Helpful Score: 25
I really did not like this book. I can agree that it had some interesting twists and I read it to the end to find out the downer ending. The main characters are completely unlikeable and creepy. If you want to read a book that leaves you feeling sick to your stomach, this is the one for you.
Helpful Score: 23
You've got to be kidding me! I stayed with this book hoping to read some great twist of an ending. What a let down. It reads like the author lost interest and just come up with a lazy ending. Don't waste any valuable time reading this book.
Helpful Score: 19
The novel begins as a fantastic character study. It's deceptively slow - read carefully as there a number of seemingly minor details that matter later in the story. The middle section takes off at a wonderfully fast pace, the kind of story that keeps you up too late because you just have to know what twist is coming next. And then the end...the momentum of previous chapters is lost, almost as though Flynn herself is worn out and the book loses the intensity that kept us so enthralled. Suddenly, all detail is lost making the end seem very abrupt, a tad contrived and even a little boring.
Helpful Score: 10
At the beginning, the reader is bounced back and forth from Nick's (Lance Nicholas Dunne) thoughts and experiences to excerpts of Amy's (Amy Elliot Dunne) diary. Nick sound pretty sincere that he didn't kill Amy...but all the evidence, diary entries and Nick's behavior would have you believe otherwise.
At about 200 pages in, the story takes an interesting turn. (On a more personal level, I really did questioned whether or not I've seen this as a Lifetime movie.) At this point the book itself is right when it stated further on: "We should be selling t-shirts: Team Nick or Team Amy?" (paraphrased)
Since this is supposed to be a "thriller" or "mystery" it wouldn't be right to go any further. However, the one quote that sums up the whole book for me was from the character, Tanner: "You two are the most f***ed-up people I have ever met, and I specialize in f***ed-up people." (389)
So, perhaps the review should end this way: And they lived happily ever after...or did they?
At about 200 pages in, the story takes an interesting turn. (On a more personal level, I really did questioned whether or not I've seen this as a Lifetime movie.) At this point the book itself is right when it stated further on: "We should be selling t-shirts: Team Nick or Team Amy?" (paraphrased)
Since this is supposed to be a "thriller" or "mystery" it wouldn't be right to go any further. However, the one quote that sums up the whole book for me was from the character, Tanner: "You two are the most f***ed-up people I have ever met, and I specialize in f***ed-up people." (389)
So, perhaps the review should end this way: And they lived happily ever after...or did they?
Helpful Score: 9
First of all, the characters in "Gone Girl" are not supposed to be likable, but they are supposed to be believable. The brilliance of this novel is that the author, through realistic details and use of human nature, makes the sheer audacity of the plot somehow convincing.
AVOID SPOILERS AT ALL COSTS. The novel is plotted in three parts and every one takes a twist that stunned me. In fact, reading it, I was a little disappointed about a third of the way through the book, nearing the end of the first section, thinking it had become a little predictable...until I realized that the author had skillfully made me THINK I had guessed what was happening, all the while with a deft hand building to something completely different. I disagree that the conclusion was flat. The end (which is NOT happy but is satisfying in tying the plot into a final knot) is stunning, unlike anything any other murder mystery could pull off. This is one of the most unique novels I've read in years, especially when compared to its genre, which tends to be more "entertaining" page-turners than "literary" tomes. (For all its literary-caliber brilliance, this is an entertaining novel.)
After reading "Gone Girl," I read every other novel by Gillian Flynn. This is her best. ("Dark Places" is decent; I didn't like the pitch-black plot/characters of "Sharp Objects" at all. It would likely please fans of the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series.) Flynn's novels do tend to portray a fairly dark world, blending "victims" and "bad guys" and set in desolate (often economically depressed) Midwestern towns. Since I hail from the very area she writes about, I must admit that for the most part, her descriptions are honest and insightful (if shaded a little dark).
AVOID SPOILERS AT ALL COSTS. The novel is plotted in three parts and every one takes a twist that stunned me. In fact, reading it, I was a little disappointed about a third of the way through the book, nearing the end of the first section, thinking it had become a little predictable...until I realized that the author had skillfully made me THINK I had guessed what was happening, all the while with a deft hand building to something completely different. I disagree that the conclusion was flat. The end (which is NOT happy but is satisfying in tying the plot into a final knot) is stunning, unlike anything any other murder mystery could pull off. This is one of the most unique novels I've read in years, especially when compared to its genre, which tends to be more "entertaining" page-turners than "literary" tomes. (For all its literary-caliber brilliance, this is an entertaining novel.)
After reading "Gone Girl," I read every other novel by Gillian Flynn. This is her best. ("Dark Places" is decent; I didn't like the pitch-black plot/characters of "Sharp Objects" at all. It would likely please fans of the "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" series.) Flynn's novels do tend to portray a fairly dark world, blending "victims" and "bad guys" and set in desolate (often economically depressed) Midwestern towns. Since I hail from the very area she writes about, I must admit that for the most part, her descriptions are honest and insightful (if shaded a little dark).
Helpful Score: 7
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn kicks off with one of the most disturbing opening passages I've ever read, hands-down. Immediately, from the very first words, the reader gets the sense that this narrator is a little.... off. The innermost thoughts of Nick Dunne, a husband facing a life-shattering crisis on his five-year anniversary, are attention grabbing, to say the least. And immediately, from the first few sentences, this jarring and off-putting voice pushes the reader in a certain direction, creates expectations, draws assumptions.
Nick's chapters are dove-tailed by excerpts from the diary of his wife, Amy. Beautiful heiress and literary household name, Amy seems close to perfect. As the story of her marriage to Nick unfolds in the past, alongside the investigation of her disappearance in the present, I was baffled again and again at how artfully Flynn unravels the mystery behind a truly crazy marriage. Every time I jumped to a conclusion as a reader, Flynn gleefully turned my expectations on their ear once again. My opinion of Nick and Amy shifted dramatically throughout the novel -- not once, but numerous times. And I loved every plot-twisty minute.
Before I even finished this book, I had referred it to no fewer than five people. And I will continue to recommend it, because I've never quite read anything like it before. It's a head-shaking character study of a love story gone very, very wrong, written by a master - and I can't wait to read it again with fresh eyes.
Nick's chapters are dove-tailed by excerpts from the diary of his wife, Amy. Beautiful heiress and literary household name, Amy seems close to perfect. As the story of her marriage to Nick unfolds in the past, alongside the investigation of her disappearance in the present, I was baffled again and again at how artfully Flynn unravels the mystery behind a truly crazy marriage. Every time I jumped to a conclusion as a reader, Flynn gleefully turned my expectations on their ear once again. My opinion of Nick and Amy shifted dramatically throughout the novel -- not once, but numerous times. And I loved every plot-twisty minute.
Before I even finished this book, I had referred it to no fewer than five people. And I will continue to recommend it, because I've never quite read anything like it before. It's a head-shaking character study of a love story gone very, very wrong, written by a master - and I can't wait to read it again with fresh eyes.
Helpful Score: 5
I read the reviews here, and I was tempted to skip this book because so many hated the ending. I read over 330 pages the first night, and had to get some sleep. I couldnt wait to get back to the book the next day.
I think that Alicia G. has the most accurate review.
Nick and Amy leave Manhattan and head back to Missouri after they both lose their writing jobs, and Nick's parents become terminally ill. They have been in MO for 2 years, when Amy disappears on their 5th wedding anniversary. Things are not looking too good for Nick's cry of innocence. Things start off slow and you love Nick and AMY, then you start to hate them both, and then you really start to understand them both. I did like our main characters. I found them flawed and I loved them for their flaws. I found them smart, clever and contriving. I didnt find the ending contrived. I found it perfect and realistic. This one twists and turns, and smacks you in the face. I loved it.
Amy used to write relationship quizzes for a magazine in NYC. So she inserts these quizzes through out the book and in her diary writings. This keeps the writing fresh.
Nicks honest deep insight into his flaws, are also a fresh take on some seriously flawed people. I love what Amy has to say about Cool Chicks, and relationships. Their ritual of a scavenger hunt is clever. All in all the author made a well written book with great details that all pull together.
I think that Alicia G. has the most accurate review.
Nick and Amy leave Manhattan and head back to Missouri after they both lose their writing jobs, and Nick's parents become terminally ill. They have been in MO for 2 years, when Amy disappears on their 5th wedding anniversary. Things are not looking too good for Nick's cry of innocence. Things start off slow and you love Nick and AMY, then you start to hate them both, and then you really start to understand them both. I did like our main characters. I found them flawed and I loved them for their flaws. I found them smart, clever and contriving. I didnt find the ending contrived. I found it perfect and realistic. This one twists and turns, and smacks you in the face. I loved it.
Amy used to write relationship quizzes for a magazine in NYC. So she inserts these quizzes through out the book and in her diary writings. This keeps the writing fresh.
Nicks honest deep insight into his flaws, are also a fresh take on some seriously flawed people. I love what Amy has to say about Cool Chicks, and relationships. Their ritual of a scavenger hunt is clever. All in all the author made a well written book with great details that all pull together.
Helpful Score: 5
4.0 out of 5 stars - Mad Marriage, what a roller coaster!
First off, let me say that this is a suspense thriller. It's not a psycho killer chiller with lots of blood, torture and gore. That's what I liked about it! This was more a mental exercise than a read where you have to close your eyes against the details that make you gag or cringe.
In other words, the author develops her characters, has an unusual plot, and uses alternating points of view (she said/he said) to tell the story. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all fans of a good mystery with a question -- just who is the sociopath here?
Nick arrives home one afternoon to find his living room a mess with signs of a struggle and his wife, Amy, GONE. The unfolding of the story, the revelations, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages! Enjoy.
First off, let me say that this is a suspense thriller. It's not a psycho killer chiller with lots of blood, torture and gore. That's what I liked about it! This was more a mental exercise than a read where you have to close your eyes against the details that make you gag or cringe.
In other words, the author develops her characters, has an unusual plot, and uses alternating points of view (she said/he said) to tell the story. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all fans of a good mystery with a question -- just who is the sociopath here?
Nick arrives home one afternoon to find his living room a mess with signs of a struggle and his wife, Amy, GONE. The unfolding of the story, the revelations, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages! Enjoy.
Helpful Score: 5
This is Gillian Flynn's third, eagerly awaited book and in typical fashion, involves murder, a sociopath, and a marriage gone stale. The story is about the marriage of Nick and Amy, two former Manhattan-ites who are forced by circumstance to move back to rural Missouri. Elitist Amy has a hard time fitting into Missouri society and on the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, disappears under what appears to be violent circumstances. Of course Nick is the primary suspect, but if you've read any of Ms. Flynn's other books, you know that things are not what they seem. This book has plenty of twists and turns and every single little prop and character may or may not be what they appear to be. This piece is meticulously written and I didn't want it to end. I cannot more highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 5
Wow! Now, that was a fun book to read! I really, really liked this book! I thought it was great from the get go. I loved the twists and turns and wild rollercoaster ride that this story took me on. What a thrill!!! I wish I could un-read this book just so I could read it again. An awesome, fantastic, exciting story! I need all my friends to read this book, so I can talk to them about it!!! Seriously!
First off, I love the author's writing style. I thought it was so cool how she went back and forth between Amy and Nick and told each side of their stories. I think it's absolutely brilliant story-telling! One minute I hated Nick, the next moment, I hated Amy. I actually felt pity for these two characters at other times. Now, I feel empty that I'm done with this book. *Sigh* I wish it would keep going.
I would definitely recommend this book! It totally kept my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. 5 stars for me!
First off, I love the author's writing style. I thought it was so cool how she went back and forth between Amy and Nick and told each side of their stories. I think it's absolutely brilliant story-telling! One minute I hated Nick, the next moment, I hated Amy. I actually felt pity for these two characters at other times. Now, I feel empty that I'm done with this book. *Sigh* I wish it would keep going.
I would definitely recommend this book! It totally kept my interest and I had a hard time putting it down. 5 stars for me!
Helpful Score: 5
Be ready to stay awake at night until you finish this book. It grabs you from the first page, and that's exactly what I was hoping for. I had just finished one that wore me out so was ready for a picker-upper. I found it! The whole story is like a runaway train that keeps picking up speed until ..... until the end. That's where I experienced a serious jolt of depression. Man! I know it's probably the perfect wind-up for everything, but I'm the kind of person who just HAS to have exactly the right ending to the stories I like best. To Gillian Flynn and many, many, of her readers I'm sure this was the only possible one that made sense, but not to me. I was disappointed. Hence the four stars. Otherwise it was a five star book. The writing was good, the buildup was excellent, the characters were great, but oh that ending! Read it, but be forewarned.
Helpful Score: 4
This book really captured me. The story is told through Nick, the husband, and Amy's the wife through her diary. It has several twists and surprised and keeps you wanting to read more. The characters are well developed. The reader is able to imagine the small town locale. I highly recommend the book. I have already ordered another on Gillian Flynn's books.
Helpful Score: 4
This book knocked my socks off! I don't typically read suspense novels (not for any particular reason) but this one was chosen by my book club and it was an awesome change of pace for me. It hooked me from the very beginning and up until the end I honestly couldn't guess what was going to happen. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, BAM, another twist. It was a quick easy read & impossible to put down. I highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 4
Sweet Jeebus thank God that's finally over. I didn't think I'd ever get to the end. It was so incredibly BORING. Even when I finally got to the infamous "omg" moment it still wasn't enough to save the book. Then after the initial surprise moment it went right back to the tedious never-ending story I've come to know and loathe.
Helpful Score: 4
This book sucks you under like a riptide and will not let you go.
It is told from the alternating points of view of a husband and wife. Amy, the wife, disappears one day and leaves behind signs of a struggle. Nick, her husband, seeks to find what happened to her.
Telling any more of the plot would ruin your fun. I have read some of Flynn's other novels, but this one is my favorite. I suspect anyone who has been married could relate to the feelings of the main characters.
I loved it!
It is told from the alternating points of view of a husband and wife. Amy, the wife, disappears one day and leaves behind signs of a struggle. Nick, her husband, seeks to find what happened to her.
Telling any more of the plot would ruin your fun. I have read some of Flynn's other novels, but this one is my favorite. I suspect anyone who has been married could relate to the feelings of the main characters.
I loved it!
Helpful Score: 4
Dystopias has been popular lately and by the time I was about two thirds in I decided that Gillian Flynn gave us one too. So what if it's not set in a post-apocalyptic future of an alternate universe and the people aren't genetically modified or lorded over by a small group of despots. This is a dystopia of a modern-day family set in a dying Midwestern town succumbing to the economical depression, and the characters are just like you and me, shopping at big box stores and plotting their spouses' death. Alright, almost like you and me.
This is a deliciously twisted story about two of the most dysfunctional people I've ever heard of, and it made me think about my marriage on a few occasions. "Do we do that?" Or worse "We do do that!" That's how this book is, it's so well-written, so grounded in the reality we know from the cream-of-something casseroles to the energetic true-crime show host who is the spitting image of Nancy Grace, so full of the little details that make the story come alive, that it's easy to believe that what happens to the Dunnes isn't just the stuff of novels, that it's based on me, you, all of us, really.
As I read the book I marveled at Flynn's skill in bringing together two thoroughly unreliable narrators, a mystery, a character study, a look at our society, secrets piled on top of one another, and an ending that left me sitting there with only one thought in my head: "Bloody hell". She pulled this off with voices that rang true despite all the falseness, a world that I know exists, and a pace that never slowed down enough for me to forget to wonder what would happen next, because even when the original mystery was solved I knew that the story was far from over. (I would've known it even if I didn't see how many pages were left in the book.) All this convinced me that at any given moment in the novel I was exactly where Flynn wanted me to be, and that kind of sensation of intention all the way made for a very reassuring experience when on the whole this book was anything but.
It's easy to sing this novel praises (I really do see what all the hype is about) but what really stayed with me was the look at family that's so unflattering and uncomfortable that most don't think about it that way. How much do we really pretend to be better than our true selves when we court? How "sustainable" is the pretense, to use Amy's word? What happens when the illusion's gone and two people end up staring at each other, horrified? And how often are we horrified as opposed to thrilled? So many questions to think about, and I applaud Gillian Flynn for asking them and for packaging them in a novel that's very difficult to put down. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?
This is a deliciously twisted story about two of the most dysfunctional people I've ever heard of, and it made me think about my marriage on a few occasions. "Do we do that?" Or worse "We do do that!" That's how this book is, it's so well-written, so grounded in the reality we know from the cream-of-something casseroles to the energetic true-crime show host who is the spitting image of Nancy Grace, so full of the little details that make the story come alive, that it's easy to believe that what happens to the Dunnes isn't just the stuff of novels, that it's based on me, you, all of us, really.
As I read the book I marveled at Flynn's skill in bringing together two thoroughly unreliable narrators, a mystery, a character study, a look at our society, secrets piled on top of one another, and an ending that left me sitting there with only one thought in my head: "Bloody hell". She pulled this off with voices that rang true despite all the falseness, a world that I know exists, and a pace that never slowed down enough for me to forget to wonder what would happen next, because even when the original mystery was solved I knew that the story was far from over. (I would've known it even if I didn't see how many pages were left in the book.) All this convinced me that at any given moment in the novel I was exactly where Flynn wanted me to be, and that kind of sensation of intention all the way made for a very reassuring experience when on the whole this book was anything but.
It's easy to sing this novel praises (I really do see what all the hype is about) but what really stayed with me was the look at family that's so unflattering and uncomfortable that most don't think about it that way. How much do we really pretend to be better than our true selves when we court? How "sustainable" is the pretense, to use Amy's word? What happens when the illusion's gone and two people end up staring at each other, horrified? And how often are we horrified as opposed to thrilled? So many questions to think about, and I applaud Gillian Flynn for asking them and for packaging them in a novel that's very difficult to put down. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?
Helpful Score: 4
Wow, I really enjoyed this twisted story. There are clearly some issues here that need to be addressed! It was a little slow in the beginning but hang in there because things really start rolling at a downhill pace! All of the set up in the beginning is necessary and must be remembered as things unfold. Some of the details were a little difficult for me to buy but who cares just go with it! Great book!
Helpful Score: 3
This is the worst book I've read in a long time. I wanted to quit after reading the first half of the book because I'm not a fan of smut. The characters are completely unlikeable. I kept at it and thought it was about to get better towards the middle; however, I was wrong. I feel like I wasted a week of my life. The end was so awful, I could see it coming so I just skimmed the last bit and it left me feeling disgusted. I finished it last night and I still feel yucky (like I "need to take a shower" as another reviewer said. Don't waste your time!
Helpful Score: 3
I am sorry but I really didn't like any characters in this book. They were all rude, jerks, mean and evil or just acting dumb. No spoilers from me but I cannot stand any of the characters but the story was at least unique in reading it, but not so much in living it.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was a solid 5 up until the last few chapters. I can appreciate that the author really wanted to do something different, something risky at the end, but it left me feeling so unsatisfied.
Helpful Score: 3
WOW! Incredibly well written and worthy of all the praise. This is the first time ever I've liked - loved - a book on the best seller's list! I almost always find them to be dull & over-rated but I couldn't put this one down! Seriously read the entire thing in one sitting! Gilian Flynn's style & originality in telling a story about a failing marriage is brilliant & intoxicating. The ending is genious, not your average "spouses plotting to murder each other" kind of story. No other ending would have had such an impact or given us a glimpse inside a truly sociopathic mind.
I can't wait get my hands on her other two books and a little sad there aren't dozens more, yet.
I can't wait get my hands on her other two books and a little sad there aren't dozens more, yet.
Helpful Score: 3
I think Gillian Flynn is super-smart and talented, but this book was not my cup of tea.
A few pluses: it's very well written, with a high level of complexity that I respect and admire, and the author has a dry, ironic sense of humor that comes through occasionally.
The minuses reflect my personal preference. First, if I don't like the main characters, I don't enjoy the book -- and I did not like the main characters! I also don't like an unreliable narrator. It's a technique that grates on my nerves. And without using spoilers, I'll just say that the beginning of the book definitely uses that technique.
Finally, I found the ending to be very frustrating. I forced myself to finish the book even though I wasn't enjoying it because several friends had recommended it and assured me that "it gets better." After investing my time, I was hoping to get some satisfaction out of the final outcome, but I was disappointed.
A few pluses: it's very well written, with a high level of complexity that I respect and admire, and the author has a dry, ironic sense of humor that comes through occasionally.
The minuses reflect my personal preference. First, if I don't like the main characters, I don't enjoy the book -- and I did not like the main characters! I also don't like an unreliable narrator. It's a technique that grates on my nerves. And without using spoilers, I'll just say that the beginning of the book definitely uses that technique.
Finally, I found the ending to be very frustrating. I forced myself to finish the book even though I wasn't enjoying it because several friends had recommended it and assured me that "it gets better." After investing my time, I was hoping to get some satisfaction out of the final outcome, but I was disappointed.
Helpful Score: 3
Wow. I almost put it down early on. So glad I stuck with it. This is such a good read.
The writing style is not my favorite. But, man, oh, man what a story. Loved it.
Not what I expected and definitely spine-tingling. Highly recommend.
The writing style is not my favorite. But, man, oh, man what a story. Loved it.
Not what I expected and definitely spine-tingling. Highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 3
After hearing about this book on tv I thought I'd give it a try. Glad I did. The story has alot of twists & turns that will keep you intrigued. Good read to the very end. Plan on reading the other books previously written by this author.
Helpful Score: 3
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/09/gone-girl.html
Gone Girl is the story of Nick and Amy. Husband and wife. Married five years. On the morning of their fifth anniversary, Amy goes missing. The book is told in three sections. The book is narrated in alternating points of view - a chapter from Nick and a chapter from Amy.
It's tough to describe this book without spoilers, but I going to attempt to because I don't do spoilers. Amy has disappeared, and as in many cases such as this, Nick becomes a key suspect. The trail and the evidence appears to all lead to him. They are having marital problems. They are in financial difficulty. The individual family priorities of both are in conflict. At times, their very lifestyles are in conflict. Yet, they try or at least give the outward appearance of trying. All things point in one direction, but things are not as they seem. Gradually, what is real begins to separate from the lies and the deceptions.
I have to say that I completely did not see where this book was going. It kept me guessing and surprised me. I did not really like the characters. Yet, I could not stop reading because I wanted to find out what happened to them. I did not much like how the story went, but the book would have been less powerful had it ended differently. So, does that make it a good book or not? You decide. I know it was certainly a memorable book.
Gone Girl is the story of Nick and Amy. Husband and wife. Married five years. On the morning of their fifth anniversary, Amy goes missing. The book is told in three sections. The book is narrated in alternating points of view - a chapter from Nick and a chapter from Amy.
It's tough to describe this book without spoilers, but I going to attempt to because I don't do spoilers. Amy has disappeared, and as in many cases such as this, Nick becomes a key suspect. The trail and the evidence appears to all lead to him. They are having marital problems. They are in financial difficulty. The individual family priorities of both are in conflict. At times, their very lifestyles are in conflict. Yet, they try or at least give the outward appearance of trying. All things point in one direction, but things are not as they seem. Gradually, what is real begins to separate from the lies and the deceptions.
I have to say that I completely did not see where this book was going. It kept me guessing and surprised me. I did not really like the characters. Yet, I could not stop reading because I wanted to find out what happened to them. I did not much like how the story went, but the book would have been less powerful had it ended differently. So, does that make it a good book or not? You decide. I know it was certainly a memorable book.
Helpful Score: 3
Without the recommendation of an awesome co-worker, I would have completely missed out on this one. Hands down, this is one of the best books I have read this year, if not in my entire life. I have never read a Gillian Flynn novel before, so when it was recommended to me, I did not know what to expect. One thing that impressed me before I even started reading it was how long it sat at the top of the best-seller list. Because of this book, I have added Gillian Flynn as an auto-read author and will be looking for her backlist.
Nick and Amy are great characters, but not great people. They definitely have their faults, but that is what makes them unique and such great characters. Nick and Amy represent every other couple struggling in a marriage that is certainly out of the honeymoon phase. This couple's problems and grievances are too numerous to list, but this book reminded me how important it is to put in the effort to make our most important relationships grow and flourish. Nick and Amy didn't do that and with every turn of the page, I was able to see first hand how these two characters were spiraling in a whirlpool of frustration, anger, sadness, bitterness, regret, misery and yes, even hate.
Everytime I thought I knew what would happen, I would be surprised at the twists and turns the plot would take. A great book has to be shared so, as it was recommended to me, I have been recommending it to everyone I know. I kept thinking as I was reading this book that this story would not end well for anyone, but I was even surprised at the ending. I couldn't make myself look away. This book would pull me out of sleep calling me to come read. I just had to know what was going to happen!
If you enjoy stories that pull you in right away with little to no build-up and flawed and dysfunctional characters that draw you into the mess of their lives, this is the book to read.
Nick and Amy are great characters, but not great people. They definitely have their faults, but that is what makes them unique and such great characters. Nick and Amy represent every other couple struggling in a marriage that is certainly out of the honeymoon phase. This couple's problems and grievances are too numerous to list, but this book reminded me how important it is to put in the effort to make our most important relationships grow and flourish. Nick and Amy didn't do that and with every turn of the page, I was able to see first hand how these two characters were spiraling in a whirlpool of frustration, anger, sadness, bitterness, regret, misery and yes, even hate.
Everytime I thought I knew what would happen, I would be surprised at the twists and turns the plot would take. A great book has to be shared so, as it was recommended to me, I have been recommending it to everyone I know. I kept thinking as I was reading this book that this story would not end well for anyone, but I was even surprised at the ending. I couldn't make myself look away. This book would pull me out of sleep calling me to come read. I just had to know what was going to happen!
If you enjoy stories that pull you in right away with little to no build-up and flawed and dysfunctional characters that draw you into the mess of their lives, this is the book to read.
Helpful Score: 3
Holy Hell. What a great book! It totally lived up to the hype! I didnt see the movie and I didnt really hear too much about what the book was about so I didnt know what to expect - and that made it even better.
It definitely reminded me of the Scott Peterson story with the cheating husband getting rid of this pregnant wife, but Amy what a twist! I went from being on Amys side to hating her in a matter of 5 minutes! Yet, just like Nick, I couldnt help but admire her for all the patience and planning that went into her disappearance! Thats dedication! I think most people have thought could I get away with the perfect murder in passing, but Amy actually REALLY thought about and planned it out. As much I hate Amy and think shes crazy - shes smart and dedicated.
It definitely reminded me of the Scott Peterson story with the cheating husband getting rid of this pregnant wife, but Amy what a twist! I went from being on Amys side to hating her in a matter of 5 minutes! Yet, just like Nick, I couldnt help but admire her for all the patience and planning that went into her disappearance! Thats dedication! I think most people have thought could I get away with the perfect murder in passing, but Amy actually REALLY thought about and planned it out. As much I hate Amy and think shes crazy - shes smart and dedicated.
Helpful Score: 2
I was a little disappointed in the ending but there were far more than enough twists and "No f***in way" moments in the rest of the book to make it well worth reading. I thought it was an excellent book, I was up until 2 am and back up at 6 to finish it. The first half was good but once I hit the middle point there was no stopping it.
Helpful Score: 2
Sorry, but this book was a big disappointment for me. Very slow beginning, semi interesting about the middle. As this book is number one on the best seller list, I assumed that it would be pretty good.
I did make it through the whole book, which I don't always do. Just my opinion. You may think it is great. Who knows??????
I did make it through the whole book, which I don't always do. Just my opinion. You may think it is great. Who knows??????
Helpful Score: 2
I loved Sharp Objects and Dark Places by Flynn, but this was a bit of let down. It wasn't bad - but it wasn't nearly as enthralling. There was the phsycological thriller element, but the darkness and truly twisted wasn't there. It was also more predictable than her other books. I kept waiting for it to really get going but it never got me to that "can't stand to put it down" state.
Helpful Score: 2
On the morning of Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth anniversary, Amy disappears without a trace. The livingroom shows signs of a struggle. There are traces of blood in the kitchen. The police investigators are looking at Nick as a suspect. As the evidence mounts, it becomes apparent that Nick has told a series of lies. But did he kill his wife?
I liked that this story is written in a narrative format with alternating points of view. In the chapters featuring Nick, we get to see the investigation and evidence. In Amy's chapters, we see her diary entries and learn about their relationship the past five years. There were lots of twists in the story which kept me turning the pages.
What I did not like is that all of the characters were very unlikeable, to the point where I didn't know who to root for. And the end of the book stunk. What a disappointment. So, I'm giving this book two stars for keeping me interested despite the fact that the only character I liked was the defense attorney. My rating: 2 Stars.
I liked that this story is written in a narrative format with alternating points of view. In the chapters featuring Nick, we get to see the investigation and evidence. In Amy's chapters, we see her diary entries and learn about their relationship the past five years. There were lots of twists in the story which kept me turning the pages.
What I did not like is that all of the characters were very unlikeable, to the point where I didn't know who to root for. And the end of the book stunk. What a disappointment. So, I'm giving this book two stars for keeping me interested despite the fact that the only character I liked was the defense attorney. My rating: 2 Stars.
Helpful Score: 2
Don't want to spoil the plot but this is a Can't-Put-Down story. It is told from the viewpoint of the husband Nick and the wife Amy and each chapter goes back in forth (not in the same time slot). No one is quite what they seem and while both the characters are extremely unlikeable, they are fascinating. This is an author who knows how to write a great plot. Loved it and read it one sitting!
Helpful Score: 2
What is all the fuss about? I had to read this for my book club, but soon started skimming, waiting for something to happen in this excruciatingly slow-paced non-drama until I stopped in bored frustration half way through. Skipped to the final dozen pages, where the entire 100+ pages I skipped were summarized nicely. Why would someone even want to write this story? Two completely self-absorbed halves of a couple doing terrible things to each other, just because they can. What's the point?
Helpful Score: 2
I have still not finished this book after trying to read it for a couple of months. After all the hype and seeing the hundreds of members who have the book wish listed, I was thrilled when my daughter lent it to me. That was the last thrill I received in regards to this book. The book is slow moving which is not always a problem but when there is nothing about the book you like you feel like you are being dragged along. None of the characters are likeable, not the husband and his sister, not the wife or her parents, hell not even the police officers. I will try again to finish it basically because I hate leaving a book unfinished.
I heard so much about this book, all the rave reviews.
I was diappointed! I thought the husband was an idiot and the wife a pyschopath. Some of the husbands thinking did not make sense to me. I read the whole book thinking that it would get better. I agree with another reviewer who thought that the author just gave up at the end. The ending was very disappointing.
I was diappointed! I thought the husband was an idiot and the wife a pyschopath. Some of the husbands thinking did not make sense to me. I read the whole book thinking that it would get better. I agree with another reviewer who thought that the author just gave up at the end. The ending was very disappointing.
Helpful Score: 2
Let me see what I can say without spoiling the outcome of the book...The story is told from the perspective of both husband and wife, alternating back and forth throughout the book. The reader is led to a certain conclusion about the wife's disappearance halfway through the book, but hang on tight. This rollercoaster takes a twisty, turny sidepath in the second half. It's a psychological journey with black comedy and plenty of irony sprinkled in the mix. I loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
This has got to be one of the worse books I have read in a long time. The characters are awful, unlikable and by the end you really don't care what happens. Shocking ending, not a good shocking! I was so mad that I wasted my time reading this.
Helpful Score: 2
A beautiful woman snared by a young man who can't believe his good fortune is well off and adores him. Both are writers living in New York but they lose their jobs. In addition, the woman's parents become financially bereft and ask their daughter to borrow her money. Poor, they use the last of her money to buy a bar in his hometown which is run by her husband and his twin sister.
Amy Elliott Dunne has another side to her personality that Nick Dunne is about to discover as the ideal marriage that he thought he had begins to fall apart. When Amy disappears Nick is believed to be the cause of her disappearance.
Did he murder his beloved wife? Nick knows he didn't but all signs point to that conclusion. The police believe he is responsible for her absence. Her parents, who stand by him in the beginning, arrive at the same belief. The public and the media are likewise convinced. Before the reader discovers the truth, the reader becomes wrapped up in endless detail.
This is a thriller that does keep one turning the pages but it roars to a pallid conclusion. I liked it but thought that someone should have spent more time editing as details are presented again and again.
Amy Elliott Dunne has another side to her personality that Nick Dunne is about to discover as the ideal marriage that he thought he had begins to fall apart. When Amy disappears Nick is believed to be the cause of her disappearance.
Did he murder his beloved wife? Nick knows he didn't but all signs point to that conclusion. The police believe he is responsible for her absence. Her parents, who stand by him in the beginning, arrive at the same belief. The public and the media are likewise convinced. Before the reader discovers the truth, the reader becomes wrapped up in endless detail.
This is a thriller that does keep one turning the pages but it roars to a pallid conclusion. I liked it but thought that someone should have spent more time editing as details are presented again and again.
Helpful Score: 2
The beginning of this book was a little slow and then all of a sudden I couldnt put it down. Another title could have been "sick and sicker", if you like psychological drama and a great plot read this!
Helpful Score: 2
I heard great things about this book. It definitely lives up to all of the hype. Gone Girl grabbed me from the beginning. For anyone in a relationship - you can relate to what both Nick and Amy are going through (at least in the beginning). The ending really makes you think and wonder. One of my favorite books.
Helpful Score: 1
A disturbing glimpse into the minds of a troubled couple! Very easy to read, keeps you guessing with twists and turns!
Helpful Score: 1
Wow, this one really kept me engrossed and surprised! The movie version of this came out last year and the DVD was just released. I had been waiting to read the book before I see the movie and I'm glad I did. Most people know from the movie hype that it is about a man who is accused of killing his wife after she disappears on the couple's 5th wedding anniversary. Nick, the husband, is caught in a series of lies and deceptions but did he really kill his wife? This one was full of twists and was really a page-turner. Don't want to say much more or I may spoil this for other readers. But overall a high recommendation!
Helpful Score: 1
After reading some readers' reviews, this is clearly a book you love or hate. I loved it. I thought it was brilliant. Gillian Flynn puts you on a roller coaster from the very first page. You get twisted and turned, climb, drop, climb, drop again. And at the very end you feel sick! These are the kinds of books I like. There is not one likeable person in the entire book. It is pure human nastiness at its evil best.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book, I really did. Until I didn't any more. I kept waiting for the end, for a resolution, for the characters to have some growth or show some redeeming qualities. Unfortunately, none of that happened and the ending of the book left me frustrated, and more than a little queasy at idea that this book was so popular. There truly was nothing good about the end of this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Holy smokes, what a dark and twisted book! Fascinating plot twists! I listened to this on my commute. I like her writing style, everything came full circle. Not my normal genre, but a movie is being made, so I went for it! Not disappointed at all. Kept me guessing and wondering the whole way through. Excellent character development, unlikeable people...yes....interesting....yes. Can't wait for the movie!
Helpful Score: 1
This was a good book, despite the ending slowing waaaaaay down, as others have stated. After all this lead-up, twisting and turning, agony and betrayal, you would expect a BLOW OUT, but instead you get a fizzle. The characters are not likeable, but they aren't supposed to be! You are not meant to love these people and want to invite them into your home! You are meant to root for their vicious demise!
The writing, however, was superb. Flynn has an extreme eye to detail, and when reading the book you really have to pay attention because there are SO many MINUTE details that came back in a big way. She obviously took her time and really planned out this story. Which almost makes the ending more of a disappointment, since it had such a great lead up. Do not let the possible let down of an ending (everyone has their own opinion!) stop you from reading Gone Girl: it is wonderfully written, and very suspenseful. Not my normal genre at all, but I am glad I dipped into it!
The writing, however, was superb. Flynn has an extreme eye to detail, and when reading the book you really have to pay attention because there are SO many MINUTE details that came back in a big way. She obviously took her time and really planned out this story. Which almost makes the ending more of a disappointment, since it had such a great lead up. Do not let the possible let down of an ending (everyone has their own opinion!) stop you from reading Gone Girl: it is wonderfully written, and very suspenseful. Not my normal genre at all, but I am glad I dipped into it!
Helpful Score: 1
I was really looking forward to reading this book and for the most part enjoyed it... that is until I got to the end. I thought it quite a let down and I agree with another reviewer that says it seems as though the author lost interest by the end.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book because the author managed to flip my opinions of the characters every so often. Nothing is as it seems and keeps changing. Kept me interested. A fun read full of twists. The bad part was that for me the ending was predictable but I still enjoyed the ride.
Helpful Score: 1
It started out well,had a slight twist or two..but then the disappointment hit! I was sorry I wasted time reading!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is full of twists and turns, you will never predict the ending. The only thing I did not like was the excess in foul language at the end. Page turner!
Helpful Score: 1
I've heard so much about this book. So I got it off the New Books shelf at the library. Started out ok, although I did NOT like the voice of Amy. But I kept reading. The writing is good. I also HATE the nickname of 'Go". Every single time I read it, it jarred me. Distracted me. What kind of a name is 'Go'? To me, it just doesn't work.
I'm around p. 89 and I'm aborting. I don't want to know. Yes, I DO want to know what happened to Amy. But I don't want to be depressed doing it, and it's heading in that direction. I just read reviews and no none seems to like the ending. I don't want to devote time to a book that will disappoint me in the end...
I'm around p. 89 and I'm aborting. I don't want to know. Yes, I DO want to know what happened to Amy. But I don't want to be depressed doing it, and it's heading in that direction. I just read reviews and no none seems to like the ending. I don't want to devote time to a book that will disappoint me in the end...
Helpful Score: 1
Great fun; a great change of pace from the typical mystery novel. Very well written.
