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A review by sweekune
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
4.5/5
Sam has moved to Oregon following a traumatic incident. They learn that a boy died in their house in what is reported to be an accident but there are murmurings that it was infact murder. Sam and their new friends investigate whilst Sam has to adjust to their new school and come to terms with their past.
- Non-binary representation is lacking and I very much enjoyed Sam's character. Their intersectionality as also autistic andhaving gone through the care system really was good too and added some nuance. MacGregor has done an excellent job of creating a realistic person and not a stereotype.
- Part of the book focusses on Sam's special interest of collecting true stories of kids who have died before their nineteenth birthday. This is probably the only part I wish was expanded as I wish we could have had more insight into the other people in Sam's collection.
- I loved the small town spooky vibes of this book but also the queer acceptance and joy that this book celebrates. It's a unique cocktail but very immersive and enjoyable.
If you are looking for a YA book with non-binary and/or autistic representation and spooky murder vibes, I highly recommend this book.
Sam has moved to Oregon following a traumatic incident. They learn that a boy died in their house in what is reported to be an accident but there are murmurings that it was infact murder. Sam and their new friends investigate whilst Sam has to adjust to their new school and come to terms with their past.
- Non-binary representation is lacking and I very much enjoyed Sam's character. Their intersectionality as also autistic andhaving gone through the care system really was good too and added some nuance. MacGregor has done an excellent job of creating a realistic person and not a stereotype.
- Part of the book focusses on Sam's special interest of collecting true stories of kids who have died before their nineteenth birthday. This is probably the only part I wish was expanded as I wish we could have had more insight into the other people in Sam's collection.
- I loved the small town spooky vibes of this book but also the queer acceptance and joy that this book celebrates. It's a unique cocktail but very immersive and enjoyable.
If you are looking for a YA book with non-binary and/or autistic representation and spooky murder vibes, I highly recommend this book.