Reader with a Cause discussion

Wow. I don’t know about you, but that book was...I mean, I don’t even...yeah.
Did you see any of that coming??

It seems like people either give this book one star or five stars – with not much in between. Why do you think this book elicits such strong, polarized reactions?

And, more specifically, what did you think of the ending?* What do you think is in store for Amy, Nick, and their child?


* Read Gillian Flynn’s take on the ending over on Entertainment Weekly: http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/12/04/g...

This book absolutely hooked me - a few friends recommended it to me & I ended up reading it in practically one sitting. I thought I knew what was going to happen, and then it went completely around the bend. So, no. I didn't see the ending coming.

I really appreciated reading Flynn's thoughts on the ending. It's been awhile since I read the book, but I remember being supremely creeped out by the ending. Her explanation didn't really change that.

I agree with Emily that the ending is creepy. I couldn't believe that after everything these 2 people did to each other that they were going to stay together. And I couldn't imagine them raising a healthy child together. Poor child!

I did not see the ending coming at all! Once I realized what she had done and that he was not really the person depicted in the "diary" I was a little disgusted. I felt like the character of Amy was a stereotype that women often get. I especially felt like it displayed an instance of women trying to fake domestic violence to get back at a man which is counterproductive. I think that is the main reason I disliked this book once I was done with it. I suppose it is true that some women are like this but would prefer it was not broadcasted in a book making it more standard than it should be.

I think it's interesting that the author said, in the article you posted the link to, "I want books that give me insights into how people's minds work and hearts work..." because that is how I think this book failed me. I look for the same things in books but in this one I didn't find that, at least not with respect to Amy because no one is so one-dimensional that she always thinks of everything and ends up on top.

I've been very quiet on this book, trying to collect my thoughts to form an appropriate response. This book is very well written. I felt that I could fully picture everything described. That being said, I didn't like any of the characters. I couldn't relate to anyone in the book. Typically when I read I feel a hangover after a book ends because I miss the characters. I couldn't wait to get rid of these characters and move to the next book!

As much as I appreciate a well written book, I'm afraid this book is going to give people the idea that all women are manipulative and liars.

I think I will leave it here... still struggling with forming coherent thoughts on this strange, creepy book.

Ashley I totally agree with your thoughts on the book!