Well, this was quite an enjoyable ride! Let me be clear- this is a tough one to read, in the sense that wow, life is unfair. But, that's the same reason I liked it so much- it was brutally, unflinchingly real. Because sometimes, life deals you a shitty hand, and it just doesn't quit. Let us talk about the things I enjoyed about the book, shall we?
The Things I Enjoyed:
- •Sadie tackles some very dark, very disturbing topics, but handles them well. Like I said, life wasn't easy, fun, or fair for Sadie or her sister Maddie. And that is putting it mildly. While it's horrifying to read about as the secrets keep unfurling, it also feels eerily real. The author does a great job with the atmosphere of the book, I was able to feel the desperation of the situation.
- •Podcast format is genius. I adore this concept so, so much. I wasn't sure if I would, to be honest- I am not really a podcast listener myself- but it was the perfect idea for this book. It's such a great way for the reader to see outside of just one or two viewpoints, and gives a fuller, clearer picture of the situation from all angles. Plus, it's just fun to read, let's be real. (P.S. You can actually listen to the podcast, how is this not the coolest freaking thing ever?)
- •Grim, but hopeful. Don't misunderstand, it's still mostly grim. But there's little lights that shine through- from a passing altruist, to a surrogate grandmother who cares for the girls when no one else seems to, it gives that feeling that maybe there are still good guys out there. That all hope isn't totally lost (even when it seems like it pretty much is).
- •Sadie's love for Mattie is really powerful. I won't sugarcoat it, Mattie's death is very hard to digest. Not only was she so very loved by Sadie, she was just a young girl who should never, ever have been harmed. No person should, obviously, but it seems like more of a gut-punch when it's a child, no? As difficult as it was to read about, it was also quite beautiful.
- •It's compulsively readable. I think because the format made for a fast-paced reading experience, and the fact that it was just so unputdownable, I basically had to finish the book as quickly as possible. Because I wanted to know all the things!
The Things I Wasn't As Fond Of:
- •The ending is rather open.And by "rather open" I mean holy freaking openness. A non-ending, even. And while it did work for the story in a way... it just is personally frustrating. Some people are good with more open endings, but I am not those people. So this is probably more of a personal preference, but something to be aware of.
- •I did guess quite a few of the plot points early on. But that might just be because I am awesome, who can tell?
Bottom Line: If you're looking for a realistically dark and gritty mystery, you've found it in Sadie. Extra points for the fabulous format, sisterly bond, and dash of hope.