Helpful Score: 1
I am so glad I did not pay for this book! I absolutely disliked the main characters from beginning to end and the story line was very slow and unsatisfying. I do not recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Flynn is a talented writer, no question. But this is a slooow story of a loving relationship that falls apart and how people start hurting one another when that happens. Yes, there are a few twists (only one isn't predictable) and if you can bear to read through to the end, you'll have a "yikes" moment but it's a long haul to get there. If I enjoyed depressing stories, I'd read more newspapers.
Helpful Score: 1
Gone Girl is a good read, but not a great one. Flynn provides two great characters in this novel. "Amazing" Amy and her husband Nick switch back and forth to unfold their story. Amy through a personal journal, and Nick in his own voice. It seems a little slow at times, but does provide some clues as to what is going to happen later in the story. Flynn writes well, and builds the story, providing twists and turns, two very good character studies, and some dark humor, but ultimetly falls short with the ending, which was flat and somewhat contrived.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is really well written, very clever, and an intriguing page turner. However, I did not like it at all. The characters were written with plenty of description and depth but, I loathed them. They were shallow and self-serving people and I had no desire or care to know what happened to them. I like books where I can empathize with the characters, which is why I disliked this book. If it is not important to you to like the characters of the book, then you will probably enjoy this novel with it's intricate plot twists and unexpected ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I can't really understand the attraction for this book. It took me awhile to make it through the story. When the people at work ask me about it I describe it this way: the guy babbles on for a chapter, then the girl babbles on for a chapter. So it is not a book I feel I can recommend. Oh, I am sure there are some people who like it. It seems like a study in how a couple of people get attracted to each other, get married, and then, slowly, over time the marriage falls apart. The wife goes a little crazy (maybe a lot crazy). I have read a lot of other books that I liked a lot better than this one.
I almost stopped reading it after about 150 pages. I tried to like it. Finally I started skimming the last few chapters to see how the whole drama was resolved (this is something I never do). Then I struggled to go back and read from where I left off.... I had to figure out what the attraction was for this book. In the end I still didn't like it.
I almost stopped reading it after about 150 pages. I tried to like it. Finally I started skimming the last few chapters to see how the whole drama was resolved (this is something I never do). Then I struggled to go back and read from where I left off.... I had to figure out what the attraction was for this book. In the end I still didn't like it.
Helpful Score: 1
Full disclosure: I got this book free from Kirkus Reviews, so perhaps Im predisposed to give the story a positive rating.
This is the story of Nick and Amy Dunne, a married couple with a relationship on the rocks. Nick is a pretty awful person, and Amy is worse. And while ordinarily that would make me hate the protagonists and dislike the story, in this novel, its pure gold. The author (Gillian Flynn) does an absolutely fantastic job of letting us inside these peoples heads, and makes us care just enough to take us on a wild roller coaster ride.
This was a summer read well worth taking, though somehow it feels more appropriate for the vacation cottage in the woods than a lounger on the beach. Something about the lurking evil vibe that the book gives off, I guess. (Maybe Im thinking suspense and horror genres are best for the woods, and over-the-top hedonistic romps are for the beach.)
At any rate: Go sit on a tree stump in the woods and give this book a shot. It was well worth the read.
5 of 5 stars.
This is the story of Nick and Amy Dunne, a married couple with a relationship on the rocks. Nick is a pretty awful person, and Amy is worse. And while ordinarily that would make me hate the protagonists and dislike the story, in this novel, its pure gold. The author (Gillian Flynn) does an absolutely fantastic job of letting us inside these peoples heads, and makes us care just enough to take us on a wild roller coaster ride.
This was a summer read well worth taking, though somehow it feels more appropriate for the vacation cottage in the woods than a lounger on the beach. Something about the lurking evil vibe that the book gives off, I guess. (Maybe Im thinking suspense and horror genres are best for the woods, and over-the-top hedonistic romps are for the beach.)
At any rate: Go sit on a tree stump in the woods and give this book a shot. It was well worth the read.
5 of 5 stars.
Helpful Score: 1
WOW! This is one amazing story. Without giving too much away, I flipped liking characters a thousand times, loved the story but HATED the ending although I believe that is the author's final dig at the reader.
Helpful Score: 1
Her BEST book so far!!! This book won't let you put it down till you find out every juicy detail of Nick & Amy's marriage!!! READ IT IF YOU CAN GET A COPY!
Helpful Score: 1
Gone Girl is a captivating mix of mystery/thriller and relationship autopsy. To care for his ailing parents, laid-off journalist Nick Dunne moves back from New York to his hometown of Carthage, Missouri with his beautiful, clever, and also laid-off wife Amy, the namesake of the best-selling Amazing Amy series by her parents. On the fifth anniversary of their marriage with its ups but more frequent downs of late, Amy disappears with signs of foul play. Nick becomes the prime suspect in this story which alternates between their points of view. I can see how some people are turned off by the characters and the ending, but I thought Gillian Flynn gave the couple fully developed and distinct voices and psyches. Although it wasn't satisfying, the ending made sense to me. I was more drawn to reading this book than my other ongoing reads. It strikes me the type of book a Jonathan Franzen fan might enjoy as light beach entertainment.
Helpful Score: 1
I almost quit reading this book. In the middle it finally became interesting. By the end my mouth was agape with the disturbing actions of these crazy people. The ending fizzled unfortunately.
GONE GIRL, is a definite must read for all thriller lovers.I loved this book.From page one you will be hooked.I am an avid reader and book collector and i have read hundreds of books,so fa book has to be really ,really good to hook me .GONE GIRL did it.It's wicked.I taught i had it all figured out.I was wrong ,i was very wrong .It's totally shocking,I will definitely read this one again.
I seemed to take an immediate dislike to the two main characters in this book. I tried to read it anyhow, but gave up just after the "girl" became "gone". I really didn't care.
Contemporary Fiction. Did he, or didn't he? After 5 years of a rocky marriage, Nick Dunne's Society wife disappears under suspicious circumstances. He becomes the main suspect, naturally. Even the reader doesn't know the exact truth, until well into the book.
Love it or hate it, this book will have you thinking about it for a long time. There are no heroes here. Neither main character is likeable.
For those of us who have a strong sense of justice, and want to see people pay for their actions, this book could seem like a let down. But, if you really think about it, maybe justice is really served.
The story is compelling, the plot is deep and twisted, and the writing is excellant, mesmerizing. I'm glad I read it.
Love it or hate it, this book will have you thinking about it for a long time. There are no heroes here. Neither main character is likeable.
For those of us who have a strong sense of justice, and want to see people pay for their actions, this book could seem like a let down. But, if you really think about it, maybe justice is really served.
The story is compelling, the plot is deep and twisted, and the writing is excellant, mesmerizing. I'm glad I read it.
I almost stopped reading this book part way in because having just read the Girl on the Train and cursed myself for reading the entire book, had promised myself that I would never waste my time in that way again. But I stayed with Gone Girl anyway even tho I did not like any of the characters, except maybe Nick's twin, Go. Even so, I'm not sorry I stayed with it because I've never read another book quite like it. The author did an excellent job of crafting Nick and Amy in such a way that they became very believable people who stayed in their marriage in a very unbelievable and scary way. These were some really messed up people and none of them were happy, even the minor characters. I hope I never read another book like this. One is enough.
There were some interesting twists to this book, but ultimately I really didn't like this book enough to recommend it to anyone.
Admittedly I didn't care much for the author's writing style, or the self-absorbed unhappy characters, but ultimately, my dislike of the book boiled down to two things for me:
1) I could not believe the characters (until significantly investing myself in the book). I'm pretty sure anyone who sticks with the book long enough will get hooked, but Nick was just too flat a character for me to believe him in the first part. It will be interesting to see how film changes Nick - I find it hard to believe he can be as flat-lined on screen as he is portrayed in the first part of the book and be believable. By the time I moved into the third part I understood why the author created Nick as such a flat character in the first part, but I couldn't shake my disappointment at the overdone-ness of his flatness. The author did flesh him out later in the book, but it was too late for me to have a change of heart.
2) What is less forgivable (in a creative-writing sense) is the way the author overdid the "leads" early on. Her strategy seemed to be "leave so many clues that the reader is completely confuddled and I can twist this in many different directions later when I finally figure out where I want to take it".
It also irritated me that Nick (and I think Amy too) sometimes stepped out of the page and spoke directly to the reader. They were short moments (that a reader might miss), but it was jarring to me, in a way that distracted from the narrative. If it was an intentional technique, it failed on me.
While there's certainly room to dislike this book solely because of the unlikable characters, vulgar language, and the topic and genre aren't going to fit everyone's tastes, and I'll readily admit I didn't enjoy having the story and unhappy characters "in my head" after a while, I would have loved to have been blown away by unexpected twists and an incredible ending. There were some surprising twists, but nothing terribly thrilling, or even all that disturbing when all was said and done.
It could have ended twenty pages earlier than it did with a much better ending than it had. While it wouldn't have been an original way to end, I kept thinking while reading the last twenty pages or so..."it could stop at any point here and make a great Rod Serling-type or even Hitchcock-esque story". I would have rather felt unsatisfied with a story that was unfinished, but trusted me to "get it", or just allowed me to interpret it however I would, than to be underwhelmed by banal overstatement.
IMO, this was a story with great potential, but the author disappointed me.
Admittedly I didn't care much for the author's writing style, or the self-absorbed unhappy characters, but ultimately, my dislike of the book boiled down to two things for me:
1) I could not believe the characters (until significantly investing myself in the book). I'm pretty sure anyone who sticks with the book long enough will get hooked, but Nick was just too flat a character for me to believe him in the first part. It will be interesting to see how film changes Nick - I find it hard to believe he can be as flat-lined on screen as he is portrayed in the first part of the book and be believable. By the time I moved into the third part I understood why the author created Nick as such a flat character in the first part, but I couldn't shake my disappointment at the overdone-ness of his flatness. The author did flesh him out later in the book, but it was too late for me to have a change of heart.
