Sadie

Sadie comes from a highly marginalized background and might be considered powerless for most of her life. In what ways does Sadie take control of her life?

Compare and contrast Sadie and Claire. Why does Sadie elicit the reader’s sympathy while Claire is harder to sympathize with?

West had originally considered Sadie’s case “just another runaway teenage girl” story. What does this say about West’s viewpoint and that of society in describing the stories of runaway teenage girls?

The cover of the book Sadie features a simple, black and white drawing of a girl with long hair blowing in front of her face, obscuring her features. The figure wears a red sweatshirt. What is the symbolism of the drawing?

The cover of the book also features the words, “if she dies, she takes the truth with her.” What does this mean in the context of the story? Do you think this is an appropriate way to describe the book?

Sadie was marketed by its publisher as a “Young Adult Mystery/Thriller.” Do you agree with this designation? Who do you think is the most suitable target audience for this novel?

If you were the author of this story, how would you have ended it?

If Sadie did survive, do you think she will reach out to West if she hears the podcast? What might she say to him?