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lisa_m's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
⚠️❗Trigger Warning: child abuse, rape, molestation, pedophilia, death, depression, drug abuse and murder❗⚠️
This book was quite a ride and also quite out of my comfortzone. That is also the reason why you shouldn't let my review of only 3⭐ make you not want to read the book.
It is incredibly written and I can absolutely appreciate it for what it is. The representation of stuttering (which I have never ever read in a book before!) was something you have to get used to but its definitely worth it.
What made it hard for me to get through was mainly the themes of the book. I have put the Trigger Warnings on top and as you can see there's a lot of them. All of those topics are definitely issues that have to be adressed. I read the book knowing it was going to be hard to get through but I did it and I'm glad I did. The book never made me feel like it was exploiting Sadies experiences and memories. She had flashbacks and she described what she experienced but it was never in extreme detail.
I'm not a fan of horror/gore/thrillers and the book isn't that at all. It's a YA-contemporary mystery with very heavy topics. If you feel like you are able to read it, I would definitely recommend it. It made me think a lot for sure.
This book was quite a ride and also quite out of my comfortzone. That is also the reason why you shouldn't let my review of only 3⭐ make you not want to read the book.
It is incredibly written and I can absolutely appreciate it for what it is. The representation of stuttering (which I have never ever read in a book before!) was something you have to get used to but its definitely worth it.
What made it hard for me to get through was mainly the themes of the book. I have put the Trigger Warnings on top and as you can see there's a lot of them. All of those topics are definitely issues that have to be adressed. I read the book knowing it was going to be hard to get through but I did it and I'm glad I did. The book never made me feel like it was exploiting Sadies experiences and memories. She had flashbacks and she described what she experienced but it was never in extreme detail.
I'm not a fan of horror/gore/thrillers and the book isn't that at all. It's a YA-contemporary mystery with very heavy topics. If you feel like you are able to read it, I would definitely recommend it. It made me think a lot for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Kidnapping, Murder, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Violence
lubsyreads's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
the_books_music_life's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I almost cried at the end of this book. This book hits so hard and hits with so many different emotions I can't even really describe the feelings I had when I was reading this. I would 100% recommend the audiobook, it's full cast with sound effects and it's like listening to a true crime podcast.
The book follows the main mystery of what happened to Mattie Southern and her sister Sadie, who is on her own search for answers and justice, and goes missing along the way. The book is in dual perspective and follows that of Sadie and West McCray a radio personality who does a podcast investigating Mattie’s murder and Sadie’s disappearance.
I got three paragraphs in and I already love it. The format is something I’ve never seen done before, it’s set in a podcast series format and it bounces between the podcast narrator and Sadie. I can get lost in the story and forget it’s not a real life true crime case I’m listening to but a fictional story
I think this book is something everyone should read but I recognize not everyone can because of the subject matter. While nothing is explained in gory details or shown physically happening the book deals with the murder of a child, child molestation, drug abuse, child abuse and parental abandonment. So be sure to read the content warnings before going into this book.
Sadie has a stutter that is prevalent in her narration and it adds to the characterization of Sadie and helps the reader relate to her. All the characters are fleshed out and feel like real people, down to the choices they make.
The way we, as readers or listeners, are brought into the flashbacks Sadie experiences of her trauma so well done, you almost think it’s actually happening instead of it being a flashback. Which is true if you have ever experienced a flashback. The more I read I can’t help but be angry at Mattie and how hurtful and mean and how she never seemed to appreciate all that Sadie had done for her.
The ending had me so worried, I was so scared that what I thought was going to happen would but thank god it went a different way. I feel like the ending will be hit or miss; some will love it, some will hate it. I felt it was a good, realistic and felt right for the story.
The book follows the main mystery of what happened to Mattie Southern and her sister Sadie, who is on her own search for answers and justice, and goes missing along the way. The book is in dual perspective and follows that of Sadie and West McCray a radio personality who does a podcast investigating Mattie’s murder and Sadie’s disappearance.
I got three paragraphs in and I already love it. The format is something I’ve never seen done before, it’s set in a podcast series format and it bounces between the podcast narrator and Sadie. I can get lost in the story and forget it’s not a real life true crime case I’m listening to but a fictional story
I think this book is something everyone should read but I recognize not everyone can because of the subject matter. While nothing is explained in gory details or shown physically happening the book deals with the murder of a child, child molestation, drug abuse, child abuse and parental abandonment. So be sure to read the content warnings before going into this book.
