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benediction's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Hate crime, Transphobia, and Homophobia
Moderate: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Grief, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Violence, Biphobia, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Mental illness, Dysphoria, Outing, and Self harm
Minor: Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical content, Police brutality, Racism, and Religious bigotry
melaniereadsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
After a nearly life-ending attack when Sam lived in Montana, they move to Astoria, Oregon with their adoptive father to try and start over. But what Sam's dad doesn't know is that they think they won't make it to their 19th birthday and join the book full of other teenagers who died too young--including the one that died in their very house.
I loved this mystery/thriller so so much! I was completely absorbed throughout the entire book and really consumed it quickly. Sam is such an amazing character and I loved the many aspects to their identity. They actually remind me a bit of one of my students and it made me a little weepy. Also their dad, Junius, is probably the best adult to ever exist in a YA book ever? Like...I love him so much. He's aroace and so supportive and loving and absolutely there for Sam and takes in Sam's new friends like they are his own. I just really am here for a supportive father!
All of the side characters were also amazing. I loved all of them. Shep is an adorable and wonderful love interest and I just want to give her a hug and tell her everything will be okay! I also loved Sky and Aidan and the supportive teachers and other friends that they had throughout the book.
I highly highly recommend this one!
Graphic: Biphobia, Violence, Bullying, Transphobia, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Hate crime
Moderate: Gaslighting, Medical content, Toxic friendship, and Murder
Minor: Ableism and Self harm
ghostreadin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Murder, Toxic friendship, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, Transphobia, and Hate crime
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, Ableism, and Homophobia
natureofreading's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Sam is autistic, identifies as they/them, and is starting over in Astoria, Oregon after experiencing extreme trauma.
The house Sam moves into is well-known because a young boy died there. The house, Sam's trauma, and an obsession with finding out what happened to the boy all lead to Sam and their friends on a mysterious adventure.
Not only does the reader gain insight into autism and some of the ways it impacts daily life, they also learn a lot about queer culture and identities. The book educates and points out issues, all while a group of high school juniors navigate uncovering a potential murder.
I loved a lot about this book, but it did have moments where explanations seemed repetitive.
All in all, it's a great read and I'm so glad teens and adults have more and more access to these sorts of stories.
Autistic MC - check
Nonbinary MC - check
Queer MCs - check
Adopted MC - check
Multiracial family - check
Single parents - check
This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, and Hate crime
littlesmaug's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
FULL REVIEW HERE:
https://littlesmaug.wordpress.com/2022/02/17/arc-review-the-many-half-lived-lives-of-sam-sylvester-by-maya-macgregor/
Explicit depictions of:
– attempted murder (twice), homophobia, transphobia, panic attacks, anaphylactic shock, violence, guns, (assumed) stalking, hate crimes
Moderate depictions of:
– biphobia, (past) murder, abusive relationships, toxic friendships, death of a grandparent, gaslighting, alcholism
Mild depictions of:
– racism, alcohol, suicide, survivor’s guilt, foster care
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Homophobia, Bullying, and Transphobia
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Murder, and Biphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Suicide, and Racism
foreverinastory's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester is a YA thriller about teenage Sam who is nonbinary (they/them pronouns). Sam is recovering from trauma and with their dad has moved to a new school that will hopefully be more understanding of Sam's gender and their autism. Sam ends up meeting some kids from the Queer club and makes a couple friends. But as they settle into their new house, they found out someone was murdered in it before they bought it.
Sam is intrigued and has to know more. With their new friends in tow, the three of them begin to investigate the murder. But things are getting weird, Sam finds threatening notes and sinister shadows the more they dig into the case. Are they onto something or are the notes unrelated?
Y'all I loved this book with my whole being. I need more books with neurodivergent and nonbinary MCs. The feeling of being seen like Sam made me feel is indescribable. I love them so much and I want to protect them and their dad at all costs.
I really loved the mystery part of this as well. It doesn't really ramp up until past 25% or so since Sam is busy trying to fit into school and get used to a new town. But I loved the investigation once it started. It was so gripping and I loved how I was kept guessing until the end.
There's also a little bit of romance in this book and it was so so sweet. I absolutely loved the relationship that developed!
Rep: white Autistic panromantic asexual nonbinary MC, adopted by an aroace Black dad, Latina sapphic female side character, various other queer side characters.
CWs: Bullying, panic attacks, biphobia/bimisia, homophobia/homomisia, transphobia/transmisia, grief, stalking, death, mental illness (anxiety), attempted murder. Moderate: murder, alcoholism (side character), cursing, violence, toxic friendship, suicidal thoughts. Minor: Cancer, domestic abuse, self harm, gaslighting, outing.
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Outing, and Self harm
spookieboogie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and Cursing
Minor: Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Self harm, and Bullying