2) What is less forgivable (in a creative-writing sense) is the way the author overdid the "leads" early on. Her strategy seemed to be "leave so many clues that the reader is completely confuddled and I can twist this in many different directions later when I finally figure out where I want to take it".
It also irritated me that Nick (and I think Amy too) sometimes stepped out of the page and spoke directly to the reader. They were short moments (that a reader might miss), but it was jarring to me, in a way that distracted from the narrative. If it was an intentional technique, it failed on me.
While there's certainly room to dislike this book solely because of the unlikable characters, vulgar language, and the topic and genre aren't going to fit everyone's tastes, and I'll readily admit I didn't enjoy having the story and unhappy characters "in my head" after a while, I would have loved to have been blown away by unexpected twists and an incredible ending. There were some surprising twists, but nothing terribly thrilling, or even all that disturbing when all was said and done.
It could have ended twenty pages earlier than it did with a much better ending than it had. While it wouldn't have been an original way to end, I kept thinking while reading the last twenty pages or so..."it could stop at any point here and make a great Rod Serling-type or even Hitchcock-esque story". I would have rather felt unsatisfied with a story that was unfinished, but trusted me to "get it", or just allowed me to interpret it however I would, than to be underwhelmed by banal overstatement.
IMO, this was a story with great potential, but the author disappointed me.
I started reading this for a book club. I couldn't make it past the first 70 pages. I didn't care for the style of writing and when a book doesn't grab me right away then I just don't waste my time on it.
I actually liked this book. It was slow to start, but had a very interesting plot. I don't think this is FLynn's best work, but definitely her style.
This book is so crazy. If you're thinking about reading it be prepared to see some crazy twists and turns. It's a good book & it held my attention after I got through the first third of the book. Stick with it, I think you'll be surprised!
Excellent book! Like a roller coaster....but I didn't like the ending...but I suspect that is the intent with a story like this. I hated characters...and then I didn't...then I did. This author has the gift of toying with her readers. Absolutely brilliant!
Great read. Keeps you guessing. Nice plot twists. Very enjoyable!
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction. Gone Girls toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunnes fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nicks clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isnt doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wifes head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the mediaas well as Amys fiercely doting parentsthe town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and hes definitely bitterbut is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didnt do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
******************************************************
Gillian Flynn's BEST book so far! Grab a copy if you can find one!
Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction. Gone Girls toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunnes fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nicks clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isnt doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wifes head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the mediaas well as Amys fiercely doting parentsthe town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and hes definitely bitterbut is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didnt do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
******************************************************
Gillian Flynn's BEST book so far! Grab a copy if you can find one!
The book had me until the last 25%. I liked the written format of the he said, she said. I did not like the ending at all. I felt sorry for the husband until the end as well.
This was one of the few books that held my interest throughout; I never wanted to stop the story of Amy and Nick. After reading the ending, I definitely don't want to stop. The ending, of course, is why I can't give the book five stars. I wanted more; it was too abrupt and didn't finish. In fact, the ending opened up a story that could be a new book!
***** Spoiler Alert *****
I'll admit that through most of the book I thought Amy's actions were righteous and justified. Nick deserved everything he had coming to him and Amy was hilarious! I found parallels and similarities to some of my past actions (calling the "How Am I Driving? numbers on truck drivers who do not follow the rules of the road, etc.). Amy was channeling, in many ways, my personal heroine, Beverly Sutphin from "Serial Mom." I think we all have tendencies.
Of course, all of that changed when I realized she was just flat-out insane. Then, I just wanted to see how she was going to go down. There were so many elements at play here, all of the characters seriously flawed and none a clear "good" person. It was like trying to choose the clearest outline of a shadow in a forest.
I don't understand why Amy's story didn't unravel, really. There seemed to be many inconsistencies - surely a casino would have recorded Amy and Desi casually having a drink together. But my girl had her bases covered. Man, she was good.
***** End of Spoiler *****
I can't wait for the movie, which I'm sure will be made. I can easily see Reese Witherspoon in the role of Amy. I'm thinking Bradley Cooper as Nick.
***** Spoiler Alert *****
I'll admit that through most of the book I thought Amy's actions were righteous and justified. Nick deserved everything he had coming to him and Amy was hilarious! I found parallels and similarities to some of my past actions (calling the "How Am I Driving? numbers on truck drivers who do not follow the rules of the road, etc.). Amy was channeling, in many ways, my personal heroine, Beverly Sutphin from "Serial Mom." I think we all have tendencies.
Of course, all of that changed when I realized she was just flat-out insane. Then, I just wanted to see how she was going to go down. There were so many elements at play here, all of the characters seriously flawed and none a clear "good" person. It was like trying to choose the clearest outline of a shadow in a forest.
I don't understand why Amy's story didn't unravel, really. There seemed to be many inconsistencies - surely a casino would have recorded Amy and Desi casually having a drink together. But my girl had her bases covered. Man, she was good.
***** End of Spoiler *****
I can't wait for the movie, which I'm sure will be made. I can easily see Reese Witherspoon in the role of Amy. I'm thinking Bradley Cooper as Nick.
I would have given this book four stars, but I thought the ending was lame. Kind of a cop out. Like the author couldn't think of a good way to end the story so she just left everyone hanging and said, I'll close with no closure!" Still, I would recommend it as a good read. An original storyline with good plot twists, every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up.
Gripping! I was so impressed by Flynn's ability to unpack every nuance of this possibly deranged couple's relationship, and to lay it out so carefully along the course of the novel.
I think the reason this novel is being reviewed as literature and not genre fiction is how perfectly Flynn conceives and then reveals her characters' personalities. Her characters read as full people, capable of all types of emotions and actions, from benevolent, selfless, and loving ones to malevolent, selfish, and deeply vengeful ones.
That being said, the plot was pretty great, wasn't it? I loved not being able to guess how it was going to turn out. I also loved how all the lies piled up to show that for some people, the best truth is lies.
Overall, it is kind of a negative book, in that I couldn't find anything helpful or inspiring about it. You probably have to be in the right mood for such a bleak and twisted story. If you are, though, I would completely recommend this one.
I think the reason this novel is being reviewed as literature and not genre fiction is how perfectly Flynn conceives and then reveals her characters' personalities. Her characters read as full people, capable of all types of emotions and actions, from benevolent, selfless, and loving ones to malevolent, selfish, and deeply vengeful ones.
That being said, the plot was pretty great, wasn't it? I loved not being able to guess how it was going to turn out. I also loved how all the lies piled up to show that for some people, the best truth is lies.
Overall, it is kind of a negative book, in that I couldn't find anything helpful or inspiring about it. You probably have to be in the right mood for such a bleak and twisted story. If you are, though, I would completely recommend this one.
Well done psychological novel / thriller. Amazing Amy is pretty nuts, but this is an interesting story!
I went into this book completely blind, thinking that it would be some run of the mill true crime-inspired novel that would merely be interesting. I had no idea that I was in for a one way express ticket to Crazy Town, and that the lives of all of the characters in this book were seriously and irreparably $%ed up.
This book is as much a character study as it is a page turning psychological thriller. In summary, it is dark, depressing, and frustrating. To be perfectly honest, the ending is terribly disappointing. I finished the book with this overwhelming sense of melancholy. So much was futile. So much was a waste.
Was it a good book worth reading? Yes and no. It was not uplifting, it does not provide meaningful closure to any of the characters, and the author has no qualms regarding foul language or descriptions of sexual situations in ways that seem intended more for their shock value than their contributions to the plot. It kept me reading and it kept me guessing, but in the end its just not a book that I am excited about, or one that I want to tell people about. In truth, it was an average book. It just didn't suit my tastes, and Im still disappointed with the ending.
This book is as much a character study as it is a page turning psychological thriller. In summary, it is dark, depressing, and frustrating. To be perfectly honest, the ending is terribly disappointing. I finished the book with this overwhelming sense of melancholy. So much was futile. So much was a waste.
Was it a good book worth reading? Yes and no. It was not uplifting, it does not provide meaningful closure to any of the characters, and the author has no qualms regarding foul language or descriptions of sexual situations in ways that seem intended more for their shock value than their contributions to the plot. It kept me reading and it kept me guessing, but in the end its just not a book that I am excited about, or one that I want to tell people about. In truth, it was an average book. It just didn't suit my tastes, and Im still disappointed with the ending.
Very good read, though the ending I wanted more.
I went into this book completely blind, thinking that it would be some run of the mill true crime-inspired novel that would merely be interesting. I had no idea that I was in for a one way express ticket to Crazy Town, and that the lives of all of the characters in this book were seriously and irreparably $%ed up.
This book is as much a character study as it is a page turning psychological thriller. In summary, it is dark, depressing, and frustrating. To be perfectly honest, the ending is terribly disappointing. I finished the book with this overwhelming sense of melancholy. So much was futile. So much was a waste.
Was it a good book worth reading? Yes and no. It was not uplifting, it does not provide meaningful closure to any of the characters, and the author has no qualms regarding foul language or descriptions of sexual situations in ways that seem intended more for their shock value than their contributions to the plot. It kept me reading and it kept me guessing, but in the end its just not a book that I am excited about, or one that I want to tell people about. In truth, it was an average book. It just didn't suit my tastes, and Im still disappointed with the ending.
This book is as much a character study as it is a page turning psychological thriller. In summary, it is dark, depressing, and frustrating. To be perfectly honest, the ending is terribly disappointing. I finished the book with this overwhelming sense of melancholy. So much was futile. So much was a waste.
Was it a good book worth reading? Yes and no. It was not uplifting, it does not provide meaningful closure to any of the characters, and the author has no qualms regarding foul language or descriptions of sexual situations in ways that seem intended more for their shock value than their contributions to the plot. It kept me reading and it kept me guessing, but in the end its just not a book that I am excited about, or one that I want to tell people about. In truth, it was an average book. It just didn't suit my tastes, and Im still disappointed with the ending.
I'm not sure what to say about this book, maybe I should save my review after all of it sinks in..just finished it a few moments ago. For those that are contemplating reading this, don't let the reviews scare you away. If you can make it to page 219 you will hang with it because you just can't put it down. Most of the reviewers are justified saying that it was a lousy ending. It does appear that the author lost interest, it was a very dull ending. Funny thing the entire book was very UNpredictable but the ending was predictable...I saw it coming and it was like someone had let the air out of a balloon.
I'm curious now about Flynn's other 2 books and I think I will read them...may shoot myself in the foot after doing so but will give them a try. I'm even more curious to see what the author has planned next. I can't give this 5 stars so I settled on 3 and I'm not sorry I read it.
I'm curious now about Flynn's other 2 books and I think I will read them...may shoot myself in the foot after doing so but will give them a try. I'm even more curious to see what the author has planned next. I can't give this 5 stars so I settled on 3 and I'm not sorry I read it.
Though I definitely was not crazy about the ending of the book, overall I really enjoyed the twists and turns and detail in the book. It was a little slow at the beginning, but once it picked up I was hooked and could not put it down.
I thought it might just be me, but after reading the reviews of some others, I now feel justified in saying that I was VERY disappointed in this book. Without being a spoiler, let me say that the book starts out veerrryyy slow for at least 100 pages, which almost caused me to stop and toss it. Then, it starts to pick up and the characters and the plot are better revealed, and I had some new interest in continuing. I kept waiting for an interesting plot twist or a gratifying ending. Yeah, neither came, and the ending was like waiting in great anticipation for your honeymoon night and your bride reveals that she's actually gay and just needs you for window dressing. About the only thing positive I could say about the ending is, the male character stayed true to the characterization the author gave him. If I had it to do over again, I would have read something else.
Overall, I think Gillian Flynn could (will?) become a talented author, because this book was fairly well-written, and the middle of the book will keep your interest, but the extremely poor ending tends to overshadow the good stuff.
Overall, I think Gillian Flynn could (will?) become a talented author, because this book was fairly well-written, and the middle of the book will keep your interest, but the extremely poor ending tends to overshadow the good stuff.
I absolutely did not like this book. None of the characters were likeable. I kept reading hoping that it would get better, but sadly it didn't. I cannot give this book a positive review.
Sad to know this is a popular book. I hated the characters and the ending seems that the author also lost interest.
Like a runaway train it builds up speed. Many twists and turns to hold your interest and test your imagination.
The general outline of the story is interesting. The problem is that all of the characters are horrible people with no redeeming qualities. That makes you not root for anyone or care how the story line plays out.
I had a hard time putting this book down I found it so interesting. The twists and turns in the plot had me constantly changing my mind about who was the victim in the story. I found the ending to be a little flat but because the rest of the book was so good I let that slide.
I'm reading this book now and I'm page 184 of nothing. Boring diary entries that suggest some bang ahead.... while I tap my toes waiting for the story to pick up, please somebody tell me if if gets better.
I finished it this morning 03.15.13 and it did not get better. I couldn't wait to be done with it. The story did not deliver for me and as much as I waited and hoped for a better thriller, it let me down big time.
It gave me the sense of a cheesy televised marriage gone wrong and let's see how twisted the characters can be made to look. I just needed to write down my first disappointing impression before I talked myself into "liking" it because everybody else did.
I wasn't my type of thriller, it felt cheesy, too expectant of nothing and up to the very end I was hoping for a final redeeming touch at the very last paragraph when "iron" the symbol for the 6th. anniversary came up. I wished up to that last moment for something really horrific to happen but it didn't.
My 2 star rating stands and I Already removed it from my wish list.
I finished it this morning 03.15.13 and it did not get better. I couldn't wait to be done with it. The story did not deliver for me and as much as I waited and hoped for a better thriller, it let me down big time.
It gave me the sense of a cheesy televised marriage gone wrong and let's see how twisted the characters can be made to look. I just needed to write down my first disappointing impression before I talked myself into "liking" it because everybody else did.
I wasn't my type of thriller, it felt cheesy, too expectant of nothing and up to the very end I was hoping for a final redeeming touch at the very last paragraph when "iron" the symbol for the 6th. anniversary came up. I wished up to that last moment for something really horrific to happen but it didn't.
My 2 star rating stands and I Already removed it from my wish list.
OMG!! So many twists and turns!! The characters were total train wrecks and utterly despicable, but I found that I couldn't stop reading!! You think you had it figured out, then BAM!, another twist. Hated the ending, though.
Compelling, dark and twisted psychological thriller about a toxic married couple. Crackling and clever prose.
I thought the book was well written and I disliked the main people but i loved it anyway, except for the end !!
This is a fast read, and keeps you interested. Follows the movie closely. Well written. Sadly, the ending felt rushed, but great story overall.
Can't say I loved it, it is not a feel good book but it kept me interested. Worth the read.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction. Gone Girls toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunnes fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nicks clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isnt doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wifes head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the mediaas well as Amys fiercely doting parentsthe town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and hes definitely bitterbut is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didnt do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
******************************************************
Gillian Flynn's BEST book so far! Grab a copy if you can find one!
Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction. Gone Girls toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunnes fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nicks clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isnt doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wifes head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the mediaas well as Amys fiercely doting parentsthe town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and hes definitely bitterbut is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didnt do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
******************************************************
Gillian Flynn's BEST book so far! Grab a copy if you can find one!
I had a hard time with this one. Still don't really know what it was about. I do know that I was not happy with the ending: it was just strange.
The book took so many twists and turns. It kept you guessing. Very enjoyable!
I couldn't put this book down. It was very intense. I just wish it had ended differently.
Flynn's writing style is captivating. She does a great job of making her characters come alive. I couldn't put down this book.
Started out a little slow, but then it picked up some speed and my interest. Good book!
Very engrossing. Lots of twists and turns. The ending may surprise you. Hope the movie is as good!
didn't like very much
Read before seeing the movie!
Can you love a book just as much as you hate it? I feel like that's the best way for me to describe this one. I have a total love/hate relationship with it.
On one hand, I think Flynn's writing style is beyond brilliant. She has a way of pulling a reader in to a story to absorb every word. I also thought this plot had a lot of potential. I've read her other books (Dark Places & Sharp Objects), so I was looking for another book that would blow me away. However, this one just didn't do that for me like I was hoping it would. I felt like the cussing could have been toned down a lot. A little profanity doesn't bother me, but this book was full of it throughout the entire book, and after a while, I felt like I had to just bleep it out in my head. I hated most of the characters, especially Amy. I never cared for her, even when I was maybe supposed to feel sorry for her. I also felt as though the story took a long time to really get me interested in it. If this book had been written by an author that I was unfamiliar with, I would have probably stopped reading a few chapters in. I only stuck it out because I knew that this author could intrigue me, so therefore, I trudged on to finish it. Unfortunately, I must say the ending left me shaking my head! I felt like about the last 1/4 of the book was thrown together, as though Flynn had no idea how to end it so she just threw some random ideas together.
I just don't think the end of it made a lot of sense, but maybe it wasn't meant to do so. I won't give away the ending, but I was left thinking, "Seriously? That's how you just pulled this whole thing together?!" In general, I just felt so disappointed at the end. This book could have had so much potential! I didn't hate it necessarily. I just didn't feel like it was as great as it could have been.
On one hand, I think Flynn's writing style is beyond brilliant. She has a way of pulling a reader in to a story to absorb every word. I also thought this plot had a lot of potential. I've read her other books (Dark Places & Sharp Objects), so I was looking for another book that would blow me away. However, this one just didn't do that for me like I was hoping it would. I felt like the cussing could have been toned down a lot. A little profanity doesn't bother me, but this book was full of it throughout the entire book, and after a while, I felt like I had to just bleep it out in my head. I hated most of the characters, especially Amy. I never cared for her, even when I was maybe supposed to feel sorry for her. I also felt as though the story took a long time to really get me interested in it. If this book had been written by an author that I was unfamiliar with, I would have probably stopped reading a few chapters in. I only stuck it out because I knew that this author could intrigue me, so therefore, I trudged on to finish it. Unfortunately, I must say the ending left me shaking my head! I felt like about the last 1/4 of the book was thrown together, as though Flynn had no idea how to end it so she just threw some random ideas together.
I just don't think the end of it made a lot of sense, but maybe it wasn't meant to do so. I won't give away the ending, but I was left thinking, "Seriously? That's how you just pulled this whole thing together?!" In general, I just felt so disappointed at the end. This book could have had so much potential! I didn't hate it necessarily. I just didn't feel like it was as great as it could have been.
In my opinion this novel is absolutely not worth the fuss being made about it. When a book has a difficult-to-believe plot, the author's prose needs to be good enough to build a world in which this decidedly bizarre activity seems actually possible. I don't think Ms. Flynn has the skill for that. If you want to read psychological thrillers, there are a variety of far better ones to choose: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Collector or The Magus by John Fowles, The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson, anything by Patricia Highsmith or Dennis Lehane.
Wow! Super intense & suspenseful..all the way to the last page!
