You - A Dangerous but Perverse Romantic Thriller (Book review)

I can't really remember how I got into reading You or the circumstances that brought me to it. All I remember is that I really looked forward to completing it and sharing this amazing book with you all here in this community.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes is a 302-paged psychological thriller that tells the love story of aspiring writer Guinevere Beck and bookseller Joe Goldberg.

When Beck walks into a bookstore, the bookstore where Joe works, he is smitten by her appearance and how nice she talks to him. He believes she was made for him. Soon, Beck becomes attracted to him and they both believe they were perfect for each other. But Beck is slow to admit it to herself, her friends and to Joe that they are literally obsessed with each other. When they finally kick-start their everything-ship, Joe realizes that Beck is not everything he thought her out to be. And Beck also realizes that Joe has his own fair share of secrets. Their everything-ship which was supposed to be a rollercoaster of love, turns out to be a whirlwind of deadly consequences.

I loved so many things about this book that I don't even know where to start from. This is one of the best plots I've read in a while. There are people who would do everything in their power to get what they want. They justify whatever makes them satisfied. Not everybody accepts the right thing as the norm. Joe is that kind of person. One who'd break rules and justify them, believing that the world is wrong for thinking he is in the wrong.

Caroline Kepnes's writing style. She wrote this book in a way that every sentence carries a tinge of suspense. The story was told from Joe's narrative and it was written just the way I imagined a man like Joe would speak. Not so perfect, perfect grammar. She wrote this book in a way that you were made to support whatever Joe was doing, before realizing it was wrong. While reading, I and Joe had stalked Beck but I didn't know till reality hit me😂. And when the realization dawns, it's funny because you were reading it and didn't think it through immediately 😂.

Also, this book was written in the first and second person narrative. It was written in Joe's perspective and Joe referred to Beck as 'You'. He only called her Beck to emphasize whatever he wanted to. And that happened very rarely. This is my first time reading something written in both perspectives and actually, that was one of the things that drew me into the book. Apart from its striking title and very attractive cover.

Whatever happened at the end, I wasn't expecting it. It was so unexpected. Joe was really a piece of work in this book. I never entertain spoilers. Do you want to know what happened? Read the book. But before jumping in, prepare yourself mentally. I don't think anyone would expect what was happening within the pages of that book.

This story is one that has been dear to my heart for over two years. I picked up this book with no knowledge of what was in it. Not until I came across a review by @jhymi on the movie. By then, I was reading the book. And I remembered that I've always had the Netflix series 'You' in my watchlist for over two years but because I hardly watch movies, I've been postponing watching it. My teacher back in secondary school two years ago, told us the story and I was intrigued. Ever since then, I've looked forward to watching the movie. I was so excited that I got to experience the novelty of reading the novel before watching the adaptation, even though I never knew the movie was based on a book. Since I've read the book, I hope I can venture into the series with a clear mind.

This book was really slow at the middle, I think that was why it took me time to complete it. Other than that, it was a really good one.

I'll rate it an 8.5/10. It was a really good thriller. One that I'll definitely add to my list of recommendations to those that haven't watched the series. Joe is crazy and I enjoyed reading about his craze-induced actions.

I'll also like to use this opportunity to participate in the hive book club Monday prompt. This week's challenge says

Among the authors you admire, whose writing style do you find the most captivating, and how does it compare to others?

I have so many authors and it was really hard for me to pick. I read so many genres and every author has their unique writing style. I love Damilare Kuku (author of Nearly all the men in Lagos are mad), I love Holly Black (author of Folk of the Air series), I love Holly Jackson (author of a good girl's guide to murder series), I loved and still love Buchi Emecheta (author of Second Class Citizen), Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie (author of Purple Hibiscus) and a host of others. But there's one author I love her works the most. People who are close to me are familiar with the name because of how much I talk about her.

I remember reading my first book ofbold hers sometime about two years ago and I was, and still am literally obsessed. She is RuNyx. He first work was about six years ago or so I guess. So she's kind of a new, not-new author. But ever since I read the Predator, she became my favourite.
I've read almost all her works. Dark Verse series and Gothikana being my favourite.

Runyx has a peculiar writing style to her. She writes in a way so beautiful that you the reader have no choice but be drawn to her works. I've read quite a lot of books in my life. Every author with their unique writing styles. But RuNyx currently, tops them.

I forget things a lot but it's been over two years since I read the series from her. That's probably why it's my favourite. You don't forget extremely beautiful things. The last book will be coming out on the 29th of this month and I've cried a lot. I cried because my favourite series is coming to an end and also, I get to experience the beauty of her most recent works. I really have high hopes for this her work. I hope to not be disappointed.

RuNyx writes dark but soft characters. Strong characters with tragically compelling back stories that'll leave you wanting to reach into the book and console them. Runyx has a very creative way of making all her books relate to each other. She does it in a way that if you're not observant, you miss it. But if you're lucky to realize it, you'll marvel at the creativity and the effort behind her writing.

Also, I love her descriptive way of writing. I read one of her works the day before yesterday and it reminded me why I fell in love with her works. She is very descriptive. And she isn't descriptive in a way that will impose an imagery on you. When I read her works, with her descriptiveness, it as if the scenes are being played in front of me but I'm in charge. I'm given the authority to display the scenes, how I want them to appear and how they should appear.

Okay, I think i ranted enough already. This wordcount for this post is becoming too long. Anytime I read her works, I tend to lose track of time. I didn't know writing about her could do that to me too.

Do check out her other works. And if you haven't read the dark verse series, you can read the first five books and join me so we wait for The Syndicater together. When we're done, we can cry together because of how good it was, or we can hiss if it wasn't up to our expectations😂. I'm optimistic it'll be the former though. But just in case.

Also, don't hesitate to participate in this week's prompt and tell us about your favourite author.

You stayed till the end? That really means a lot to me. You found my yapping and rambles and babbles fun. Thank you.

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