The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly
Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Montana • Contemporary
2015
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes is a young adult psychological thriller about a teenage girl with no hands, Minnow Bly, who ends up in juvenile detention after escaping from a religious cult. An FBI agent offers her a deal for her cooperation, prompting Minnow to disclose secrets from her past, navigated through flashbacks revealing her life within the cult and her journey to reclaim her freedom. The book includes graphic descriptions of violence and trauma.
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
12,577 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes is a compelling novel praised for its gripping narrative and strong character development. Readers appreciate its intense and thought-provoking themes, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a powerful story of resilience and identity that leaves a lasting impact.
Who Should Read The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly?
A reader who enjoys dark, introspective YA novels with strong, complex female protagonists and psychological depth would likely enjoy The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes. Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness will find similar compelling narratives and emotional intensity.
12,577 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut Award, which honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens.
The book draws inspiration from the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale "The Handless Maiden," incorporating themes from the classic story into its modern setting.
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The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly has been adapted into a Facebook Watch television series titled Sacred Lies, which premiered in 2018.
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416
Novel • Fiction
Montana • Contemporary
2015
YA
14-18 years
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