Review: You by Caroline Kepnes

The only thing crueler than a cage so small that a bird can’t fly is a cage so large that a bird thinks it can fly.

3.5 stars. This book managed to do so many great things, and I am thoroughly impressed. The prose is incredibly well written, and the details and metaphors used carry throughout the entire novel in a fashion reminiscent of Stephen King.

Speaking of King, this book is definitely scary. I would even dare to say horrifying at times. Was it horrifying because of the stalking and murder? No. That’s what was scary. It was horrifying that, at times, Joe seemed logical. I could see why he felt the need to do some of the things he did, and it is horrifying to know that a “normal” person could become what he became.

He also provided commentary about today’s society and... it’s hard to disagree with him about a lot of it.

The idea for this book is extremely unique, but I could see it being executed immaturely. Fortunately, Caroline Kepnes executed it incredibly. I am in awe of how well she managed to write in the mind of Joe. The narration never sounded like it could have been coming from anyone other than him.

Not only did she flesh out the character of Joe, but she did so for Beck as well. I loved that Beck was nearly as flawed as Joe, and it made my head spin as I tried to decide whose fault everything was. It was both alarming and exciting that the decision wasn’t obvious. A wonderful layer added on top of it all.

Overall, this was a great thriller and I can’t wait to watch the show on Netflix.

Song I was reminded of while reading: All I Think About is You by Ansel Elgort