One of the novels I am looking forward to most this fall is young adult fiction author Sara Zarr’s latest, “How to Save a Life.” Ever since her first book, the acclaimed “Story of a Girl,” she has been on my short list of y/a fiction authors who I believe tackles issues with humor, heart, smarts, but without a lot of pretention. She doesn’t try to adopt an adult-perceived “teen” voice. She doesn’t try to be too clever or hip or overly topical. She does, however, weave together authentic questions with realistic characters facing all-too-relatable problems.

While I am waiting for “How to Save a Life” to show up in my mailbox, I thought I would give away three copies of Zarr’s last book, “Once Was Lost.” It is the raw but tender story of a pastor’s daughter whose life is turned upside down by a variety of difficult circumstances in her life and in her community. Bonds of faith and family are severely tested in this story with no easy answers ,but always with the slightest thread of hope.

So if you would like the opportunity to give your teen some summer reading he or she might actually enjoy, send me an email at readmymindbooks@gmail.com by July11th at 5 p.m. EST and I will choose three readers at random to receive a copy. Be sure to include your mailing address in your email and good luck!