Zac and Mia
Zac and Mia
Book Brief
310
Novel • Fiction
Perth, Australia • Contemporary
2013
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts follows seventeen-year-olds Zac Meier and Mia Phillips, both undergoing cancer treatment in adjoining hospital rooms in Perth, Australia, who develop a deep friendship despite their differing personalities and approaches to their illnesses. The narrative is split into three parts and alternates between Zac and Mia's perspectives, exploring themes of friendship, family, love, hope, and resilience.
Emotional
Challenging
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
13,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts offers a poignant exploration of teenage cancer, receiving praise for its authentic voice and emotional depth. The dual narrations of the titular characters are compelling, though some critics feel the plot occasionally veers into predictability. Nevertheless, the novel's honest portrayal of illness and resilience resonates deeply.
Who Should Read Zac and Mia?
Readers who enjoy The Fault in Our Stars by John Green or Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon will love Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts. This book appeals to teens and young adults interested in heartfelt stories about friendship, love, and coping with illness. Fans of emotionally powerful, character-driven narratives will find it captivating.
13,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts won the 2012 Australian Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing, an annual award celebrating outstanding unpublished manuscripts.
The novel was inspired by the author's own experiences working as a teacher in a children’s hospital, providing her with unique insights into the lives of young patients.
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Zac and Mia has been adapted into a web series, which premiered on go90, a streaming service by Verizon, and received praise for its portrayal of teenagers dealing with illness.
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310
Novel • Fiction
Perth, Australia • Contemporary
2013
YA
14-18 years
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