Very well written and suspenseful!! Hooked from the beginning to the end! Recommend!
Creepy but a good thriller. I was exhausted by the end.
Excellent book, full of surprises. I couldn't put it down! I definitely recommend this book!
Slow to get started. Interesting ending.
I'll be taking this book off my wish list! Saw the movie & was so Dissappointed. Very graphic sex, & murder scene. The ending was a huge disappointment. I won't waste my time with this one.
Given all the positive reviews and long waiting list to acquire book, I was expecting a good book. IT IS AWFUL!! The characters are tedious and the story is tedious. It takes forever for anything other than banal conversations in the characters mind to develop and then is bland and boring reading. I read the first 41 pages very dutifully and then started reading the first sentence or less per paragraph (sometimes page) looking for redeeming quality but found none. I am so sorry I wasted my time on this book and would NOT recommend it to anyone. Will not read any other of her books.
Great story, crappy ending
A bit of a disappointment with all the hype surrounding it. The first hundred pages and I pretty much hated every character in the book and could care less what happened to them. Settled in and it started getting really good only for a disappointing second half of the novel. A quick read though.
Terrific read! The movie did a decent job, but the book has a lot more meat, and once you're into it, you can't put it down. If you haven't seen the movie, read the book first!
Best mystery book. Slow in the beginning but picks up halfway thru. It is a revenge book. To say anything more will ruin the plot. Loved reading it. Could not stop reading the last 50 pages. So much happens. It is a chess game where one gets checkmate at every place.
Well I'm not exactly sure how to rate this book. It is brilliant or mad writting. Probably both...
Story line, flow of story (although slow at times),ending (not what I expected but was the right ending, Amy is not a nice person), was something that was very crafty (as well as the book as a whole). I read a lot, as I am sure many of you do, so this book was so different from anything I had read before.
Now as far as the story itself...
I'm not partial to these kinds of books. It was very sadistic and I, too, felt the book ended really bad,(no child should ever be used as leverage, never ever, I don't care the situation).
I was on the wish list and was somewhere in the mid 500 range, so was out and about one day and saw the book and decided to buy it. Don't, just wait on the list and when you get the book you will be glad you didn't pay for it or go to the library.
So writting of the book 5 stars even if it did end on the down side...or not!!!
Subject matter of the book 1 star...
Also, too much offensive language that could have not been, shows the where too of the mind of the writer.
You don't have to use bad language to make a good book and you really don't have to use bad language to write a bad book! This would be the main reason I regret buying this book.
...my opinion only...this book (all) it's characters are mean spirited and very self absorbed. Not my cup of tea. First time reading this author. Most likely will not read another one of her books.
Story line, flow of story (although slow at times),ending (not what I expected but was the right ending, Amy is not a nice person), was something that was very crafty (as well as the book as a whole). I read a lot, as I am sure many of you do, so this book was so different from anything I had read before.
Now as far as the story itself...
I'm not partial to these kinds of books. It was very sadistic and I, too, felt the book ended really bad,(no child should ever be used as leverage, never ever, I don't care the situation).
I was on the wish list and was somewhere in the mid 500 range, so was out and about one day and saw the book and decided to buy it. Don't, just wait on the list and when you get the book you will be glad you didn't pay for it or go to the library.
So writting of the book 5 stars even if it did end on the down side...or not!!!
Subject matter of the book 1 star...
Also, too much offensive language that could have not been, shows the where too of the mind of the writer.
You don't have to use bad language to make a good book and you really don't have to use bad language to write a bad book! This would be the main reason I regret buying this book.
...my opinion only...this book (all) it's characters are mean spirited and very self absorbed. Not my cup of tea. First time reading this author. Most likely will not read another one of her books.
Great read. Couldn't put the book down.
This is terrific. Admittedly, I found it sluggish in the beginning, but then I got in the groove of the writing and it took off. A genius wife fakes her disapperance and apparent death, while the intelligent husband knows she is framing him. He must prove his innocense and conspires to lure her back in with his devoted public updates of how much he loves her all the while wanting to really kill her for messing up his life. It's a total psychological thriller with a very twisted ending. I was amazed.
Gillian Flynn has set a new standard for suspense novels with Gone Girl. There were unexpected twists that undid all my assumptions throughout this riveting book. It is worthy of the accolades it has accrued and the writing is as brilliant as the plot.
Fabulous. Gripping. The kind of book I couldn't wait to get to each day. Well-defined characters and plenty of plot twists.
I didn't really like this book, but I'm giving it three stars because the author did a brilliant job of creating and building suspense, the density of detail making a very complex plot and the unexpected twists and turns all too believable. And I thought the ending was pitch-perfect, allowing the reader to understand that the misery and psychological manipulation would endure for these unredeemed characters, no doubt with many more twists and turns. But the characters were so unlikable and the plot as a whole so unsavory that I wanted to take a shower after reading it!
Nick and Amy are a city couple living in New York. That is until they both lose thier jobs and find themselves back in a small town in Missouri taking care of Nick's sick parents. Then on their 5 year anniversary, Amy disappears. Her disappeance is suspicious and it looks like foul play. Fingers start to point at Nick and everyone wants to know....what happened to Amy?
This was a really good book. Initially, I had a hard time getting into the book. The first half of the book seemed to drag on. We get it. Amy's missing. Let's move the story along. I'm sure glad I stuck with it though because there is a moment in the book where everything changes and I literally thought to myself holy sh**. I could not put the book down after that. Even after I finished the book I kept thinking about it. If you like mystery, suspense, or books that leave you shocked then you should definitely read this book.
This was a really good book. Initially, I had a hard time getting into the book. The first half of the book seemed to drag on. We get it. Amy's missing. Let's move the story along. I'm sure glad I stuck with it though because there is a moment in the book where everything changes and I literally thought to myself holy sh**. I could not put the book down after that. Even after I finished the book I kept thinking about it. If you like mystery, suspense, or books that leave you shocked then you should definitely read this book.
could not put this down. read in 2 days
Excellent book.
Wish I had read the reviews before wasting my time on two very unlikeable people and a non-ending.
Best book I have read in a long time.
For 90% of the book I say kudos to Gillian Flynn. She had me hooked from the beginning. Her storytelling is very contemporary, realistic, and believable. Her idea to alternate characters, Amy telling her story through her diary, and Nick telling his story in the moment was excellent and kept me turning the page. As I would finish a chapter from Amy's point of view, I couldn't wait to finish the Nick chapter so I could get back to Amy. But then as I finished from Nick's point of view, I couldn't wait to get to Nick's next chapter. Many writers these days tend to write chapters from the point of view of different characters which I find interesting but sometimes confusing, and not once did I have to remind myself from whose point of view the chapter was from - that takes tremendous writing ability. Another aspect of the book that demonstrates a great skill in storytelling is the way Flynn gets the reader to connect with the characters. I was amazed at how I felt disgust for Nick and empathy for Amy and in the blink of an eye, my feelings reversed. I don't know that I've ever read a book that caused my feelings for the characters to flip flop in such a way. Also, without giving too much away, I will say that the "perfect crime" that is the basis of the storyline is so unbelievable that it's believable. Nick says once in the book "the bigger the lie, the more believable" and I think that's a perfect description of the storyline. The book was utterly amazing...until the last 10%. As other reviewers have stated, the ending was boring, anticlimactic, and just really a let down which is so sad considering how intriguing the rest of the book is. Even with the disappointing ending, I'm glad I read the book and would recommend it to others.
The story kept me interested throughout and I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Don't know why so many people are waiting for this book. Don't like any of the main characters and the ending was none existent. Keep looking for another chapter. Don't waste your time. She made the police seem very stupid, when the main character kept changing her story and the police kept believing her.
Could not put it down. The further you go the weirder it gets. I cannot wait to read the rest of her books. Did I mention I read the book after I've already seen the movie twice and still could not put it down
This is a good book. It kept me in suspense through the entire book. I had never read Gillian Flynn books before but will be checking out some of the others now that I have read this one.
It's scary to think you know someone only to wake up one day and see that person for who he/she really is. The lengths some of the characters went through to get what they felt they deserved were twisted.
A very engaging book that caught me right from the start and kept me reading to the end. Loved it!
Hard to put this book down!
I really liked this book until I got to the end. I felt like it had all this intensity and build up and then the end just flopped.
* * 1/2*. Fiction. When Nick's wife disappears, authorities clamor over indesputable clues pointing to the him as the murderer. The wife's diary, appearing in alternating chapters, fleshes out the story of their union, from first sighting, up until the day in question. All evidence points to Nick being a murderer.
What happened? Who dunnit? How?
How to create a Bestseller: 1) Get some of your famous author friends to read your manuscript and write ecstatic reviews. 2) Purchase billboard ad space in Times Square, NYC with a teasing tagline.
The characters are so far-fetched: Amy, the wife, Nick, the police, Nick's sister. The ending is such a kick in the gonads for someone who was expecting an exciting ending.
What happened? Who dunnit? How?
How to create a Bestseller: 1) Get some of your famous author friends to read your manuscript and write ecstatic reviews. 2) Purchase billboard ad space in Times Square, NYC with a teasing tagline.
The characters are so far-fetched: Amy, the wife, Nick, the police, Nick's sister. The ending is such a kick in the gonads for someone who was expecting an exciting ending.
One of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a long time!
Great read! Lots of twists and turns....
The book did not live up to my expectations.
It was good
Great book. Crazy woman fakes her murder in order to punish her husband.
I don't know why I ordered this one--I do not like her style of writing and her previous two I didn't finish them either--they are long, dull and boring!
Yes can't wait to see the movie to compare it.
Interesting, not great.
