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Sam's Theory
After a final act of horrendous abuse threatens her life, fifteen-year-old Sam runs away from home and into the Olympic Mountains of Washington State. Physically and emotionally exhausted, she happens upon a mysterious tree house in the woods which shelters an old woman named Theory. Through elements of magic and sage advice, Theory takes Sam on an unforgettable healing journey. Sam begins to discover that she, too, has powers. But her process is interrupted by the nervous reality that her abusers will soon go after her younger sister, Nova, unless she can get to her first.
With the help of Sam’s friend, Dodger, and two other spirited kids from foster care, the group sets up a hidden camp in the wilderness and forms “The Orphan’s Collective.” While struggling to create their own concept of “family,” Dodger and Sam also work to navigate their budding feelings for one another. As the group formulates a plan to reach the masses of kids left behind by adults who never wanted them, they naturally begin to rewrite the fate that has seemingly already been decided for them.
Sam’s Theory is a story of immeasurable grit and re-empowerment after trauma. With embedded real-world advice, it is the recognition of our tremendous capacity as human beings to withstand darkness and summon resiliency, simply by learning how to use our voices and reconnect with those around us.
With the help of Sam’s friend, Dodger, and two other spirited kids from foster care, the group sets up a hidden camp in the wilderness and forms “The Orphan’s Collective.” While struggling to create their own concept of “family,” Dodger and Sam also work to navigate their budding feelings for one another. As the group formulates a plan to reach the masses of kids left behind by adults who never wanted them, they naturally begin to rewrite the fate that has seemingly already been decided for them.
Sam’s Theory is a story of immeasurable grit and re-empowerment after trauma. With embedded real-world advice, it is the recognition of our tremendous capacity as human beings to withstand darkness and summon resiliency, simply by learning how to use our voices and reconnect with those around us.
- GenresMystery
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2018
5 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mendivel
2 books9 followersSarah Mendivel is a master's level behavioral health interventionist and researcher. She has devoted her life's work to advocating for children and teens with trauma backgrounds. Sarah was the founder of the child life publication, Light Spinner Quarterly. She enjoys hiking and motivational speaking and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. Sam's Theory is her debut novel.
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January 26, 2022
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I got an ARC in return for an honest review from the author. I have a soft spot for indie authors and first books. The books always feel more special to me. I am very thankful when I get an ARC of a first book.
The book is geared towards a YA audience, but the book is LONG. I am talking long long. It took me a few days of reading to get through it, when most YA take me a day. Don’t let that deter you, instead that allows the characters to grow, backstories to be lived out, and plots to fully wrap up. There was a reason the book needed this many pages, trust me. My only concern is that the people that really need to get this book will be deterred by the length. So please, listen to me, it is worth it. Read through this book, even if it is only a few pages a day.
The book follows the healing and growth of Sam. Sam is running away from a residential placement and her abusive father known throughout the book as “Him” and “He”. No name is given which makes him feel more powerful and scarier, which I feel like is a conscious choice of Mendivel. We are able to place ourselves in Sam’s shoes for a while and fear Him too. The descriptions of the abuse that Sam faced at the hands of Him are not overly graphic, some are ambiguous as to the severity. There was clearly physical violence, but there were a few scenes that may have been sexual violence as well. Mendivel builds up to those scenes and has Theory guide Sam (and the reader) through them making them less scary and intense. The interruptions and narration provided by Theory allowed me to read them without fear of being triggered. Sam and Theory then work on coming out of the memory together. There is a very in-depth process of healing. Most of the book is the magical process of healing (I do mean magical as Theory has magical abilities, but they are very unique). This section of the book is by far my favorite.
