On the outside, Ally has everything any teenager could want. She’s beautiful, popular, and athletic. She has the right friends, an adoring boyfriend, and the picture-perfect family. Too bad it’s all a lie.Every day she’s dying a little on the inside, drowning in everyone’s expectations and opinions, the weight of it all pulling her under. She wants to do the unthinkable … until a boy with … … until a boy with shaggy hair, unusual eyes, and a lip ring changes her plans.
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***5 ‘Sticky Notes’ Stars***
I almost passed Saving Me up…almost.
I read the description (The original, the new one is a much better representation of the story) and waffled. I admit it. I didn’t know if I wanted to put myself in that kind of emotional headspace because it would be a conscious and deliberate choice to do so and trust in the author. But as soon as the waffling started (I’m a Libra, we waffle often) it ended and I gave myself a mental slap (or two) and remembered how much I adored Maybe Never and went for it and from the opening chapter I was hooked! It brought out all the feels and had me wishing that there were more words to read because I didn’t want to say goodbye.
I adored Ally, she frustrated the hell out of me at times, but when she did I had to remind myself that not only is she a teenager, but one that has had her world turned upside down in more ways than one. But I enjoyed watching her figure things out, whether it was on her own or with a little help from those around her (both those who were good and not so good for her) and how she not only became stronger but happier as the book progressed.
When it comes to romance reviews I have a set way I do them, but for Saving Me I’m changing it up a bit because you, as the reader, need to go into it blind, or at least as blind as possible, so I’m keeping it as vague and simple as possible. The romance was sweet and very honest when it comes to teenagers and how they view love and sex. Do we get full blown details? No, but things are talked about. As for the very eclectic cast of characters that Ally has relationships with, some I absolutely adored and others I wanted to gut with a spoon, but they gave depth to the world and made it feel real and regardless of which side of the coin they fell on for me I can honestly say I wouldn’t mind finding out more about all of them.
I have to say that Saving Me is truly an excellent read, and one I am very happy I didn’t pass up (and won’t pass up another book by this author in the future) Ms. Allen approached and handled the topic of depression and teen suicide with respect, honesty and compassion. And while the teenagers that populate this story do very teenage things that may frustrate and irritate, the author balances it out with showing that they are capable of stepping over the line into the adulting realm when looking at situations in a making a more mature decision. I really can’t say enough good things about this book and highly recommend it to everyone.
~ Copy provided via Enticing Journey & voluntarily reviewed ~
I simply cannot find the right words to use in this review that will do Saving Me any justice. First I’ll say that this is the first book I’ve read written by Sadie Allen and I loved every single moment of this story. You know that you have found the perfect book when you find that you can relate to the story and characters in such a way that it feels like the author could be retelling your own story. We are allowed access to the very soul of Ally, and we can feel her emotional despair, her hopes, desires and what will ultimately be life changing moments. I wept for her, felt anger for her, but I also felt moments of extreme happiness for her. The reflective message contained within the pages of this book will stay with readers of all ages.
{I received a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
It has taken me several days after finishing this story to sit down and write my review because this story has a personal meaning to me. Growing up I witnessed my sister struggling with her depression and sometimes it’s difficult to read something dealing with that subject. However, I must say that this is such an important topic that needs to be brought to light.
Saving Me is a story with that emotional punch in the gut feeling that will leave readers in a trance. My heart ached for Ally and I just wanted to reach through my kindle and give her a big hug. It is said that there are certain people in our lives that can change their whole world and for Ally it was Sterling and her brand-new group of friends. Her life drastically changed one fateful day and suddenly she was living for herself and nobody else.
This story was beautiful written with a lot of heart and soul. This was my very first Sadie Allen read, but it will certainly NOT be my last! The author did an incredible job with this story and you could see how much work she put in to give readers a real experience. Depression and suicide is a hard subject, but she took a chance and shared with her readers an extraordinary story!
What a great story! This is the story of Ally who seems like she has the perfect life. But in reality she hates her life and is so lonely. The book starts out with her attempting to end her life and a stranger by the name of Sterling stops her. He saves her from herself. Sterling and Ally are opposites in school. She is the popular athlete. He is the misunderstood theater bad boy. But he was there for Ally when no one else was. And a relationship blossoms from new friendship to more. He shows her what it’s like to be truly cared about.
I loved every moment of this story. It is an emotional read. But it will also make the reader smile. I felt myself totally invested in Ally’s life like I knew her personally. I hated the people in her life: cheating boyfriend, fake friends, selfish parents… Then Sterling enters and I fell head over heels for him. He is the opposite of what Ally should love. But he is what she needs. A great lesson that in life we need to focus on those that truly care about us. And also that not everyone is as they look. The people that look like they have it all may not and those that look like they have nothing to offer have more than anyone thinks.
I highly recommend this story. It’s a great read for anyone. But it does deal with the subject of depression and suicide as a warning for readers. But I promise this is a happy story. Even an inspirational story.