Sarny (novel)

Sarny
AuthorGary Paulsen
LanguageEnglish
SeriesNightjohn series
GenreNovel
PublisherDell Books
Publication date
September 8, 1997
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (Hardback)
Pages192 pp
ISBN0-385-32195-3
OCLC36201416
LC ClassPZ7.P2843 Sar 1997
Preceded byNightjohn 

Sarny: A Life Remembered is the sequel to Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen. It was published on September 8, 1997 by Dell Books.[1]

Critics provided mixed reviews, with Booklist offering a starred review.[2] Publishers Weekly called the protagonist "a noble character who carries Paulsen's message of the power of literacy" and referred to the story as "a page-turner".[3] Kirkus Reviews added that "Sarny's indomitability will win over skeptics, and the way her ability to read frees more than her body will not be lost on thoughtful readers."[4]

However, Kirkus Reviews also noted that the novel's "ending seems abrupt".[4] Multiple reviewers criticized some points of ease within the story. Kirkus Reviews noted that "the plot takes too many convenient turns",[4] while Publishers Weekly argued that "young adults more familiar with the complexities of America after the Civil War may find that this sugar-coated tale goes down a bit too easily".[3]

The Young Adult Library Services Association included Sarny on their 1998 list of Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.[5]

References

  1. ^ Paulsen, Gary (1999). Sarny, a life remembered. Internet Archive. New York, N.Y. : Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-0-440-21973-6.
  2. ^ "Sarny: A Life Remembered". Booklist. October 1, 1997. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Sarny by Gary Paulsen". Publishers Weekly. September 1, 1997. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c "Sarny". Kirkus Reviews. July 1, 1997. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  5. ^ "Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 1998". Booklist. March 15, 1998. Retrieved March 15, 2026.