I purchased this audio book during one of Audible’s two for one sale. I chose it because I heard great things about it, however the book was nothing like I expected. I know many of my blogger friends enjoyed this book, but it did not blow me away as I hoped it would. Not that the story wasn’t good, in fact I found I couldn’t give up on it as I wanted to know if it would end the way I expected. Well, the details leading up to the end may have differed from my expectations, but the result was exactly what I expected.
What really got to me about this book were the characters. I knew prior to starting the book that the main character (Joe) would be someone that I would probably end up not liking and I was right; I did not like him one bit. I hoped the secondary characters would have provided a balance to his madness. Instead, they proved to be no better than Joe was, with the worst being Beck, the woman he stalked. Throughout the story, I kept wondering what Joe saw in her. Self-centered, shallow and dishonest would be the perfect terms to describe Beck and her friends were no better.
With YOU, we get the story from Joe’s POV, now that was one crazy journey. OMG! Demented but smart, Joe knew exactly what to do to get what he wanted, and he wants Beck. The lengths he went through to achieve this was horrific.
On the surface, Joe appeared sweet and harmless, but being inside his head creeped me out, but I could not stop listening. I had to know what his next move would be. I was not a fan of his inner dialogue as he rambled on and on, with no end in sight, which exasperated and frustrated me. As a result, I read other books in between to combat the frustration and annoyance. Eventually as the story neared the end, it picked up the pace and things became interesting.
The story highlighted the dangers that come with the use of social media, credit cards and mobile phones. It is scary knowing that we are not safe using the things designed to make our lives easier. Having been a victim of online banking fraud, this scare for me was real. Beck made it easy for Joe to get to her as she posted her life all over twitter and Facebook.
Narration
I enjoyed the narration by Santino Fontana. He captured every facet of Joe, bringing his character to life. I am glad I listened to YOU as it enhanced my experience with the story and made it easier for me to endure to the end.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, an interesting take on stalking and obsession. Please note this is not for the faint of heart, so if unreliable and crazy characters, violence and a host of other scary issues, do not freak you out then you can give YOU a chance.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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I must say that I wasn’t blown away by this one either. I think I was somewhere around 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4. I actually enjoyed the second book, Hidden Bodies, a lot more for some reason. I have heard that the narrator did a great job with this one so I am glad you were able to listen to it.
Yes, the narrator made it a pleasant listen, but the story wasn’t all that.
I know this book would definitely freak me out. Great review, though 🙂
Megan
Ginger Mom & Company
Thank you.
Great review! The book would make me a little freaked out. I love your review!
Thanks, for stopping by.
Great review, Not a book I’m familiar with.
Sorry you didn’t love it. Hopefully your next one is better!
I bought the book to read before I watched the series but haven’t gotten to it yet ?
Great review, now I really want to listen to this book on audio I am going to see if my library has it on audio. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
I haven’t read this one, but I’ve heard it’s a great one! Lovely review.
Great review! I’ve heard a lot about this book, but I honestly don’t think it’s for me.
I have this book on my shelf and I have heard all good things about it. Sorry it didn’t meet up to what you were hoping.
This one kinda scares me
I have not read/ listened to this. I watched the Netflix show and really enjoyed it and his inner monologue on that was crazy.
I loved this book.