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The Girl on the Train
by
THE RUNAWAY SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLER AND THRILLER OF THE YEAR
'Really great suspense novel. Kept me up most of the night. The alcoholic narrator is dead perfect' STEPHEN KING
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who ...more
'Really great suspense novel. Kept me up most of the night. The alcoholic narrator is dead perfect' STEPHEN KING
Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who ...more
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Paperback, 409 pages
Published
May 5th 2016
by Black Swan
(first published January 6th 2015)
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I once read a book by a former alcoholic where she described giving oral sex to two different men, men she'd just met in a restaurant on a busy London high street. I read it and I thought, I'm not that bad. This is where the bar is set.
oh, yeah - this one is going to be a must-read for those people looking to find their next Gone Girl experience. it's an incredibly fast-paced and engrossing psychological thriller, and i was on board as soon as i read the editor's bit of ARC-copy, even though i k ...more
oh, yeah - this one is going to be a must-read for those people looking to find their next Gone Girl experience. it's an incredibly fast-paced and engrossing psychological thriller, and i was on board as soon as i read the editor's bit of ARC-copy, even though i k ...more

“Esssscuse me. Is this seat taken? Thanks. I like to sits bys the wimdow. Would you likes a little bit of wine? You know what they say, a little vino would be keen-o. No? Mores for me then. Oh, check it out. *BURP* WhatwasIsaying? Oh, sees that house over there going by? That used to be my house. True story. Me and my husbadand lived there. But the ole bastard cheated on me and lefts me and then he marriesss that stupid cow and then he knockeded her up and now they got a stupid cow kid and they
...more

Sep 28, 2014
Emily May
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-thriller,
2015
"Something bad happened."
Are you ready for a faster-paced, creepier Gone Girl?
Woah. This is one unsettling little thriller and the best bit about it is that no one can be trusted, including the three female narrators who share the storytelling of this book. I literally read this entire novel in one sitting and I now need to find the words to convince you to go get your hands on it. RIGHT NOW.
Between an alcoholic, a liar and a cheat, who can you trust? These are the three women at the centre ...more

I read this book due to the fact that everyone else read it.
Yes, mom I would jump off the cliff right behind everyone else.
These are some fucked up characters. I think the new trend in books where every one of the characters is an asshole may be the way to go if you are writing a book that you want to take the world by storm with. The thing is...It gets frigging boring. I wanted a bus to hit them all. Repeatedly.
May go sorta spoilery:
You have Rachel. Rachel is a drunk, she gets on the 8 ...more
Yes, mom I would jump off the cliff right behind everyone else.

These are some fucked up characters. I think the new trend in books where every one of the characters is an asshole may be the way to go if you are writing a book that you want to take the world by storm with. The thing is...It gets frigging boring. I wanted a bus to hit them all. Repeatedly.

May go sorta spoilery:
You have Rachel. Rachel is a drunk, she gets on the 8 ...more

I just sent a 3 page, 3,000 word email about why I didn't like this book to a friend, and I still feel the urge to express myself. I suppose that tells you just how much I disliked it.
This thing is a hot mess, the writing is clumsy, there are things that don't make any sense, the characters are pathetic and the opposite of complex. The women in this book are either defined by the men they are dating/married to, or by how they feel about being a mother (and by that I mean, do they already have a ...more
This thing is a hot mess, the writing is clumsy, there are things that don't make any sense, the characters are pathetic and the opposite of complex. The women in this book are either defined by the men they are dating/married to, or by how they feel about being a mother (and by that I mean, do they already have a ...more

4.5 stars Everyone in this book is absolutely terrible, and as a result, this book is a masterpiece in character study and development. It's also a well-written, precisely plotted psychological thriller, and deftly sketches one unreliable narrator after another. I guessed the culprit not too far into the book, but that didn't spoil my reading experience at all, particularly because the author drops so many diverting and convincing red herrings into the story.
I think it's also interesting that t ...more
I think it's also interesting that t ...more

