Book Review: I'm the Girl by Courtney Summers

Title: I'm The Girl

Author: Courtney Summers

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Hard Hitting

Pages: 344

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"The new groundbreaking queer thriller from New York Times bestselling and Edgar-award Winning author Courtney Summers.

When sixteen-year-old Georgia Avis discovers the dead body of thirteen-year-old Ashley James, she teams up with Ashley's older sister, Nora, to find and bring the killer to justice before he strikes again. But their investigation throws Georgia into a world of unimaginable privilege and wealth, without conscience or consequence, and as Ashley's killer closes in, Georgia will discover when money, power and beauty rule, it might not be a matter of who is guilty- but who is guiltiest.

A spiritual successor to the 2018 breakout hit, Sadie, I'm the Girl is a masterfully written, bold and unflinching account of how one young woman feels in her body as she struggles to navigate a deadly and predatory power structure while asking readers one question: if this is the way the world is, do you accept it?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book came out at a key time. I've read a few works from the author and she challenges our society to explain why we seem so alright with atrocity after atrocity. This book contains a ton of trigger warnings so I would recommend that you look into those before picking it up. But this book reflects current events uncomfortably. Throughout the story, I couldn't help but feel disgusted with the way this mimics the world girls and women live in. I couldn't help but want the characters to scream out for help, but I realize that this is the reality for victims, people surrounding them see where the road is leading and either can't or won't help them. It was a great read, in the worst way. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Project by Courtney Summers

Title: The Project

Author: Courtney Summers

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audibook

"Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died in a tragic car accident, her sister Bea joined the elusive community called The Unity Project, leaving Lo to fend for herself. Desperate not to lose the only family she has left, Lo has spent the last six years trying to reconnect with Bea, only to be met with radio silence.

When Lo's given the perfect opportunity to gain access to Bea's reclusive life, she think they're finally going to be reunited. But it's difficult to find someone who doesn't want to be found, and as Lo delves deeper into The Project and its charismatic leader, she begins to realize that there's more at risk than just her relationship with Bea: Her very life might be in danger.

As she uncovers more questions than answers at each turn everything Lo thought she knew about herself, her sister, and the world is upended. One thing doesn't change, though and that's what keeps her going: Bea needs her, and Lo will do anything to save her."

My Rating: 5/5

This book blew me away. I had read Sadie, the author's debut, shortly after it's release and hearing the hype about it. This novel got less hype than Sadie, but I liked it far more. Courtney Summers does a wonderful job of getting you invested in a persons story and trying to understand what leads people to do what they do. I loved the thrilling elements, and while there was a moment or two where we, as readers, knew what was going on but Lo, or Bea seemed to have no idea what was at play which caused great suspense. The atmosphere in this book also added greatly to the thrilling aspects of the story, a cabin in the woods where the leader is secluded along with The Project's members, yes please. I look forward to reading more work by the author as she publishes them and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a cult based thrilller.

Thanks for reading

Sidny