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Sade on the Wall
Save her friendship, or save her best friend's life? Sade and Jackie have been best friends from the moment Jackie moved onto Campbell Street, but a dangerous secret is driving a rift between them that will cost more than their friendship. Naive and sheltered Sade has always played by the rules, but she soon finds herself breaking all of them to cover for Jackie's addiction. She's never lied to either of her moms before, yet the lies come more and more easily, burying her own truth. Outside of Jackie's keeper, who is she? Caught between Jackie's web of self-destruction and the best friends' code of secrecy, Sade must choose between saving her friendship, or saving her best friend's life. Sade on the Wall is a raw coming of age story filled with suspense, heartache, and prevailing hope.
202 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
About the author
Elizabeth Barone
32 books175 followersElizabeth Barone writes romance with a body count—sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally (but always fictionally, for legal reasons). She writes both because life isn’t just dark or light, it’s both.
Before publishing her debut novel, she was a web designer writing code instead of stories. It took a debilitating autoimmune disorder to shove her onto the path she was always meant to be on.
Elizabeth has published over a dozen novels, and has so many ideas for more, she finally has the job security she always dreamed of. She lives in Connecticut with her husband Mike, more coffee mugs than she’ll ever need, and too many characters “talking” to her.
Before publishing her debut novel, she was a web designer writing code instead of stories. It took a debilitating autoimmune disorder to shove her onto the path she was always meant to be on.
Elizabeth has published over a dozen novels, and has so many ideas for more, she finally has the job security she always dreamed of. She lives in Connecticut with her husband Mike, more coffee mugs than she’ll ever need, and too many characters “talking” to her.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 13, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books
EVERY young adult and parent needs to read this book. Absolutely amazing read.
Sade is a high school student and best friend to Jackie. Sade is a great student in school but she faces tremendous peer pressure. She has very few people that are there for her,her brother, Trent and her moms and Jsckie.
Sade is discovering that Jackie is becoming a different person. Jackie hasn't been coming to school and has been acting strange..She finds out that her best friend is on drugs and attending dangerous raves. Sade tries everything she can to help her best friend..But in the end her best friend can only help herself. Sade finds out that Jackie is missing and does everything she can to help find her best friend.
It may be to late.
Drugs is a major issue in this country with kids in high school as well as adults. But remember one thing, you can't save an addict. They have to save themselves. Reach out to them and let them know you are there for them. If you force them to change it will only push them further away.
This book was heartbreaking and real. It happens everyday. Sade was an excellently written character. I adored her. Why? Because I have been in her shoes.
5 wonderful stars!!!!
EVERY young adult and parent needs to read this book. Absolutely amazing read.
Sade is a high school student and best friend to Jackie. Sade is a great student in school but she faces tremendous peer pressure. She has very few people that are there for her,her brother, Trent and her moms and Jsckie.
Sade is discovering that Jackie is becoming a different person. Jackie hasn't been coming to school and has been acting strange..She finds out that her best friend is on drugs and attending dangerous raves. Sade tries everything she can to help her best friend..But in the end her best friend can only help herself. Sade finds out that Jackie is missing and does everything she can to help find her best friend.
It may be to late.
Drugs is a major issue in this country with kids in high school as well as adults. But remember one thing, you can't save an addict. They have to save themselves. Reach out to them and let them know you are there for them. If you force them to change it will only push them further away.
This book was heartbreaking and real. It happens everyday. Sade was an excellently written character. I adored her. Why? Because I have been in her shoes.
5 wonderful stars!!!!
November 21, 2012
My (in a super little nutshell) synopsis:
Sade and Jackie are best friends; they’ve grown up in the same town, lived on the same street, and have been best friends for most of their lives. But when Sade feels her friend slowly slipping away, she desperately reaches out with hope to decipher Jackie’s incredibly cryptic behavior. Suddenly, Jackie isn’t coming to school. She’s ‘hung over’ day after day. She’s ditching their regularly scheduled girls’ nights… and that’s just scraping the surface of her odd behavior. And Sade isn’t the only one who’s noticing. The kids at school are talking, but Sade doesn’t want to believe it’s true. But the more she sees, the more she learns, and the more people talk, Sade can’t help but wonder if she’s lost her friend to those little, colorful pills and nighttime raves.
Now, my review:
I love reading across many genres, and it rarely happens that I run across a novel that stands out among the rest. But this one is an exception. “Sade on the Wall” is especially unique (for several reasons).
1. Drama. The drama in this book is unlike anything you’ll find in most young adult novels. Sade and Jackie are dealing with serious (and unfortunately realistic) struggles that threaten their friendship, their safety, and their lives. While the challenges they face are overwhelmingly emotional, there are small glimpses of hope in every page you turn. There’s a wonderful balance to this story—not too much drama, not too little… just enough.
2. Relationships. The relationships in this book are unique—and I’ll refrain from saying much about the dynamic of Sade’s family. It’s something you’ll need to explore (and enjoy) on your own. In the end, it was just refreshing to read a realistic take on the modern family.
3. Support. With every good drama, the protagonist needs incredible support. Sade found the comfort and strength she needed in many characters, but mostly in her brother Corey (my favorite character). It was unclear at the beginning what kind of part Corey would play in this story, but it became increasingly clear (with every page) that he would be the ultimate confidant and friend.
4. Romance. Okay, okay. That’s a bit of a stretch. But there is a little bit of a romantic interest sparking between Sade and a boy in her biology class. Being a dramatic story, I didn’t expect to find this kind of relationship. But, I did. And I’m glad I did. I loved how he brought out the best in Sade with his quirks, charm, and goofy one-liners. There was nothing incredibly special about him, but Sade thought so—and that was enough to make me root for them. In the end, he really steps up and carries Sade through her pain.
5. Friendship. We’ve all been there. We’ve also had those relationships that threaten to emotionally destroy us at any given second. We love our friends, want the best for our friends, but sometimes their decisions weigh too heavily on our conscience. That’s what Jackie was to Sade; a best friend, but a burden. If you had a childhood best friend, you’ll find something about Jackie and Sade’s relationship that reminds you of yourself (and relationships with others).
6. Sade. She’s a character that comes to life right before your eyes. From the first page to the last, Sade is developing. She’s growing. Her loyalty is probably the most admirable thing about her, but it’s also her Achilles heel. What did I love most about Sade? She’s the perfect protagonist. She’s perfect because she’s not perfect. She comes with her own set of faults and problems, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
In the end, I smiled. I laughed. I cried (my poor Kindle was soaked!). This is definitely a book for the young (or the young at heart). It will grab you and touch you on so many levels.
Final note: A quick look at my past reviews on Amazon will reveal that I am big Elizabeth Barone fan. I am hooked on her ‘Sandpaper Fidelity’ series, so when I read that she was releasing “Sade”, I was anxious to get my hands on it. Though I am a loyal fan, this was an honest, unsolicited, and unbiased review. This review is nothing but my honest, heart-felt opinion. Well done, Liz. “Sade” will stay with me forever.
Sade and Jackie are best friends; they’ve grown up in the same town, lived on the same street, and have been best friends for most of their lives. But when Sade feels her friend slowly slipping away, she desperately reaches out with hope to decipher Jackie’s incredibly cryptic behavior. Suddenly, Jackie isn’t coming to school. She’s ‘hung over’ day after day. She’s ditching their regularly scheduled girls’ nights… and that’s just scraping the surface of her odd behavior. And Sade isn’t the only one who’s noticing. The kids at school are talking, but Sade doesn’t want to believe it’s true. But the more she sees, the more she learns, and the more people talk, Sade can’t help but wonder if she’s lost her friend to those little, colorful pills and nighttime raves.
Now, my review:
I love reading across many genres, and it rarely happens that I run across a novel that stands out among the rest. But this one is an exception. “Sade on the Wall” is especially unique (for several reasons).
1. Drama. The drama in this book is unlike anything you’ll find in most young adult novels. Sade and Jackie are dealing with serious (and unfortunately realistic) struggles that threaten their friendship, their safety, and their lives. While the challenges they face are overwhelmingly emotional, there are small glimpses of hope in every page you turn. There’s a wonderful balance to this story—not too much drama, not too little… just enough.
2. Relationships. The relationships in this book are unique—and I’ll refrain from saying much about the dynamic of Sade’s family. It’s something you’ll need to explore (and enjoy) on your own. In the end, it was just refreshing to read a realistic take on the modern family.
3. Support. With every good drama, the protagonist needs incredible support. Sade found the comfort and strength she needed in many characters, but mostly in her brother Corey (my favorite character). It was unclear at the beginning what kind of part Corey would play in this story, but it became increasingly clear (with every page) that he would be the ultimate confidant and friend.
4. Romance. Okay, okay. That’s a bit of a stretch. But there is a little bit of a romantic interest sparking between Sade and a boy in her biology class. Being a dramatic story, I didn’t expect to find this kind of relationship. But, I did. And I’m glad I did. I loved how he brought out the best in Sade with his quirks, charm, and goofy one-liners. There was nothing incredibly special about him, but Sade thought so—and that was enough to make me root for them. In the end, he really steps up and carries Sade through her pain.
5. Friendship. We’ve all been there. We’ve also had those relationships that threaten to emotionally destroy us at any given second. We love our friends, want the best for our friends, but sometimes their decisions weigh too heavily on our conscience. That’s what Jackie was to Sade; a best friend, but a burden. If you had a childhood best friend, you’ll find something about Jackie and Sade’s relationship that reminds you of yourself (and relationships with others).
6. Sade. She’s a character that comes to life right before your eyes. From the first page to the last, Sade is developing. She’s growing. Her loyalty is probably the most admirable thing about her, but it’s also her Achilles heel. What did I love most about Sade? She’s the perfect protagonist. She’s perfect because she’s not perfect. She comes with her own set of faults and problems, and it’s impossible not to root for her.
In the end, I smiled. I laughed. I cried (my poor Kindle was soaked!). This is definitely a book for the young (or the young at heart). It will grab you and touch you on so many levels.
Final note: A quick look at my past reviews on Amazon will reveal that I am big Elizabeth Barone fan. I am hooked on her ‘Sandpaper Fidelity’ series, so when I read that she was releasing “Sade”, I was anxious to get my hands on it. Though I am a loyal fan, this was an honest, unsolicited, and unbiased review. This review is nothing but my honest, heart-felt opinion. Well done, Liz. “Sade” will stay with me forever.
March 30, 2013
Elizabeth Barone's debut novel is a must-read for young adults and parents alike. This is an extremely well-written, moving and realistic story that will keep readers hooked on every word and stay with them long after the final word. Sade's coming-of-age experience is riveting and heartbreaking. She is put in an impossible situation for someone so young and does the best she can. The reader roots for her every step of the way as she tries to get through to her best friend, Jackie, but drugs destroy relationships, lives and happy endings all too often.
I highly recommend this book and firmly believe that, with her unique literary voice and storytelling ability, Liz Barone is a young writer who will emerge as a powerhouse author sooner rather than later.
I highly recommend this book and firmly believe that, with her unique literary voice and storytelling ability, Liz Barone is a young writer who will emerge as a powerhouse author sooner rather than later.
September 21, 2015
** ARC provided by the author via Be My Book Boyfriend for an honest review.**
A poignant YA-coming age story, written in a brilliant and smart way. 4 stars
************************************************************
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult story; Sade on The Wall, is written in a brilliant and smart way. This is a poignant and realistic coming age story, about a girl, Sade and how her best friend Jackie, falls into a downward spiral. How could she help her without jeopardizing their friendship?
Being fifteen, is the age of all the experiences; first love, temptations, and sometimes making the right choices could be hard, especially when you're being influenced. Sade is a teen, with two moms, a brother (Corey) and has been best friend with Jackie since their childhood.
This year, things getting different, and Sade and Jackie weren't following the same path; little by little their friendship was strained, through Jackie's reckless behavior.
Wanting to do what's best to protect their relationship, Sade wasn't making the right choice by keeping her secret. While Jackie was gone a lot through her nights escapades and missing skipping school, she met a boy (Trent), and surprisingly they became very fast friends and maybe more. Ah butterflies!! She wanted to share all her excitment but she became a stranger, and used Sade as an alibi each time she needed.
I really appreciated how the author shows the values of family, friendship, how no matter what these two kids can always talk to their mothers. There's also a great message of tolerance and understanding through Corey's story and also with their family.
As the story unfolds, Jackie's problems became Sade's too; and she had to face the truth; her friend needed help. For sure, she was stubborn and could face it at first, but she's only fifteen and knowing that her best friend didn't have the best family model. Hopefully she had great friends, and family, but when it was time to take things to another level; something happened. Life would be never the same for Sade.
I read it very quickly, and I was captivated by Sade's story, how Jackie's problems was impacting everyone. Strangely, the ending was raising so many questions and I wanted to know the truth, to have some closure concerning Jackie's disappearance.
This kind of story tackles with real life issues that teenagers will have to face, but it left me wondering and guessing, but I think a younger reader would find more interest than a thirty yo.
A poignant YA-coming age story, written in a brilliant and smart way. 4 stars
************************************************************
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult story; Sade on The Wall, is written in a brilliant and smart way. This is a poignant and realistic coming age story, about a girl, Sade and how her best friend Jackie, falls into a downward spiral. How could she help her without jeopardizing their friendship?
Being fifteen, is the age of all the experiences; first love, temptations, and sometimes making the right choices could be hard, especially when you're being influenced. Sade is a teen, with two moms, a brother (Corey) and has been best friend with Jackie since their childhood.
This year, things getting different, and Sade and Jackie weren't following the same path; little by little their friendship was strained, through Jackie's reckless behavior.
Wanting to do what's best to protect their relationship, Sade wasn't making the right choice by keeping her secret. While Jackie was gone a lot through her nights escapades and missing skipping school, she met a boy (Trent), and surprisingly they became very fast friends and maybe more. Ah butterflies!! She wanted to share all her excitment but she became a stranger, and used Sade as an alibi each time she needed.
I really appreciated how the author shows the values of family, friendship, how no matter what these two kids can always talk to their mothers. There's also a great message of tolerance and understanding through Corey's story and also with their family.
As the story unfolds, Jackie's problems became Sade's too; and she had to face the truth; her friend needed help. For sure, she was stubborn and could face it at first, but she's only fifteen and knowing that her best friend didn't have the best family model. Hopefully she had great friends, and family, but when it was time to take things to another level; something happened. Life would be never the same for Sade.
I read it very quickly, and I was captivated by Sade's story, how Jackie's problems was impacting everyone. Strangely, the ending was raising so many questions and I wanted to know the truth, to have some closure concerning Jackie's disappearance.
This kind of story tackles with real life issues that teenagers will have to face, but it left me wondering and guessing, but I think a younger reader would find more interest than a thirty yo.
October 2, 2015
This book was very different from what I normally read. It was a good read. This book is about coming of age. The first time you like a boy in that way, your first real fight with a best friend, peer pressure, being the talk of gossip of school and so much more. Sade's best friend Jackie has started going to raves and doing drugs. Sade doesn't want to believe it at first but then sees it first hand. Her friend doesn't want to hang out with her anymore. Jackie doesn't always show up at school, she doesn't want to have girl's night with Sade anymore. Sade has meet the first boy who makes her have butterflies in her stomach his name is Trent. But when Trent admits something to Sade it causes a bit of rift between the two of them. Trent is determined to not let it be the end of them and to try and explain to Sade about his admission and why he did it. I felt for Sade she is only 15 and seems to be dealing with such adult things. They live in a very small town and some of the kids feel this is the only thing to do in town. They want to grow up before their time. They don't want to be considered kids anymore. Sade leads a simple life and doesn't understand why her friend would want to take drugs and stay out all night. Jackie is hurting herself and Sade doesn't know how to help her. She feels like she isn't her friend anymore. I recommend this read to others it is definitely a YA book to me atleast. The book doesn't really give you closure at the end just kind of stops much like it would in real life. This is the first book I have read by Kaylene Campbell but look forward to reading other books by her in the future.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
November 11, 2017
Wow, great book! Not my usual genre, but was recommended by a friend. Everything was good about it except the buddying relationship it seemed forced but the other interactions with the characters where fantastic definitely recommend this book to others
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
It was ok, just wish it would have ended differently.
September 14, 2015
*ARC REVIEW FROM ABIBLIOPHOBIA ANONYMOUS BOOK REVIEWS BLOG*
Sade and Jackie have been best friend's, since forever, but when Jackie starts drifting away, all will change.
With friendship comes bumpy roads. Ones that we hate to cross. With Sade, she's stuck in the middle. It's either tell on her best friend, or watch her spiral more out of control.
Keeping this secret will eventually have everything around Sade, falling apart.
THIS IS A TEEN BOOK. I didn't know this when I signed up for the ARC, but you soon will find out it's for the teen reader's. Sade on the Wall is a great book for the younger audience. It tackles a lot of real life situations, that most teen's will face. As an adult, I of course found it not really peaking my interest. A thirty year old reading about fifteen year old's, so it lost me there. The writing was good, but I did feel like there was some mundane stuff, just to feel up a few paragraphs. If you've seen Party Monster, when 'Angel' is introduced, you'll probably roll your eye's... I did. That kind turned me off... but I know the teen reader's want get the reference. This is a quick read, that we're left wondering and guessing. It's a cliff hanger. For the target audience, I think the teen's will fully enjoy it, and needing more of Sade's story.
Sade and Jackie have been best friend's, since forever, but when Jackie starts drifting away, all will change.
With friendship comes bumpy roads. Ones that we hate to cross. With Sade, she's stuck in the middle. It's either tell on her best friend, or watch her spiral more out of control.
Keeping this secret will eventually have everything around Sade, falling apart.
THIS IS A TEEN BOOK. I didn't know this when I signed up for the ARC, but you soon will find out it's for the teen reader's. Sade on the Wall is a great book for the younger audience. It tackles a lot of real life situations, that most teen's will face. As an adult, I of course found it not really peaking my interest. A thirty year old reading about fifteen year old's, so it lost me there. The writing was good, but I did feel like there was some mundane stuff, just to feel up a few paragraphs. If you've seen Party Monster, when 'Angel' is introduced, you'll probably roll your eye's... I did. That kind turned me off... but I know the teen reader's want get the reference. This is a quick read, that we're left wondering and guessing. It's a cliff hanger. For the target audience, I think the teen's will fully enjoy it, and needing more of Sade's story.
December 12, 2012
There's a horrible moment somewhere in your childhood where you realize that everything is NOT going to be okay, and that the choices you make matter, and that the difference isn't just between two things you like but between losing all hope in the universe and learning how to cope.
"Coming of age" books are about learning how to be an adult, how to take responsibility, how to be serious about working for a living, etc.
This is a book about learning how to get past despair, injustice, incomprehensibility - and move, not into adulthood, but into living an authentic life.
A nicely orchestrated book - a lot of themes going on here, a lot of subplots, all of them driving the book forward without being obvious or slow. In parts, the book's almost too realistic--not in gory details but in the horrible, misguided things some of the characters do. It's sad.
But, of course, the author pulls you back from the brink - drops everything into place. "The world is painful. Being a teenager is fraught with danger." And then, "Everyone has find an answer to that. Here are a couple of good ones."
"Coming of age" books are about learning how to be an adult, how to take responsibility, how to be serious about working for a living, etc.
This is a book about learning how to get past despair, injustice, incomprehensibility - and move, not into adulthood, but into living an authentic life.
A nicely orchestrated book - a lot of themes going on here, a lot of subplots, all of them driving the book forward without being obvious or slow. In parts, the book's almost too realistic--not in gory details but in the horrible, misguided things some of the characters do. It's sad.
But, of course, the author pulls you back from the brink - drops everything into place. "The world is painful. Being a teenager is fraught with danger." And then, "Everyone has find an answer to that. Here are a couple of good ones."
January 8, 2013
Elizabeth Barone’s “Sade On the Wall” is a fantastic novel. It’s a coming-of-age tale that effectively captures the real world, without becoming so “real” that it proves dangerous to the innocent young reader—a difficult balancing act that’s a testament to Barone’s skill.
Watching the story develop through Sade’s eyes was very much like watching a car accident happen in slow motion—you know what’s going to occur, but you’re powerless to stop it. And then you’re even powerless to help with the aftermath. It’s a moving piece of fiction that’s both beautiful and tragic—a cliché statement that’s nevertheless true.
I’m no critic, but IMO Elizabeth Barone is an author to watch. She demonstrates remarkable talent and writes with a voice that many seasoned authors still haven’t found. Her characters are familiar, yet fresh, and she knows how to craft a dramatic story. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work and I highly recommend “Sade On the Wall” to all discerning readers.
Watching the story develop through Sade’s eyes was very much like watching a car accident happen in slow motion—you know what’s going to occur, but you’re powerless to stop it. And then you’re even powerless to help with the aftermath. It’s a moving piece of fiction that’s both beautiful and tragic—a cliché statement that’s nevertheless true.
I’m no critic, but IMO Elizabeth Barone is an author to watch. She demonstrates remarkable talent and writes with a voice that many seasoned authors still haven’t found. Her characters are familiar, yet fresh, and she knows how to craft a dramatic story. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work and I highly recommend “Sade On the Wall” to all discerning readers.
March 28, 2014
Anyone who was at once should read this book. Such emotion, the story was amazing, characters life like. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews