Back in the day, I would have NEVER watched a movie/TV adaptation before reading the book it was based on. I guess you could say I was a real bookworm in that way. But, hey, people can (and do) change.

In September 2018, a new show premiered called “You” in which an obsessive and brooding bookstore manager named Joe Goldberg meets Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer. Joe falls completely head over heels for Beck, often taking things to a gruesome extreme in the name of “love”.

This TV show was captivating, to say the least. So, I decided to read the book after watching the show. (Sorry, 12-year-old me.) When I tell you this was one of the best books I’ve ever read…

As our very unreliable narrator, Joe’s twisted thoughts are shared through a unique, darkly humorous, charismatic, and authentic character voice. This was perhaps my favorite aspect of the book: Joe’s sinister humor, his warped perception of the world around him, his methodical plotting… it’s simply addicting. I found myself quickly devouring this book, trying to understand Joe, anxiously reading on to find out what would happen next.

This book is also unique in the sense that it pushes you to question your own ethical perspective. Under typical circumstances, Joe’s selfish, manipulative, and violent tendencies would immediately sound the “ANTAGONIST” alarm. But, Joe’s violence is a result of a traumatic past, devoid of love and nurturing. As a reader, I occasionally found myself rooting for Joe, wishing for him to be seen, just as he himself so desperately desires. Then, at other moments, I’d find myself horrified by his acts, yearning to see justice prevail and Joe face actual consequences for his crimes.

Fans of the TV show will be happy to know that the plot of this book closely resembles the show’s storyline, with the exception of a few minor details. We love to see a TV adaptation that sticks true to the source material!

All in all, I would rate this book 5 stars. Caroline Kepnes, you really killed it with this one.

FINAL SCORE: