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claireswale's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I listened to this book as an audio book which I would recommend since half of it’s supposed to be a podcast. However some of the voice actors were clearly just reading a script and weren’t very convincing in their role! If you like true crime podcasts though, this one’s for you! The story was pretty sad, especially the ending, which was almost too open ended to bear :( Sadie’s character and story is heartbreaking and it covers some difficult topics (see content warnings) but I recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Drug use
calamitywindpetal's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Child death, Death, Grief, Violence, Sexual harassment, Vomit, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
logikitty's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
How I'd describe this book: haunting, painful, uncomfortable, mysterious, and raw. I thought that the style of writing - in the style of a memoir and a podcast - made it incredibly unique, and I found that it had me reading at a much quicker pace than a standard novel. I loved the mystery of Sadie and how it came to be that The Girls podcast slowly discovered her steps one after another...But her story is very real and very sad. The public education system disowned her, her town didn't notice her, her mother abandoned her, and she was abused by a serial child-rapist (an all-too-honest reality especially in the wake of the MeToo movement). I felt a lot of intense emotions come up, especially when her past flashed back again and again, and it became more clear why she was convinced of who her sister's killer was and why. And the ambiguous ending made me wish for more (which I think speaks volumes to Summers's writing style and ability). I would read this again if it didn't hurt so much! I think this novel could be good for some people trying to process trauma, though I would warn against folks who might be triggered by child sexual abuse and neglect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Child death, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
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