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Life Support
Every bite Kendra takes is a battle. Rosie can’t control her mouth. Alex struggles to keep his head above water. Tyler’s world has come crashing to his feet. Ricky’s anger threatens to spill over.
Told through a series of shifting perspectives, five strangers, nothing but blurred faces in a crowded high school hallway, come together in search of solace, support, and comfort. Together, they help each other realize that although life may not be perfect, the world around them can still fall perfectly into place.
But one of them may be beyond help. Will they be able to reach out in time to pull their friend out of the darkness, or are they already too late?
Finalist - Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Young Adult 17 and Up Category 2023
Told through a series of shifting perspectives, five strangers, nothing but blurred faces in a crowded high school hallway, come together in search of solace, support, and comfort. Together, they help each other realize that although life may not be perfect, the world around them can still fall perfectly into place.
But one of them may be beyond help. Will they be able to reach out in time to pull their friend out of the darkness, or are they already too late?
Finalist - Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Young Adult 17 and Up Category 2023
- GenresContemporary
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 22
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Sarah McKnight
16 books55 followersSarah McKnight is an award-winning multi-genre author with an interest in contemporary young adult, coming-of-age, and horror fiction. After spending two years teaching English to middle schoolers in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, she came back to the US to pursue her next dream – to finish writing all of the books taking up valuable space on her hard drive.
Her most popular book by far, The Reaper’s Quota, has placed in several awards, including the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award. While some of her books lean more toward the fantastical, she always incorporates elements of realism and mental health, hoping that everyone can find something they relate to.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in creative writing. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and five cats.
You can find her on:
Twitter/X @mcknight_writes
Instagram @sarahmcknightwrites
TikTok @sarahmcknightwrites
Her most popular book by far, The Reaper’s Quota, has placed in several awards, including the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award. While some of her books lean more toward the fantastical, she always incorporates elements of realism and mental health, hoping that everyone can find something they relate to.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in creative writing. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and five cats.
You can find her on:
Twitter/X @mcknight_writes
Instagram @sarahmcknightwrites
TikTok @sarahmcknightwrites
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 8, 2022
If Kathleen Glasgow or Jennifer Niven was briefed to write a Breakfast Club style story that somehow recreates the vibes of those 90s books from the US about real teen issues, this would be the result.
This book does come with the TW: child abuse, homophobia, eating disorders, suicide attempt, body shaming, self harm.
It's a lot, but these are all real problems that real teens face. Indeed, like attracts like and I do really like how this is friendship focused rather than everything tying up in a neat romantic bow. It's about resilience and overcoming those awful demons, both internal and external, that rear their heads on the cusp of adulthood.
I would recommend this to students, but definitely with descretion and appropriate trigger warnings. For mature Yr9 +
Thank you Netgalley for ARC
This book does come with the TW: child abuse, homophobia, eating disorders, suicide attempt, body shaming, self harm.
It's a lot, but these are all real problems that real teens face. Indeed, like attracts like and I do really like how this is friendship focused rather than everything tying up in a neat romantic bow. It's about resilience and overcoming those awful demons, both internal and external, that rear their heads on the cusp of adulthood.
I would recommend this to students, but definitely with descretion and appropriate trigger warnings. For mature Yr9 +
Thank you Netgalley for ARC
March 2, 2025
This has a lot of the same spirit as something like Stephen King's The Body, or as another review added, The Breakfast Club; those little slice of life adventures with a group of teens thrown together and just trying to discover how life works.
A thoroughly engaging read that I feel would have been one I had really latched onto in my high school years.
A thoroughly engaging read that I feel would have been one I had really latched onto in my high school years.
May 5, 2022
TW: child abuse, eating disorders, body shaming, homophobia, self harm
I loved the format of this book. It also reminded me a lot of The Breakfast Club and the Losers Club from Stephen King's IT, which I really enjoyed.
Some of their individual stories were pretty triggering, so I do wanna give a warning in case one of the things I listed above will trigger you.
I could not put this book down. I became so attached to and invested in the characters that I had to keep reading as long as I could so I'd know what would happen to them all. They were all very well-written - as was the whole book - and it just made this a great read. I highly recommend this one!
