Book Review: You (You, #1) by Caroline Kepnes
Wow! I genuinely loved You—the first book in Caroline Kepnes’ captivating thriller series that has turned the literary world upside down since its release in 2014. I initially embarked on this buddy read with my friend Medhat, who presented me with several options, and this one is the gem that pulled me out of a reading slump. I had no prior knowledge of Kepnes or her work, but I’m grateful for the nudge; this book is an intoxicating, darkly humorous exploration of obsession that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
Plot and Characters
The story is narrated by Joe Goldberg, a seemingly charming bookstore owner in New York City who becomes dangerously fixated on a customer, Guinivere Beck—known to most simply as Beck. Here lies the dark magic of Kepnes’ writing: Joe’s voice is simultaneously enticing and unnerving. He narrates the story as if he speaks directly to Beck, framing every eerie action through the lens of his obsession. It’s a unique narrative perspective that pulls you in, making you feel uncomfortably complicit in his stalker antics.
As Joe stalks Beck online, orchestrating circumstances to isolate her from friends and steer her away from her jerk of a boyfriend, I found myself oscillating between disbelief and fascination. His wit could charm you even as it left you horrified. You hate what he does, cringe at his manipulation, but can’t help but be drawn into his mind—much like Beck herself.
The cast surrounding Joe and Beck fleshes out a rich narrative, from Beck’s self-absorbed friends, particularly the annoying Peach, to her well-meaning psychiatrist. Each character enhances the intensity and drama of Joe and Beck’s relationship, revealing layers of complexity and damage inherent in each of them.
Writing Style and Themes
Kepnes’ prose is as sharp as a razor and filled with philosophical musings that echo the narrative’s depth. At times, the language is dense—Joe and Beck are both prolific readers, and their literary references add a layer of richness while enhancing their multifaceted personalities. The pacing is quite clever, with approximately 400 pages broken into 50 short chapters that keep the tension simmering and cater to modern readers’ short attention spans.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was Joe’s raw authenticity and his ability to draw readers into his world. There were moments when I could almost feel his internal struggle, forcing me to question my moral compass as I rooted for a character who is clearly the antagonist. It’s a wild rollercoaster of feelings and whispers of internal conflict.
Memorable Takeaways
There were snippets throughout the book, such as Joe ruminating about life as if it were a novel, that resonated deeply, making me reflect on how we edit our own narratives through the lens of those around us. It’s unsettling yet thrilling, akin to watching a gripping movie where you know the protagonist is flawed beyond redemption, yet you can’t look away.
Final Thoughts
For those who enjoy dark psychological thrillers and narratives that delve into the complexities of obsession, You is a must-read. It forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about love, manipulation, and the blurry lines between affection and obsession. Kepnes’ work is immensely engaging, and I already feel the pull to dive into its sequel, Hidden Bodies.
If you’re like me and need a gripping page-turner to break out of a reading slump, you won’t regret picking up You. Just be prepared; it’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve put it down.
Have you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s discuss!