The next section of the book is Sam’s adventures starting and running the “orphan’s collective”. Sam and Dodger do manage to meet up at the lake. Dodger brings some other kids too. They figure out their own society and Sam starts to realize she has the power to help other heal the same way Theory does. This section was interesting. Sam still runs to Theory for help and has a whole WWTD (what would Theory do) mentality. She is still growing. The character development in this novel is just phenomenal, by far one of the best I have seen in years. The other kids have fully fleshed out characters that Sam has to figure out and learn how to work with in relation to her own issues. That is a huge issue I have seen in the queer groups I run in. A lot of the people have issues stemming from being abused, but they expect that their own issues take precedence over anyone else and that bad behavior can be explain away by abuse. Sam learns that that is not the case. Instead Sam learns how to think out where the bad behavior comes from and learns how to interact with people who are different parts of their healing journey. She tries to help them grow. The big thing here is that the others want to grow so they are willing to do the work. This section does have a mildly graphic rape scene of one of the characters. The character retells what happened briefly, but there is no doubt what had happened unlike in earlier mentions of abuse.
The last section is Sam and Nova being reunited. This is the least developed plot in the story. It is not revealed where Nova was, it is not revealed how Nova was convinced to go with a complete stranger, it was not discussed what happened to Nova. This may be because Sam doesn’t care what happened now that she has Nova, which would explain why she doesn’t dig for answers. That would be pretty fitting for Sam’s character. It wouldn’t be fitting for the world that Mendivel has created for a plot to have that many loose ends, so that is the only explanation I have. Nova is the only character that doesn’t feel fleshed out fully. She seems flat and simplistic. That may just be because that is how Sam sees her as Sam has not seen her in a long time. Sam instantly falls back into the role she played a child. She is the protector. This is also the section where I hit the first thing about the book I didn’t like. Sam and Nova refer to each other as “seester”. I don’t know why, but it annoyed me to no end whenever they said that to each other. I just overall didn’t like Nova either. I think that has to do with her not being as real as the other characters, she felt like an interloper in the family that had been created, which just tells you how much I have grown to love and feel protective of the Orphan’s Collective.
Overall, the book is a long story about healing, finding a family, and becoming who you are meant to be. It is a story of overcoming the abuse. It is about not letting yourself become stagnant as a victim, instead growing and thriving in life by working through the abuse. It is about learning your value and learning that you are loved. This book is very powerful. I am very glad that this book exists. More books that are geared towards kids and people that have been hurt are needed. It is a sad reality that many people are abused and hurt. It is also a sad reality that these people don’t get the help that they need to move forward, instead the cycle often continues. This book is just one effort to stop this and to help people handle something horrible that has happened to them.
I got an ARC in return for an honest review from the author. I have a soft spot for indie authors and first books. The books always feel more special to me. I am very thankful when I get an ARC of a first book.
The book is geared towards a YA audience, but the book is LONG. I am talking long long. It took me a few days of reading to get through it, when most YA take me a day. Don’t let that deter you, instead that allows the characters to grow, backstories to be lived out, and plots to fully wrap up. There was a reason the book needed this many pages, trust me. My only concern is that the people that really need to get this book will be deterred by the length. So please, listen to me, it is worth it. Read through this book, even if it is only a few pages a day.
The book follows the healing and growth of Sam. Sam is running away from a residential placement and her abusive father known throughout the book as “Him” and “He”. No name is given which makes him feel more powerful and scarier, which I feel like is a conscious choice of Mendivel. We are able to place ourselves in Sam’s shoes for a while and fear Him too. The descriptions of the abuse that Sam faced at the hands of Him are not overly graphic, some are ambiguous as to the severity. There was clearly physical violence, but there were a few scenes that may have been sexual violence as well. Mendivel builds up to those scenes and has Theory guide Sam (and the reader) through them making them less scary and intense. The interruptions and narration provided by Theory allowed me to read them without fear of being triggered. Sam and Theory then work on coming out of the memory together. There is a very in-depth process of healing. Most of the book is the magical process of healing (I do mean magical as Theory has magical abilities, but they are very unique). This section of the book is by far my favorite.
The next section of the book is Sam’s adventures starting and running the “orphan’s collective”. Sam and Dodger do manage to meet up at the lake. Dodger brings some other kids too. They figure out their own society and Sam starts to realize she has the power to help other heal the same way Theory does. This section was interesting. Sam still runs to Theory for help and has a whole WWTD (what would Theory do) mentality. She is still growing. The character development in this novel is just phenomenal, by far one of the best I have seen in years. The other kids have fully fleshed out characters that Sam has to figure out and learn how to work with in relation to her own issues. That is a huge issue I have seen in the queer groups I run in. A lot of the people have issues stemming from being abused, but they expect that their own issues take precedence over anyone else and that bad behavior can be explain away by abuse. Sam learns that that is not the case. Instead Sam learns how to think out where the bad behavior comes from and learns how to interact with people who are different parts of their healing journey. She tries to help them grow. The big thing here is that the others want to grow so they are willing to do the work. This section does have a mildly graphic rape scene of one of the characters. The character retells what happened briefly, but there is no doubt what had happened unlike in earlier mentions of abuse.
The last section is Sam and Nova being reunited. This is the least developed plot in the story. It is not revealed where Nova was, it is not revealed how Nova was convinced to go with a complete stranger, it was not discussed what happened to Nova. This may be because Sam doesn’t care what happened now that she has Nova, which would explain why she doesn’t dig for answers. That would be pretty fitting for Sam’s character. It wouldn’t be fitting for the world that Mendivel has created for a plot to have that many loose ends, so that is the only explanation I have. Nova is the only character that doesn’t feel fleshed out fully. She seems flat and simplistic. That may just be because that is how Sam sees her as Sam has not seen her in a long time. Sam instantly falls back into the role she played a child. She is the protector. This is also the section where I hit the first thing about the book I didn’t like. Sam and Nova refer to each other as “seester”. I don’t know why, but it annoyed me to no end whenever they said that to each other. I just overall didn’t like Nova either. I think that has to do with her not being as real as the other characters, she felt like an interloper in the family that had been created, which just tells you how much I have grown to love and feel protective of the Orphan’s Collective.
Overall, the book is a long story about healing, finding a family, and becoming who you are meant to be. It is a story of overcoming the abuse. It is about not letting yourself become stagnant as a victim, instead growing and thriving in life by working through the abuse. It is about learning your value and learning that you are loved. This book is very powerful. I am very glad that this book exists. More books that are geared towards kids and people that have been hurt are needed. It is a sad reality that many people are abused and hurt. It is also a sad reality that these people don’t get the help that they need to move forward, instead the cycle often continues. This book is just one effort to stop this and to help people handle something horrible that has happened to them.
August 7, 2018
"It's okay, Sam. I think we're safe now, I told myself."
Right from the beginning, the tone for the book is set: there's a lot that's made up, but you can read the metaphors. The metaphors have a function to perform: they make the story easy for you.
Yet, I have to admit it wasn't the smoothest of reads: you might not, for example, finish it one sitting. It also takes it some time for the plot to grow on you enough so that you don't leave it unfinished, but if you keep at it, the story is a strong one.
The theme that the novel deals with a sensitive ones, trauma and its aftermath is basically a time of more questions than answers, which is why it becomes hard to obtain clarity. You want to read a book, now the sub-plots. At the most, you want the mystery to be solvable. But unlike your cliched detective mysteries, the injuries we are dealing with are hard to identify. So it only makes sense that identifying the plot turns and anticipating them is tricky too.
If you go by the face value, the plot is very fictional, very absurd: Sam meets a woman names Theory. Our protagonist has suffered abuse of all kinds, and is now on a rescue mission of sorts to save her sister from the atrocity. There are many other layers to the plot as well: and all get unravelled in due time.
But if I were to point out that one thing that I loved he most about the novel, it has to be the subtle inclusion of positive messages in favour of mental health and support. Consider these:
"Asking for help doesn't make you weak; it makes you an army."
"We are all made up of the same ingredients, you see, which is ultimately what creates a shared human experience"
"Remember that a trait is neutral until we give it power. When we give it power, we can either use the trait to become a superhero, a common person, or a villain."
The protagonist is also my favourite character, perhaps because we walk with her through the plot, and feel the vulnerability of her thoughts. Not to mention, she is also a relatable person as far as coping mechanisms go:
"The presence of books soothes me and were often my secret escape from the violent alternative at home."
Or when she talks about how she tried to fit in,
"Flaunting my repertoire of reads would have likely torn the cool card I barely held onto right out of my hand."
So I believe the question to ask is: what colour were you eyes when you were at chapter 1 versus the last? Or was it reflecting light from being too moist?
Right from the beginning, the tone for the book is set: there's a lot that's made up, but you can read the metaphors. The metaphors have a function to perform: they make the story easy for you.
Yet, I have to admit it wasn't the smoothest of reads: you might not, for example, finish it one sitting. It also takes it some time for the plot to grow on you enough so that you don't leave it unfinished, but if you keep at it, the story is a strong one.
The theme that the novel deals with a sensitive ones, trauma and its aftermath is basically a time of more questions than answers, which is why it becomes hard to obtain clarity. You want to read a book, now the sub-plots. At the most, you want the mystery to be solvable. But unlike your cliched detective mysteries, the injuries we are dealing with are hard to identify. So it only makes sense that identifying the plot turns and anticipating them is tricky too.
If you go by the face value, the plot is very fictional, very absurd: Sam meets a woman names Theory. Our protagonist has suffered abuse of all kinds, and is now on a rescue mission of sorts to save her sister from the atrocity. There are many other layers to the plot as well: and all get unravelled in due time.
But if I were to point out that one thing that I loved he most about the novel, it has to be the subtle inclusion of positive messages in favour of mental health and support. Consider these:
"Asking for help doesn't make you weak; it makes you an army."
"We are all made up of the same ingredients, you see, which is ultimately what creates a shared human experience"
"Remember that a trait is neutral until we give it power. When we give it power, we can either use the trait to become a superhero, a common person, or a villain."
The protagonist is also my favourite character, perhaps because we walk with her through the plot, and feel the vulnerability of her thoughts. Not to mention, she is also a relatable person as far as coping mechanisms go:
"The presence of books soothes me and were often my secret escape from the violent alternative at home."
Or when she talks about how she tried to fit in,
"Flaunting my repertoire of reads would have likely torn the cool card I barely held onto right out of my hand."
So I believe the question to ask is: what colour were you eyes when you were at chapter 1 versus the last? Or was it reflecting light from being too moist?
March 20, 2018
Sam’s Theory by Sarah Mendivel is a magical realism novel hitting major elements of mental health. We follow a teenage girl named Sam through her heartbreaking and triumphant journey. Sam escapes tragic abuse and runs away to save her life. She stumbles upon a tree house in the forest seeking refuge from the dangers in the night. In these mountains, in this tree house lives a magical, senior woman who is compassionate and kind. It is here where Sam’s journey takes her through healing, acceptance, becomes a healer herself, and learns family can also consist of the people we choose.
This book is a fantastic magical, heartfelt, heartbreaking journey. Sam endures many challenges in her life that lead to her feeling broken and betrayed. She no longer feels as if she is worthy of anyone’s love, no longer feels safe, and does not trust anyone. We get to feel the hurt second hand, creating deep feelings of empathy and sympathy. There are many dark themes to this book. It is riddled with tellings of abuse of all kinds. One of the aspects I appreciate about this book is that it does not go into fine, gritty detail over the abuse. There is detail of one single instance, but it is not graphic and soul-tearing.
I feel the dark themes are important as they are real events. However, it is hard to approach it in such a delicate, honest way with so much care. The author treats these events as they are, terrifying and ugly. But it also presents how what happened is not the fault of those who are abused, but it is their responsibility to take ownership of what happened and how they react to it. The author also goes into how those who have been abused are worthy of love, can find love, and can heal, that they do not have to go through anything alone.
The book is incredibly relatable to anyone who has faced any abuse. It is heartwarming to see reassurances that what happened was not the fault of them, but they can turn the situation around become a stronger person through the bravery of sharing their stories. From a mental health perspective, I think this book can be a great way to learn not only about the impacts of what violence, neglect, and other forms of abuse can affect people, but also teach those who have been in those situations that they are worthy and loved. This is an incredibly important message to send to people.
While the book dealt with heavy topics and made me cry on numerous occasions, it is written beautifully. I love this book and highly recommend it to everyone to read to learn more about abuse, but also see worth in people. The book sends powerful messages via Theory, the senior woman Sam meets, that applies to many situations. Even though it can be a tough read at times, I think it is powerful and well worth the messages.
This book is a fantastic magical, heartfelt, heartbreaking journey. Sam endures many challenges in her life that lead to her feeling broken and betrayed. She no longer feels as if she is worthy of anyone’s love, no longer feels safe, and does not trust anyone. We get to feel the hurt second hand, creating deep feelings of empathy and sympathy. There are many dark themes to this book. It is riddled with tellings of abuse of all kinds. One of the aspects I appreciate about this book is that it does not go into fine, gritty detail over the abuse. There is detail of one single instance, but it is not graphic and soul-tearing.
I feel the dark themes are important as they are real events. However, it is hard to approach it in such a delicate, honest way with so much care. The author treats these events as they are, terrifying and ugly. But it also presents how what happened is not the fault of those who are abused, but it is their responsibility to take ownership of what happened and how they react to it. The author also goes into how those who have been abused are worthy of love, can find love, and can heal, that they do not have to go through anything alone.
The book is incredibly relatable to anyone who has faced any abuse. It is heartwarming to see reassurances that what happened was not the fault of them, but they can turn the situation around become a stronger person through the bravery of sharing their stories. From a mental health perspective, I think this book can be a great way to learn not only about the impacts of what violence, neglect, and other forms of abuse can affect people, but also teach those who have been in those situations that they are worthy and loved. This is an incredibly important message to send to people.
While the book dealt with heavy topics and made me cry on numerous occasions, it is written beautifully. I love this book and highly recommend it to everyone to read to learn more about abuse, but also see worth in people. The book sends powerful messages via Theory, the senior woman Sam meets, that applies to many situations. Even though it can be a tough read at times, I think it is powerful and well worth the messages.
March 2, 2018
This book is by a brand new author.
I’m not going to hide that fact.
Five pages in and you can tell, formal training is lacking and there are quite a few errors. But what might be lacking in technical is made up ten-fold in this thought out healing story that I think a part of us all needs to hear. You don’t read this story for well-done craft. You don’t read it for the plot twists or the thoughtfully constructed prose. You read it for the profound messages and amazing insights that have been gifted within the pages.
I don’t know how she did it, but Sarah Mendivel created a story in a fictional world that is far from fictional.
I was balling at the end, tears gushing, blanket and boys wrapped around me in hopes of warding off all the feelings. Though the ending was a little stretched out, I didn’t want it to be over.
Sam and I aren’t too different. Things have happened and we’ve both been scarred by our pasts. The truth and psychological wisdom that Mendivel imparts is profound and breathtaking. I was on that journey with Sam, I was delving into the realm of healing and growth. I want every kid who has ever struggled in life to read this book. We’re so much more than the actions of others. We’re more than the words said to us by parents, guardians, teachers, trusted friends, or loved ones. I’ve proven it in my life and I feel that all children should know that they have the same option as well.
In many ways, this book reminded me of the Seth and Sarah stories that I read as a kid. A story full of adventure where you don't realize learning is in every word written. What makes this book so well done is that you can gain a lot of insight no matter your age.
Theory is a friend to all. We see this early in the story. A fact that I believe Mendivel wanted us to know.
This book was a gift both physically and mentally. Sometimes things really do fall into our laps for a reason. I was given this book knowing that to compensate for it, I would need to give a review, one that would be read by the author. Not some review that doesn’t even come into the consciousness of the author. I was scared. I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to hate it and face that fact, but I’ve promised you guys honesty. Well, in truth and honesty, this book received 4 stars from me.
Thank you so much Mendivel for reaching out to me and offering your book. Thank you for sharing this story. I feel that it took a lot out of you to delve so deep and to be so honest and caring. Thank you for taking the time. I wish you all the luck in the world spreading it.
I’m not going to hide that fact.
Five pages in and you can tell, formal training is lacking and there are quite a few errors. But what might be lacking in technical is made up ten-fold in this thought out healing story that I think a part of us all needs to hear. You don’t read this story for well-done craft. You don’t read it for the plot twists or the thoughtfully constructed prose. You read it for the profound messages and amazing insights that have been gifted within the pages.
I don’t know how she did it, but Sarah Mendivel created a story in a fictional world that is far from fictional.
I was balling at the end, tears gushing, blanket and boys wrapped around me in hopes of warding off all the feelings. Though the ending was a little stretched out, I didn’t want it to be over.
