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The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester

By Maya Macgregor
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4.15 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,746 ratings, 535 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya Macgregor is a captivating tale following a non-binary teenager named Sam Sylvester, who has a unique connection with past lives. As Sam navigates a new environment, they uncover an intriguing mystery linked to their house's history, which unfolds alongside themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the search for belonging. The book beautifully combines elements of mystery and personal growth, ideal for young readers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this engaging story if you appreciate heartfelt and intriguing narratives that explore themes of identity, friendship, and the mysteries of life. This book may appeal to young readers who enjoy a blend of contemporary issues and a touch of mystery, all centred on a character experiencing unique and diverse challenges.

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"Autistic nonbinary Sam Sylvester has long collected stories of half-lived lives -- of kids who died before they turned nineteen. Now, as Sam's own nineteenth birthday approaches, their recent near-death experience haunts them. Sam works to solve a decades-old murder of a teenage boy while confronting the demons lurking in their past."--

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary autistic teen realises they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to truly live a satisfying life. Three starred reviews!

An Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Nominee

Look no further for your next favourite read, because The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester has it all— a gripping murder mystery that will keep you turning pages, ghosts, romance, and a treasure trove of queer characters with depth and heart. Here's something rare—a suspenseful story that also feels like a hug. - Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary autistic teen realises they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.

Sam Sylvester has long collected stories of half-lived lives—of kids who died before they turned nineteen. Sam was almost one of those kids. Now, as Sam's own nineteenth birthday approaches, their recent near-death experience haunts them. They're certain they don't have much time left...

But Sam's life seems to be on the upswing after meeting several new friends and a potential love interest in Shep, their next-door neighbour. Yet the past keeps roaring back—in Sam's memories and in the form of a thirty-year-old suspicious death that took place in Sam's new home. Sam can't resist trying to find out more about the kid who died and who now seems to guide their investigation. When Sam starts receiving threatening notes, they know they're on the path to uncovering a murderer. But are they digging through the past or digging their own future grave?

The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester explores healing in the aftermath of trauma and the fullness of queer joy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester has received high praise for its blend of mystery, romance, and diverse representation. Reviewers highlight its engaging and suspenseful storyline, well-crafted characters, and the significant portrayal of LGBTQIA+ identities. The novel's evocative prose and ability to balance tension with warmth have left readers feeling connected to its memorable characters and praised its hopeful outlook on themes of survival and closure.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781662620423

Publisher: Astra Publishing House

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 May 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Minedition (imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc)

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 368

Collections

Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Maya Macgregor Penguin Books Young Adult

About the Author

Maya MacGregor is a writer, singer, and artist. They sing and write in G idhlig and in English. You can find their bilingual work on tor.com, in Steall magazine (summer 2020), and Uncanny magazine, with poetry in Poets' Republic and elsewhere. They sing with the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association, the Alba Choir, and Fuaran. The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester,their first young adult novel, is aAndre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction Nominee.

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