OK friends, I usually wait until I have a few books to review when I do my Connect Through Reading posts, but I had to share this one with you now. I know summer is winding down and many of you are looking for a good book to read as you travel or are sitting by the pool.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I was up until 2am finishing this book. Even though I was incredibly tired, I couldn’t put it down until I figured out how it ended. In fact, I started reading it the night before we left for our Estes Park vacation and had to force myself to keep it shut until on the way home so I wouldn’t ignore my family the whole time we were away. Once it was open again, I was completely absorbed in the twists and turns of this story.
Updated to add – one of the things I think really appealed to me about this story is that it was set in Carthage, MO area, which is close to where I grew up. I was very familiar with the setting and the characters being referred to throughout the book.
I don’t want to give anything away, but Gone Girl is a story about marriage, relationships and revenge with a whole lot of crazy thrown in. It’s a thrilling, twisted, insanely good read. I felt like the ending could have given a bit more closure, but other than that, loved it. I gave it 5 Stars on Goodreads.
I’m dying to talk about it with someone, so if you’ve read it, let me know! Thank you Lesley and Ryan for the recommendation!
My friend Julianne gave me Gone Girl and it happened to jump ahead of the next to books on my list. So now, like last time, up next really is:
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
and
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Remember to connect with me on Goodreads and check out my past Connect Through Reading posts for reviews of other books I’ve read! What’s next in your book pile?
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Karly says
I just read it! It was not at all the type of book I usually read and I’m still not sure how I felt about it. I’m leaning towards no. I did not enjoy it. I had to finish it to see how it ended, but I didn’t really enjoy finishing it, ya know?
Kristen says
It’s not the type of book I normally read either… in fact I was surprised I liked it so much, but I couldn’t help but be sucked in to what was happening.
It definitley isn’t a book for everyone – but I can see how it would be hard to put down, even if you didn’t enjoy it!
shelly (cookies and cups) says
I read it!! I loved it all except for the ending.
Kristen says
Totally agreed!!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I finished it this afternoon…in 2 days!!!!!! Loved how it kept me devouring it. Did not love the ending.
Robin Sue says
CRAZY. And that is all I have to say because I would spoil it for others. But my head did pop off at the climax of the story. Loved the whole “cool girl” chapter, she kinda nailed it on that one- so true of some young gals these days.
Kristen says
So very true. This author is brilliant at weaving a crazy, trippy kind of story. I’m wondering what her other books are like. I know, I would be afraid to be her husband… she has some crazy thoughts going around in that head of hers 🙂
Janel says
Everyone is talking about this book! I requested it from my library and now I need it to get to me ASAP! Can’t wait to read it.
Amanda says
I am always up for a good read! Thanks for the recommendation Kristen. And yay at Estes Park! We have been there many times, one of my favorite places to vacation. We almost bought a house there once!
Kristy says
I just finished this too and stayed up until the wee hours to read it. I loved it but hated the ending. Would love a sequel to it.
Sue W. says
I read “The Night Circus” earlier this summer. Loved it!
Kristi G says
Read it…loved it…but did not enjoy the end. I was hoping for something more considering how strong the story was throughout the book. Now I am reading The Night Circus and am also enjoying it.
Alanna @ Kitchen Parade says
Downloaded! At first couldn’t figure out how “Carthage” was on the Mississippi, loved how that detail was introduced, like a real storyteller!
Have you read/especially seen Winter’s Bone? Gripping.
camille says
Seconded on Winter’s Bone – both the movie and the book, although the book has more meat to it (obviously they had to cut some to make a movie that wasn’t a year long).
Stacey says
I’m intrigued, saw it at Books-a-Million this morning.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I haven’t heard of this before this past week and same to your upcoming books. Can’t wait to hear more!
Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats says
I LOVED Gone Girl!! The twisty-ness of it kept me guessing. I know a lot of people weren’t fond of the ending, but I thought it was perfect!!
I’ve also read The Night Circus. We were about 50/50 at my book club with this one. It’s very descriptive, if you like that…which I did. Just wished there’d been more back story. And will be interested to see if they make it into a movie.
Les in NE says
Glad you liked it! I’m anxious to try her earlier books now that I’ve read this one. I hear they’re just as good, although a bit darker. Oh, and did you see my post about the optioning of the film rights? Reese Witherspoon may play the leading role. (She’s also going to star in Wild by Cheryl Strayed.)
I can’t remember if you’ve read The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield. That’s my #1 pick for 2012. Superb writing with unforgettable characters. I think you’d enjoy it.
Thanks for the link-love. 🙂
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
I’ve been awful about reading this summer. Anything I have read has been more of the non-fiction nature. I need a good book to escape for an afternoon or two. This sounds like a great one.
Jimi says
I know I’ve already commented on your FB post about this, but I was just reading comments on another blog review of this book. It seems that most people do not like the ending. I would be interested to know how readers thought it should end. I think the ending suited the book quite well. It left me wondering what in the world was going to happen to the two of them.
Kelly @ Kansas City Mamas says
Downloading Gone Girl now…and you’ll love Night Circus. I read it last summer. We’ll have to discuss over wine.
bridget {bake at 350} says
I’ll be curious to see what you think of The Night Circus. I so wanted to love it. I so didn’t.
Red Star to Lone Star says
Just finished Gone Girl last night. Could not put it down. But I agree regarding the ending, it was a let down, especially compared to the rest of the book, which was impressively insightful. It was as though she did not know how to end it and just came up with something sloppy :(.
Dustin Bussen says
love this book, it was highly recommended for me by my best friend
kelsey says
you will LOVE LOVE LOVE the history of love!! Excited to read Gone Girl myself, and having to wait until after Aspen Jazzfest so I don’t ignore my boyfriend or our hosts. Life is so tough sometimes 🙂
Linda@getlindagetfit says
I haven’t read Gone Girl yet, but it is on my list. However, The Night Circus is Uhmaazing – love, love loved it!