Nov/Dec Group Read - Before I Go To Sleep

[Michael]

It’s a few months since I read the book but I was hooked right from the start. What I enjoyed was the see-saw in Christine’s emotions, one day suspicious about her husband the next satisfied by a plausible explanation of his behaviour. I did find the middle part of the book a little slow and a bit repetitive. With hindsight the doctor’s behaviour is clearly unethical and not that credible but this didn’t bother me at the time I was reading. I did find Claire’s action in not following up her first meeting with Christine rather odd. I really liked the end of the book; the tension really increased and it got a bit scary. The ending took the book from a four to a five star rating.

[Phylwil]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The middle dragged slightly, but kept me interested by first making her husband seem suspect, then providing an explanation, then making the therapist seem suspect. Then the ending was marvelous. One of my favorite books. I hope there are people posting later, when I don't have to worry so much about spoilers.

[Ann]

I enjoyed this book very much. It would be a horrible thing to contemplate. Imagine not remembering anyone or anything. The only problem was that Christine seems to remember enough to be able to wash dishes, everyday chores and how to get around town. It was very suspenseful and I liked the ending very much.

[Linda]

I agree with Heide regarding Claire, I did fault her at first with not being a better friend, but after everything came out - I'm sure she just felt guilty.

[Gatorman]

I read this book on a whim and ended up enjoying it a lot. Could have been very cliched and formulaic but I found it well-written and intelligent. Didn't find it too long at all.

[Aiesha]

Excellent book!! Absolutely loved it. I thought the idea was genius and the ending was a total shock!! I agree that the middle and the journal entries were a little on the slow, repetitive side. But given the nature of the book and the reasoning for it, it was understood. I hope everyone enjoyed this as much as I did and I want to read more by t his author! :)

[Kathryn]

I read this book over the course of one evening, a good indication that I found it an entertaining page-turner, and I will second David's thought that we cut the author a bit of slack on the weaknesses because I think it is a well-done, well-written first effort (especially considering she wrote it during breaks at work!). The fact that she manages to inject something fresh into the time-worn "amnesia" trope is an achievement in itself. Having said that, I do wonder what the modern role of the editor is at these publishing houses. With some basic developmental editing the repetitions and plot holes could have been easily fixed and the whole thing tightened. I don't think she was well-served in that area, but in the end I guess it didn't matter because it's a huge hit!

[Angela]

Loved it.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

I loved this book. I never guessed the truth until it was revealed. I thought the writing excellent and it grabbed me from the start. Dr. Nash seemed like a normal doctor to me. In fact, I had checked this out from the library to read it, but it was so good in my opinion, I bought a copy.

[Rhian]

loved this book its right up there with my favorites

[Mollydee]

Bill wrote: "I've never heard of this story before. It sounds very interesting. Just from the brief synopsis, it brings to mind the movie Memento by Christopher Nolan. I will have to try and find a copy. Enjoy ..."

Yeah I thought Momento too. I also, although it was not in this category, was reminded of Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness. Especially about the memory loss and the journal. This one I may try. I was just going to post about Momento :)

[Mollydee]

oh geez I am replying to last year lol! Maybe I was meant to read this book. I hate when my computer drops me off on the wrong page!

[Kirsten]

I read this several years ago and really enjoyed it. It was early in my reading of domestic noir, so I have since read other books in this subgenre I consider better. But this was quite good at the time.

[Gisela]

I have read this when it first came out and it really frightened me. Whilst I don't think it is the best ever written book, I thought the story line was original and the emotions portrait were very good. One of those books which stays with you.