"GEM & DIXIE" by Sara Zarr, HarperCollins, 288 pages, $17.99 (f)
Utah author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr has released her newest young adult novel "Gem & Dixie," which tells the story of two sisters growing up in Seattle in a very dysfunctional family. Their mom is on and off drugs and alcohol and is not stable enough to consistently keep food on the table, and their dad is mostly absent and only makes things worse when he's present.
Gem is a senior in high school, mostly a loner whose only solace are her meetings with the school psychologist and her secret once-a-day cigarette breaks. Dixie is new to high school but having a very different experience than Gem — attracting lots of boys, making lots of friends and possibly even selling prescription drugs on the side. As they've gotten older, their differences have only become more apparent and the sisters are growing apart — and then, after years of absence, their dad reappears.
He brings with him a mysterious package that, unbeknownst to him, sparks an opportunity for Gem to get away with her sister at last. But, as the pair discover the realities and freedoms of the adult world, Gem quickly realizes that it's time she makes a more permanent decision about her future, once and for all.
Zarr's clear, personal style of writing makes it easy to flip through the pages of this book. Ultimately, though, the plot snakes around to an awkward, almost too-realistic conclusion that could be relieving for readers who care about Gem, but could also feel a little like a letdown after all the dramatic buildup leading up to it. The writing and message are both powerful, but the story arc leaves something to be desired. Certainly those who are already fans of Zarr's works will find what they're looking for in this story of resilience and starting over.
"Gem & Dixie" contains frequent uses of profanity and explicit references to drug use by both adults and teenagers, though the bad effects of drug use are clearly shown. There is no violence and no sexual content, except for vague references to prostitution.
If you go …
What: Sara Zarr book signing
When: Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East
Web: kingsenglish.com
Note: The signing line is for those who buy a copy of the featured book from The King's English.