The Reel Life of Zara Kegg

Three years after her mother's death, 16-year-old Zara is still settling into life in Carolina Beach, N.C., where she knows almost no one. Working as the lone projectionist at the Palace Theatre-- a rundown movie house that shows only vintage ' 50s sci-fi and horror flicks-- Zara spends her nights in a dusty booth, fueled by coffee, pushups, and the occasional existential crisis (with popcorn). Then she meets Zachary, whose " Z" name feels like fate. His clothes don't match, his stories don't always add up, and he might be the most interesting person she's ever met. As their friendship deepens into something more, Zara learns about the struggles Zachary hides beneath his charm-- and wonders if trust is possible. When her boss tasks her with organizing a Valentine's Day Godzilla marathon-- complete with 150 inflatable Godzillas on the roof-- Zara must confront the chaos in her own life. Like any good Godzilla movie, the big question remains: who will survive, and who will be crushed?

Author: Brad Barkley
Publisher: Fitzroy Books
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 214
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781646037230
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 79
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Foreword 04/14/2026

About the Author
Brad Barkley is the author of the novels Money, Love (Norton) and Alison's Automotive Repair Manual (St. Martin' s), two collections of short stories, and three YA novels with Penguin: Scrambled Eggs at Midnight, Dream Factory, and Jars of Glass. A native of North Carolina, he lives in Western Maryland with his wife Kristin and their dog, Millie. For more info, visit bradbarkley.com