Story Of A Girl by Sara Zarr (Realistic fiction)

Hannah Fogg                                                                                                                                 9/24/15



     Summary: Deanna Lambert's high school years basically consisted of everyone defining her from her past. Through the days of being bullied from her past mistakes made four years ago, she cant seem to convince herself that her life is at all okay. Her older brother, Darren, seems to be the only one in her family that has forgiven her from her bad choices she made when she was thirteen. Although he doesn't feel as though she should have put her social life at risk, he does believe in second chances after making some major mistakes himself. Deanna's father thinks otherwise. Her father has never actually respected his daughter after catching her in an illegal act. He feels like Deanna does not deserve respect, and makes her think twice about her relationship with her family. Her mother however, tries best to stitch the family back together. Deanna does not think that is possible, seeing the relationship she has with her father, and how disrespected she feels because of him.
Question #1: Describe the main characters-personality traits, motivations, inner qualities.

• Describe the dynamics between characters.....

Deanna and her father have a very brittle relationship. Her father kind of took his love for his daughter and threw it away. Deanna feels vey disrespected by his actions, and tries her best to avoid any type of conversation with him. Although, Deanna and her brother Darren have a very strong bond. Although Darren doesn't agree with Deanna's choices, he gives her respect for wanting to change.

• Question #2: Has the novel changed you?

Actually reading part of the book has broadened my perspective. The novel shows me that you shouldn't hate anyone because they've made stupid choices or mistakes. Everyone is human and calling someone names could really make them doubt themselves. Reading from Deanna's perspective shows that a lot of people have a tough life in general. Some people do try to change, and sometimes their families don't give them the support they need.