Waiting On Wednesday ... The Project

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is The Project by Courtney Summers

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The next pulls-no-punches thriller from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Courtney Summers, about an aspiring young journalist determined to save her sister from a cult.

"The Unity Project saved my life."

Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died, Lo's sister, Bea, joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo in the care of their great aunt. Thanks to its extensive charitable work and community outreach, The Unity Project has won the hearts and minds of most in the Upstate New York region, but Lo knows there's more to the group than meets the eye. She's spent the last six years of her life trying--and failing--to prove it.

"The Unity Project murdered my son."

When a man shows up at the magazine Lo works for claiming The Unity Project killed his son, Lo sees the perfect opportunity to expose the group and reunite with Bea once and for all. When her investigation puts her in the direct path of its charismatic and mysterious leader, Lev Warren, he proposes a deal: if she can prove the worst of her suspicions about The Unity Project, she may expose them. If she can't, she must finally leave them alone.

But as Lo delves deeper into The Project, the lives of its members, and spends more time with Lev, it upends everything she thought she knew about her sister, herself, cults, and the world around her--to the point she can no longer tell what's real or true. Lo never thought she could afford to believe in Lev Warren . . . but now she doesn't know if she can afford not to.

Welcome to The Unity Project. 

It should not come as a surprise that I, as someone with an interest in true crime, would also be fascinated by cults. It is the psychology behind them that I find most fascinating.

It should also come as no surprise that I would be very interested in a book about cults written by Courtney Summers. If you've ever read a Courtney Summers book before you know that she is capable of ripping your heart out in the best possible way. I am expecting that her version of a cult leader is going to be a thing to behold and I cannot wait to meet him.

The marketing of this one has been really clever (the video tease was amazing) and I am looking forward to see what else the publisher has in store as the release date approaches.

This doesn't come out until February. Just go ahead and consider it your anti-Valentine.

Expected release date - February 2, 2021

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every weekend.

BOOKS

Cover of The Project by Courtney Summers (goodreads)

I was already excited about Courtney Summers' new book when she teased us with that majorly creepy teaser. More details have been released and I am even more excited to read it now.

Courtney writing about cults is a very logical fit and I am looking forward to seeing what she does with it. I am most curious to 'meet' her version of a cult leader and what that person might be like.

TV/MOVIES

Hamilton Comes To Disney+

Disney+ recently announced on Twitter that the recorded version of Hamilton with the original cast will be released on the streaming service on July 3rd instead of in theatres. I am sad that my first experience with this play will be via television, especially because I was supposed to see it this July. I am, however, excited that I get to see Jonathan Groff, Anthony Ramos, and Lin Manuel Miranda (among others) perform.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Sadie by Courtney Summers

I am thrilled to be helping to wrap up the Canadian blog tour of Courtney Summers' Sadie. Raincoast Books put together an amazing tour to celebrate this incredible read and  I urge you to visit the other stops on this tour. 

I was given the opportunity to ask Courtney Summers one question and could not resist the chance to get some podcast recommendations from her. 

Me: This book has a podcast as a central part of its narrative. What are some of your favourite podcasts to listen to?

Courtney: I love Criminal, Sarah Enni’s First Draft Podcast, One True Pairing, S-Town and You Must Remember This, to name a few!

I am intrigued by quite a few of these and am excited to check some of them out! A huge thank you to Courtney for taking the time to answer all of the questions  that were part of this blog tour.

Sadie by Courtney Summers
Release Date - September 4, 2018
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  311 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. 

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.

When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.

True crime as a genre of media is experiencing a surge in popularity in our current culture. There are podcasts, movies, television shows, and books that are all consumed by people who are interested in true crime for various reasons. Courtney Summers newest book looks to both ignite discussion about the way in which we consume this genre and offers up a gripping story in the process.

The story starts with something all too familiar - a dead girl. A dead, pretty, and blonde dead girl. The book immediately makes us think about why certain victims capture public interest compared to others, and the almost obsession there is with young, pretty girls who meet a horrible, tragic ending at all too young an age. It also makes us question why they fade from memory just as quickly as they entered once a face is put to the perpetrator. The sad reality is that a majority of people could easily list a dozen serial killers without too much difficulty but would be unable to name twelve victims. Once it is solved the victim almost becomes secondary.

This book makes you examine the ways in which we consume these stories. There is a line about how the grisly details of what happened to Mattie will not be shared because they are not there for our entertainment. It is a jarring, almost a slap in the face, line that deeply resonated with me when I read it. The fact is that plenty of true crime media is offered as entertainment and is consumed as such. The stark reality of this not jut being a story is sometimes lost in the desire to dissect and find out the why.

The book also shines a spotlight on the way in which the focus shifts away from the grieving family left behind. The trauma and hurt that they will have to process and deal with long after the story is splashed across headlines and slowly fades from the news. The 'after' is not something that those on the outside linger on. The lives irrevocably changed by these horrific acts are put in the periphery. This book made me think of why this happens. We keep it at arms length because we can. We can remove ourselves from it and make the families of the higher profile cases relive it as new media is released for 'anniversaries'. It begs us to remember that behind the piece of media we are consuming is an all too crushing reality for someone and a person whose life was ended all too soon.

