I’m in shock Courtney Summers.
There is no other way to put my emotions after finishing this book. I am lost and wrecked.
First, HUGE thank you to Wednesday Books and Net galley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sadie was and is a stunning read.
Sadie came out recently on September 4th, 2018 and I’m surprised I didn’t feel the impact in the force.
This book follows the POV of Sadie and the life of her family. When her sister, Mattie, is found dead, Sadie sets out to do the best she can for her sister.
I went into this story expecting, I’m not sure what I expected. My expectations were knocked aside about 30% of the way through the book and I was dragged under into Sadie’s life and emotions.
“She’s dead,” I whisper and I don’t know why this is the thing I choose to say out loud because it hurts to say it, to feel the truth of those words pass my lips, to have them be real in this world. But She’s dead is the reason I’m still alive.” Courtney Summers, Sadie
The formatting of Sadie was initially off-putting for me. When starting chapter one it comes off like a screen play format, as it’s trying to articulate a podcast. That being said, AFTER I read the book I discovered there is actually a podcast available for this book that will handle these parts of the book if you’d like to listen to them. I’d highly recommend it as I think it will add that extra bit of atmosphere to the story.
Courtney Summers has written a story that is so real and so close to home it hurts. This is not a bad thing but it is a stark feeling while reading Sadie. It’s a hard read, it’s rough, and it drags you across a desperate terrain. While this novel is a work of fiction, the plot is not. This is reality.
Also, TW’S GALORE!!! Please be aware before reading that there are warnings for sexual abuse, drug abuse, and pedophilia. All of these are deeply integrated into the story. So just a heads up right now and do not read if you’re not prepared.
The characters in this book are well developed. Each character had a distinct feel to them when you read about their situation and scenario. They’re gritty. This type of writing had me, the reader, so immersed, that I couldn’t put the book down. I’m honestly still decompressing from impact of Sadie as I write this review. My brain is struggling to process everything but in the best way.
If you enjoy thriller or realistic fiction in any capacity, you should read this novel. For being in the young adult genre, Sadie has extremely adult themes. It’s been a while to have a book knock me mentally on my butt like this one did.
- Overall Rating: 5 Stars
- Plot: 5 Stars
- Character Development: 5 Stars
- Dialogue: 5 Stars
- Writing: 5 Stars
I would recommend this to anyone. Straight forward enough? hahaha. I’m not saying the book is for everyone but if you can handle a rough realistic read, please take that chance and spoil yourself with this novel. Sadie will not disappoint.
Happy reading!!
Ash
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