Rating: 
Summary: Unusual
Review: The story is through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. His descriptions of the world around him and his goals reflect those of someone that has had his perceptions developed by solely living under bizarre circumstances. I would recommend this book. The story is only 166 pages, so it hardly takes any time at all to finish. (If you don't like it, at least you didn't waste much time reading it.) Several characters could have used further development, particularly considering the roles they played in the story. I would have particularly liked for Pooh's character to have been expanded. Although, if Leroy were to expand her character, then the fact that the others were developed so minimally would stand out even more. Overall, unusual people, unusual story, funny expressions. The subject matter didn't bother me at all. Once finished, I didn't sit and reflect, I merely picked up the next book on my shelf and moved on.
Rating: 
Summary: good but this is NOT for everyone
Review: I think this was a good read, and I never was compelled to stop reading because it was bad. I read this in one evening so in that respect it was quite engrossing, but I was disturbing in an outlandish way that I would have thought comical had I not read some interviews with the author.It's hard to critique autobiographical works, especially ones like this. Is it a poorly written book? No. Is it difficult to read? Yes, because of the subject matter. I read some of the other reviews and some of them are kind of harsh, but who are we to criticize other people's lives. I think in some ways this should be read by everyone. Because the more people who know about the real and awful things that happen to children, the better. The major drawback for me, was the tone. I thought this was going to be much more graphic and dark. Despite the subject matter, the book seemed like it was trying to make things funny. Funny has it's place, but it doesn't seem like this is it. But to play devils advocate with myself, humor often doubles as a mechanism for dealing with trauma our rational brains can't handle. So that could be the place of humor in this novel. If so it was done very subtly. Overall, I recommend it. I have to congratulate the writer: Good for you for getting this on the page, it's hard and you did a wonderful job.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Idea -- Bad Execution (2 1/2 stars)
Review: I begun reading this book with high expectations, given all the praise I'd heard given to J.T. Leroy. Unfortunately, I was let down. The book has an original enough plot, but Leroy's writing skills fail. Small annoyances aside, (he often repeats words in the same sentence when another word would've sounded much better -- perhaps he should invest in a thesaurus), the book lacks something. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, but it was enough to cause me to lose interest in the story. At a short 166 pages (with large font, at that), he should've spent more time developing the other characters. When Sundae and Pie show up again at the end, you've practically forgotten who they are, due to the lack of development in the beginning of the story. This is a fresh, exciting story idea. It's a shame that Leroy (and his editor) didn't invest more time in bringing it alive.
Rating: 
Summary: Lizard Roadkill!
Review: There is nothing redeeming in JT Leroy's debut novel. I really didn't think that this book was all that insightful or entertaining about a group of prostitutes ("lizards") and their adventures, set in West Virgina. I have a theory that the title character; "Sarah/Sam" is a thinly veiled reference to Jesus Christ, but even that doesn't even hold up by the end of the book. (There is a reference in the book that "Sarah" is a saint because (s)he can walk on water). I really don't know what the book club I belong to was thinking when they picked this book. The ending is left wide open for a sequel, I pray that it never happens, nor a movie version.
Rating: 
Summary: I LOVE J.T. LEROY!...
Review: I really do. Words can't explain how much i enjoyed reading this book. His style is amazing and draws out real characters that I could really relate to. I'm so glad J.T. has been able to have this platform to share his experiences and imagination with us. And hope he keeps writing or at least staying involved with the art world for as long has he lives. Don't listen to the [people] who give you bad reviews their just jealous, close minded, and have no clue what they are talking about.
Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
Review: This has to be the BEST book I've ever read. J.T Leroy will take you places that you've never been before. The places aren't always beautiful and inviting, but it's always a place that you really hate to leave. This is 1 book that I was actually depressed when I finished reading it.....not because of the conclusion, but because I wanted it to keep on going. Anyone that can take a part of the anatomy of a raccoon and make it a fashion accessory is ok in my book........just read and find out. J.T. Leroy is so gifted and I really look forward to reading his future work. Also, SARAH is being made into a movie by Gus Van Sant, so read the book before the movie hits theaters. I would also HIGHLY recommend The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things.....His 2nd book. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: An impressive first novel from a very gifted writer
Review: This story disturbed me in the most fascinating way. Very well written and highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Harrowing Journey through Sub-America
Review: Uneven, yet poetically sparse, and ultimately oddly moving, Sarah (whether or not it is autobiographical at all)is a riveting tale centered on a male prostitute, trailer hookups, and even more unsetlling themes. While overall this book is powerful and JT Leroy appears to be a burgeoning, much-needed voice, the book has its minor flaws that do detract from the overall affect, but for those who want to know what may go on under the noses of rural communities, this book is a rough and glittering gem.
Rating:
Summary: Wildly imagined characters and plot...
Review: Good work Mr. Leroy. These characters are so vivid and memorable. I could almost see all of these people they were described so well... and even though most readers of this book couldn't fathom the lifestyle of these characters, they were still endearing and memorable because we can understand the way they react to their life and surroundings. They're just like us, in a wierd way. There's a little Lymon in all men, I'd say. And Sarah, such a sweet little innocent thing. I'm surprised how sane she actually was. What a wacky plot too... who could ever imagine such a bizarre set of events? From Glad to the Jackalope to Pooh and Le Loup's Coop. Hahah! The writing is smooth and simple mostly. Some metaphors and images might have overdone things a bit but for the most part the writing is excellent and unobtrusive. I didn't find it overly dark, like so many other reviewers have mentioned. It was rather tame really. For the lifestyle these people lived, there was very little blood or gore or sex or sorrow. It was actually pretty uplifting. Buy this book, it's highly entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: cherry lips
Review: This is the book the spawned the magnificent Garbage track "cherry lips"
| 
