Goodbye From Nowhere by Sara Zarr - HIGH

Goodbye From Nowhere by Sara Zarr, 384 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper), April 2020. $19

Language: R (100+ swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (affair); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

It’s Thanksgiving and Kyle has just had a great time introducing his girlfriend to his extended family at the family homestead, Nowhere Farm. When spring break rolls around, Kyle’s dad tells him that his mom is having an affair, which sends Kyle’s world into a tailspin. He tries to act normal, but just can’t keep up the front.  As his life cracks apart, he starts seeing the bigger cracks within his extended family.

Zarr adds compelling details and complications to Kyle’s story as she twists it far away from where you thought you were going.  Kyle’s mother just flabbergasts me with her behavior and attitude. That the book focuses on a boy’s perspective is even better.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS