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fagankelli's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
steffski's review
3.0
This was a pretty easy read, but dealt with a lot of hard stuff. The heartache of loss, addiction, poverty, single parenting, underage relationships and being taken advantage of, neurodivergent kids, and it felt like it was driving to a point that it never arrived at.
polywogqueen's review
4.0
I'm a simple girl, I see a coming of age story about a young rock climber with divorced parents I read.
hannahm4rie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookish_withsky's review
3.0
Sam is a coming of age story. It’s about Sam as she grows throughout her life. She lives with her mom and half-brother. Sam’s story is intriguing because not only is her dad more absent than he was present, he also struggles with addiction.
To begin with, the writing is hard to read in how it is so overly simplistic and stating facts. However, it does mature with the character so it appears to be a stylistic choice. Not my favorite, but still. Sam’s story is one that can weigh on a lot of people and I can definitely see an audience loving it, even if it’s not necessarily me. It’s essentially a deep character study, which is well written and something a lot of people could really like/enjoy. This just came down to personal preference for me, honestly. It’s just not my favorite type of story.
To begin with, the writing is hard to read in how it is so overly simplistic and stating facts. However, it does mature with the character so it appears to be a stylistic choice. Not my favorite, but still. Sam’s story is one that can weigh on a lot of people and I can definitely see an audience loving it, even if it’s not necessarily me. It’s essentially a deep character study, which is well written and something a lot of people could really like/enjoy. This just came down to personal preference for me, honestly. It’s just not my favorite type of story.
amandalucas's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lawryn's review
3.0
Coming of age tale that truly captures the essence of youthful insecurities and the burden of becoming
sophiepellegrini's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this book--I got so absorbed in Sam and her world and felt connected to her. I loved the way Allegra wrote about girlhood and relational trauma. I can understand why the writing style wouldn't work for everyone but it worked for me, especially the progression of complexity as Sam aged.
ainsleym's review
5.0
This was so good!!! It was so emotional without being overwrought or pushing anything too intensely. I loved how the writing style changed slowly as Sam grew up and how it fit her interest in climbing and geology. The inclusion of ecology fit so well and I loved seeing that theme after reading and loving The Other Side of the Island growing up. Very excited to read her other books.