Book Review #1

I'm addicted to words. Any kinds of words. They are full of knowledge and sometimes useless facts, but regardless I'm addicted. So to kick off my first book review, I wanted to talk about two books I was completely surprised with.

1. Gone Girl- Gillian Flynn

2. Room- Emma Donoghue 

I'm going to be completely absurd here and drive those with OCD nuts. Only because I'm going to review number 2 first. :) 

Room- Emma Donoghue

I was recommended this book by one of my professors, but I was reluctant to pick it up. I finally did when I found it at one of my favourite used book stores Bearly Used Books in Parry Sound, Ontario (This place is heaven on earth for book lovers). Emma wrote the book after reading about the Fritzl Case, which involved way more kids than her book. The book is narrated by a 5-year-old named Jack. He was born in the "room" and believes that what he sees on TV is not reality (yes, their captor was 'nice' enough to give them a TV) and what's inside the room is reality. Without ruining the plot, the book is based around Jack and Ma finding a way to escape their captor. What unveils is quite clever.

What I loved about this book is that I didn't feel like I was reading a novel. I felt like I was reading a memoir of Jack and his mother. To me that makes a good fiction novel. I love that that Emma didn't over exaggerate the situation or create unrealistic events. Overall I think this is a great book for those who don't mind reading a bit into the scarier corners of life, but don't want to accept the reality of those corners.

Gone Girl- Gillian Flynn 

OMG.

That's it. That's all I have to say about this book.

Who am I kidding- I am RAVING about this. I was pretty skeptical when one of my best friends Under The Blush told me I had to read it. She's got great taste in books, but sometimes fiction just rubs me the wrong way. I was wrong, she was right. I read 3/4 of the book in one night just so I could catch the film.

Before I even discuss the plot, the way this book was written is brilliant. Gillian goes back and forth between the Husband's realtime experiences/flashbacks and the diary of the wife that was written before these events. Because of this I found myself trying to flip forward to figure out the story (don't do that...you'll ruin the surprises).

The plot centres itself around a wife who goes missing and a husband whose concern seems
non-existent. The plot twists are endless and shocking. I can't say anymore simply because of that reason. I was constantly mustering up ideas on how/why it all happened, but each new twist put my ideas to shame.

I must say, the ending could have been better. However, I have to give her credit because I don't know how she would topped her plot twists. Overall.... AMAZING and could definitely happen in real life, which is a bonus.

Tip: Read this before you watch the movie.


What are your thoughts on these books? Do you have any recommendations for me?