Gone Girl--I have to ask

[J.P.]

I have been hearing so many very passionate takes on Gone Girl, that I have to ask your opinions. Did you read it? If so, was it before/after the hoopla over it in the media? And what did you think of it?

It seems like one of those books that one either loves or hates, not much middle ground. Curious to know what you think!

[Ward]

I read Gone Girl after much of the hype. (Haven't seen the movie). I thought it was unusual in that it was at its best in the middle--very suspenseful. Thought the ending was a little wishy-washy, and the beginning a bit glib--but maybe that's why it worked. And it did work based on sales.
Not a book for everyone, but pretty good, and while there was some severe subject matter, it wasn't too graphic. A solid 4.

[J.P.]

Ward wrote: "I read Gone Girl after much of the hype. (Haven't seen the movie). I thought it was unusual in that it was at its best in the middle--very suspenseful. Thought the ending was a little wishy-washy, ..."

I like the arc you gave it, Ward. I haven't seen the movie yet but as I said in the initial post, it seems to be a book readers either love or hate. I've yet to hear of anyone saying, "ehhh, it was OK." Will you see the movie?

[J.P.]

Oooh, good, I'm glad to hear that you've read some of Gillian Flynn's other work, DianeAlice. Would you say that Dark Places wasn't too bad as far as torture/violence? I've been wanting to read one of her other books, but the descriptions of at least one made me wonder if it would be a little much for me ick-wise.

[J.P.]

DianeAlice wrote: "I have to be honest, it was pretty horrible in places but I still thought it was good. If I managed to read it OK it can't have been too bad. Quite intense though. I decided to have a break before..."

Let us know if you see the film, and what you think, of course!

[Ward]

J.P. wrote: "Ward wrote: "I read Gone Girl after much of the hype. (Haven't seen the movie). I thought it was unusual in that it was at its best in the middle--very suspenseful. Thought the ending was a little ..."

J.P. wrote: "Ward wrote: "I read Gone Girl after much of the hype. (Haven't seen the movie). I thought it was unusual in that it was at its best in the middle--very suspenseful. Thought the ending was a little ..."

[Ward]

Yeah I'd like to see the movie . . . If I could just find the time. Currently listening to audio of Daniel Silva's The Heist.

[J.P.]

Oh, that sounds good, Ward. How are you liking it? Do you listen on your commute or just for fun? Most people seem to listen to audio while multi-tasking in some way which is why I ask.

[J.P.]

I know quite a few people who have the same issue, DianeAlice. You're definitely not alone! For me it depends on the story and where I am. If there's a lot going on in life it's definitely harder to concentrate. And I always find the beginning of a novel (paper or audio) more challenging. Does anyone else?