How to Save a Life, by Sara Zarr

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

Jill MacSweeney just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she’s been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends—everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she’s somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it’s like to grow up unwanted—to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she’s sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It’s harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy—or as difficult—as it seems.


I love this book. The characters are so real and conflicted. They do shitty things to themselves and to others. But when things start coming together, it's beautiful. They grow up: not in age, but in character. I was sobbing with a huge smile on my face near the very end.

Highly recommended!

4.5 stars. I would have rounded it up to 5 if it hadn't been for the fact that...

(Spoilers after the jump)



...Robin and Jill should have been in some sort of grief counseling after Mac's death. I kept swearing at them to Get! Some! Help!