Sadie has a stutter that is prevalent in her narration and it adds to the characterization of Sadie and helps the reader relate to her. All the characters are fleshed out and feel like real people, down to the choices they make.
The way we, as readers or listeners, are brought into the flashbacks Sadie experiences of her trauma so well done, you almost think it’s actually happening instead of it being a flashback. Which is true if you have ever experienced a flashback. The more I read I can’t help but be angry at Mattie and how hurtful and mean and how she never seemed to appreciate all that Sadie had done for her.
The ending had me so worried, I was so scared that what I thought was going to happen would but thank god it went a different way. I feel like the ending will be hit or miss; some will love it, some will hate it. I felt it was a good, realistic and felt right for the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Rape, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Grief
talk of drug abuse, talk of prostitution, flashback of trauma, talk of trophiesmichaelapr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First off there are a few triggers that needs to be acknowledged: Pedophilia, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Manipulation - All are mentions not graphic scenes, thank God, but while this book is fantastic it could be triggering and gets dark fairly quickly.
Now on to this book! I listened to the audiobook, something I highly recommend because the production of this is fantastic. We go back and forth between podcast episodes where a journalist is investigating the disappearance of title character Sadie after her sister's brutal murder and Sadie's point of view of her journey for revenge, which the journalist is investigating. The audiobook is just like listening to a podcast and the framework is artfully done.
The story itself is gut wrenching and fast-paced. It was hard to put this book down, I was so invested in the outcome and these characters. Courtney Summers writes a captivating, heartbreaking, intense story that never sensationalizes the dark content nor trivializes Sadie's struggles.
Now ahead are spoilers! It should be marked but you have been warned.
The ending of this made me so MAD and upset! I was expecting an epilogue, I really was, with Sadie's point of view. I thought surely she didn't die, that she managed to survive and was going to make a life for herself after all she's been through - I really wanted that for her. But no, we never find out! And it's implied that Sadie most likely died. Which was maddening after rooting for her, for hoping the podcast would help her!! This book still gets a 5 star rating because it was a great book but oh that was a direct hit to my heart!
Now on to this book! I listened to the audiobook, something I highly recommend because the production of this is fantastic. We go back and forth between podcast episodes where a journalist is investigating the disappearance of title character Sadie after her sister's brutal murder and Sadie's point of view of her journey for revenge, which the journalist is investigating. The audiobook is just like listening to a podcast and the framework is artfully done.
The story itself is gut wrenching and fast-paced. It was hard to put this book down, I was so invested in the outcome and these characters. Courtney Summers writes a captivating, heartbreaking, intense story that never sensationalizes the dark content nor trivializes Sadie's struggles.
Now ahead are spoilers! It should be marked but you have been warned.
The ending of this made me so MAD and upset! I was expecting an epilogue, I really was, with Sadie's point of view. I thought surely she didn't die, that she managed to survive and was going to make a life for herself after all she's been through - I really wanted that for her. But no, we never find out! And it's implied that Sadie most likely died. Which was maddening after rooting for her, for hoping the podcast would help her!! This book still gets a 5 star rating because it was a great book but oh that was a direct hit to my heart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
slauritzen07's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, and Rape
sophies_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Murder, Pedophilia, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Violence, Suicide, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, and Kidnapping
judyannemarcelo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Blood, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, and Pedophilia
thelittlemermaid11's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Physical abuse
ambergray's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beautiful yet disturbing. i will never not recommend this book, so incredibly powerful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Rape, Murder, Emotional abuse, Death, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Addiction, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Suicide attempt and Sexism
themword's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Rating: ★★★★★
Non-Spoiler Review:
‘Sadie’ by Courtney Summers is an incredibly gripping story told in two perspectives: Sadie, a young girl looking to avenge her sister’s murder and West McCray, a radio personality who’s searching for Sadie months after her disappearance.
I loved this book. The plot was super interesting and relevant. And even though this book wasn’t as unpredictable as mysteries are often expected to be, I was kept on the edge of my seat thorough all of it. Summers made Sadie’s and McCray’s journeys incredibly riveting by slowly revealing pieces of the circumstances that led to Mattie’s death and Sadie’s disappearance. And it was all wrapped up in a nice little bow with an ending that may not answer all of the reader’s questions but will satisfy them by how realistic it is.
All the characters, especially Sadie and McCray, were extremely well written. Sadie is unique, relatable, and engaging. She’s easy to like and thus, has no trouble gaining the reader’s support even before the full details of her quest are revealed. Moreover, I appreciated how she could be described as an unreliable narrator. Even though the reader wants to believe she’s justified in her actions, her promptness to violence and mixed feelings for her sister pricks at the back of your mind making you question whether she’s as innocent as she would have us believe.
On the other hand, McCray’s character is a breath of fresh air. In a world where almost every book’s main detective has pure intentions, McCray differs by being a more truthful representation of our actual society. In our world, like McCray insists on the story, “Girls go missing all the time” and most people don’t care about it unless they are related to the missing girl or the girl in question comes from a wealthy and/or powerful family. And by having a detective with this “carelessness”, Summers does an excellent job portraying the flaws in our society when it comes to these tragedies. The social commentary throughout all of the book was brilliant and nobody displayed it more perfectly than the radio host. It’s true that in the search for the most interesting, unique, and dramatic story, humanity has desensitized from the horribleness of the “mundane”.
Moreover, I also loved that the writing style in McCray’s portion of the story simulates a crime podcast. It made his segments extremely interesting and unique, especially since I read this book via audiobook. It was a fantastic experience. The even had a theme song for his podcast!
I would recommend this book to every fan of mysteries and crime dramas/podcasts. And I 100% recommend listening to the audiobook, it has an amazing cast and format. All of the Voice Actors did an incredible job portraying their character’s emotions, especially the VA for Sadie. She was amazing.
However, before reading this book, make sure to check out the Trigger Warnings since it does deal with sensible subjects that not all readers may be comfortable with.
🔗: https://linktr.ee/themword.books
Non-Spoiler Review:
‘Sadie’ by Courtney Summers is an incredibly gripping story told in two perspectives: Sadie, a young girl looking to avenge her sister’s murder and West McCray, a radio personality who’s searching for Sadie months after her disappearance.
I loved this book. The plot was super interesting and relevant. And even though this book wasn’t as unpredictable as mysteries are often expected to be, I was kept on the edge of my seat thorough all of it. Summers made Sadie’s and McCray’s journeys incredibly riveting by slowly revealing pieces of the circumstances that led to Mattie’s death and Sadie’s disappearance. And it was all wrapped up in a nice little bow with an ending that may not answer all of the reader’s questions but will satisfy them by how realistic it is.
All the characters, especially Sadie and McCray, were extremely well written. Sadie is unique, relatable, and engaging. She’s easy to like and thus, has no trouble gaining the reader’s support even before the full details of her quest are revealed. Moreover, I appreciated how she could be described as an unreliable narrator. Even though the reader wants to believe she’s justified in her actions, her promptness to violence and mixed feelings for her sister pricks at the back of your mind making you question whether she’s as innocent as she would have us believe.
On the other hand, McCray’s character is a breath of fresh air. In a world where almost every book’s main detective has pure intentions, McCray differs by being a more truthful representation of our actual society. In our world, like McCray insists on the story, “Girls go missing all the time” and most people don’t care about it unless they are related to the missing girl or the girl in question comes from a wealthy and/or powerful family. And by having a detective with this “carelessness”, Summers does an excellent job portraying the flaws in our society when it comes to these tragedies. The social commentary throughout all of the book was brilliant and nobody displayed it more perfectly than the radio host. It’s true that in the search for the most interesting, unique, and dramatic story, humanity has desensitized from the horribleness of the “mundane”.
Moreover, I also loved that the writing style in McCray’s portion of the story simulates a crime podcast. It made his segments extremely interesting and unique, especially since I read this book via audiobook. It was a fantastic experience. The even had a theme song for his podcast!
I would recommend this book to every fan of mysteries and crime dramas/podcasts. And I 100% recommend listening to the audiobook, it has an amazing cast and format. All of the Voice Actors did an incredible job portraying their character’s emotions, especially the VA for Sadie. She was amazing.
However, before reading this book, make sure to check out the Trigger Warnings since it does deal with sensible subjects that not all readers may be comfortable with.
🔗: https://linktr.ee/themword.books
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Ableism
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment