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45 pages 1 hour read

You

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Caroline Kepnes

You

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

You by Caroline Kepnes follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore employee in New York City, who becomes obsessed with an aspiring writer named Beck after she visits the store. Through persistent stalking and manipulation, Joe infiltrates Beck's life, eliminates her significant others, and pushes boundaries to win her affection, with dangerous consequences. The story addresses stalking, violence, and murder.

Dark

Suspenseful

Unnerving

Mysterious

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

281,841 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Caroline Kepnes' You captivates with its chilling portrayal of obsession through the eyes of a compelling yet disturbing protagonist. Critics praise its addictive narrative and sharp writing. However, some readers find the explicit content off-putting and the protagonist's perspective uncomfortable. Regardless, it remains a gripping psychological thriller that leaves a lasting impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read You?

Fans of psychological thrillers and dark, twisted narratives will be captivated by Caroline Kepnes's You. Similar readers enjoyed the gripping suspense and complex characters of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train, both of which delve into the intricacies of the human psyche.

4.2

281,841 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Joe Goldberg

An unassuming bookstore employee with a knack for blending in, whose internal narrative reveals a complex and darker nature beneath his outward persona.

An aspiring writer who presents an idealized version of herself on social media, struggling with the tension between her public image and private self-doubts.

Beck's boyfriend from a privileged background, running an artisanal soda company, who exemplifies a lifestyle and demeanor that irritate Joe.

A wealthy and well-read friend of Beck’s with literary connections, whose possessive friendship with Beck poses a challenge for Joe.

Beck's therapist, viewed by Joe as a confidant with privileged access to personal secrets, whom Joe later learns more about through scrutiny.

Book Details
Pages

448

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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