miss flynn pulled all my teeth out and I said thank you

Why I loved it
This book was twisted! Not even going to lie about it. Gillian Flynn really knows how to write a book that hooks you right away, and that you have to keep reading to find out what happens. I will be honest though - if I read this one first, I'm not sure I would've ever picked up Gone Girl. When you figured out what happens, I was horrified at how someone could do something like that and involve an entire family. I don't want to give too much away - but you should know that I enjoyed the twisted-ness of this book.

Why you should read it
If you like stories that are twisted but captivating, then this is the book for you! If you like mystery, that's yet another reason to read this book. Once again this book isn't for everyone. If twisted stories make your stomach churn, then maybe this isn't your cup of tea. And that's ok!

My rating
3/5 stars

My mind was blown. Every single chapter. It's that simple.

ummmm

Actual rating: 3,5

Gillian Flynn has established herself as a master in the mystery/thriller genre, and there is no doubt she crafts stories full of tension and subtle twists and turns that make her work impossible to put down until the last line of the prologue. However, what I absolutely love about her and her books is the keen, critical eye and the way she identifies and completely takes hold of the nastiness of humanity, the peculiarities of small towns and the impending atmosphere of doom that lurks beneath a picture-perfect image. In that sense, Sharp Objects is an absolutely brilliant book that I got completely lost in.

This book was truly surprising. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I didn't. It is probably near to impossible to figure out what is really going on because Ms. Flynn carefully constructs her narrative as such that you're never quite sure who to believe. I just wish it had gone on longer so I could have known what came next.

I managed to keep myself totally unspoiled before I started reading this despite the movie being released in October, and I'm very glad. I thoroughly enjoyed the book because the foreshadowing was precisely sufficient for me to anticipate the plot twists: not so heavy handed as to bore or annoy me, but not too obscure, either. Being about 85% sure of my predictions is the sweet spot for me and this book hit the mark squarely more than once. I enjoyed the stroking of my reader-ego, a perfect counterpoint to the unsettling subject matter.

In addition, I find myself more drawn to fictional depictions of marriage as my own approaches the 10 year mark. The creepiness of this book stems primarily from how believably the author paints Nick and Amy's (far from ideal, obviously) relationship. The secondary characters, even ones that figure somewhat prominently (Nick's sister, Amy's parents) are rather two dimensional as a result of the intense focus on Nick and Amy, but in this type of book that's not a deal-breaker.

You know, I was reading this and thinking I've already read this. I kept going, though, because I thought maybe I'd just read an excerpt. But no, I finished, and I had absolutely read the book before. This is what happens when I read and don't keep track.

Anyway, I like this well enough, although the BIG coincidence was a little contrived. I'd have probably given it a 3.5-ish except that I liked the writing and characterizations.

Flynn is certainly a talented writer because these characters feel real and there's something likeable in their unlikeableness. I did like Libby as a character, finding myself curious about her upbringing and what led to the traumatic event in her life. However, the mystery was a bit lackluster (even though I know this wasn't a mystery book).

A thrilling depiction of two complex characters and the intricacies of female rage, Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl will have you at the edge of your seat with every page - and personally, had me shocked at every turn.