A review by hitu
You by Caroline Kepnes

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I love the series "You"  on Netflix, so I wanted to see what the source material for one of my favorite TV show would look like, and there are some major differences.

The plot is almost the same, but this is a completely different story to the show. There is no flawed but kind Joe Goldberg to be found. He is actually depraved and not likeable, but still YOU continue to read his inner thoughts and smirk at his weird pop culture references. When you come to think of it, none of the characters are likeable. Alas, this book at times can be quiet a page turner.

Just like in the show, nothing really happens in the middle part of the book. However, unlike the show, you will end this book with a much deeper look into Joe's deep insecurities and desires, which makes me want to pick up the book #2 of this series. Speaking of ending,

Joe literally ends up raping before killing beck, and I don't understand the point of describing it in extreme detail. Like why? I already hate him just fine

if not for that the whole sequence towards the climax was done perfectly.

Also, personally, I appreciate

Amy and Candice not being the same person

.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping

Moderate: Child abuse, Classism

Minor: Misogyny