UnCovered reviewed by Samantha LeRoy, ACLS Mays Landing Branch
Very few books pack
the gut punch that Sadie by Courtney Summers does. The story follows a
young woman, the titular Sadie, as she goes on an odyssey to track down her
sister’s killer. On the surface it sounds like a thriller, yet, while it does
have a few thrilling scenes, it’s more of a coming of age story that explores
themes of trauma, sisterhood, identity, and closure. The book is split
perspective with aclschapters: Sadie as she treks through Colorado, and
West McCray, a radio journalist for an NPR-esque company, as he follows the
breadcrumbs of clues Sadie left behind. While Sadie’s chapters serve as the
action of the plot, West’s chapters serve as exposition in the form of a
podcast. Because half the book is told in podcast form, the audiobook is incredibly
immersive and engaging with a full cast of voice actors.
Sadie is a story that lingers
long after you’ve finished.