I picked up Sweethearts by Sara Zarr because I was looking for a good YA novel to read and I know some of my blog friends had mentioned this book and liked it. I wasn’t disappointed.
“Some memories are slippery. There are things I want to remember about Cameron Quick that I can’t entirely, like the pajamas he wore when he used to sleep over, and his favorite cereal, or how it felt to hold his hand as we walked home from third grade. I want to remember exactly how we became friends in the first place, a definite starting line that I can visit again and again. He’s a story I want to know from page one.â€
High school senior Jenna is pretty and popular and seems to be the girl all other girls aspire to be but Jenna wasn’t always part of the in crowd. Most of her childhood she was simply Jennifer, an over-weight, self-conscious, shy girl who was always pushed around by her classmates.
The only sweet memories Jenna has of her childhood are of her best friend Cameron Quick, another youngster who was also an outcast and had a difficult family life. Soon after Cameron moves away Jenna learns that Cameron has died and she’s devastated at losing her only friend.
Time works to heal her wounds and her family life also becomes more stable as her mom marries and she transfers to a new school where she reinvents herself. What Jenna never imagined though was that Cameron would one day walk back into her life.
Jenna and Cameron re-establish their relationship and work to clear up what had happened since they were little and Cameron disappeared. Throughout the story we are given glimpses into their troubled childhood and specifically one incident that marked the two for life.
I was expecting a much lighter novel and was really struck by the sadness and confusion that Jenna expresses throughout the novel. On the one hand she’s happy to have Cameron back but she’s also changed a lot and has a new life. How does one go back and face what one was before?
I believed Jenna when she expressed doubt, anger, happiness and it all rang true for me. And, most importantly without giving away the ending I found it very satisfying. There are no easy resolutions and no fantasies. A troubled childhood is something that can’t be glossed over but one can understand the power of reconciliation in helping to move forward.
So he didn’t die then?
I might just have to read this one now, as I want to know what happens!
Hmm I’m thinking he was kidnapped now? I am intrigued.
I liked how Jenna has changed and still values the friendship.
I’ve been watching too much Law and Order lately, so my theory is that Cameron was put in a witness protection program and that all the baddies have died or been incarcerated.
Terrific review! This only makes me feel more confident about having it on my TBR this year.
vivienne – Nope! I think I would have fainted at seeing him again. Ha. I hope you’ll check it out.
Jodie – Oh I can’t tell you, you have to read it and find out!
Isabel – She’s really a good character. I liked that even though she had been through a lot she really is a lot tougher than she gives herself credit for. And, totally laughing over the theories you guys are coming up – this is great! 🙂
Priscilla – Yay, I’m glad you are going to give it a shot. I think I heard about this one from Nymeth & Melody and both of them if I remember correctly liked it a lot too.
Sounds like a good story line. I might have to add this to my TBR list..
You’ve reviewed this one so well I’m excited to read it. I really like reading YA fiction and even Children’s Books…I don’t feel compelled to be grown up all the time. 🙂
Hi! I just found your blog. Great review, made me want to know what happened.
Greetings,
Tiina
This sounds like a good one. I hadn’t heard of it or at least don’t remember having heard of it.
Sweethearts is one of my favourite reads last year! I’m glad you enjoyed it too, Iliana! 🙂
christine – I know you don’t really like YA but this was good. Actually you just read the Whitcomb book right? Then this is another one for you to try!
Jeannie – Oh thank you! I used to not read YA until I started book blogging. I’m glad I’ve given some of these books a chance as I’ve really come across some gems.
Tiina – Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll check out the book 🙂
Anna – I remember hearing about it from several friends otherwise it may not have gotten on my radar but now I’ll probably have to look for more of her books!
Melody – I know, I just saw your list 🙂 Really you and Nymeth convinced me I had to read it and I’m glad I did!
I remember expecting something lighter when I read this one too… I’m so glad that people are writing about the difficult parts of being a young adult though, I could have used some of these books growing up!
Joanna – I know! I really think I had sort of dismissed YA book before thinking they were just lighter reads but I’ve really been surprised with some of them. Not that I don’t like light books too – sometimes you need a good laugh 🙂
The ending felt very much right for me too. So glad you enjoyed this, Iliana!