Story of a Girl

Loved this book. It was realistic and complex and resisted the easy answers. I loved Deanna and her brother and Stacy.

Notes, May 2013: I wish Lee had been a bit more developed. I have no idea why she forgave Deanna and I wish Deanna had been the one to start that conversation.

This book took me right back to high school! We all remember the school “slut” who supposedly did whatever with whomever. Honestly, I really like Deanna and I wanted to see her pull herself out of this situation. On top of a reputation that was destroyed, she is dealing with a troubled home life, and a confusing relationship as a third partner in a best friend relationship. What really kept me reading was the voice. I thought the story moved along at a good clip and there was a balance there of some good tossed in with all of the bad (like the salad bar at the pizza place). I liked Michael and Stacy. I am not sure I understood the dad, I think he came off as a “man's man”- one who was afraid to express any emotion but anger.
Overall, I look forward to reading more by Zarr!