There are two distinctive narration styles within the book. Each of them compliments and builds off the other. They are dependent on each other in order to tell the whole story. The podcast half of the story is seamlessly woven into the overall arc and is used to flesh out things the reader already knows in a lot of ways. The other half that is Sadie's narration is biting and just as heart crushing as you might expect. Courtney Summers knows how to write fierce, complex, and damaged girls and Sadie is a masterpiece. She's memorable in so many ways, as is her story.

West, the radio personality who attempts to track down Sadie as part of a story, is sort of a stand in for the reader while still being a fully developed character. We see his perspective shift as he gets deeper and deeper into tracking Sadie's footsteps. It becomes more than a story for him by the end of the book and that is what I think Courtney Summers is trying to relay. These are more than just stories and they should impact us as such.

Stories that offer only a glimpse into the lives of the characters we're following can sometimes be frustrating. Those who need everything wrapped in a tidy bow may be frustrated by any of Courtney Summers' books and Sadie is no exception. We get to experience the journey these characters are on but that doesn't mean we own it. We don't necessarily get everything. This works with what I believe the overall message of the book is and just adds to the overall impact of the novel. It's an ending that resonates emotionally and is satisfying even as it is frustrating. This isn't a story meant for happily ever afters and the ending perfect reflects that.

Sadie is the kind of story that gut punches you and demands to be thought about long after you've finished reading it. It has the power to shift the way we think of  how we interact with the media we consume. It's a harrowing story of love and what loss can drive someone to. It's also a incredibly well written book. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It'll easily be one of my top reads of the year and I urge you all to run out and buy a copy. I cannot wait for the discussions it sparks.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Cover Of Courtney Summer's Sadie (goodreads)

People have raved about Courtney Summer's novels to me before. I have not read nearly as many of them as I should but I have read enough of them to know that her books are powerful, and her newest sounds like no exception.

Courtney's newest novel is being compared to the Serial podcast and sounds like it has a great murder mystery hook that will (most likely) also examine missing girls in general.

I also happen to love this cover. It's striking and eye catching while being very simple. I am super excited for this one as I think it is going to be one of the must reads of fall 2018 for a lot of people.

When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen (goodreads)

Publisher's Weekly recently posted their Children's Books Fall 2018 Sneak Peek and this title caught my eye. It is described as "relating the fictional story of the love triangle that started Chicago’s Great Fire" which immediately intrigued me. I am looking forward to hearing more about this one when the Fall catalog is released.

Cover of The Dark Descent Of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White (goodreads)

A creepy sounding book deserves a creepy cover and Kiersten White's newest has got one of the creepiest covers I've seen in a long time.

This Frankenstein retelling has a cover that looks, chillingly, like sewn skin  (even if it is pink velvet). It instantly brings to mind the classic story of Frankenstein while the title tells you that it's something all together different.

I am excited to see what this version of Frankenstein does to twist and reimagine the story. I am so excited to get my hands on this one, and that amazing cover is just one of the reasons.

Cover of The Lady's Guide To Petticoats And Piracy (goodreads)

I loved The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue. I especially loved Monty's sister, Felicity, and was thrilled that she was getting her own novel!

The cover of that novel has recently been revealed, and it is amazing!

I love that it is both similar to Monty's cover and yet uniquely Felicity's at the same time. I cannot wait to see what adventures await Felicity and the new characters we are to meet!

TV/MOVIE

Jessica Jones Season Two Trailer

My love for Jessica Jones is well documented and I am very (im)patiently counting down the days until I can binge watch season two.

This newest trailer is doing nothing to make the wait any easier. It's even better than the first trailer that was released. It pretty much filled with everything I love about Jessica Jones - Jessica's snarky one liners, Trish being the kind of best friend we all want, and Jessica calling men out on their shit.

I love that this show calls out rape culture the way that it does. It was vital to season one because of the plot, but it is nice to see that it is still part of the show for its second season. March 8th isn't that far away right? *cries*

OTHER

Grease Funko Pops 

I am a huge fan of classic movies, and Grease is one of my favourites. It is a movie I remember vividly from my childhood and is one I still watch when I am feeling nostalgic.

I was excited when Funko announced during their huge batch of Toy Fair announcements that they would be making some Grease Funko Pops!

We get two different versions of Sandy and Danny and I am pretty sure I am going to need both of them. I also really want to see the back of the yellow dress Sandy as I am sure her hair is amazing.

More Stranger Things Funkos

Along with the above mentioned Grease announcement, Funko also announced some new Stranger Things Funko Pops that have me already clearing some room on my shelves.

I am, for sure, going to need both of the Steve Funkos, and that Eleven is pretty awesome. I may also have to add Billy to my collection, and who could resist Bob dressed a vampire (it certainly doesn't suck)? The details on these Funko Pops keep getting better and these are some of the best I have seen yet.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Waiting On Wednesday ..... Sadie

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Sadie by Courtney Summers

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. 

