The Lucy Variations
*Starred Review* Pressure, expectation, the responsibility of “proving to the world and yourself that you weren’t just taking up space.” This has been privileged San Franciscan Lucy Beck-Moreau’s childhood as a renowned concert pianist. But after a family betrayal eight months ago, the 16-year-old walked off the stage in Prague, and her controlling grandfather’s words haunt her: “I take this as your final decision, Lucy.” Now, though, Lucy’s talented pianist brother, Gus, has a new teacher, Will, and he has taken a special interest in Lucy, asking her questions such as “What do you love?” and encouraging her to find the fun in music again. As she and Will grow closer, their relationship begins to cross lines, and she eventually wonders if Will has her best intentions at heart—a question that’s perhaps not fleshed out enough in the novel’s end. But Zarr (Story of a Girl, 2007) does what she does best. Writing in the third person, she really, truly gets inside her characters’ minds and shows us what makes them complex human beings—their faults, fears, and hopes. The supporting characters, from best friend Reyna to English teacher Mr. Charles, are also deeply drawn, and each provides insight as Lucy searches for her own sense of self. The novel itself is structured like a musical composition with three movements of varying tempos and the occasional intermezzo. This is a mellifluous novel about rekindling joy—in music, in the everyday, and in the beauty around us.            HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Zarr’s Story of a Girl was a National Book Award finalist, and her books are consistently met with multiple starred reviews. A national author tour kicks off the publication of her latest. Grades 9-12. --Ann Kelley