What a huge disappointment.
The concept sounded amazing, and it got off to a promising...if slow...start. But it quickly turned into this messy, melodramatic story that was neither surprising, or original. Much like in Gone Girl, there was not a single likable character in the entire book. That wasn't the main problem for me, though. I could see the ending coming from a mile away. Actually more like I figured out who the main villan was within the first 20 pages. Never a ringing endorsement.
...more
The concept sounded amazing, and it got off to a promising...if slow...start. But it quickly turned into this messy, melodramatic story that was neither surprising, or original. Much like in Gone Girl, there was not a single likable character in the entire book. That wasn't the main problem for me, though. I could see the ending coming from a mile away. Actually more like I figured out who the main villan was within the first 20 pages. Never a ringing endorsement.
...more

(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: It's about escapism, lack, and how plausible suggestion autocorrects figments into memory and strangers into circles. ...more
Notes: It's about escapism, lack, and how plausible suggestion autocorrects figments into memory and strangers into circles. ...more

this review and more on my blog -> mereadingbooks
Caution. There might be some ranting ahead.
This has frequently been called the next Gone Girl. And yes, that is to some extend why I wanted to read this. I wanted something suspenseful; an unreliable narrator; and lots of “what the hell?!”- moments. Out of these three things I got one – an unreliable narrator. But one written so clumsily and shallow that I was annoyed, not intrigued, by her.
The plot’s mystery falls flat because it is done in such ...more
Caution. There might be some ranting ahead.
This has frequently been called the next Gone Girl. And yes, that is to some extend why I wanted to read this. I wanted something suspenseful; an unreliable narrator; and lots of “what the hell?!”- moments. Out of these three things I got one – an unreliable narrator. But one written so clumsily and shallow that I was annoyed, not intrigued, by her.
The plot’s mystery falls flat because it is done in such ...more

I read this one out of curiosity. Aware that it had been a huge market success, I wondered if it merited the sales. According to Riverhead, The Girl on the Train is, or was, the fastest-selling adult hardcover fiction debut ever. And that is a shame. With so many great books being published every year that do little or no business, for this one to have secured a first class ticket on the book-sales express can only be dispiriting to the good and great writers everywhere toiling away in third cla
...more

I tried to enjoy it! I swear I did! The hype told me that I had to!
I wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. I never really cared about the story and ALL of the characters were unlikeable. Sometimes characters are unlikeable in a good way, but not this time.
At no point was I excited to be reading this.
Side note added 4/5/2017: Kinda silly how “Girl” is in so many titles lately. It has to be intentional to ride the coattails of other successful titles. I noticed on my library site that there is ...more
I wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. I never really cared about the story and ALL of the characters were unlikeable. Sometimes characters are unlikeable in a good way, but not this time.
At no point was I excited to be reading this.
Side note added 4/5/2017: Kinda silly how “Girl” is in so many titles lately. It has to be intentional to ride the coattails of other successful titles. I noticed on my library site that there is ...more

this. book. suuuuuuuucks.
i can't believe it was an international sensation. i can't believe it was adapted into a moviestarring actual queen emily blunt. i can't believe it SOLD A SINGLE COPY. (i didn't buy this one. my mom did. so there.)
this is just...a straight up bad book on every level. the characters are so insanely unlikable it's cartoonish. it'd be funny if it didn't make EVERY SECOND OF THIS BOOK, EVERY PAGE, EVERY WORD, A FRESH HELL TO FIGHT THROUGH IN ORDER TO GET TO THE NEXT ONE, WH ...more
i can't believe it was an international sensation. i can't believe it was adapted into a movie
this is just...a straight up bad book on every level. the characters are so insanely unlikable it's cartoonish. it'd be funny if it didn't make EVERY SECOND OF THIS BOOK, EVERY PAGE, EVERY WORD, A FRESH HELL TO FIGHT THROUGH IN ORDER TO GET TO THE NEXT ONE, WH ...more