But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.

When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late. 

This novel has been compared to the Serial podcast, and seems like it is going to be catnip to my true crime obsessed self. It also sounds like we might have two stories running parallel to each other. Sadie chasing down Mattie's killer, and West following Sadie's trail. I like the idea of getting to see things through two different perspectives and that seems highly likely in this story.

I love that this is a fall release and it feels like an appropriately atmospheric read for that time of year. It might seem like a long wait, but I am fairly certain it'll be worth it.

Expected release date - September 4, 2018

All The Rage by Courtney Summers

All The Rage by Courtney Summers
Release Date - April 14, 2015
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The sheriff’s son, Kellan Turner, is not the golden boy everyone thinks he is, and Romy Grey knows that for a fact. Because no one wants to believe a girl from the wrong side of town, the truth about him has cost her everything—friends, family, and her community. Branded a liar and bullied relentlessly by a group of kids she used to hang out with, Romy’s only refuge is the diner where she works outside of town. No one knows her name or her past there; she can finally be anonymous. But when a girl with ties to both Romy and Kellan goes missing after a party, and news of him assaulting another girl in a town close by gets out, Romy must decide whether she wants to fight or carry the burden of knowing more girls could get hurt if she doesn’t speak up. Nobody believed her the first time—and they certainly won’t now — but the cost of her silence might be more than she can bear.

With a shocking conclusion and writing that will absolutely knock you out, All the Rage examines the shame and silence inflicted upon young women after an act of sexual violence, forcing us to ask ourselves: In a culture that refuses to protect its young girls, how can they survive?

Prior to reading my first Courtney Summers book I was told to expect a couple of things. I was told to prepare to feel the entire spectrum of emotions while reading any of her books. I was told that there would be incredible writing. Lastly, I was told that her books are difficult for some people to read because they are so honest and real. After reading All The Rage, I can confirm that this pretty accurately sums up reading a Courtney Summers novel.

Courtney Summer's writing is raw, emotional and intense. Her prose is like a razor with each word being used cut a little deeper, and break you open a little bit more. This novel, for me, felt incredibly authentic in a completely unflinching way. It's a powerful book as a result, and one that packs a incredible punch.

Romy is a character that readers are going to have strong opinions about. She is flawed and imperfect. She makes mistakes, and sometimes even makes poor decisions. She reacts on impulse sometimes because of the things she's experienced, and who she is such a result of what has happened to her. Courtney Summers allows the consequences of what happened weigh on her, even when it shouldn't be Romy carrying it. She is angry and feels so many things that girls are told they are not supposed to feel. I have a feeling she may even be called unlikable, when in fact Romy is too busy treading the water that is trying to drown her to care if you like her or not. Romy, sadly, doesn't like herself a lot of the time. Her red nail polish is armour that she needs in order to make it through the next day. It paints a dark, but realistic picture and one that some will be uncomfortable with. It points out things inside yourself, and how you perceive people that perhaps you won't like, and that is tough to admit.

Girls like Romy have had their voices silenced. Snatched away from them, and made to feel like their voice doesn't matter. Courtney Summers makes a strong statement about how women treat each other, and the way that we should support each other. We should raise our voices for those who cannot. We should help those who've lost them find them again. We can do better, and we have to do better. If the biggest feeling that someone takes away from this novel is the one that they are not alone than Courtney has succeeded in so many ways.

There is a scene where Romy is shocked to have her voice heard. She says no and it is respected and listened to. This incredibly small thing, respecting someone's wishes in regards to what they want, is heartbreaking in this scene, because you see just how unfathomable this is to Romy. She's been conditioned to believe what she says doesn't matter and here is someone showing her that she does.

This novel points out how incredibly hard it is to be a girl. Romy even comments on it a few times, even hoping that a baby who is going to be born isn't a girl so that it would have it easier. We see different relationships that girls have with each other, to society in general and how society has failed so many girls in general, not just girls who are like Romy. It's a novel that I would have welcomed in highschool, and one that I think should be read by everyone and anyone.

While I felt incredible rage while I was reading this novel, in the end what I felt most was disappointment. Disappointment in a society that doesn't do better. Sadden that our society doesn't do more. That we live in a society that doesn't stand up for these girls who have had their voices silenced. This novel demands that you not only hear those voices, but do something to help them be heard and magnified. 

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Some amazing books made their way into my mailbox this week! 

After by Anna Todd (goodreads)

All The Rage by Courtney Summers (goodreads)

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)

I loved The Winner's Curse. Beyond loved. It was amazing. I was insanely excited to get The Winner's Crime. I need to read it immediately.

I've never read a Courtney Summers book. All The Rage will be my first one, and I am VERY excited to start reading her work.

Lastly, a book that has been getting a lot of buzz. After, by Anna Todd. It's a hugely successful fanfiction that has been repackaged by Simon and Schuster.

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books, and Simon and Schuster Canada for these books.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!