Title: The Reel Life of Zara Kegg
Author: Brad Barkley
Publisher: Fitzroy Books
Publication date: June 16, 2026
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
It’s been three years since Zara’s mother died and she’s learning to settle into her life in Carolina Beach, NC. She works at the local Palace Theatre in the projection room, showing vintage ’50s sci-fi and horror movies. Her life is pretty lonely until she meets Zachary, and their connection feels like fate. As their relationship deepens into something more, Zara learns that there’s something darker beneath Zachary’s persona. When Zara is asked to help her boss organzation a Godzilla marathon for Valantine’s Day, she has to figure out how to control the chaos in her life. And figure out if Zachary fits in it.
Review: The Reel Life of Zara Kegg
Thanks to Fitzroy Books for an advanced copy of The Reel Life of Zara Kegg by Brad Barkley to review! The cover and the premise of this book intrigued me, so I was excited to dive into the story. The vibes of this book definitely feel like something from John Green or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. It’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age story that examines grief, mental illness, and learning to move forward.
Zara is a main character who you can fall in love with right from the beginning. At the onset, she is a little lost and a little lonely. She’s trying to figure out how to help her dad move on from her mom’s death, all the while trying to figure out her own grief. Zachary is a bit chaotic, both helping Zara to move outside of her comfort zone but also frustrating her at the same time. I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic, especially as they try to figure out some really complex mental health issues.
The small town portrayed in the book is also quirky, and you’ll fall in love with some of the side characters. Especially Ms. Yamada and Mr. Wendt. Their little community comes together for the theatre that Zara works at, and it’s nice to see them bloom at a community towards the end of the book.
If you’re nostalgic for the sort of classic, golden age YA feel, definitely pick this book up as a part of your summer reading! It will stick with you long after you finish reading it.
4.5/5 stars