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4.45/5 ⭐
Full review on Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
I am quite amazed by the fact that this book has been sitting on my bookshelf for like two years already and I haven’t been able to read it until, like, a couple of weeks ago. But then, I remember that I have books older than my brother, sitting and rotting on my bookshelf that have lost all kind of hope in begging me to read them, I just feel better about this ...more
Full review on Blog: The Dacian She-Wolf 🐺
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"I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head."
I am quite amazed by the fact that this book has been sitting on my bookshelf for like two years already and I haven’t been able to read it until, like, a couple of weeks ago. But then, I remember that I have books older than my brother, sitting and rotting on my bookshelf that have lost all kind of hope in begging me to read them, I just feel better about this ...more

May 21, 2015
Jeffrey Keeten
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
book-to-film
”Yesterday---sensible, clearheaded, right-thinking---I decided I must accept that my part in this story was over. But my better angels lost again, defeated by drink, by the person I am when I drink. Drunk Rachel sees no consequences, she is either excessively expansive and optimistic or wrapped up in hate. She has no past, no future. She exists purely in the moment. Drunk Rachel...lies.”
There are certainly worse ways to spend your day than riding an S stock train into London.
Rachel rides the ...more

There are certainly worse ways to spend your day than riding an S stock train into London.
Rachel rides the ...more

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train (2015) is a psychological thriller novel by British author Paula Hawkins.
The story is a first-person narrative told from the point of view of three women: Rachel, Anna, and Megan.
Rachel Watson is a 33-year-old alcoholic, reeling from the end of her marriage to Tom, who left her for another woman, Anna Boyd. Rachel's drinking has caused her to lose her job; she frequently binges and has blackouts. While drunk, she often harasses Tom, tho ...more
The Girl on the Train (2015) is a psychological thriller novel by British author Paula Hawkins.
The story is a first-person narrative told from the point of view of three women: Rachel, Anna, and Megan.
Rachel Watson is a 33-year-old alcoholic, reeling from the end of her marriage to Tom, who left her for another woman, Anna Boyd. Rachel's drinking has caused her to lose her job; she frequently binges and has blackouts. While drunk, she often harasses Tom, tho ...more

Oct 03, 2016
Jaidee
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
under-two-stars-books
Half a "what the hell happened ?" star !!
2016 Worst Read of the Year
Original Review written October 3, 2016
Update : October 25, 2016 (mini review of the film !!)
A couple of days ago 4 single girls (well women in their forties and fifties), my bf (convinced him to join us and he agreed if I took him to Denny's afterwards) and myself went to see this film. This is the main reason I read the book as we had planned this outing for months and then I read the book just before the film came out.
As yo ...more
2016 Worst Read of the Year
Original Review written October 3, 2016
Update : October 25, 2016 (mini review of the film !!)
A couple of days ago 4 single girls (well women in their forties and fifties), my bf (convinced him to join us and he agreed if I took him to Denny's afterwards) and myself went to see this film. This is the main reason I read the book as we had planned this outing for months and then I read the book just before the film came out.
As yo ...more

4.5
Here we are 3 years after the release of Gone Girl- and every twisty turny page turning novel is STILL being compared. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN is no exception...but that was not what caught my attention. What persuaded me??? Train...Witness to murder...Hitchcock...Rear Window. Those words will get me almost every time...

Rachel is depressed, angry, and bitter. Gin and tonic- is her drink of choice- Wine comes in at a close second. Every day she takes the slow train from Asbury to Euston...and ev ...more
Here we are 3 years after the release of Gone Girl- and every twisty turny page turning novel is STILL being compared. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN is no exception...but that was not what caught my attention. What persuaded me??? Train...Witness to murder...Hitchcock...Rear Window. Those words will get me almost every time...

Rachel is depressed, angry, and bitter. Gin and tonic- is her drink of choice- Wine comes in at a close second. Every day she takes the slow train from Asbury to Euston...and ev ...more

This was a perfectly decent, well-crafted thriller, which I happened not to like very much, for reasons that have little to do with its craft or its quality. This sometimes happens, and it doesn't mean that others won't enjoy it. The plot is fast-moving and with some real surprises. The portrayal of alcoholism is great (although I would have liked it to go further into the more visceral details, rather than skimming the surface of the theme).
However (and yes, I know it's trivial, but) the title ...more
However (and yes, I know it's trivial, but) the title ...more

All aboard!!!
TRUST NO ONE
I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head.
What? “Trust No One”? Why is that sign on the railroad of this review? Is this a “The X-Files” story? Oh, no, but certainly the motto of that iconic TV series is a good advice to anyone who dares to aboard this train of thought in this very particular journey to the minds of three women that you may think that they are quite different, but...
...maybe not...
...or maybe they do...
...mmh...
...rememb ...more
TRUST NO ONE
I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head.
What? “Trust No One”? Why is that sign on the railroad of this review? Is this a “The X-Files” story? Oh, no, but certainly the motto of that iconic TV series is a good advice to anyone who dares to aboard this train of thought in this very particular journey to the minds of three women that you may think that they are quite different, but...
...maybe not...
...or maybe they do...
...mmh...
...rememb ...more

This book was INTOXICATING. I loved every single second of it. While I had gone into this story thinking it was going to be packed with suspenseful scenes, the mystery was really in the storytelling. It was unexpected but executed SOOOO well. A+ use of an unreliable narrator that propelled the story way beyond what I had originally anticipated. Not only was it extremely thrilling and kept me intrigued the entire time, but I seriously appreciated how accurate the representation of alcoholism was.
...more

This is the perfect weekend read. I settled into the story and spent most of Sunday (a dark and stormy afternoon) reading away.
Murder.
Public Drunkenness.
Infidelity.
Unreliable Narrators.
Treat Yo Self.
Murder.
Public Drunkenness.
Infidelity.
Unreliable Narrators.
Treat Yo Self.

Why is this book tagged with such a low average score? I'm exhausted (in a good way) after reading The Girl on the Train. I can imagine the latter being a sensation upon publishing.
Rachel is the girl on the train. She is the key to everything that happens in the book, but she's an unreliable witness. Or is she? This book blew my mind. I just finished reading it.
Looked at from a distance, it has a slightly ridiculous tinge to it. It's larger than life. But it's good storytelling. Damn good. I wis ...more
Rachel is the girl on the train. She is the key to everything that happens in the book, but she's an unreliable witness. Or is she? This book blew my mind. I just finished reading it.
Looked at from a distance, it has a slightly ridiculous tinge to it. It's larger than life. But it's good storytelling. Damn good. I wis ...more

“I have lost control over everything, even the places in my head.”
The Girl on the Train captivated me from the first to the last page. Everybody was so messed up: the alcoholic main character, the promiscous victim, the desperate houswive. And don't even get me started on their husbands.
The unreliable narrator made this book so spectacularly intruiging. Everybody could've done it. Everybody had a motive. None of them an alibi. I figured it out at some point, but kept telling myself that the auth ...more
The Girl on the Train captivated me from the first to the last page. Everybody was so messed up: the alcoholic main character, the promiscous victim, the desperate houswive. And don't even get me started on their husbands.
The unreliable narrator made this book so spectacularly intruiging. Everybody could've done it. Everybody had a motive. None of them an alibi. I figured it out at some point, but kept telling myself that the auth ...more

Apr 23, 2022
Maggie Stiefvater
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adult,
recommended
Here are some things you can expect to find in this book, which is solidly in the Mean Mommy Thriller Genre (a subcategory of the Lululemon Murder Ladies genre, which sometimes features Mean Mommies but not always):
•trains
•alcoholic beverages of all kinds, big ones, small ones, glass bottles, plastic
•blunt trauma
•sexy real estate agents
•sexy nannies
•sexy independently employed freelancer IT professionals*
•sexy therapists
•sexy therapy
•babies (both tots and angels)**
•unreliable narrators
•unreliabl ...more
•trains
•alcoholic beverages of all kinds, big ones, small ones, glass bottles, plastic
•blunt trauma
•sexy real estate agents
•sexy nannies
•sexy independently employed freelancer IT professionals*
•sexy therapists
•sexy therapy
•babies (both tots and angels)**
•unreliable narrators
•unreliabl ...more

Sometimes people aren't bad, sometimes they just simply make an infinity of bad decisions.
In this novel we learn the story of Rachel Watson, a young englishwoman, divorced and part time alcoholic. Everyday she travels by train, enjoying its harmonic pace, its unhurried sounds and the everyday regular people that she already feels she knows, but, above everything, she loves to watch the house number fifteen on Blenheim street, where lives her imaginary perfect couple, Jess and Jason.
Until one day ...more
In this novel we learn the story of Rachel Watson, a young englishwoman, divorced and part time alcoholic. Everyday she travels by train, enjoying its harmonic pace, its unhurried sounds and the everyday regular people that she already feels she knows, but, above everything, she loves to watch the house number fifteen on Blenheim street, where lives her imaginary perfect couple, Jess and Jason.
Until one day ...more

Am I 'with' it now? I've read the *IT* book!
When my own favorite Bay Area Sunday Newspaper prints "The Girl on The Train" as the number 1 Best Seller...
I said to myself...."GEEEEEEEEEEEEE, NOT YOU TOO?" So--I started reading! It was time already!
Having read 'no' reviews --I went into this novel with a blank canvas in front of me. Having been aware that half my friends on Goodreads have already read this --I managed to 'not' read their reviews (I promise to now). I didn't want to be influenced ...more
When my own favorite Bay Area Sunday Newspaper prints "The Girl on The Train" as the number 1 Best Seller...
I said to myself...."GEEEEEEEEEEEEE, NOT YOU TOO?" So--I started reading! It was time already!
Having read 'no' reviews --I went into this novel with a blank canvas in front of me. Having been aware that half my friends on Goodreads have already read this --I managed to 'not' read their reviews (I promise to now). I didn't want to be influenced ...more

Seems like this train took everyone to Gushland, but I got waylaid in Mediocre-ville. Comparing this book to Hitchcock is just laughable. Okay, okay, it does start out with intrigue, as the girl, Rachel, sits on the train day after day, and obsessively peeks at a house where she can see a man and a woman moving around. She gives them names and imagines a perfect life and perfect marriage for them. This voyeurism is pretty cool. A great beginning.
But I wish Rachel had stayed on the train. In fac ...more
But I wish Rachel had stayed on the train. In fac ...more

Good thriller, but no Gone Girl. Everyone wants to be the next Gillian Flynn, but Gillian Flynn isn't finished being Gillian Flynn.
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Colosseum. Sfide ...: GDL Gennaio - La ragazza del treno di Paula Hawkins | 9 | 17 | Feb 01, 2022 03:37AM | |
Chiave di Lettura: La Ragazza del Treno | 1 | 1 | Jan 10, 2022 01:05PM | |
Books2Movies Club: The Girl on the Train - book and movie | 7 | 44 | Sep 12, 2021 10:13AM | |
belle._andthebook...: Girl On The Train Reading Start Date | 4 | 18 | Sep 03, 2021 07:41AM |
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34 trivia questions
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“Hollowness: that I understand. I'm starting to believe that there isn't anything you can do to fix it. That's what I've taken from the therapy sessions: the holes in your life are permanent. You have to grow around them, like tree roots around concrete; you mold yourself through the gaps”
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