Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this audiobook! I am a mega Courtney Summers so I was dying to read this book! I loved this book so much I cannot even express what this book means to me! Big recommend

I recall liking this book but apparently didn't review it here. I will say that Courtney's book, Sadie, still remains one of my favorite audiobooks and I highly recommend it... while this didn't top Sadie by this author, it was still a good read.

The story was compelling and took some unexpected turns.

Unfortunately, the written ebook and narrated audiobook version, of “I’m the Girl,” by Courtney Summers were neither of my particular favorites (although the same just one read the other listened to). I switched between both versions, back and forth, and it still took me almost a year to complete them because the topic of young girls, as early as age 13, being groomed for sexual exploitation bothered me so abhorrently.

This topic, although current and prevalent in our society, for me personally is not entertaining, engaging nor enjoyable. As presented in “I’m the Girl” as a YA novel it’s even less ideal because protagonist Georgia Avis never learns.

She is told from a early age that she’s pretty, and she does everything in her mediocre power to leverage that to rise above her poverty—whether it’s stealing, prostituting herself or worse! She’s just grasping at straws because she’s young and dumb.

“I’m the Girl” is timely because of the recent Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sexual assault allegations and scandals; regrettably it’s all a disgrace and dysfunctionally sad reflection on the darkest, most twisted aspects of society.

I struggled with this “fiction” novel and it’s audiobook version because it was listed as a young adult mystery thriller; however, I wouldn’t recommend it for children of any age. It’s horrifying!! I’m not a prude either. Nonetheless, teens should not get the wrong idea about their sexuality nor their looks—believing that they can sell themselves to the highest bidders for advancement.

TheBookMaven graciously thanks, NetGalley, Author Courtney Summers, Publisher St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) and advanced listening copy for review.

TW: drug use, drug abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual content, statutory rape, grooming, adult/minor relationship, death of a parent, (mentioned) suicide, (mentioned) Troubled Teen Industry, (implied) lesbaphobia.

- Razor-sharp, Heart-breaking & Disturbing!

I honestly feel as though I got kicked in the stomach and maced in the eyes at the same time...this book was INCREDIBLY difficult to get through, but such an important read.

Perfect for fans of Amber Smith, Natasha Preston & Kathleen Glasgow!

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased!

This is a really difficult book to review. While I was invested the entire time I was also confused a lot of the time in regards to the storyline and plot choices. I also cannot say that I enjoyed my time with this book even though it was extremely well written and provokes important conversations. The author makes a note at the beginning that if this book makes you uncomfortable then you need to look at society and consider why this is a very real story. I've done that and I continue to be uncomfortable with the world and the story. Our protagonist is just coming out of her sophomore year of high school and just....is thrown into terrible situations that she has learned to perpetuate and mask. So I'm very unsure how to feel about this title...be sure to check out the plethora of trigger warnings with this one prior to reading.

I can't believe I didn't like the Jeffrey Epstein YA book, but it never gripped me as much as I wanted it to, plot-wise. Sadly forgettable

Georgia discovers the murdered body of 13-year old Ashley James and it turns her entire life upside down. She's not satisfied with any of the answers she's received in terms of the investigation and decides to team up with Ashley's older sister, Nora, to try to uncover the truth about the killer. Georgia stumbles into a world she'd never imagined that's dripping in privilege and opulence.

This novel is heartbreaking and as realistic as Sadie. It could be happening anywhere at anytime. Courtney Summers never shies away from writing potentially unlikable characters and I like them all the more for it. An excellent read. The narration is perfect.

I've read and/or listened to other books by Summers, and they never disappoint. This one is no exception. Amazing characters, great plot, beautiful writing. I was already familiar with the premise, but while I knew the direction the book was heading, I was still surprised by the various reveals. Everything unfolds slowly, but does so completely. The romance was thoughtful and didn't overpower the plot. Georgia is a fascinating character who needs to show up more in YA. Strong, imperfect, sharp, and brimming with empathy.

The narrator also did a great job, especially distinguishing between characters. She put a lot of emotion into the performance, and it translated really well throughout the action of the book.

No notes. 10/10.

I've had to sit with this one for a bit. I loved Sadie and I was excited to return to that world but this one just fell a bit short for me. It is really dark, gritty, and hard to read, and I think it is probably best suited to an older YA audience as opposed to a younger one. The trigger warnings on this are not to be missed, there is grooming, rape, drug use, death, and child sexual assault. I thought this was going to be more murder mystery (like Sadie) but it got lost amidst Georgia's naïveté and all of the terrible things that happen to her.

This was one of those instances where the fact that I listened to the audiobook helped; I'm not sure I would have made it through some of the more graphic scenes if I had been reading the book. Lori Prince was AMAZING. She sounded just the way I was imagining Georgia would sound, and she was able to completely bring to life how young and conflicted she was.

Overall the book was Ok. It has some really important topics to be discussed but I'm not sure that it hits it target audience.

My first Courtney Summers' novel, "I'm the Girl," is gripping and intense. The main character, Georgia, believes her beauty gives her power over men, but slowly discovers the lie she's been living. The opening scene is haunting and the quick progression of events keeps the reader on edge. "I'm the Girl" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that doesn't shy away from difficult topics.

I'm a big horror fan, and when I found this one on NetGalley, I knew I needed it. The twisting, mutating grossness of this tale helps to add to the atmospheric horror of I'm the Girl by Courtney Summers. All of the twists and turns put me in the mood for autumn and Halloween, and I was so happy to have had the opportunity to read and review this work of art.

The story follows the life of Georgia Avis, a sixteen-year-old girl who finds herself in a world of wealth, privilege, and danger after discovering the body of thirteen-year-old Ashley James alongside Ashley's sister Norah. The book is set in the same universe as the author's previous work, "Sadie," and delves into themes that are both uncomfortable and tragic. Summers' writing style is gritty and beautiful, with the protagonist Georgia being a captivating character, albeit painfully naive at times. Georgia's search for empowerment is central to the story, and the author explores her character's struggles with nuance and depth.

The book's subplot explores Georgia's relationship with Norah, a character who provides her with much-needed companionship in a world where she is taken advantage of. The mystery at the heart of the story is well-developed, with some predictable elements but unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. However, the book's content is not for the faint of heart and may trigger sensitive readers. The writing style is captivating, and the story is dark and discomforting, offering a unique and gripping read.

While the book could have benefited from a more conclusive resolution, it remains an interesting and gripping read, particularly for fans of young adult thrillers

I' was intrigued by this audiobook but found that it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. So, I eventually put it down and never got back to it. It's probably just not for me.

One word - disturbing!

This quote, by Paula McLain, sums up the experience of listening to this audio book: “… conversation about female autonomy, sexuality, and the damage wrought when young women try to win in a system rigged against them.”

This book has everything in it: parent-child conflict, feelings of worthlessness, death of a minor, statutory rape, power dynamics, and probably a few more, but I’m too shaken to think straight currently.

As the synopsis states, Georgia finds the body of Ashley on the side of a dirt road, leading to Aspera, where power and privilege reign above all else. Georgia wants nothing else in the world but to be an “Aspera girl,” her vision of beauty, success, and status. What Georgia doesn’t know, and is too stubborn to recognize, is that the power is held by a select few, and they will do whatever they can to hold on to it, even at the detriment to Georgia’s own teenage innocence.

This book…. Wow! Unfortunately, this subject matter does occur in our current society, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they are woven into a plot line; however, and maybe it was the change of voice the narrator used to depict each character, but the adults (who are fully aware of their obscene actions) are devoid of emotion. The emotion definitely comes through the FMC and is just heartbreaking - the confusion, the hurt, the betrayal.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Gut wrenching, heartbreaking and devastating describe the latest YA thriller by Courtney Summers. While Georgia Avis searches for the killer of thirteen- year- old Ashley James, she quickly finds much more than she bargained for. No one is to be trusted in this compelling story where a young girl seeks acceptance and inclusion from the wealthy and powerful. Parts were difficult to listen to while forcing us to take a closer look at the under belly of prestige and privilege. The narration added a layer of emotion and desperation that was both intense and tearful. Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy of this emotional and thought provoking book.

I, unfortunately, DNFd this book and therefore do not have a review for it. I did not like the characters or the story, or how confusing it was. I made it about 50% and just kind of gave up. It seems Courtney Summers is hit or miss with me and this book was a miss.

This was not my kind of book, there were so many things that I was confused about or caught off guard about that I ended up DNFing 70% in.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the gifted copies.

I wanna start this by saying Courtney Summers is a favorite of mine. When I first heard this was coming out, I was so excited. While it’s not a sequel to Sadie, it’s in the same world and has some references.
Sadie is still one of my top YA books.

I am so heartbroken to say I didn’t love this book. I barely even liked it to be honest. A part of me wanted to DNF so I didn’t have to write a negative review but I had to give it a chance.

The writing was beautiful as always, Courtney just has a way with words that I can’t get enough of.

My issues came with the characters and plot itself. Our MC Georgia was honestly the most annoying and frustrating character. So many times I wanted to yell at her for being so naive and vain. One of the worst characters I’ve ever read.

The plot was slow and somewhat boring. This isn’t a nursery mystery like the blurbs makes you think. The murder in this book takes a backseat while we navigate Georgias desire to be the most beautiful girl. Rolling my eyes as I type that. I basically rolled my eyes for most of the book because of her privilege.

Summers is known for her dark books but this one was graphic. While I didn’t mind it, I do wonder why this is marketed for teens. The rape scenes were very detailed along with other topics. I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone under 17.

I can’t say that I don’t recommend this one because the writing is still so beautiful and lyrical. I know some people still loved this book. Do check the trigger warnings because there is a lot.

I did end up listening to the audiobook elsewhere as I didn’t like the sound on NetGalley. I loved the narrator, she did a fantastic job!

An absolute sucker punch of a novel in the best way. So many friends have raved to me about Sadie, so I was excited to receive this arc of I’m the Girl. This was an intense read that had me guessing the whole time, and I loved it. One of the most memorable characters and stories I’ve read in a while. I’m a disciple of Courtney Summers now.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I am so sad to report that I'm the Girl just didn't work for me. I have tried to get through it multiple times but I think I have to accept defeat here. There is no denying that Courtney Summer is a talented writer (Sadie is a favourite of mine!), but I think this was too dark for me, which isn't usually a problem for me.