“Summers’ ingenious storytelling– a dual narrative of true crime podcast uncoiling with Sadie’s own story– will have readers incapable of putting Sadie down. It is a book that unflinchingly examines the ugly truths of true crime investigations and societies views (and lack there of) on missing girls.”
Sheaf & Ink
The Story
From the Publisher:
A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial―like podcast following the clues she’s left behind. And an ending you won’t be able to stop talking about.
Sadie hasn’t had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she’s been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.
But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and hits the road following a few meager clues to find him.
When West McCray―a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America―overhears Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late.
Review: Sadie
“She was a woman, after all. Living in a world created by men. And she had long known that <expletive> protect their own. They are faithful to no one but surprisingly protective of each other.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid, Malibu Rising
Has a book ever left its mark? Like indelible finger prints on skin, the memory of those impressions as bright and painful as a scar.
Sadie broke my heart into tiny pieces. It’s a story that wrapped itself around me like barbed wire and made my eyes water and left my emotions in tatters. And like the shattered pieces of my heart, this story had a weight to it too. Pressing down and holding me under as though it were a riptide pummeling me at every twist and turn of this story. Never knowing if my frantic arms were helping me find the surface. And as you get closer to the end, the story taking your breath away, I wondered if this is what it feels like to drown.
I mention Reid’s quote from her novel Malibu Rising because it reminded me so much of how everyone who Sadie encountered seemed to not want to help her find Keith. That, at every turn, no one, including almost all the male characters, were willing to help her. Would rather exploit her then give up any information regarding the person she was trying to find.
Readers should be warned this is a difficult book to read. Because there is a harsh reality to Summers story. One that takes a spotlight to abuse and the need for power. She requires the reader to see and witnesses the trauma and ask, well, what will you do now?
A Few More Thoughts
As for the characters themselves, they are all crafted with flesh and bone. Real. Sadie, though is the one who truly stands out. Driven by her desire for vengeance for the murder of her sister and fueled by the abuse she endured, Sadie is unapologetic, strong, and determined because she is done with accepting there will be one more girl.
Storytelling, at it’s finest, Courtney Summers masterfully crafted a poignant tale that is both raw like a skinned knee though compelling and sensitive in the unyielding love of an older sister.
It is a love story.
Not the romantic kind you would find in a John Green or Emma Lord book.
This story is about the love of an older sister. What she is willing to do and give up in order to protect her younger sister.
It reshapes the landscape of YA storytelling. Giving new definition and possibilities for how writers and authors can create their narratives. And in this instance, though this story is not a new one, it’s one where we as a society should take action.
But most importantly educating our children, where experts recommend having honest conversations with children, age-appropriate way. While unlearning previously harmful social norms when it comes to sexual assault and abuse. Not ignoring. Never blaming.
Even though Sadie is a book that is haunting, where tears will be shed, it is one that has a strong voice. One that prevails over the din of white noise we sometimes become accustomed to.
Make sure to check out the audiobook as well, it’s incredible!
Sadie audiobook
An innovative audiobook production featuring more than 30 voices, Sadie explores the depth of a sister’s love – poised to be the next story listeners won’t be able to pause. … He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it’s too late.
- Audiobook Buy Links: ⬇️
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
Publication Details
- Paperback Publication day: August 25, 2020
- Publisher: Wednesday Books
- ISBN: 978-1250267139
- Pages: 384
- Age Group: 13+
- Paperpack: $10.99
- Buy Links: ⬇️
Similar Books to Sadie Recommended by Sheaf & Ink
Cracked Up to Be, Courtney Summers
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson
Truly Devious, Maureen Johnson
Need More Book Recommendations?
A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
Resources after reading Sadie
Sheaf & Ink feels strongly in supporting victims of abuse or those who suffer from mental health illness. Sadie discusses sexual assault and sexual abuse, child pornography, and underage drinking. If at any time you are in need of support please go to one of these resources listed below to seek help:
Teen Line offers peer-to-peer counseling for teens. (Youth Yellow Pages, BULLYING)
CALL: 310-855-4673
TEXT: TEEN to 839863
RAINN National Sexual Assault Line
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free. Confidential. 24/7. 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Stop It Now! Helpline: 1.888.PREVENT (773-8368)
