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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
medium-paced
This book is really intense. It deals heavily with sexual abuse and does not hold back any punches. I experienced so many emotions while reading this- anger, sadness, disgust, and just an overall ache at the fact that this actually happens and isn't *just* a fictional story. If you are open to books that deal with heavy topics like this, please read it. I think there should be more books that talk about the subjects we don't like thinking about, because this nightmare is some people's reality, and ignoring the issue doesn't help anything. Like one of the characters said, this story is scary, but it needs to be heard.
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/sadie/
Full review: https://picturethisliteraturecom.wordpress.com/2018/09/04/sadie/
You know, I decided to read this because I thought a YA would be a nice palate cleanser from what I’ve been reading recently. Even a YA thriller has to be a bit lighter fare, right?
Wrong.
I was SO wrong.
The level of depth and intrigue and just awful shit packed into such a small book was astounding. I didn’t read any reviews to avoid spoilers, but the result is I was NOT prepared for what I just read. I feel rocked in my foundation a little bit, because here is a story that happens, unfortunately, way too often but we don’t hear enough of. It happens, disgustingly, way too often yet it’s a shock every time. I shouldn’t happen ever.
Despite how horrified I was while reading, there was also a melancholy ache down to my bones for the sheer love and devotion of Sadie to her sister. That bond is so profound that it’s like a neon bar flashing across the page so you can feel in every word the dear love and care Sadie possesses and acts on for Mattie.
And, similar to Tana French’s Into the Wood, the ending really could be nothing else, yet I’m left gasping for more that isn’t there, because the end is sudden and incomplete and unsatisfying and that’s the only way it could be.
Wrong.
I was SO wrong.
The level of depth and intrigue and just awful shit packed into such a small book was astounding. I didn’t read any reviews to avoid spoilers, but the result is I was NOT prepared for what I just read. I feel rocked in my foundation a little bit, because here is a story that happens, unfortunately, way too often but we don’t hear enough of. It happens, disgustingly, way too often yet it’s a shock every time. I shouldn’t happen ever.
Despite how horrified I was while reading, there was also a melancholy ache down to my bones for the sheer love and devotion of Sadie to her sister. That bond is so profound that it’s like a neon bar flashing across the page so you can feel in every word the dear love and care Sadie possesses and acts on for Mattie.
And, similar to Tana French’s Into the Wood, the ending really could be nothing else, yet I’m left gasping for more that isn’t there, because the end is sudden and incomplete and unsatisfying and that’s the only way it could be.
This is my favorite book I've read this year so far. It's Gone Girl's younger sister. I won't stop thinking about it for a long time.
This is one of the best audiobooks I’ve ever heard. It goes beyond a podcast-like feel and really immerses you into the plot. It’s eerie and outrageous and has you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
I don’t think I’ve read a book in this style before. Really cool but still a really sad story.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault
This is extremely hard for me to rate... I loved the audiobook so much, but the story itself fell a little flat.
What I liked
The audiobook. The audiobook is wonderfully done! I loved the chapters where we are in the podcast; it actually feels like you are listening to a real podcast- with an ensemble cast, various sound effects in the background,etc. If you haven't read this yet- definitely check out the audiobook! One of the best I have ever listened to.
The podcast. I loved the podcast sections! It was such a unique way to uncover the mystery.
The ending. I know- controversial. But, I really liked how Courtney Summers decided to end this, even though I don't think many people will.
What I didn't like.
Sadie's sections. I liked Sadie as a character, but couldn't really connect with her sections. Sometimes I felt that they dragged, and I really just got through them to get back to the podcast sections. I feel for what she went through, but something was a miss for me.
The overall plot and mystery. I know, I don't know how I can say that I liked the podcast sections, and still say that I didn't really like the plot. Just nothing really surprised me. If it wasn't for the way this story was told (through the multi-perspective and podcasts), I am afraid I wouldn't have liked this as much.
All in all, I enjoyed this but not as much as I thought I would. I did enjoy the audiobook a lot though, and would definitely recommend that medium if you are planning on reading this.
What I liked
The audiobook. The audiobook is wonderfully done! I loved the chapters where we are in the podcast; it actually feels like you are listening to a real podcast- with an ensemble cast, various sound effects in the background,etc. If you haven't read this yet- definitely check out the audiobook! One of the best I have ever listened to.
The podcast. I loved the podcast sections! It was such a unique way to uncover the mystery.
The ending. I know- controversial. But, I really liked how Courtney Summers decided to end this, even though I don't think many people will.
What I didn't like.
Sadie's sections. I liked Sadie as a character, but couldn't really connect with her sections. Sometimes I felt that they dragged, and I really just got through them to get back to the podcast sections. I feel for what she went through, but something was a miss for me.
The overall plot and mystery. I know, I don't know how I can say that I liked the podcast sections, and still say that I didn't really like the plot. Just nothing really surprised me. If it wasn't for the way this story was told (through the multi-perspective and podcasts), I am afraid I wouldn't have liked this as much.
All in all, I enjoyed this but not as much as I thought I would. I did enjoy the audiobook a lot though, and would definitely recommend that medium if you are planning on reading this.
I stuck around until the ending despite the insufferable main character, but the story wasn’t even resolved. Creative storytelling though.