The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester

By: Maya MacGregor

Narrated by: Allegra Verlezza

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

“Look no further for your next favorite 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 realizes 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 neighbor. 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 queery joy.

©2022 Maya MacGregor (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

Love this story

The narrator captured Sam so well, and this story is just heart-felt, a bit spooky, and very fun. The kids are alright 😊

Absolutely loved it.

Highly recommend this read it’s so good. The character and mystery is so good I love the relationship between all the characters it’s very real

Great all-around read - whoever you are.

Full disclosure: I'm a cis-gender, old(er), heterosexual white man and I very much enjoyed this story. So it's for ANYONE! I think this tale of a young person finding and creating their place in a new home, with past traumas and new mysteries is a well-paced very interesting read for whoever picks it up. But I think it would be especially enjoyed by younger (teen) audiences, and even more by anyone who feels marginalized or that they somehow have to conform to anyone ELSE'S idea of who they should be - they don't. Sam is the reluctant hero we all need.
Told through the thoughts of Sam, we get a glimpse into their own personal struggle with the common troubles of new surroundings, school bullies, and also into how the world looks to and treats a person who is autistic, non-binary, and who doesn't process everything in a completely neurotypical way. These traits are there, but they do not define the story or the person, they are just part of the rich tapestry of the lives in the book.
The author did a great job of telling a rich story from the viewpoint of a complex and very endearing person, with enough drama, humour, suspense and mystery to keep it moving through to a very satisfying end.

Wonderfully written Amazingly Narrated

I listened to The Many Half Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester, in.3 days. 10 hour listen.

The story itself is interesting and does keep you wanting to know more. It is written very well.

For me Allegra brought each and every character to life, I could actually picture them! They gave them all their own voice, style, attitude, and individuality.

The author and Allegra's narration brought the issues of autism and lgbtq to light is a positive way. The book and narration also hits on so many other areas, single parent, biracial family, divorce, low income, PTSD, being different and inclusion. They help the reader understand that people are people and should be treated with respect no matter what. As well as solving a 30 year murder that ripped the town apart.

Absoutely, captivating

I hope Allegra chooses to do more. I would listen to anything they record.

Intriguing mystery and great characters!

I read this in one go because I was so engrossed in the mystery! Sam Sylvester is a great character. I loved seeing them work things out while also gaining some confidence and getting a better life than the one they had before the events of the book. I love a good supportive ensemble cast! And OMG how great is Sam’s dad??? Seriously the best!

Could not stop listening!!

This book is so beautifully done. You're kept guessing til the very end!!

I loved Maya's ability to articulate Sam's inner monologue regarding their gender identity and their interactions with cisfolk in a way that made me have a deeper understanding and appreciation for that constant thought process. You additionally get to see how they interact with the world as someone who is neurodivergent in a very thoughtful way!
I think Sam might be one of my favorite characters that I've come across in a while.

No Notes

Loved this story so much, great LGBTQ+ and autism representation, bonus that it was set in my home state