I received a gifted copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the format of this book. It also reminded me a lot of The Breakfast Club and the Losers Club from Stephen King's IT, which I really enjoyed.
Some of their individual stories were pretty triggering, so I do wanna give a warning in case one of the things I listed above will trigger you.
I could not put this book down. I became so attached to and invested in the characters that I had to keep reading as long as I could so I'd know what would happen to them all. They were all very well-written - as was the whole book - and it just made this a great read. I highly recommend this one!
I received a gifted copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2022
Loved loved loved! I’m always a fan of books with a wide cast of characters, and I loved what each one brought to the story. The story jumps around to each person’s journey, and I was always eager to see what happened next for each one. Highly recommend!
August 4, 2022
TW: self harm, child abuse, eating disorders, bullying, anxiety, depression, fatphobia, body shaming and homophobia
This was definitely a book that took me a long time to process and i’m glad i read it as i could in my own time, as it does touches into subjects that are extremely heavy but nonetheless needed to be talked about.
Life Support follows five teenagers that are each going through different issues in their life and with a touch of Breakfast Club their paths cross developing a friendship.
I can’t say this was a favorite read for me, I was expecting the topics to be worked on of course, but those are subjects that carry so much pain and trauma that I think they need to be handled a bit more carefully. The author did add the TWs in the beginning of the book (much appreciated by the way) however it was still very painful to see the developments of their issues and line of thinking turn problematic and sometimes even unrealistic.
I must say i did wish them all well but for the most part i was only attached to Kendra and Alex. The others won my heart at different parts of the story (Rosie in the beginning and Tyler at the end) but Ricky… Ricky was… he was definitely Ricky?
I must say for most of the time i truly understand Ricky and could relate to much of it but the way he handled anger was unhealthy and toxic to everyone around him (including his mom…) and it felt like everyone just enabled it?
Most of the conclusions felt a bit rushed and some of them came out of nowhere to me (except for Kendra’s, even though i can look past Alex’s as well) but with that said I’d definitely say the highlight of the story was how beautifully the author wrote their friendship. It was my favorite thing about this book and it definitely made the final scene be special.
With that said, I didn’t hate this book but i didn’t love it as much as i thought i would. I wouldn’t recommend it as i’m scared about the effect it could have on different people from different background (specially the fatphobia/domestic abuse) parts, but if u decide to read it, please proceed with caution!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was definitely a book that took me a long time to process and i’m glad i read it as i could in my own time, as it does touches into subjects that are extremely heavy but nonetheless needed to be talked about.
Life Support follows five teenagers that are each going through different issues in their life and with a touch of Breakfast Club their paths cross developing a friendship.
I can’t say this was a favorite read for me, I was expecting the topics to be worked on of course, but those are subjects that carry so much pain and trauma that I think they need to be handled a bit more carefully. The author did add the TWs in the beginning of the book (much appreciated by the way) however it was still very painful to see the developments of their issues and line of thinking turn problematic and sometimes even unrealistic.
I must say i did wish them all well but for the most part i was only attached to Kendra and Alex. The others won my heart at different parts of the story (Rosie in the beginning and Tyler at the end) but Ricky… Ricky was… he was definitely Ricky?
I must say for most of the time i truly understand Ricky and could relate to much of it but the way he handled anger was unhealthy and toxic to everyone around him (including his mom…) and it felt like everyone just enabled it?
Most of the conclusions felt a bit rushed and some of them came out of nowhere to me (except for Kendra’s, even though i can look past Alex’s as well) but with that said I’d definitely say the highlight of the story was how beautifully the author wrote their friendship. It was my favorite thing about this book and it definitely made the final scene be special.
With that said, I didn’t hate this book but i didn’t love it as much as i thought i would. I wouldn’t recommend it as i’m scared about the effect it could have on different people from different background (specially the fatphobia/domestic abuse) parts, but if u decide to read it, please proceed with caution!
Thank you NetGalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 10, 2022
My Rating - 4.5 / 5
Midnight: Finish Book
12:01 am: Stare at the ceiling
12:30 am: Cry happy tears
My Review:
This is exactly what happened to me when I completed the book. It was fantastic. This book encapsulated all of my emotions into a single volume.
The story revolves around five kids who are all in various situations. This book covers a wide range of mental health topics (including an eating disorder, suicide, and homophobia). This book, in my opinion, discusses these difficult concepts in a digestible manner. I also appreciated that the book began with a disclaimer; it indicated that the author cared about the readers. That is significant.
There were a few punctuation mistakes that I noticed. In addition, the novel was left incomplete. Do Kendra and Alex ever get together? Ricky and Rosie? Is Ricky's father also set free? If that's the case, will he go after the family? Do they disclose the abuse? I really like the novel, however, I wish it had a conclusion.
This book is something I would suggest to everyone who wants to read something important. If you do, I believe this book is ideal for you.
Thank you, NetGalley for recommending me this book!
Midnight: Finish Book
12:01 am: Stare at the ceiling
12:30 am: Cry happy tears
My Review:
This is exactly what happened to me when I completed the book. It was fantastic. This book encapsulated all of my emotions into a single volume.
The story revolves around five kids who are all in various situations. This book covers a wide range of mental health topics (including an eating disorder, suicide, and homophobia). This book, in my opinion, discusses these difficult concepts in a digestible manner. I also appreciated that the book began with a disclaimer; it indicated that the author cared about the readers. That is significant.
There were a few punctuation mistakes that I noticed. In addition, the novel was left incomplete. Do Kendra and Alex ever get together? Ricky and Rosie? Is Ricky's father also set free? If that's the case, will he go after the family? Do they disclose the abuse? I really like the novel, however, I wish it had a conclusion.
This book is something I would suggest to everyone who wants to read something important. If you do, I believe this book is ideal for you.
Thank you, NetGalley for recommending me this book!
July 27, 2022
(Book given from netgalley in exchange for a review)
Please note before you read this book, it is NOT a light read. This is a heavy book with heavy and dark content and themes and it is not an easy book. Everyone has their own issues going on, between eating disorders, homophobia, self harm, child abuse and more.
What I like about this book is it’s nice how all these teens with issues of their own make their own friendship group where they’re all there for each other when they need; I found that quite sweet! I didn’t so much like how much pressure these teens are putting on themselves to solve everyone’s issues on their own, as opposed to getting adults or professionals involved, as I think this could be a potentially harmful message. Yes, as friends be there and support each other, but also you don’t have to be the person that cures your friends mental illness or fixes their problems. Sometimes just being their friend is enough.
The writing style is easy to read and makes this book quick to fly through (in theory. Due to the content, I did have to take frequent breaks). And I liked how seeing these people with issues who were all so alone at the start, found solace with each other, and how they did help each other and change each other for the better.
There is plot points that move the story forward, but overall the book is more about the characters and their development and relationships.
I wouldn’t say this is an enjoyable read, due to the extremities of the content, but it’s definitely a thought provoking one!
Please note before you read this book, it is NOT a light read. This is a heavy book with heavy and dark content and themes and it is not an easy book. Everyone has their own issues going on, between eating disorders, homophobia, self harm, child abuse and more.
What I like about this book is it’s nice how all these teens with issues of their own make their own friendship group where they’re all there for each other when they need; I found that quite sweet! I didn’t so much like how much pressure these teens are putting on themselves to solve everyone’s issues on their own, as opposed to getting adults or professionals involved, as I think this could be a potentially harmful message. Yes, as friends be there and support each other, but also you don’t have to be the person that cures your friends mental illness or fixes their problems. Sometimes just being their friend is enough.
The writing style is easy to read and makes this book quick to fly through (in theory. Due to the content, I did have to take frequent breaks). And I liked how seeing these people with issues who were all so alone at the start, found solace with each other, and how they did help each other and change each other for the better.
There is plot points that move the story forward, but overall the book is more about the characters and their development and relationships.
I wouldn’t say this is an enjoyable read, due to the extremities of the content, but it’s definitely a thought provoking one!
