What a wonderful book! The simplicity of the writing makes the adolescent perspective of Sam really palpable. I enjoyed getting to see her grow up—the transition from child to teen felt quite natural. By covering so many years, the novel created a very cohesive, well-rounded image of Sam and I found myself liking her quite a lot.

I wish the age gap between her and Justin was a little smaller because 6 years felt strange, especially since Sam was like 18. The relationship seemed alright and I didn’t feel like there was anything particularly off about them together, but him being 24 was unnecessary. He could’ve been like 21 and nothing would’ve changed.

Despite that I genuinely enjoyed this book much more than I expected! It was different than typical coming-of-age stories because of the explorations of class, addiction, parental influence, and unhealthy relationships. More mature, definitely geared more toward adults.

I'm a simple girl, I see a coming of age story about a young rock climber with divorced parents I read.

A very real but kind story of a young girl growing up in a fractured but loving family. I felt her mom was the real hero of the story but Sam does her share of growing up. It ended softly but I enjoyed the landing.

This one was a bit boring, it was a story about a girl who became a climber but also a girl that was always trying to please her mother by helping out with her younger brother and going to college for a subject her mother wanted her to study.

4.5. Had heart.

Sam is a coming of age book that follows a young girl from age 7 to 19. It covers the young girl’s adoration of her father, his addiction and absence from her life, as well as life with her single mother and half-brother, issues of fitting in, class, family and romantic relationships.

I don’t think I would have picked this book up if it wasn’t a Read with Jenna pick. However, I did enjoy the story. Sam is such an interesting and resilient character. I loved that her father got her into climbing and she identified through it. It was heartbreaking that despite his love for his daughter he hurt her in so many ways.

I’m curious as to why the author chose to end the book with Sam at age 19 and her college acceptance. I felt somewhat bereft with the ending.

This is a great story about a girl named Sam as she is growing up. The book wasn't that exciting, no major twists and turns, it is just about Sam's life and it's pretty real. I enjoyed it. It was well written and I found myself rooting for Sam.