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Sarah's Fall
Sarah Blake is thirty-eight and on the verge of divorce. Empty and directionless, she’s a far cry from the smart, beautiful cheerleader whose life was once so full of promise. As she nervously awaits the scheduled reunion with her high school friends, she thinks back to twenty years earlier when it all went wrong . . .
The year is 1995, the summer before their senior year. Sarah’s life is perfect. Until a childhood friend reenters her life and threatens to change everything. Torn between old friends and new, Sarah finds herself caught in the crossfire, triggering a cascade of events that culminates into a single moment. A moment that changes their lives forever.
Interlaced with the highs and lows of a coming-of-age summer, Sarah’s Fall is a powerful story of obsessive jealousy, questionable loyalties, shocking consequences, and one woman’s lifelong struggle to overcome an unspeakable event.
The year is 1995, the summer before their senior year. Sarah’s life is perfect. Until a childhood friend reenters her life and threatens to change everything. Torn between old friends and new, Sarah finds herself caught in the crossfire, triggering a cascade of events that culminates into a single moment. A moment that changes their lives forever.
Interlaced with the highs and lows of a coming-of-age summer, Sarah’s Fall is a powerful story of obsessive jealousy, questionable loyalties, shocking consequences, and one woman’s lifelong struggle to overcome an unspeakable event.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2021
33 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 4, 2022
I was extremely impressed with the writing. Knowing that this is the author's first novel I wasn't sure what to expect.
The writing is well done. There is humor, nostalgia and suspense all in one book. Her characters were well developed and believable.
The writing is well done. There is humor, nostalgia and suspense all in one book. Her characters were well developed and believable.
May 8, 2022
Well this was quite a story. Wasn't sure what to expect.
I felt like it was a straight-up-90s-teen-girl-drama for real. I got to thinking about all those girl drama movies like Jawbreaker and Girl Interrupted.
So nostalgic, ya know? Reminded me of some of the things my friends and I did–going to these parties, doing all the magazine quizzes, talking about boys, living for the boys, all of it. Except for that bit with Dalia, like, I probably wouldn't have been friends with her. Team Ella.
I kind of knew what was going to happen to the girls, but then again I didn't. There was just so much that led up to their big moment. Almost too much–it got very wordy–but still built the necessary tension very nicely.
Even though it was a very long story, it was extremely well written and organized, it was pretty impressive how it all came together at the end.
I'd definitely recommend this to friends who like reading big dramas like Sarah's Fall.
I felt like it was a straight-up-90s-teen-girl-drama for real. I got to thinking about all those girl drama movies like Jawbreaker and Girl Interrupted.
So nostalgic, ya know? Reminded me of some of the things my friends and I did–going to these parties, doing all the magazine quizzes, talking about boys, living for the boys, all of it. Except for that bit with Dalia, like, I probably wouldn't have been friends with her. Team Ella.
I kind of knew what was going to happen to the girls, but then again I didn't. There was just so much that led up to their big moment. Almost too much–it got very wordy–but still built the necessary tension very nicely.
Even though it was a very long story, it was extremely well written and organized, it was pretty impressive how it all came together at the end.
I'd definitely recommend this to friends who like reading big dramas like Sarah's Fall.
April 21, 2022
I loved this book! The characters were complex and their high school drama played out with great suspense. Awesome read from a debut author. (Btw I was team Ella)
June 25, 2022
A Life-Changing Teen Tragedy
Paula Riehle’s debut novel tells the story of Sarah Blake, a Chicago suburbanite whose life has disintegrated since the perfect times and seemingly limitless potential of her high school days. The book opens as Sarah – now a 38-year-old, soon-to-be divorced mother of alienated children – meets with her old school friends to open a time capsule at a reunion they had planned 20 years previously, before her apparent fall from grace. Chapter 1 concludes as Sarah opens the time capsule and discovers an unexpected item. The next 47 chapters tell the story of Sarah and her friends during the summer prior to and during the first few months of their senior year, relating in unsparing detail the events leading to the tragic event that ruined Sarah’s life. We then have four concluding chapters which cover the friends’ reunion, a whirlwind tour of the intervening 20 years, and an implied look into the future.
The book is very well written, but at a rather cumbersome 412 pages it’s somewhat of a slog – not due to writing or pacing deficiencies, but simply to the sheer mass of information Ms. Riehle felt necessary to include as preamble to the tragedy. As I read on and on, it began to feel like an endless summer, and the five girl pals began to blur a bit in my mind. Which one was Jenny again? Whose boyfriend deserted her? Who had sex with whom at which party? The main characters, Sarah, Ella, and Daria, were well developed, but some of the others, such as Tori, Jake, and Shawn, seemed more like stereotypes than real people. And the critical events came across as somewhat convoluted, straining that all-important need to suspend disbelief. I would have liked less detail of the high school period and more detail concerning Sarah’s subsequent struggles, but that’s just me.
I need to emphasize that I did like the book a lot. The gripes above are simply what kept me from giving it a perfect five-star rating. “Sarah’s Fall” left me pondering the underlying message Ms. Riehle was trying to send. Is the book a cautionary tale, a reminder that unwitting teenagers can cause lifelong harm by failing to take proper care of their friends’ feelings and needs? Is it a wistful look at how the carefree lives of youth transform into the drudgery of adulthood? Is it a lesson about the importance of good friends and the futility of carrying a burden alone? Is it ultimately a tale of redemption, as the power of self-forgiveness begins to propel Sarah along a different path? Perhaps it is all of these things, or perhaps none of these things.
What I do know is that the book made me think, and for that I give thanks to Paula Riehle. You won’t go wrong by reading “Sarah’s Fall.”
Paula Riehle’s debut novel tells the story of Sarah Blake, a Chicago suburbanite whose life has disintegrated since the perfect times and seemingly limitless potential of her high school days. The book opens as Sarah – now a 38-year-old, soon-to-be divorced mother of alienated children – meets with her old school friends to open a time capsule at a reunion they had planned 20 years previously, before her apparent fall from grace. Chapter 1 concludes as Sarah opens the time capsule and discovers an unexpected item. The next 47 chapters tell the story of Sarah and her friends during the summer prior to and during the first few months of their senior year, relating in unsparing detail the events leading to the tragic event that ruined Sarah’s life. We then have four concluding chapters which cover the friends’ reunion, a whirlwind tour of the intervening 20 years, and an implied look into the future.
The book is very well written, but at a rather cumbersome 412 pages it’s somewhat of a slog – not due to writing or pacing deficiencies, but simply to the sheer mass of information Ms. Riehle felt necessary to include as preamble to the tragedy. As I read on and on, it began to feel like an endless summer, and the five girl pals began to blur a bit in my mind. Which one was Jenny again? Whose boyfriend deserted her? Who had sex with whom at which party? The main characters, Sarah, Ella, and Daria, were well developed, but some of the others, such as Tori, Jake, and Shawn, seemed more like stereotypes than real people. And the critical events came across as somewhat convoluted, straining that all-important need to suspend disbelief. I would have liked less detail of the high school period and more detail concerning Sarah’s subsequent struggles, but that’s just me.
I need to emphasize that I did like the book a lot. The gripes above are simply what kept me from giving it a perfect five-star rating. “Sarah’s Fall” left me pondering the underlying message Ms. Riehle was trying to send. Is the book a cautionary tale, a reminder that unwitting teenagers can cause lifelong harm by failing to take proper care of their friends’ feelings and needs? Is it a wistful look at how the carefree lives of youth transform into the drudgery of adulthood? Is it a lesson about the importance of good friends and the futility of carrying a burden alone? Is it ultimately a tale of redemption, as the power of self-forgiveness begins to propel Sarah along a different path? Perhaps it is all of these things, or perhaps none of these things.
What I do know is that the book made me think, and for that I give thanks to Paula Riehle. You won’t go wrong by reading “Sarah’s Fall.”
April 21, 2022
A great debut novel! I’m team Dalia
April 21, 2022
Absolutely engrossing story and well written characters. I am definitely team Ella! Can’t believe this is a debut. Looking forward to what Riehle has in store.
January 22, 2022
Paula’s debut novel does not disappoint. Her colorful and vibrant writing flows through each well developed character. The reader is immediately brought back to their own high school experience, tearing through each chapter to see how far insanely jealous Dalia will go. Ultimately the fierce love and protection of family will bring the main character full circle, crawling to get back on track despite her long misguided destiny.
November 10, 2022
To get it out of the way: Team Ella. I really adored this book’s concept. High School friends at a time when I was actually in high school reuniting as adults to open a time capsule, I thought I would definitely enjoy the trip down memory lane. I wasn’t in this specific group, but knew this exact pack of girls at my school. So in theory, I was hooked bc I could relate to who they were in terms of character. However, I felt like there was so much buildup to the pivotal moment, which was in fact, gasp worthy, but to get there was laborious. There were too many auxiliary friendships to keep track of, that didn’t really add depth to the story, I feel like at least two of the cheerleaders could have been cut from the story, in exchange for more main character detail later. I felt like I needed more from the ripple effect from Sara’s ‘fall’ which felt rushed even though her whole life trajectory changed; and it was sad that Sarah’s ‘peace’ didn’t come until the end, I feel like she either deserved more attention to the after effects of what happened or a better denouement when it was all said and done . And I know this is a small detail, done well it would have made the book exceptional; a lot of the mid 90’s references weren’t truly mid 90’S references. Not a single girl had access to makeup wipes (as mentioned in the trip to the cabin), it was all Clean and Clear, Noxema and Stridex pads. There were a few of these and it became a little distracting bc they weren’t of the time. However, it was a good trip to a simpler time (for everyone but Sarah, Dalia and poor Ella). It’s a book that will stay with me.
March 26, 2022
Interesting read; took me back to high school
There were some inconsistencies in this book, and though I know teens throw around the 'F' word a lot, I found it, and the sexual exploitation a bit much. The premise of the book definitely pulled me in, and sadly I could see a group of teen girls exacting revenge and for taking out their petty jealousies on someone. I saw it in my own small school, where most of us grew up with equal values and lifestyles. Sadly, things seem to have gotten worse over time.
Can't say there was anything refreshing or light about this read, but it certainly was eyes opening in many ways. I especially liked how the author started with the future and kept you guessing thru most of the book. Can't really recommend this, but I did read it in its entirety. That's saying something. And it WAS thought provoking.
There were some inconsistencies in this book, and though I know teens throw around the 'F' word a lot, I found it, and the sexual exploitation a bit much. The premise of the book definitely pulled me in, and sadly I could see a group of teen girls exacting revenge and for taking out their petty jealousies on someone. I saw it in my own small school, where most of us grew up with equal values and lifestyles. Sadly, things seem to have gotten worse over time.
Can't say there was anything refreshing or light about this read, but it certainly was eyes opening in many ways. I especially liked how the author started with the future and kept you guessing thru most of the book. Can't really recommend this, but I did read it in its entirety. That's saying something. And it WAS thought provoking.
February 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It’s fast paced, plenty of suspense and kept me throughly entertained.
The characters are well developed and relatable. Each one reminded me of someone I once knew in high school. I could especially relate to the girls and the tumultuous relationships that can occur during those adolescence years.
I really loved all of the 90s references. The fashion, music and pop culture was an unexpected treat. I found myself reminiscing quite a bit during the book. It’s fast pace and will keep you up reading to find out what’s going to happen next.
The characters are well developed and relatable. Each one reminded me of someone I once knew in high school. I could especially relate to the girls and the tumultuous relationships that can occur during those adolescence years.
I really loved all of the 90s references. The fashion, music and pop culture was an unexpected treat. I found myself reminiscing quite a bit during the book. It’s fast pace and will keep you up reading to find out what’s going to happen next.
February 11, 2022
This was a great book for book club! It is a page-turner, and left me wanting to know what happens next. While the characters are in high school for most of the book, the book appeals to all ages because everyone can relate to that time in our lives. And, it's interesting to think about how life circumstances (parenting style, money, etc) impact our future selves. If you liked the People You Meet on Vacation, then you'll like this book too!
February 24, 2022
I’m giving this 4 stars bc for a first novel, it’s well done. For me personally, the teenage drama was too much of the book (90+%) and I wanted more of the adults and their lives since the tragedy and how it shaped them. I found myself skipping whole pages of mean girl cheerleaders, teenage sex and drinking. It doesn’t appeal to me. Quite possibly this is more for teens than adults, the book was given to me as a gift.
March 1, 2022
I was looking for a bit of escapism and this book delivered! Grabbed me early on and only developed momentum from there. The dialogue was great, the story was engaging and the pacing was really good with a powerful ending. As someone who leaves a lot of books unfinished, I really enjoyed this one. Great debut.
January 5, 2022
Riveting from start to finish. Excellent characterization, to the point where I felt I knew some of the characters! I was hooked from the first page and loved every twist and turn. I can’t wait for her next book!
February 23, 2022
If I didn’t know it, I wouldn’t have guessed this was the author’s first novel. The story is interesting and complex and an overall page-turner. Impressive debut for the Downers Grove author. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
February 2, 2022
I couldn’t put this one down! Kudos to the author for a great debut!
February 9, 2022
What a fantastic debut novel! It brought me back to those high school days, intense crushes, excitement for the future, insecurities…Each character had their own individual qualities, some endearing and some disturbing, and how jealousy can turn everything upside down. Great read!!
May 31, 2022
What an extraordinary story.
From the plot and the introductory pages, we know that 20 years ago, something went wrong. Still, that did not diminish the pleasure of reading the entire story in one sitting, as the author just knew how to make it good. The more I turned the pages, the more amazed I was about the writing style: precise, playful, smoothly jumping from thoughts to dialogues, from descriptions of places to feelings. I can say that this is one of the best-written books I’ve ever read, and yet it is Paula’s debut novel.
The story has it all: friendship, loyalty, happiness, love, jealousy, coming of age, life lessons, and lots of suffering. Sarah and her girlfriends were enjoying a careless summer, the last one before they would finish High-school and get serious with their lives. There wasn’t supposed to be any reason to disturb their plans. The dynamic of their friendship was standard and yet cute, playful, authentic, and fun. That was noticeable when Ella, Sarah’s friend from middle school, returned to Chicago. The synergy of the little group of friends didn’t seem disturbed when Ella joined them. But soon after, everything went down the hill. And many things went unexplained and untold for twenty years.
It is such a sad but beautiful story, but it has a powerful message. I would conclude with the author’s words:” … stop taking my life for granted when hers went unlived.”
From the plot and the introductory pages, we know that 20 years ago, something went wrong. Still, that did not diminish the pleasure of reading the entire story in one sitting, as the author just knew how to make it good. The more I turned the pages, the more amazed I was about the writing style: precise, playful, smoothly jumping from thoughts to dialogues, from descriptions of places to feelings. I can say that this is one of the best-written books I’ve ever read, and yet it is Paula’s debut novel.
The story has it all: friendship, loyalty, happiness, love, jealousy, coming of age, life lessons, and lots of suffering. Sarah and her girlfriends were enjoying a careless summer, the last one before they would finish High-school and get serious with their lives. There wasn’t supposed to be any reason to disturb their plans. The dynamic of their friendship was standard and yet cute, playful, authentic, and fun. That was noticeable when Ella, Sarah’s friend from middle school, returned to Chicago. The synergy of the little group of friends didn’t seem disturbed when Ella joined them. But soon after, everything went down the hill. And many things went unexplained and untold for twenty years.
It is such a sad but beautiful story, but it has a powerful message. I would conclude with the author’s words:” … stop taking my life for granted when hers went unlived.”
May 12, 2022
I was very - and pleasantly - surprised by this book. I went in expecting a sort of Pretty Little Liars/I Know What you did Las Summer sort of thing, which it's not. It's a frank look at the life of the American teenage girl which, as a fifty-something-year-old ma, is a topic I'm decidedly not interested in, but this book really held my attention and drew me in. Even when I was a teen I had no interest in parties and homecoming and drama or any of the typical teen stuff, never mind now, but I found this story to be quite compelling and I wanted to see what happened. I got so drawn in I found myself going about my day actually angry at certain characters (Dalia, for all her tragic back story, is ultimately a selfish, conniving, manipulative bitch) and had to real myself back in.
It also reinforced one piece of advice I have for girls - don't ever believe one word Cosmo, Glamor, et al. have to say about guys. They have no idea what they're talking about.
Oh, and Shawn, that little hypocrite, needs to be smacked a few times.
Ms. Riehle did a wonderful job with this book. Even a person who normally avoids these kinds of stories found this one compelling. Well done.
It also reinforced one piece of advice I have for girls - don't ever believe one word Cosmo, Glamor, et al. have to say about guys. They have no idea what they're talking about.
Oh, and Shawn, that little hypocrite, needs to be smacked a few times.
Ms. Riehle did a wonderful job with this book. Even a person who normally avoids these kinds of stories found this one compelling. Well done.
August 17, 2022
Great teen friendship story!
I really enjoyed this book! It starts out with a group of cheerleader friends and what happens to them one fateful day that will haunt & change their lives for ever especially Sarah's. Even 20 years later Sarah can't seem to shake what happened. The ending was a bit rushed for my liking but it did tie up almost all the loose ends. The ending did teach a great lesson and that is to keep the people that you love close always & to trust your instincts because if you feel someone is a lot of trouble then maybe you really don't need that person in your life after all! I would recommend this one to all older teens & up because it does have a lot of mature content so it's not for kids at all.
I really enjoyed this book! It starts out with a group of cheerleader friends and what happens to them one fateful day that will haunt & change their lives for ever especially Sarah's. Even 20 years later Sarah can't seem to shake what happened. The ending was a bit rushed for my liking but it did tie up almost all the loose ends. The ending did teach a great lesson and that is to keep the people that you love close always & to trust your instincts because if you feel someone is a lot of trouble then maybe you really don't need that person in your life after all! I would recommend this one to all older teens & up because it does have a lot of mature content so it's not for kids at all.
May 17, 2022
Maybe my personal filters didn’t allow me to particularly enjoy this book. The teenaged angst was just annoying… some of the relationships were not particularly believable… the outcome irritating. But it’s not the fault of the fictional characters, you understand. It must be my personal filters.
March 7, 2022
High school girls. It sure brought back a lot of memories of those years.
July 15, 2024
It was okay. Lots of drama and the ending was crazy
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews