Thank you to the person who wrote this review. I really appreciated the kind words!

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“Sometimes, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you. Sadie’s Favorite is that book for me. Written by the talented creator of BPD Beautiful, this novel resonates on so many levels, intertwining themes of recovery, identity, and the messy, often painful journey of navigating life with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The moment I learned about it, I was drawn in by Sadie’s story—a tale of loss, resilience, and the chaotic beauty of being human.

At the heart of this narrative is Sadie Williams, a woman who seems to be perpetually hovering at the precipice of life. She’s a failed freelancer struggling to find her footing after the whirlwind of her early twenties, where dreams were naively chased but often sabotaged by her own tumultuous emotions and past traumas. Reading about her journey transcended mere storytelling; I felt the weight of her experiences and the relentlessness with which she battles her BPD. It’s a raw depiction of how one navigates love, loss, and what we call ‘normal,’ often grappling with the notion of family, friendship, and the fine line of closeness—too close and you might get hurt, too far and you risk losing everything.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Sadie’s preteen son, Logan, serves as a light and a longing; her desire to break the cycle for him stands as a powerful motivation throughout the story. As I read, I found myself leaning into the emotional complexity of their relationship. It’s a reminder that it isn’t just about oneself; it’s about those we hold dear, too, and how our struggles can affect them profoundly.

The writing style is both lyrical and poignant, with moments of vivid prose that pull you into Sadie’s tumultuous world. There are passages where the feelings threaten to spill off the page, capturing the essence of emotional dysregulation in a way that’s both relatable and haunting. The pacing flows beautifully, allowing for reflective pauses amidst the chaos of Sadie’s thoughts, almost giving readers a moment to breathe alongside her.

One notable quote that stuck with me was, “As someone who spent a decade trying to avoid making mistakes, she sure has a lot of regrets.” It encapsulates Sadie’s struggle perfectly, a sentiment that lingers long after you close the book. It speaks to the heart of many of us who have danced along the precipice of perfectionism while secretly fearing failure.

Sadie’s Favorite isn’t just a novel; it’s a lifeline for those grappling with similar issues, a reminder that understanding and empathy can be found even in the unlikeliest of circumstances. This book is a testament to resilience—an invitation for those with BPD to see their struggles reflected and, perhaps, find solace in shared experiences.

I’d recommend Sadie’s Favorite to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health, as well as to readers who appreciate a compelling narrative about personal growth and the complexities of love and family. My own journey was enriched by Sadie’s story, reminding me that while our paths may be fraught with difficulties, there’s immense power in vulnerability and the choice to heal.”

I’ve reread a few scenes more than once (don’t judge lol) but seeing everything laid out chronologically like this hit me all at once. Especially the early stuff. The whole “nervous system on high alert since childhood” thing made something click for me that I honestly never put words to before.

Like… I always thought I was “fine” as a kid and then I just randomly fell apart in my teens. But reading about Sadie being labeled dramatic, too sensitive, a brat, etc..and internalizing that as something is wrong with me. Yeah. That was me. I can literally picture myself at sleepovers or hanging out with friends doing the mental math of “am I wanted here or am I annoying everyone?” And then acting weird bc I was already bracing for rejection 

The dissociation part REALLY got me. The way it described her realizing her hands felt unreal and everything looked fake! I’ve had moments like that and always thought I was just “overthinking” or being existential for no reason. I didn’t realize how tied that can be to stress and emotions until this breakdown spelled it out. I always assumed dissociation had to be super extreme to “count.”

Also the parentification section… oof. I never thought of how early roles can turn into that belief of “I exist to keep other people okay.” Yeah. That explains a lot of my relationship choices lol. I’ve always been the emotional glue person and then wondered why I felt empty or resentful later.

I always thought my biggest problem was emotions, but reading this made me realize how much of my spirals are actually about guilt and shame.

And the Andrew Vs. Josh contrast… seeing it framed as safe love that feels unbearable because it doesn’t match the nervous system vs intense love that feels spiritual and “meant to be” really reframed some stuff from my past. I used to beat myself up for choosing chaos like I was just self-sabotaging for fun. This made it feel more… explainable. Not excusable, but understandable.

Anyways this is long sorry but I just wanted to say the diagnosis breakdown gave language to things I’ve felt for YEARS but never connected together. It made Sadie feel even more real to me. Not as a warning story or a stereotype, but as someone who’s painfully self-aware and still trying.