I stumbled across this review of Sadie’s Favorite on a blog a couple of weeks. I won’t reveal the name of the reviewer because they have since removed the post, but I saved what they wrote and would like to share it now anonymously because it captures the ‘why’ behind Sadie’s Favorite so beautifully.

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.”