What is the last show that you binged? I recently ripped through season one of You on Netflix. I know I'm late to the party with this one, but wow was it a wild ride! I had a moment while watching the first episode where things began to feel a bit too familiar to me. Imagine my surprise when I realized that not only was the series based upon a book but that I had actually listened to the audiobook before. Never one to shy away from a book-based series, I did what any self-respecting bibliophile would do. I reread the book! Caroline Kepnes's novel was every bit as fun and twisted as I remembered it being.
Joe Goldberg has quite the obsession. In fact, it is an obsession that many of us readers can probably relate to. Joe loves books. He's a voracious reader and has turned this passion into a career. Joe works at and runs a book store in New York's East Village, a place where he's made quite the comfortable life for himself. There isn't a ton of money in selling books, but this day job affords him the ability to collect and sell the rarest editions of classic novels. In the collection and preservation of these valuable works, Joe lets his obsession run wild. It is in the book store that Joe first lays eyes on Guinevere Beck, a gorgeous college student who is perusing his shelves. As she completes a purchase, Joe takes notice of her name on her credit card. Later that evening he Googles her name, and a new obsession is born.
Think about how much information about a person you can find on the internet. Most of it is even willingly shared on the web through our use of social media. It isn't hard to imagine then the information about Guinevere Beck, or just Beck as her friends call her, that Joe is able to unearth. She posts about everything she does, a fact that Joe instantly uses to his advantage. The pair have an "unexpected" run-in at a bar, and things begin to kick into high gear. Joe's obsession with Beck sees him manipulate more encounters until he becomes her boyfriend. He will stop at nothing to become Beck's perfect man, even if that means resorting to the darkest of acts imaginable.
It seems appropriate that I would kick off my October reading with a book like You. My love of horror runs deep, but with this novel, Caroline Kepnes presents a different kind of terror. There's an undercurrent of fear that runs through every moment of the book. Not the kind of classic fright that may immediately come to mind when thinking about this spooky season, but rather psychological suspense that will nonetheless chill you to the bone. Obsession of any kind can be potentially dangerous, but the infatuation behind the story in You is as uncomfortable to read about as it is enthralling to behold. As I did while reading Jeff Lindsey's Dexter novels, I often found myself feeling a bit guilty for enjoying the story of Joe as much as I did. Kepnes manages to make the reader empathize with and root for her demented main character, even as he sinks to the depths of his despicable delusions. You won't be for every reader, but if you too are looking for a creepy story that provides a unique kind of scare, this one just might do the trick.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2021, 36)
I need a new netflix binge ;)
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already watched it, You is definitely worth a binge!
DeleteI tried to read this one, but I didn't make it through it. It was a bit too twisted for me, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand that. This kind of story is divisive by its very nature!
DeleteI haven't watched the latest season of You but I plan to. I like that show.
ReplyDeleteI hope to read the other books, and then watch the next season too!
DeleteI need to finish watching this series. I liked this book but didn't love it. I did love the second book though. I am glad that you enjoyed this one the second time around.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to reading the next book!
DeleteI also listened to the audio and was riveted! I think saying I enjoyed the story wouldn't be entirely correct, but it was like watching a train wreck! I couldn't look away! Even though Joe was a deplorable and disturbing character I couldn't help but root for him. Plus, every other character was completely unlikeable.
ReplyDeleteNever did continue the book series, though. Just didn't know if I wanted another trip in Joe's head. I started the TV series but never watched the last few episodes.
I agree. Enjoy isn't the right word to describe experiencing this one, but it certainly holds your attention.
DeleteIt's amazing that Kepnes was able to craft a character like Joe and still manage to make him likable and empathetic.
ReplyDeleteRight? I'm always amazed when an author can make me root for a "bad" character.
DeleteYes... I loved this on audio and agree like Dexter, I kind of liked Joe.
ReplyDeleteHave you read the other two books?
DeleteI have not watched the show or read the book, but it's great that it held up for you.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I appreciate it for what it is.
Deleteoooh, I have been wondering if I should dip my toes into this series after I saw the trailer for the newest season -- it's CRAZY!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should! Knowing the kind of books you tend to read, I think you'd have fun with this one too!
DeleteI haven't watched the series yet either - so you were not the last lol
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if it's my kind of thing but might give it a try to see if I'm surprised & like it.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Good to know I wasn't the only one haha. I've heard the second season is good too, so I may have to give the next book a read!
DeleteI've heard a lot about this (both book and series) - it seems like a love/hate kind of thing for a lot of people (or a hate/hate or love/love for others!)
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of story that by its very nature will divide audiences. I think you'll either enjoy it, or it simply won't be for you.
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