Sadie

Just listen to the audiobooks. This was hard to get through.

Oh that cliffhanger is MALICIOUS but at the same time I can tell this story wouldn't have been as good if it ended any other way. The main goal of this book seems to be to highlight that there isn't always a happy ending to be found in stories like this. That sometimes, maybe even most of the time, everything doesn't get wrapped up in a neat little bow and has a satisfying end.

That doesn't mean it wasn't absolutely heartbreaking to read though. This story was highly emotional and even though it never goes into explicit detail it's still a very tough read. I really liked the hybrid storytelling between having half the chapters in Sadie's POV and the other half formatted like transcripts of a podcast. I don't listen to true crime podcasts because in real life I find the whole thing kind of icky but it definitely added a lot of dimension to this book that I don't think it would've had otherwise.

The dialogue felt a bit clunky in Sadie's chapters sometimes because the story was in such a serious tone that I could tell the author didn't want to divert from that even during conversations, but sometimes that left me thinking to myself “No one actually talks like that.”

Other than that, though, this was a very gripping read.

4.5 this was so good and i felt the suspense and loved the main character and one of the best audiobooks i've listened too

this is pretty dark and heavy & i didn't dislike that but i just didn't love this book & i don't really have a good explanation for it


i generally like ambiguous endings, but i didn't think this was a satisfying unsatisfying ending

I love the way the story is told with early chapters from Sadie and then interspersed with the podcast and as it progressed we get more from the podcast. I ended up caring about Sadie as well as her family. The slow reveal of information made me want to keep reading. The ending is as not what I expected and will stick with me for awhile. I am pretty sure I liked it, but I'm guessing it is not everyone's cup of tea.
If you like a good thriller/mystery with a surprising ending, pick this up.

Sadie's been on my TBR list for years. Despite the hype, I kept myself completely aloof about the premise. I was worried that I would not like it. I tried reading it a couple of times but never got into it. When I sampled the audiobook, I knew I had to get it. Best 90 rupees I have spent on audible.

The production is SO good. The performances were great, and the whole “podcast” angle works out very well in the audio medium. The music on credit broke me more than the story.

I found the story a bit slow. Like, a slow-burn podcast, it makes sense that Sadie's parts felt a bit repetitive and dragged but perhaps that was a reflection of how she saw her reality. Her voice sounded real, her character made you feel the pain. It was a good read (listen). I'd like to imagine [spoiler alert] that she is living a happy-ish life in LA.

One of those books you should DEFINITELY listen to the audio version of

4.5 stars

I finished this in 2 sitting. Audiobook version of this is amazing. Highly recommended. Although it's a predictable story the way it's being told is great

Bumping this up to 5 stars because the audiobook experience of this masterpiece is such a chef's kiss ♥️

Wow, what an emotional read! Book won or was nominated for many awards in 2019,
Odyssey Award (2019), Audie Award for Young Adult (2019), Edgar Award for Best Young Adult (2019), Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2020), Lincoln Award Nominee (2020) ...more.
Main character “Sadie” has a bad stutter when talking and I the reader also have that. Author con vied Sadie emotions about the stuttering very well in the book.
Book is told in such a way as a news reporter is gathering information for a TV documentary on what happened to Sadie and her little sister Maddie.
The book is about 310 pages and listed as a YA Mystery! David N.

I pick up this book because some friends & people I followed on goodreads giving it good rating. And so worth it. First book from author I read and I loved it.

Gelezen als audioboek

Dit YA-boek stond al een tijdje op mijn lijst. Toen het pas uitkwam, alweer 3 jaar geleden, werd het kapot geprezen, vooral ook het audioboek met zijn volledig cast aan personages.
En het audioboek verdient zeker ook alle lof. Zonder had ik waarschijnlijk het boek niet uitgelezen.

Ik weet het niet goed. Enerzijds greep dit verhaal me wel aan en begrijp ik ten volle het belang dat het wordt verteld. De keuze van de vertellers vond ik ook heel goed gemaakt en had in principe ook voor een hogere betrokkenheidsgraad van de lezer moeten zorgen. Helaas was dit bij mij niet het geval. Doorheen het ganse verhaal voelde ik mij een onverschillige toeschouwer en lukte het mij maar niet om me emotioneel betrokken te voelen met het hoofdpersonage, wat ik eigenlijk wel vreemd vind, gezien alles wat ze meemaakt. Ik wijt dit vooral aan mijn gebrek aan intrige, gezien ik nog weinig mysterieus vond aan het verhaal. Het was van in het begin vrij duidelijk waar het naartoe ging.
Het einde was er eentje wat me normaal zou frustreren, maar in deze context vond ik deze wel gepast en noodzakelijk.

Een belangrijk verhaal, maar jammer van mijn gebrek aan connectie

Holy, this was such a strong story??

Don't read this at night bc there's no way I'm sleeping tonight.

The mystery in this book was AMAZING!! But I don't think I was prepared for the serious topics that were addressed. And I'm sure yet what to think of the ending?!?!?!

Holy cow, this is one of the most amazing books I've read in a long time. Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook version!!!

This book is..... f'ed up. Wow. This is heavy stuff for a YA. Not at all what I expected. The audiobook was very well done. I liked this as an audiobook better than the hardcover. The way the podcast is narrated and how you can hear the progression of Sadie's character in the audiobook is fantastic. The ending is infuriated, but I think well suited to the novel.

TW: Pedophilia, Rape/Sexual abuse, Drug abuse, Murder

I listened to the audiobook version of this and would highly recommend it in that format because the book is written in a unique style where we follow the story through several episodes of a podcast. The music, different voices, and the narration in the audiobook version make it a fantastic book to listen to!

Disturbing, depressing, and not thrilling so much as unsettling.

People don't change. They just get better at hiding who they really are.

my second time reading this except i listened to the audiobook (which is exceptional btw) this book is a comfort read for me at this point

I have no words after listening to this book-it has left me shattered. This is a story that is going to stay with me for a long time. The plot was intriguing and gripping-I found myself wanting to stay in my car just to listen a little bit longer. I highly recommend listening to the book-it switches back and forth between a podcast and the main character telling her part. It was a brilliant way to tell Sadie's story.

High 3.5. Audiobook format was weird

usually i hate open endings, but i liked it here. made it more real and sad in a way