From the Bookshelf of Run from Reality Read-a-Thon…

Sharp Objects

Gillian Flynn

Start date: September 1, 2015

Finish date: September 30, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads

Why we're reading this: September Read!
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Group Reads

* Group Read Introduction
By JadeShea · 10 posts · 26 views

last updated Jan 01, 2016 07:36AM

February Group Read: Ryan's Bed by Tijan
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last updated Feb 07, 2018 07:13AM

What Members Thought

Nov 18, 2014 Jessica rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned, standalone, mystery, read-2015

Really interesting and screwed with my mind a little! However, way too much happened in the last 5 or so pages. Wrapped up too easily, I think.

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Feb 03, 2019 Shawna rated it it was amazing

Yikes!!! This may be one of the most disturbing books I have ever read and I can’t wait to read another of Gillian Flynn’s books!! Sharp Objects kept me up last night and I knew that I had to finish it first thing this morning or I’d never be able to concentrate on anything else. This book is a must read!

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Aug 29, 2015 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery

One of the things I love best about Flynn’s books is that you never run into cookie-cutter characters. Her characters are always raw, deeply troubled and with major flaws that provide great depth and realness to the characters themselves and the story. I thought the couple in Gone Girl (one of my favorites, btw) was crazy and messed-up, but the Preaker family introduced me to a whole new level of WTF.

The main character, Camille, though with a troubled past and some neurotic behavior, seems nice One of the things I love best about Flynn’s books is that you never run into cookie-cutter characters. Her characters are always raw, deeply troubled and with major flaws that provide great depth and realness to the characters themselves and the story. I thought the couple in Gone Girl (one of my favorites, btw) was crazy and messed-up, but the Preaker family introduced me to a whole new level of WTF.

The main character, Camille, though with a troubled past and some neurotic behavior, seems nice and easy to pull for, being that she is the least fucked up person in the family. She is clearly the victim of some major trauma, and why she would subject herself to her family again is hard to understand. I liked Camille, but I’ve noticed a lot of other people who read this book got irritated with her behavior and bad decision-making. This is where I have to give major props to Flynn. The thing about Camille, is that she doesn’t think like your normal, rational person. She’s different, she’s been messed with royally by her mother. The reason I feel like I have to say this, is that I am a mental health therapist, and I want prospective readers to know that Flynn’s depiction of this character was spot on. Anyone who cuts themselves on purpose doesn’t think quite straight. They’re usually very vulnerable and prone to bad decision-making, especially when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. So, having said that, I’m just hoping that if you read this book, you will have a little understanding for Camille. Unfortunately there are real people out there that deal with these issues. I promise I’ll get off of my soapbox now.

Camille’s mother, Adora, was a real piece of work. She had her own form of crazy, but I had no sympathy for her. If I had to grow up with Adora as a mother, I’d be severely messed up too. She was just a complete bitch, and she should never have been allowed to have children. That’s about all I can think to say about her without giving away any spoilers.

Camille’s younger half-sister, Amma, was really annoying. I couldn’t figure out what was going on with her for most of the book. Sometimes she was mean to Camille and other times really nice and even clingy with her. It was hard to figure her out. Mostly she just acted like a spoiled bitch, but like everyone in this crazy family, she had her issues too.

I hate to say it, but I think the reason I liked this book so much was because everyone was such a mess and you had no idea how it would all turn out. I can easily say that the memory of Sharp Objects will stay with me for a long time, just as Gone Girl has. I loved Gone Girl and I love Sharp Objects for the same sick reason. I read these books and am very relieved that I am who I am and I have the life that I have because, holy shit, even on my bad days at least I’m not as fucked up as these people are! Highly recommended!

You can read more of my reviews at Bookworm Book Reviews. ...more

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Sep 12, 2014 Kaisa Clark rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, audiobooks

This book is very dark. The writing is beautifully descriptive. I truly felt I was in Camille's world, feeling all the pain and longing with her. The plot kept me guessing as to who was at fault and (view spoiler) I thought at times the book felt a little too drawn out - some scenes included that didn't really contribute to the overall storyline or character development. Overall, a quick, engrossing read.

As for the audiobook part ...more

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Jan 22, 2012 kento rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: owned, 2016

I knew it!

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Jan 10, 2013 Kim rated it it was amazing

One of my new favorite authors. Her books are not for everyone. Dark, creepy sometimes. But so awesomely good.

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Sep 29, 2014 Kate rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, read-in-2014

Disturbing but good. It's not as perfect as Gone Girl, but it definitely holds your interest. Really enjoyed the audio. The characters of Amma and her sycophants remind me why I don't like many 13 year olds. ;) Great October read! ...more

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