and sad it did have me laughing in some places as well. This is a book I can see myself reading over and over again.

[Ealaindraoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy to have a book about dealing with past sexual abuse that isn’t so graphic that I can’t hand it to teens. The abuse is thoughtfully and tastefully presented, in fact, some kids may not be aware that something like that could be abuse, but it definitely is. There was obviously research done and well utilized.
The character of Sarah is well drawn, as are the real and very funny characters at the dog camp and the dogs have their own distinct characters. I enjoyed this book, and any teen that loves dogs will adore it. It could also help kids who have been abused find peace.

[Kaitlyn Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for school and it wasn't what I expected. I tried my best to not look to much into the book so I didn't view any spoiler. But it was very good. I think the fact that she was sexually abused was very real and taught the reader that it isn't okay and if something is wrong you have to speak up. I also liked the connection that was made between Sarah and Judy and how in the end she learned that everybody including Judy has "Leftovers" Overall this book was good and I would suggest it to anyone looking for a good read, besides the fact their was a lot of bad language.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet one more time that I wish goodreads allowed for half stars. I really went back and forth between giving this three and four stars. It was well written and discusses abuse in a way that isn't too terribly graphic and a type of abuse many kids might not think of. On the other hand, most of the other "campers" kind of blend like mush. You barely know or learn anything about them. It's almost like they are just filler. Still, a good book on a difficult topic. Recommended for middle school.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I really liked this book. Although, it deals with some really tough subjects... sexual abuse and child pornography, it is hopeful and has a positive message. I think it is definitely for older ya reader's (9-12 grades). I was puzzled about how the ends would tie up, but the author makes a realistic and positive uplifting conclusion. I would have like to see some reference to therapy for Sarah near the end of the book. I would recommend this book to teens!"

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally read this in one day (staying up too late to finish it). I really liked it. The tragic "secret" is hinted at a lot, so the final 'reveal' isn't quite dramatic or surprising. Which is unusual, but I think it allowed me to keep focusing on the character, not on what happened to her. Other than the tragic elements, I was drawn in by the protagonist and the secondary characters--they were wonderfully realistic and flawed, but you can't help rooting for them and liking them.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

VIDEO REVIEW HERE ( IF INTERESTED :) )- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAVMd...

I have to say I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy This because the story was about Sarah Greene, and her father took pictures of her when she was young and turn it into child pornography. But the story was more then that and had a amazing dog aspect to it and I love dogs. Also I got over whelmed with emotions at the end!

[Ayanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems like it will be a good book. Saying from the Righting on the back of the book. Ab
Nd because what the tittle says leftovers it drew me to it. I like the way the cover is . I look forward to reading this book over the week we have off.this book look good for teen girls my age. I found this book In class I wonted to read this book because of the cover.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think when you start reading this book it catches your attention but during the middle you kinda get lost and confused so then you just get bored. This is a good book though. I didn't think Sarah life was interesting. At some parts I was like 'OMG'. When I finished this book I didn't really like it I had a hard time understanding what was going on I couldn't picture what was going on.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC to review for VOYA, I haven't written my review yet but I give it a 4 star rating. I liked the fact that there were many plotlines running at the same time, but the plot never seemed to get bogged down.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I didn't really get this book but then the more I read it the more it started making sense to me. I love how everthing turned out and I finally get why she's holding a picture that says "leftovers" on the cover.

[Samm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fourth time reading "Leftovers" and it is still one of my favourite stories. The romance, the drama, the inner turmoil, the dry cynical humour, it's all wonderful. I look forward to the day when I finally purchase my own copy, to read again and again.

[Judyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review here: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2011...

[Nikoline · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant! I don't wanna spoil this book for anyone, it's simply too good :D I loved it!

[Thona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything's broken im torn rn but the ending...kfhdkgndjofeoifjadifbadigkdFNehjrfh

[Serena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I pulled the book from the YA section more appropriate for High school students

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Intrigued by the blurb, but it's really hard to get into. Is it the writing? Couldn't finish, and have no plans to read again.