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Sadie

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Courtney Summers

Sadie

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

308

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural America • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Sadie by Courtney Summers is a young adult mystery novel that follows nineteen-year-old Sadie Hunter as she sets out on a quest to find and confront the man responsible for her younger sister Mattie's murder. As Sadie pursues her revenge, her subsequent disappearance becomes the focus of a podcast called "The Girls," hosted by journalist West McCray, who reconstructs her journey while attempting to uncover her fate. The book includes sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, drug addiction, and murder.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.2

126,165 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Courtney Summers' Sadie captivates with its gritty narrative and strong, complex protagonist. Critics praise the book's compelling dual storytelling and raw emotional depth. However, some find the dark themes troubling and the podcast format detracting from the traditional novel experience. Overall, Sadie is noted for its powerful impact and innovative structure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sadie?

A reader who would enjoy Sadie by Courtney Summers is likely drawn to dark, gripping mysteries with strong, complex female protagonists. Fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will appreciate its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and themes of justice and trauma.

4.2

126,165 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Sadie Hunter

The eponymous protagonist of the story, Sadie embarks on a journey to find her sister's killer, driven by her determination and inner strength despite lacking resources and support.

A journalist who transitions from a reluctant investigator to a deeply involved party in the search for Sadie, using his platform as a podcaster to share her story.

Sadie's mother, whose complex character is marked by a troubled past and a quest for redemption, as she navigates her failures in parenting and her hopes for reconciliation.

An important figure in Sadie and Mattie's lives, who plays a pivotal role in initiating West’s investigation while balancing kindness and judgment.

The antagonist of the story, whose actions have a devastating impact on Sadie's life and the lives of many young girls.

A character living in poverty and struggling against societal and familial injustices, she represents the difficult choices women face.

A character who presents a facade of success and respectability while hiding a dark and monstrous side.

A character who quickly bonds with Sadie, embodying the normal teenage life she envies and offering her a sense of kindness and trust.

Sadie's sister, whose death is a significant event that catalyzes Sadie's journey and profoundly influences the story through memories and flashbacks.

Book Details
Pages

308

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Rural America • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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