Gone Girl
Sometimes we stick with a book because a character is so dear to us we simply must accompany her to the end. Other times we read for the love of an author’s use of language, a clever turn of phrase, perhaps, or an ability to conjure clear images in our minds. We might read to lose ourselves in a historical setting. Or we read to educate ourselves. We read to grow.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Then there’s a book like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which we read because the story is so darn good. And bizarre. And original. And it keeps us up for two nights straight until we know exactly what happens to the last word on the last page.
I read close to 50 books in 2012, but Gone Girl, book #30 for me, was the first one on my list that felt like pure reading pleasure, the nobody talk to me I’m in the middle of a good book kind of fun.
Now if you’ve read Gone Girl, you know that “fun” is probably not the best word to describe this story of a man who is accused of killing his wife. I almost can’t tell you more about the plot without ruining the clever twists and turns that Flynn reveals to us in brilliantly plotted and paced drips along the way.
Through the character of the wife-in-question, Amy, Flynn gives us some of the best social commentary I’ve encountered in a novel. Amy’s take on what it means to be the “cool girl” were some of my favorite passages of 2012. That’s no exaggeration. Again, I can’t share them more specifically without spoiling the wild ride of this book, but you’ll know exactly what I mean when you’re there. And you’ll highlight those lines and hopefully come back here to say, “Yes. Just yes.”
Flynn also forces us to ask ourselves how well we can ever know anyone, including a spouse.
My summary of the plot: Worst marriage ever.
My final recommendation: Read this book!
I’ve been hearing good things about this one – now that it has your stamp of approval, I may have to spring for it!
Amber recently posted…Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – I Am a Leaf on the Wind
It’s a MUST! Email me when you get to part 2. You’ll know what I mean when you get there.
Nina recently posted…The Books I Kept Recommending in 2012
Compelling endorsement, Nina. Somehow, this one is still now on my shelf. Perhaps because 54 are in front of it (quite literally). Well, maybe now I need to make it 55.
Melissa Crytzer Fry recently posted…So Long, Farewell
Oh boy, I’m having that problem too. Add the Kindle and the list is completely out of control. This is a good one to read in a few nights and knock right OFF the list. Now I’m curious to try Flynn’s other novels too. I don’t normally consider myself a thriller/mystery lover, but this one is not to be missed.
Nina recently posted…The Books I Kept Recommending in 2012
Loved Gone Girl as you know, but it may be that it’s actually Flynn’s “lightest” book, as least from what I can gather.
You’ll have to let me know if you do read anything else by her. I went so far as to buy her first one (Sharp Objects) and could tell right away on page 1 it was probably going to be too much (ie, too disturbing, dark) for me. “This is not a book for the weak of stomach,” said one reviewer. Same for what I read about certain aspects of Dark Places (hence the name!). We’ll see, I may still give them a shot at some point, but would certainly love to hear if others read them.
Another one that’s been on my list for a while — thanks for the nudge, Nina!
So great to see you here, Amanda! And thanks for following us on Twitter, too.
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
Okay, you sold me. I’m adding this to my must-read list on Goodreads!
Promise to email me or tweet or whatever when you get to part two!
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
I LOVED Gone Girl, and I totally agree with you on what makes it so compelling. Yes, the characters are unlikeable and you don’t know who to believe, but the plot is just so good and every time you think you know what’ll happen next, it turns out you really don’t. I read this during the summer Olympics, which says a lot because normally I’d be glued to the screen. As soon as they’d go to commercial break I’d open up the book again, and I missed many pretty dives and gymnastics dismounts because of it.
Despite the dark subject matter, I did feel kind of like a kid again reading this, simply because I got so lost in it and couldn’t be bothered to do anything but keep turning the pages.
Natalia Sylvester recently posted…12 Random Things I Learned in 2012
Yes! Exactly! I ignored everything else to get to the end. I didn’t love the end, which I’ve discussed on my blog, but an interview with Gillian Flynn about what sees as the nature of marriage made me rethink my thoughts on the ending.
Meanwhile, I can’t wait to see the movie! Although like Hunger Games, knowing what’s coming will take away from the suspense.
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
Ahem, yes, so you know I said I was only aiming for 15 books this year….you may have just bumped that up one! Sounds like a fantastic book!
Carin recently posted…celebrating 2012: creative achievements
Carin,
You will read this one quickly and have time to move on to the next one without messing up the plan. I promise! Nina
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
OK, this one goes to the top of my TBR list. It’s been on my radar, but I still wasn’t sure. Now I am. Thanks, Nina!
Anne R. Allen recently posted…An Editor Confesses: 6 Things Writers Taught Me…by Ruth Harris
Oh Anne! For you it is a MUST. I bet it will send you back to whatever working on now to add new twists and turns.
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
Agreed. “Liking” the main characters is so beside the point in this novel. While perhaps unsettling, it’s audacious and fun. I was in awe of her ability to switch the reader’s sympathy and allegiances so many times (at least in my case). Love the new site!
Perfectly said, Alisa. I was rooting for one. Then the other. Then neither, really.
I agree, Nina. Gone Girl was one of my recent favorites, too, though like Alisa said, not because I “liked” the characters. The whole story had me wrapped around its finger, which doesn’t happen often. That was the fun. I look forward to Flynn’s next!
Thanks for launching us into 2013, Nina. And thank you to you all for your support. We look forward to sharing great books with you this year and on!
Jennifer King recently posted…Great New Books 2013 Launch
I like that expression that story had you wrapped around its finger. That’s it exactly!
I just started another book, another of your recommendations, and I’m awaiting a pre-release copy of a friend’s book (Ripple by E.L.Farris). So Gone Girl is on the queue after these others. I actually had it up to read next, but then you posted your best of 2012, and I bumped 2 others in front of Gone Girl. I’ll never keep up with you, but boy have I read some good books lately because of you! Thanks!
Carrie Hanson recently posted…Making Peace With Equations
I love discussing books with you, Carrie!
It’s official. I cannot wait any longer to read this book. :0)
You’ll zip right through it, Katharine.
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
Gillian Flynn was at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville. I hate that I missed her this year, as I have heard such wonderful things about this book. I can’t wait to pick it up. Instead of just saying that, I’m actually going to go order it now. Happy post New Year’s Day to me!
By the way, LOVE the color version of your photo on your site!
Jolina Petersheim recently posted…The Beauty of “Sometimes”
I would love to hear Flynn speak and just see what kind of mind comes up with this kind of story.
Thanks re: the picture! It’s the color version of the old one, which was feeling a bit stark.
I read it last week…finally. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Both the story and the expert ways the author moved us through the minds of these tragic characters. I’d heard so many say that the book was great but the ending was awful. As a theologian, I am struck by the use of that word. I don’t think people meant the ending was awful. Just that it was unfulfilling…or unfair…or unjust.
As is life…
Rebecca Einstein Schorr recently posted…Attitude is Everything
You know what–I agree. “Unfulfilling” is more accurate. But my mom told me about an interview with Flynn in which she spoke about why she ended the book that way. She felt it reflected the reality of some marriages . . . the deals people make. Made me appreciate it on a different level.
I’ve been seeing this everywhere. I’m glad to know a little bit about the plot.
Great cover design.
Maggie S. recently posted…New Year’s Resolutions: Reverent, Requisite, Real
But really the plot is so hard to get across without ruining it. I hope you’ll give it a try. Come back and let us know what you think.
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
I read this book a few weeks ago, and I have been loaning it to coworkers ever since. I describe it as being like a Hitchcock film in a book (and I adore all Hitchcock movies). It also reminded me of the movie THE WAR OF THE ROSES. I loved the passages about what it means to be a single girl and the roles she felt must be played in the dating arena. I didn’t love the ending either, but in some ways it seemed right for these particular characters. I need to read your review of this book on your site.
Hitchcock and War of the Roses are great comparisons, Cindy!
I think it’s a sign that I need to get this book this weekend – it’s the THIRD time today that I’ve seen it mentioned in blogs/ sites I’ve read!
Alison recently posted…Farewell, 2012
And I get you’ll keeping hearing about it! Apparently it’s getting made into a movie with Reese Witherspoon as the star.
“Gone Girl” has been on my “To read” list for a while now and when I finish “Caleb’s Crossing” for my book discussion group next week, it will move to the top. I have heard too many good things about it for it to wait much longer.
Mairedubhtx recently posted…Daily Prompt–Stroke of Midnight
Come back and let us know what you think!
Well, now I have to add another book to my TBR list. I don’t have time to read everything! I love the site, by the way. Happy New Year and here’s to good reading in 2013!
Thank you! Jennifer Lyn King designed it. She’s so talented and great with the photos, etc.
Just your plot summary alone sold me, Nina! This site looks great – congrats! I can always count on you to bring on the good stuff.
Go Jules Go recently posted…The Outfit That Fits Today
On a completely different note, as I know you like memoir, I have Chelsea Handler’s first one sitting on my Kindle. Worth the read? Have you read it?
Nina, Chelsea is irreverent, vulgar, and hilarious. And great fun to read. What I enjoyed most about her book, “Are You There, Vodka, It’s Me, Chelsea” was her voice. When I read her stories I felt like she was right next to me, telling them to me, personally. If I could write so honestly and still be so funny, well, I’d have my own show, too!
Yes…oh yes! I just read it in two nights straight too, and nobody dared talked to me while I was reading because I may just have growled a little at the first person who tried. What a bloomin’ great read! And I just loved some of the observations Amy made on a number of things. The ending was a tad disappointing after such a wild ride, it but still adored the book. What a great book to start my reading year on!
Carin recently posted…Action!
So glad my recommendation did not disappoint!
Regarding the ending, I felt the same way until my mom told me about the interview she heard with Flynn, which changed her mind. Now if I my mom could remember where she heard the interview so I could provide a link, that would be helpful. Alas . . .
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
So, you know I live about 15 minutes from the OTHER Carthage, right? Just started reading
Oh! Come back Dawn and let us know what you think!
Love this one too, Nina!
The site looks great – good luck on this adventure!!
Galit Breen recently posted…That Tug
Thanks, Galit!
Nina recently posted…The Relaunch of Great New Books
I finished Gone Girl in a few days, as well. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that sucked me in like this one. It brought me out of my reading comfort zone, because, let’s face it: the language is brilliant and purposefully jagged in all the right places. I simply had to see how it could POSSIBLY turn out. Though I wouldn’t have chosen the ending, I can definitely see why Ms. Flynn chose it, and I respect that. No regrets here!
Jillian Boston recently posted…Hobbledehoy (j)
YES! You nailed one of the major draws to the book. The story is brilliant, but it’s more than that. Down to the sentence level it’s excellent writing. So glad it didn’t disappoint. Thanks for coming back to discuss your thoughts.
As much as I disliked Amy and Nick, I couldn’t stay away from them. “Gone Girl” is not the type of book I usually read. I’m glad I tried something different. It was a fun read. Flynn is brilliant.
This was also the first in this genre for me in a long time. I’ve heard great things about her other books too.
Nina recently posted…When I was Pre-Law and Other Wrong Turns Towards the Right Path
I’m liking this one so far. Had it on the list since my GNB days! Hope you’ll keep posting on it! I love the diary chapters best. I keep trying to dissect Amy as a character cause you really don’t like her, but I want so badly to understand her.
Read anything else by Gillian Flynn? I put Dark Places on my TBR list this year too.
Jess Witkins recently posted…Sweet Jesus, What Did We Just Watch?!
Hi Jess! I haven’t read her others but I plan to by the end of 2013! Good point about wanting to understand Amy, which is compelling enough to read to the end. We don’t need to like her to want to see what happens.
Nina recently posted…This is Childhood