A review by thisgayreads
All Of My Friends Are Rich by Michael Sarais

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“All Of My Friends Are Rich” by Michael Saris

“𝑆ℎ𝑖𝑡. 𝐿𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦.”

Y'all, if you haven't read this yet, you need to! It's funny and sarcastic, and it made me laugh out loud several times, but it also had me trying not to cry at times!

Check the trigger warnings before you read if that’s your sort of thing.

The story begins with Leo enjoying his dream life, having built a family of his own. However, the onset of bipolar depression abruptly awakens him to dark truths about the man he had married. The raw and honest portrayal of Leo's struggles with mental health is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening.

As the story progresses, we follow Leo one year later, feeling lost and embarrassed by his dead-end job and his inability to keep up with those around him who seem to be enjoying success. When his best friend Sara asks him to be her best man, Leo reaches a breaking point as he realizes he can't afford the lavish festivities on his meager wages. A chance encounter on Grindr presents Leo with a reckless shortcut to riches, but he soon discovers that this path comes with dire consequences. Leo's journey takes him on a perilous path where he faces danger and makes difficult choices that threaten to cost him the very people he aims to impress.

There was an emotional depth and authenticity to the characters. Leo is a relatable protagonist who undergoes a profound transformation throughout the story, as he confronts his demons and searches for answers within himself. The supporting characters, such as Sara and other individuals Leo encounters along his journey, are equally well-drawn and add depth to the story.

Overall, this was a fun and emotional read that kept my interest until the last page.