EPISODE 1
[Soundtrack plays]
Orangutan Librarian:
I’m not much for audiobooks- I’ve rarely given them a chance and mostly only used them to squeeze in some non fic I wouldn’t otherwise read… until now.
Sometimes a book comes along and it completely changes your perception of things. It makes you open your eyes and your ears and wake up. Sadie did that for me in more ways than one.
The story itself is hard to listen to. There is no way around that fact. It’s the story of missing girls- a disappearance layered on top of a murder mystery. Of course, I was aware while listening that this was not a true story, but what struck me was that it all too easily could have been. And that, to me, is why this is such an important book. It strikes at the reality for too many girls; it brings such an important topic to light (and to life).
Often, when I’m listening to a book, I’ll want to speed up the book, so I cram in as much as possible, as fast as I can- but I didn’t do that here. I wanted to savour every moment of this agonising, engrossing, devastating story. To engage with this is like witnessing a train crash- you know it will have a horrible outcome, but you can’t tear yourself away.
The tension is made even greater thanks to the inclusion of Sadie’s story. Flashing back in time, before the podcast takes place, we hear Sadie talking in her authentically teen voice. In stark contrast to the radio show host, her words are stuttered and frayed and sharp around the edges. We don’t get a clear or concise narrative from her. It’s not an account polished up for the media. It’s every bit as raw and emotional as you’d expect.
Thanks to the author’s brilliance, we get to the heart of this complex character and vivid images of the people she meets along the way. The different styles blend perfectly and this is what makes the audiobook so mind-blowingly good. Rather cleverly, this even included ads like a real podcast! For the first time on this blog (and probably not the last) I’d say it’s 100% worth trying the audiobook version. It’s an experience.
An experience that admittedly just about broke me. Because naturally I was sobbing by the end and I’ve been struggling to write the review because I tear up every time I think about it. It is worth every bit of the hype- and then some. Sadie is beautiful and sad and simply amazing. Read, or better still, listen to it.
Rating: 5/5 bananas
So have you read this? Did it make you an emotional wreck like it did me? Let’s cry about it some more in the comments!
I read it but I know I should try the audiobook! Only it was difficult to get through because it was so dark (but so good at the same time) so I’m not sure I want to experience the story again.
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Ah I really understand- I don’t know if I’d want to go through this again- it was so emotional.
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Amazing review! I have heard many good things about this book.
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Thank you! Definitely worth checking out.
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I completely agree with some stories being heard more than read! I feel like the voice actors in Sadie really brought out the darkness and emotions that the words were showing. Awesome post 🙂
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Yeah for sure- I really agree. Thank you! 🙂
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You said it, girl… I took subscription of Audible just for this book, but I was told it there is no such Audiobook. I cancelled the subscription
Oooh you made me long to hear this book.. Fantastic review
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Oh I listened to it on audible- hopefully it will become available in your country soon and you can listen to it (I have the same problem sometimes) thank you!!
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I’ve been telling all my friends to read this book. And now I want to listen to it!
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Ah I completely understand why!! Definitely recommend it if you get the chance!
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Will do!
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I loved this! I read, rather than listened, to the book, by the podcast format still came across so well and the entire book just worked!
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Ah glad you liked it too and that it still came across well in book form!
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Yay! Lovely review. Some audiobooks and the narrators really create a magical ‘reading/ listening’ experience!
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Thank you! Really agree!
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I read this book and loved it. I would have loved to listen to it too! I’m starting to enjoy audiobooks now as well. I do find them hard to review as while reading I like to tab pages or highlight with Kindle. But it really is nice to sit back and just listen sometimes. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent review!!
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So glad you liked it too. Yeah me too! I can totally relate to that though. Very much agree!
Thank you!
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Great review! I listened to the audiobook as well and thought it was incredibly well done!
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Thank you! Me too!
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I read this book, didn’t love it or hate it, but can TOTALLY see why you would listen to the audiobook. Really interested to see how they would adapt it to audio!
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Ah I can understand that. Yeah it totally worked as an audiobook!
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I’ve heard terrific things about this book, but especially about the audiobook – so I’m glad it was a tremendous success for you as well 🙂 Amazing review!
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Oh definitely recommend it if you get the chance. Thanks!
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Great review! I’ve heard nothing but praise about this book, but you’re the first person I’ve seen recommend the audiobook.
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Thank you! Oh I definitely recommend it in audiobook form- it worked so well!
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Ever since I read Sadie, I have been told that the audio book is amazing and while I would love to listen to it, I am also not sure if I could go through that book again so soon. I am glad that it was a success for you as well.
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Ah I completely understand that- I don’t think I want to/could go through it again. Thanks!
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Completely agree with all of your thoughts here. This audiobook GUTTED me. I listened to all of it in a day because I couldn’t bear to stop, even though it’s SO hard to listen to. The audiobook is so well done and unique too! I’m so glad to hear you liked this!
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Ah so glad you agree! I completely get what you mean. I literally could not stop listening to it as well. Really agree! Glad you did too!
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I agree this story was so, so hard to listen to, but I couldn’t stop listening. It’s one of the best audiobook productions I’ve listened to. This book and Sadie’s story is so incredibly important and I’m glad that the publishers took such care with bringing this story to life and not letting it be another forgotten “dead girl story”.
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Yeah I so agree with you there. YES- it was so well done!! Really agree!
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I absolutely adored Sadie and I agree, it’s one book that is a sheer experience as an audiobook. Normally I can take or leave the audiobook for something I’ve read but this one, with the full cast and everything, just fully immersed me. I could not put it down.
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Ahh I know right!! I very much agree! I couldn’t stop listening!
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I’ve heard a few mixed reviews on this book, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. I actually had the audiobook requested from my library at one point. I think I need to request it again after reading this review. It definitely sounds like a book I want to experience. Great review!
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Oh definitely recommend it! And hope you like it (even if it does break your heart a little) Thanks!
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Now I definitely want to listen to the audiobook, and I already read and loved the book! Fab review of your listening experience!
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Ah that’s great!! I definitely recommend it if you liked the book- it was so well done. Thank you!
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Great review! I’ve heard that this is one of those books that need to be listened to on audio because of the podcast element. I heard something similar about Daisy Jones and the Six.
I actually have this on my Audible library, I need to prioritize it!
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Thank you! Yeah there are definitely books like that (I listened to Daisy Jones as well and I can concur it really works in audio format as well!)
Ah brilliant- hope you like it!
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Awesome review!
I’m planning to listen to this one on audio as well 🙂 I usually also read along so i don’t miss important bits 😀
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Thank you! Definitely recommend it! Oh that’s a good idea!
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I’ve not read or listened to this book but I went through the same emotions when I listened to ‘CLean’ by Juno Dawson so I totally get where you are coming from.
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Oh I’m definitely curious about that one- it sounds super emotional.
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Oh wow! This sounds really interesting. I usually struggle to pay attention to audiobooks though, especially if I’m doing something else at the same time. Great review!
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It really was. I definitely struggle with it as well, but this made me want to stop everything and just listen! I couldn’t even do chores listening to this, it was too good!! Thanks!
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Great review! My favorite books are always the ones that make me feel deeply. ❤
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Thank you! Me too! ❤
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I sometimes struggle to pick up books I know are going to be sad, especially if it’s an audiobook (because it can affect my mood listening to a sad story over several days)… but this sounds so good I might just have to try it anyway. Also I love audiobooks, so if you don’t and you’re still saying this one is worth listening to, I’m very intrigued to hear it!
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I completely understand that- but this is definitely worth it, even if it’s really sad. It’s such a powerful story. And can’t recommend the audio version enough!
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