Zac & Mia is an Australian young adultnovel written by A.J. Betts. The book was released on 24 July 2013.[1]
Background
Betts started writing the novel in 2009 after working on a cancer ward in a children's hospital. Betts' main inspiration was a young woman named Tayla, who died suddenly. She later continued writing when Tayla's mother encouraged her to continue.[2] Betts' main job previously was being an English teacher.[3]
Plot
The novel follows seventeen-year-old Zac Meier as he undergoes treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Perth, Western Australia. He meets Mia, a fellow cancer patient in the adjacent room, and the two quickly form a connection.[1]
Structure
The novel is divided into three sections, Zac, and, and Mia.[4] Several critics have noted similarities between the book and The Fault in Our Stars.[3][5]
Reception
The Australian praised the book, calling it "warm and uplifting".[4]Australian Book Review praised the use of the book's three-part format.[3]The Guardian also praised the format but criticised Mia's character.[5]Hypable, in a positive review, labelled the book "much more than your standard YA cancer novel", and called the multiple perspectives of the narrative "beautifully written".[6]