Tara Wilson Redd

This is a story that hides its depth within the simple pleasures often found between the pages. It's a tale of how one tragedy, one accident acted as the Zero Point for the shattering of a heart and mind into so many pieces as to be unrecognizable by the "owner" until things began to slip too far...almost out of reach. It's a story that many readers AND writers will find themselves in, to some degree, allowing that deeper connection to be made, a necessary "evil" for the challenges our leading lady must face to become her own hero, face her own destiny, and reclaim her life. It'll haunt and amuse, try and confuse, perplex and leave you to ponder, but ultimately, its true colors come shining through, leaving behind much more than we at first thought was possible with truths unable to be denied...and yet filled with a beauty all their own.

After the crazy work week(s) I've had and the severe lack of free time cutting into my extracurriculars, I think I actually feel closer to Sadie than I would otherwise. Seriously, in my half lucid state at the moment created by having to adult, it seems easier to make those connections. I mean, fact...I'm an avid reader. Fact...I love to escape into other worlds because let's face it, the majority of the real one...sucks. Also fact...I know the difference between reality and fiction....I've never had an imaginary friend, nor have any "book boyfriends" ever taken their best qualities combined and tried to make any leap from the 2D to the here-and-now...and while life can certainly be traumatic to every one in its own way, I've never been one drawn to things that would harm others or myself. A vivid imagination is a powerful thing and can get us through a lot of difficult times, but knowing where fantasy ends and reality begins, and understanding that pretending is fun but should not an alternative to living, needs to be a solid stone in its foundation...as is the knowledge that WE ARE NEVER TRULY ALONE. There are always those out there willing to help "seek and find" our true selves and while the road may not be paved in yellow bricks, or traversed by a majestic steam locamotive, it doesn't make it any less worth the journey.

Recommended read for Young Adult fans of all ages. The author really places you in the story, in the moment, for better or worse, allowing you to take your own journey with Sadie, both near and far, while staying grounded in the reality of your own life. She celebrates the joys of being a reader, writer, or otherwise creative mind, while also emphasizing that "to live would be an awfully big adventure".


**copy received for review… (altro)

The "Museum of Us" is not at all what you would expect. A junior in high school, Sadie has lived majority of her life through home schooling and books. She grew up traveling the country with her parents who are talk show hosts about cars where they travel to different cities. When they finally decide to settle down so Sadie can have a normal life. However, we soon learn that Sadie's best friend, George, who is in a crash with her at the very start of the book, is not real. The book follows Sadie's struggle to come to terms with reality, and mixing her fantasy world with George, with the real world. As she goes between her fantasy world and reality, we learn that there has been a large event in her past that is preventing her from moving forward and letting go. Throughout the book, there are lots of Harry Potter references as well, which tie in in a pretty cool and unique way.
This book is unlike anything I ever read, and was not what I was expecting when I started the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of fantasy and reality in Sadie's world. Definitely meant for mature, young adults who can handle the discussion of mental illness and suicide.… (altro)

Sadie has been hiding a secret for quite some time, but when she crashes her car and calls out for George, her imaginary world of adventure and escape is in danger of being exposed and maybe even destroyed.

While Sadie was a sympathetic character who was obviously struggling to deal with a traumatic event in her past, I didn't find her to be a believable character. Her inability to see the good in her life--a boyfriend who is obviously smitten with her, even though she refuses to let him in; a best friend who wishes that Sadie would get her head out of the clouds and live in the moment-- is typical of those who struggle with mental illness, but I didn't find her escapades with George to be a desirable alternative. They went on extravagant and extraordinary adventures together, but he didn't seem to make her happy. The book ended in a satisfactory way, but Sadie's final decision didn't seem like it should have been a difficult choice to make. I didn't love this book, but teens may be able to relate to Sadie's struggles.

Recommended for gr. 9-12.… (altro)

Actual Rating: 1.5

This was definitely not what I expected from the blurb. The synopsis for the The Museum of Us follows Sadie, who is living the good life with her boyfriend Henry and her best friend Lucie. When Sadie gets into a car crash, she is sent to the hospital as she cries out for George. George, her hero, her prince, her secret. One other thing – George isn’t real.

I had no idea that this story was about mental illness when I started reading it. And honestly The Museum of Us surprised me, because I could relate so much to Sadie. I too have created worlds and adventures in my mind, imagined myself as a tragic hero in order to escape from the harsh realities of the world. I too often lose myself in daydreams, and yes, I start talking to myself aloud, gesturing, and walking about. BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME.

That was about it when it came to relating to Sadie. To be honest, I couldn’t really connect with her trains of thought of actions, and sometimes it was even a little irritating. I felt like I lacked understanding about Lucie and Henry as well, and even George. The only character that was truly fleshed out was Sadie, and everyone there was simply “there.”

The writing style was not exactly my cup of tea either. I personally am a fan of figurative language and visual imagery, but the writing style was a little more straightforward and simple. The chapters bounce back and forth between times and between reality and imagination, so it can get a little confusing, but the chapter titles do help, not to mention that they’re Harry Potter references!… (altro)