June 8, 2023
Folks, this book has ALL the representation. (okay, so not all the representation, but lots of it) Please be aware that this book could have a long list of trigger warnings, including bullying, anorexia, self-harm, homophobia, anxiety, and physical abuse, to name a few - and they're all delicately and respectfully done. (at least as far as I can tell - I can't say I have personal experience with all of these)
The real beauty in this book was seeing all the main characters slowly find and help each other, to see how they lift each other up and help the rest of their group grow. The support system shown in this book was beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. Every character was voiced by a different voice actor, which really brought out their different personalities. There were some differences in sound quality, but overall, it was really well done and I recommend the audio version.
The real beauty in this book was seeing all the main characters slowly find and help each other, to see how they lift each other up and help the rest of their group grow. The support system shown in this book was beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. Every character was voiced by a different voice actor, which really brought out their different personalities. There were some differences in sound quality, but overall, it was really well done and I recommend the audio version.
June 9, 2022
Life Support by Sarah McKnight is a book about five teenagers that find friendship through their struggles. This book reminds me of a modern day Breakfast Club mixed with the Losers Club from It. There are several trigger warnings for this book: abuse, eating disorders, homophobia, self-harm and suicide attempt. I found that even with these very tough subjects, the author does a fantastic job portraying the characters struggles. I love that friendship is what gets them through everything. The characters are very relatable and likeable and I found myself wanting to know everything about them. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to be added to your read list!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 26, 2022
This is one of the most moving and deepest books I have read in a very long time. These teenagers could have been our own children, friends, nieces or nephews. Their individual stories will just grab you by the heart strings and you will be holding on tight trying to prevent any of them from slipping through.
A young adult could red this book, and they all really should read it, but adults should also read it as an eye opener to what is going on with kids and how some of the basic problems are still out there and still very real.
If these were actually people they would be hero’s in my book. I just can’t find the words to describe how moved i was and how wonderful a job the author did creating these characters and their storylines. Thank to to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing the ARC of this book with me.
A young adult could red this book, and they all really should read it, but adults should also read it as an eye opener to what is going on with kids and how some of the basic problems are still out there and still very real.
If these were actually people they would be hero’s in my book. I just can’t find the words to describe how moved i was and how wonderful a job the author did creating these characters and their storylines. Thank to to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing the ARC of this book with me.
June 22, 2024
"Life Support" by Sarah McKnight is a compelling contemporary novel that explores the struggles of five high school students: Kendra, who battles with every bite she takes; Rosie, who can't control her speech; Alex, who is barely staying afloat; Tyler, whose world has collapsed; and Ricky, whose anger is on the brink of eruption. Through shifting perspectives, the story delves into their individual challenges and how they come together to find solace and support in each other. As they navigate their complex lives, they learn that despite imperfections, the world can still fall into place. However, they must act quickly to save one friend who might be beyond help. This poignant novel, a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, highlights the importance of connection and the power of friendship.
April 15, 2022
In this modern day Breakfast Club, fate brings together five teenagers suffering from very different personal problems. Through a series of meetings, the newfound friends provide support and advice to one another when they've hit their darkest emotional moments. Told seamlessly through five distinct voices, LIFE SUPPORT was a pleasure to read and had me furiously flipping pages to find out how each character's story resolves. Much respect to Sarah McKnight for tackling such difficult mental emotional issues in such a delicate way. By the end of the book, I was rooting for all five characters, and seriously impressed by how the ending tied all the loose threads together! Two thumbs up!
July 20, 2022
The teenage protagonists in this story all have some issues to contend with in their personal lives - anorexia, body image, sexuality, abuse, poverty - which makes it quite triggering in places but what I appreciated most about the book is the strong emphasis on friendship and the encouragement to feel empathy with others. None of these teens are 'saved' by the adults around them - they save themselves with the help of the random bunch of fellow students they fall into a friendship with. There's an important message about toxic masculinity too and a real understanding of the trials some young people have to go through whilst growing up.
February 8, 2024
2.5 ⭐
Unfortunately, I didn't end up liking this one as much as I'd hoped I would. I thought the opening was good. Kendra's instant acceptance of Rosie was heartwarming. But the longer the book went on the more cringey and annoying it became.. particularly the dialogue between the kids. Do teens talk like this? Rosie being the worst of the bunch and her constantly trying to force a friendship on Ricky. Ricky was probably the only character that was fully believable.
Everyone's got problems and everyone manages to tie them up in a nice golden ribbon.