Sam and I aren’t too different. Things have happened and we’ve both been scarred by our pasts. The truth and psychological wisdom that Mendivel imparts is profound and breathtaking. I was on that journey with Sam, I was delving into the realm of healing and growth. I want every kid who has ever struggled in life to read this book. We’re so much more than the actions of others. We’re more than the words said to us by parents, guardians, teachers, trusted friends, or loved ones. I’ve proven it in my life and I feel that all children should know that they have the same option as well.
In many ways, this book reminded me of the Seth and Sarah stories that I read as a kid. A story full of adventure where you don't realize learning is in every word written. What makes this book so well done is that you can gain a lot of insight no matter your age.
Theory is a friend to all. We see this early in the story. A fact that I believe Mendivel wanted us to know.
This book was a gift both physically and mentally. Sometimes things really do fall into our laps for a reason. I was given this book knowing that to compensate for it, I would need to give a review, one that would be read by the author. Not some review that doesn’t even come into the consciousness of the author. I was scared. I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to hate it and face that fact, but I’ve promised you guys honesty. Well, in truth and honesty, this book received 4 stars from me.
Thank you so much Mendivel for reaching out to me and offering your book. Thank you for sharing this story. I feel that it took a lot out of you to delve so deep and to be so honest and caring. Thank you for taking the time. I wish you all the luck in the world spreading it.
July 31, 2018
more like 3.5
Just a little long and drawn out - but overall a uniquely crafted tale about healing after abuse.
Just a little long and drawn out - but overall a uniquely crafted tale about healing after abuse.
March 14, 2018
Sam's Theory is an incredible story yet to be told of the transition from victim to survivor. Sam, a teen burdened by an abuse marked past, escapes into a rich and shadowy veil of forest home to the Pacific Northwest. On her journey to healing, Sam is met with the help of an unlikely old woman in a mysterious treehouse, a plucky group of kids who impart a new definition of family, and a fierce commitment to the rescue of her sister, Nova. Filled with restorative advice and wisdom for readers of any background, humanist Sarah Mendivel uses her experiences as a milieu therapist to paint a story of empowerment, vulnerability, and love. Finally an author who has written an accurate depiction of cultivating worth after a life of being convinced of inferiority. Sam's Theory tactfully evades sensationalizing abuse as Mendivel takes care to avoid triggering readers, while still providing a grim window into the realities of far too many children. An unapologetic outpour of emotion at a time of immeasurable strength, Mendivel leaves readers with a sense of hope for those who have experienced harm at the hands of broken adults. A poignant remembrance of childhood resiliency that honors the tortured soul in all of us.
April 16, 2018
The author of this novel connected with me via Meetup since I organize a local book club. I was psyched to receive a gift copy of the book! In addition to being a book club organizer, I am also a School Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, so receiving this book seemed like a perfect match! This book takes an interesting look at a journey of healing through the eyes of Sam. It made me think about techniques and approaches I could use as a professional. I could see this novel being helpful to some of my students and clients. I am always looking for books that I can add to my “tool box”. Coming at this novel with a professional lens, I thought the length of Sam’s healing journey was a bit unrealistic for someone who has experienced so many years of intense trauma. However, I am not well versed in EMDR techniques and this novel made me want to learn more! I will definitely share this novel with other folks in the field and possibly some specific students/clients.
Thank you for sharing you story!
Thank you for sharing you story!
April 30, 2018
Mendivel is a therapist who wrote this YA fantasy novel to use as a creative way to help young people heal from trauma. It is a terrific resource for young people dealing with difficulties because it offers practical help in a creative and entertaining way.
Sam's Theory is a fantasy adventure story about a 15-year-old girl named Same who runs away after she is abused. Hiding in the forest, Sam meets an old woman named Theory who helps her with some magic and sage advice. Scared for her little sister, Nova, and with the help of her friend, Dodger, and two other kids, Sam sets up a hidden camp in the wilderness and forms “The Orphan’s Collective.”
The book offers creative advice on how to cope in the face of trauma. It acknowledges the problems young people face, including depression, suicide, abuse, neglect, and loneliness, and provides positive tools and applied examples of healthy behavior changes.
Sam's Theory is a fantasy adventure story about a 15-year-old girl named Same who runs away after she is abused. Hiding in the forest, Sam meets an old woman named Theory who helps her with some magic and sage advice. Scared for her little sister, Nova, and with the help of her friend, Dodger, and two other kids, Sam sets up a hidden camp in the wilderness and forms “The Orphan’s Collective.”
The book offers creative advice on how to cope in the face of trauma. It acknowledges the problems young people face, including depression, suicide, abuse, neglect, and loneliness, and provides positive tools and applied examples of healthy behavior changes.
May 1, 2018
Sam goes through a lot of ups and downs in this book as she works through her past and the things that she has experienced. She learns to be more open about the things she has to do to conquer the past and also let go of what has happened, as well as learn to be happy. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2018
Not a nice read.Stay away
July 16, 2019
I honestly don't know what to say.
I mean the book was cool, but the whole time I just felt as if I was reading about a therapist. The emotion and description were great, but it just seemed to drag on after a while, and the summary didn't seem to apply to the main idea of the book.
Yes, Sam is going to find her friends, but it seems like the whole idea to her was just a fantasy, or finding and living with her friends was a game.
So I liked the idea, but I didn't like the way it was written out.
2 stars.
I mean the book was cool, but the whole time I just felt as if I was reading about a therapist. The emotion and description were great, but it just seemed to drag on after a while, and the summary didn't seem to apply to the main idea of the book.
Yes, Sam is going to find her friends, but it seems like the whole idea to her was just a fantasy, or finding and living with her friends was a game.
So I liked the idea, but I didn't like the way it was written out.
2 stars.
May 20, 2020
Sam is running for her life. Crashing through trees and at the point of exhaustion, she comes across a treehouse. Once inside her host, an older woman called Theory allows her to recuperate. Sam is a shattered person inside and out, barely coping with the abusive situation she’s come from. The treehouse becomes her sanctuary. She recovers slowly physically as Theory encourages her to open up emotionally to face her trauma and find a way to face the horror of her upbringing.
The journey is a difficult one. Sam is constantly worried about her abuser finding her to finish the job. She’s also terrified for her sister Nova, she left behind. She’d made a friend in Doger, in her past life. He was as close as a friend could be, and he’s is coming to the mountains where they have arranged to meet. The questions Theory asks start Sam on a journey of self-discovery to find a strength that she didn’t realise she had. Not only does Sam recover but she goes on to be a leader and a healer.
This is an amazing book, full of thought-provoking optimism and life-changing ideas. At first, I couldn’t see how anyone living in such frightening circumstances would be able to survive. I know people do although I couldn’t imagine how. This book takes the reader through the counselling sessions Sam has with Theory. This book shows ways to recover and move forward. Such powerful stuff.
Sarah Mendivel's background with a master's level behavioural health interventionist and researcher provides the knowledge of real-life lessons given to abused children. She has devoted her life's work to advocating for children and teens with trauma backgrounds. Sarah was the founder of the child life publication, Light Spinner Quarterly. She enjoys hiking and motivational speaking and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. Sam's Theory is her debut novel.
The journey is a difficult one. Sam is constantly worried about her abuser finding her to finish the job. She’s also terrified for her sister Nova, she left behind. She’d made a friend in Doger, in her past life. He was as close as a friend could be, and he’s is coming to the mountains where they have arranged to meet. The questions Theory asks start Sam on a journey of self-discovery to find a strength that she didn’t realise she had. Not only does Sam recover but she goes on to be a leader and a healer.
This is an amazing book, full of thought-provoking optimism and life-changing ideas. At first, I couldn’t see how anyone living in such frightening circumstances would be able to survive. I know people do although I couldn’t imagine how. This book takes the reader through the counselling sessions Sam has with Theory. This book shows ways to recover and move forward. Such powerful stuff.
Sarah Mendivel's background with a master's level behavioural health interventionist and researcher provides the knowledge of real-life lessons given to abused children. She has devoted her life's work to advocating for children and teens with trauma backgrounds. Sarah was the founder of the child life publication, Light Spinner Quarterly. She enjoys hiking and motivational speaking and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest. Sam's Theory is her debut novel.
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