Title: You (You #1)
by Caroline KepnesPublishing Info: September 30, 2014 by Simon & Schuster
Source: Audible
Genres: Adult, Mystery/Thriller
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // GoodreadsDate Completed: December 1, 2016
Related Posts: Hidden Bodies (You #2)
When a beautiful, aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card.
There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting.
As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder.
Well, for all of the hype for this book, it didn’t really leave me feeling shocked or awed or super impressed, but I did find that it left a lasting impression and that I wanted to read the next book right away! I did like the things that were different about it. I really enjoyed the different narration in the second person, hence the title “You”. Main character (and super psychopath) Joe narrates the book to and about his newest obsession, Guinevere Beck. It was an interesting choice of narration and it really gets you in the head of the narrator. I did have a hard time with the book — not in a bad way, but in a way that confused me because this guy is totally nuts. He’s actually crazy and creepy and scary and does some very, very bad things… And yet I felt sympathetic at times! The form of narration really had me feeling for him even though I knew he was totally wrong and deranged. I also really enjoyed Joe’s voice in the sense that it felt more personal. It wasn’t just recounting. He often interrupted himself or interjected with more things that brought one more level to the account.
For all of the hype, I felt like there was supposed to be a twist coming and while that really wasn’t this kind of book. I think I got myself all hyped because of other people’s reactions and it didn’t really shock me like I thought it would, but instead, it was shocking in a very different way. I was so appalled at Joe’s actions and yet it was also a train wreck that I couldn’t stop watching. I really did get myself all psyched for a big twist moment, so I was a bit sad that that didn’t happen, but I also am coming to appreciate those thrillers that can wrap up without a twist because if every book had a twist, they’d all be predictable!
The book was very sexual, and I don’t have issues with sexuality in books, but it did feel overdone at times. I guess that is kind of the point of the book in a way, since Joe’s obsession is romantic on all levels. He’s obsessed with Beck emotionally, physically, and mentally. Clearly he has several psychoses so the obsession is overboard on so many levels. I am used to reading YA which really doesn’t get explicit of course, but there were points that felt like a little much for me.
YOU was interesting and engaging from start to finish and I did enjoy reading it but I think I was just let down by the hype. I kept waiting for a huge moment that didn’t really happen and I thought that’s how the book would end but was also kind of hoping it wouldn’t. Looking back on it as I’m reviewing, I really was totally engaged so that really did leave a good lasting impression! Somehow Joe came off as charismatic in a way and I wanted to pick up HIDDEN BODIES shortly thereafter!
Kept Me Hooked On: Crazy, messed-up thrillers. I don’t know why but every once in a while, I like a good, messed up book.
Left Me Wanting More: Twists. I guess I did appreciate the lack of a big twist but I was also really expecting it so it was kind of a bummer!
Addiction Rating
Read it!
If you like some crazy thrillers that put you into the mind of a literal psychopath, definitely check out YOU!
BOOKS LIKE YOU
(Click the cover to see my review!)
4 thoughts on “You (You #1) – Caroline Kepnes”
There is a lot of hype around this book, which always makes me a little bit nervous before I start to read it. But it sounds like you managed to enjoy it quite a bit, and enjoyed the twistiness of the main character. Feeling for him even though he was terribly crazy and did terrible things… I wonder how the author manages that. I’m not sure how I will feel about the second person narrative though.
Yeah…this wasn’t about the twists…i was just about the consistent crazy that you eventually start to gt used to in the worst way until you kind of like Joe! lol
I totally understand the dilemma about Joe and feeling sympathetic towards him! I kept asking myself, “Is that a form of Stockholm Syndrome?!” I ended up hating Beck. Not likable at all. Kepnes is pretty good at writing unlikable characters. I couldn’t read the book quickly because I needed breaks from Joe’s thoughts. Ive watched and read some negative reviews about Hidden Bodies. I’m curious to know your thoughts! 🙂
This is a great review! I especially love the comment in the goodreads part of the review “Am I getting sympathetic? What is happening?” That alone makes me want to read this book! And I definitely love the photo with it being paired with your Merciful candle!
Bumping this one up on my TBR list!
xo