Was Ryan's sexuality just assumed? Was it just assumed he wouldn't mind a male randomly kissing him? How did the character know? There wasn't even any internal wonderings of if he was or wasn't heterosexual. That's not okay.
Unfortunately, I didn't end up liking this one as much as I'd hoped I would. I thought the opening was good. Kendra's instant acceptance of Rosie was heartwarming. But the longer the book went on the more cringey and annoying it became.. particularly the dialogue between the kids. Do teens talk like this? Rosie being the worst of the bunch and her constantly trying to force a friendship on Ricky. Ricky was probably the only character that was fully believable.
Everyone's got problems and everyone manages to tie them up in a nice golden ribbon.
Was Ryan's sexuality just assumed? Was it just assumed he wouldn't mind a male randomly kissing him? How did the character know? There wasn't even any internal wonderings of if he was or wasn't heterosexual. That's not okay.
June 2, 2022
3.5 stars
TW: child abuse, homophobia, eating disorder, self harm, fatphobia, bodyshaming
I found the characters realistic and the story does remind me of the Breakfast Club. Basically, the characters got together due to them not having friends and they bonded over that. This book isn’t about romance. It’s about real life challenges that teenagers do face. The story and the characters were really interesting but I don’t know if it’s just me I wasn’t really invested in it. The story didn’t really get me hooked enough. Anyway it’s a good read but not really a book I would reread.
TW: child abuse, homophobia, eating disorder, self harm, fatphobia, bodyshaming
I found the characters realistic and the story does remind me of the Breakfast Club. Basically, the characters got together due to them not having friends and they bonded over that. This book isn’t about romance. It’s about real life challenges that teenagers do face. The story and the characters were really interesting but I don’t know if it’s just me I wasn’t really invested in it. The story didn’t really get me hooked enough. Anyway it’s a good read but not really a book I would reread.
June 12, 2022
An unlikely group of friends comes together to help each other find the light in the darker sides of their respective lives. Mental health is such an important topic that often goes ignored. Sarah McKnight does a great job of highlighting the way words and actions can impact someone, both negatively and positively.
I was not a fan of the way one character belittled another's issues, but I understand it was part of their respective arcs.
I was not a fan of the way one character belittled another's issues, but I understand it was part of their respective arcs.
February 16, 2024
I laughed, I cried
Life Support is an engaging book focused on the lives of 5 teenagers and the challenges they face beyond the walls of their high school. The characters made me laugh, they made me cry, author Sarah McKnight made me care what happens next.
Her ability to convey the strengths and weaknesses of 5 distinct people along with the baggage they carry made for a reading experience I will long remember. Thank you for taking on these tough topics.
Life Support is an engaging book focused on the lives of 5 teenagers and the challenges they face beyond the walls of their high school. The characters made me laugh, they made me cry, author Sarah McKnight made me care what happens next.
Her ability to convey the strengths and weaknesses of 5 distinct people along with the baggage they carry made for a reading experience I will long remember. Thank you for taking on these tough topics.
July 11, 2022
4.5 stars!
Check trigger warnings before you read this.
I liked stories with themes of mental illness. I find them intriguing and immersive. I find most of them relatable and that's what makes this vividly raw and close to my heart. To sum it all up, it's heartbreakingly beautiful.
Massive thank you to Netgalley for this arc!
Check trigger warnings before you read this.
I liked stories with themes of mental illness. I find them intriguing and immersive. I find most of them relatable and that's what makes this vividly raw and close to my heart. To sum it all up, it's heartbreakingly beautiful.
Massive thank you to Netgalley for this arc!
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April 19, 2022Intricately organized and painfully perceptive
January 1, 2023
An uplifting story of a group of troubled high-school kids who find each other to form a support system. The book deals with a host of heavy topics—domestic abuse, eating disorders, poverty, fat-shaming and homophobia—but does so with a light touch through the friendships that are forged. Is it a realistic story? Heck, no, it needs a suspension of disbelief. Is it a timely and welcome story? Absolutely! I am, however, taking one star away because of the fat phobia. The fat girl does lose a lot of weight to finally feel good about herself.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
(Review copy from NetGalley)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews