Overall Rating and Opinion of "Gone Girl"

[bookowlie]

This book was an enjoyable read. I recently watched the movie and the film exceeded my expectations. This is definitely a book in which there are no likeable characters yet they still relate somehow on a human level with us. Also that is what I think draws people to the book, the fact that characters are unlikable yet relatable, this keeps readers interested and wanting to know more about the motives behind why a character behaves a certain way.

Good points. I also thought the characters were relatable, even with their dysfunctional personalities and relationship. I commend the author in being able to write Nick and Amy in such a way that the readers would find them unlikeable yet likeable, if that makes any sense.

-- 15 Nov 2014, 12:22 --

This book was an enjoyable read. I recently watched the movie and the film exceeded my expectations. This is definitely a book in which there are no likeable characters yet they still relate somehow on a human level with us. Also that is what I think draws people to the book, the fact that characters are unlikable yet relatable, this keeps readers interested and wanting to know more about the motives behind why a character behaves a certain way.

That's interesting that the film exceeded your expectations. After reading the book, I am not as interested in seeing the movie. I already know the twists and turns, so I feel it will be a letdown. Also, my husband hasn't read the book, so it would be hard for me to stay silent while watching, knowing the twists before they are revealed

[BookW00rm]

That's interesting that the film exceeded your expectations. After reading the book, I am not as interested in seeing the movie. I already know the twists and turns, so I feel it will be a letdown. Also, my husband hasn't read the book, so it would be hard for me to stay silent while watching, knowing the twists before they are revealed

Yup you're right I was sitting there whole time expecting different twists in the movie (since Flynn also wrote the screenplay and had stated it would be different) only to be disappointed that it's the same as the book.

[jordyn21]

I cant wait to read this book! My mom just got done with it so now its my turn! She was like missing for the past week because she was always reading that book and raving to me about it when she wasn't. I really hope I like it and that my excitement wasn't wasted because I have heard good things!

[nsharpes]

Gone Girl was an interesting read for me. I got five "chapters" into the book and then started to loose interest because it seemed slow to me and didn't catch my attention enough. However, my brother surprised me with the audio book version and then I loved it! Between the narrators of the audio book and the story I couldn't stop and had finished the book in less than a week, which is pretty good timing for an audio book that I only listened to for an hour or so before bed. I rated Gone Girl a four out of five and talked about it so much my brother and mom also read the book. We also all went and saw the movie when it came out.

[Eydnicsilliw]

I didn't like the book very much. I new from the moment they found the anniversary present, that something was fishy. I did not expect the twist at the end, but most books leave you with the feeling of having been on a cool ride. This just left me with a feeling of "you have got to be kidding"

[sybil1reader]

The characters in this book have a serious set of issues going on. One minute I liked them and by the end of the book maybe not so much. I guess I will watch the movie now, especially since I'm hearing that the ending is different.

[bookowlie]

The characters in this book have a serious set of issues going on. One minute I liked them and by the end of the book maybe not so much. I guess I will watch the movie now, especially since I'm hearing that the ending is different.

I think this is a credit to the author's skill in giving the characters so many facets to their personalities.

-- 19 Nov 2014, 11:52 --

I didn't like the book very much. I new from the moment they found the anniversary present, that something was fishy. I did not expect the twist at the end, but most books leave you with the feeling of having been on a cool ride. This just left me with a feeling of "you have got to be kidding"

I felt the opposite way. By the end of the book, I feel like I had been on an interesting, wacky ride. I wished there had been a sequel for me to immediately read after I finished the book.

[KiwiKaylee90]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing for quite awhile, then just made my head spin once I realized what was really happening. My only hang-up was the ending. I just needed something more than that to be satisfied.

[PashaRu]

The reviews seem to be generally positive, but I'm not seeing a lot of "rave reviews" here. I guess I won't rush to read this one.

[gali]

The reviews seem to be generally positive, but I'm not seeing a lot of "rave reviews" here. I guess I won't rush to read this one.

It was actually pretty good in most parts, but the end was very weak in my view. If it isn't your preferred genre, you can skip it.

[akanshagupta569]

I didn't get my copy yet may be it will delivered it by today then I will start it and give more clear review for it. Little excited to read it!

[Syntheticaudio]

Since I wasn't part of the forum yet in October I hadn't read Gone Girl yet but I just started it last night whilst I couldn't sleep and wow. I read a quarter of the way in and by that time it was 3 am. It's been awhile since I got so invested in a book straught away, especially one that is not even my genre of choice. I am seriously intrigued to find out where it's going and hope to finish it tonight or at the latest tomorrow night.

[Skillian]

SPOILERS***

I am pretty astonished at some of the responses to this book. People claiming the characters were unrelatable is weird to me. Granted most people never act out the cruel and terrible desires that flutter through their head... they still occur. To further that thought... those then saying that it wasn't all that shocking... well if you were able to make logical leaps into the future of what might happen... there must have been some degree of relation in order to recognize and predict such things. Granted no one wants to admit relating to such thoughts... even if they are in thinking perhaps others are the ones doing and are capable of such acts... it just seems silly.

I am also fascinated by the sway of unlikable characters. Some of the best and most illuminating books are such because they are willing to dive into the things people don't like. I understand likability and overall enjoyment is valuable... but for me it isn't necessarily important. Entertainment... captivation... getting lost in a book.... is not always a happy road. A good book doesn't have to be about good things.

Another thing I wanted to note on was the opinion that this book diminishes the 'battered woman' by making her a sociopath. She was not a battered woman.. unless self abuse counts. He was a battered man... though the abuse was psychological. Abuse goes both ways.. and one of the biggest issues with addressing such issues is people are dishonest and false claims of abuse are made every day. We can't just throw all innocents in jail with the guilty just because someone cries abuse. This movie was a pivotal representation of just that. Crazy does not discriminate. It is horrible that there are people out there lying and making real victims of abuse fall under scrutiny. If people didn't make false accusations.. justice would be a lot easier.

Now the argument could be made about the parental psychological abuse that was demonstrated, but environmental factors cannot be used as a crutch. While it may lead to struggling later in life... it is not a 'I get to do whatever I want because I was hurt in the past' card.

Overall, I loved the book. Every bit of it. I loved hating the characters, and I love the deep thoughts it inspired within me. Any issues of writing/style were greatly overridden by content so much that I didn't find it noticeable. I give it a 4 out of 4.

[bookowlie]

SPOILERS***

I am pretty astonished at some of the responses to this book. People claiming the characters were unrelatable is weird to me. Granted most people never act out the cruel and terrible desires that flutter through their head... they still occur. To further that thought... those then saying that it wasn't all that shocking... well if you were able to make logical leaps into the future of what might happen... there must have been some degree of relation in order to recognize and predict such things. Granted no one wants to admit relating to such thoughts... even if they are in thinking perhaps others are the ones doing and are capable of such acts... it just seems silly.

I am also fascinated by the sway of unlikable characters. Some of the best and most illuminating books are such because they are willing to dive into the things people don't like. I understand likability and overall enjoyment is valuable... but for me it isn't necessarily important. Entertainment... captivation... getting lost in a book.... is not always a happy road. A good book doesn't have to be about good things.

Another thing I wanted to note on was the opinion that this book diminishes the 'battered woman' by making her a sociopath. She was not a battered woman.. unless self abuse counts. He was a battered man... though the abuse was psychological. Abuse goes both ways.. and one of the biggest issues with addressing such issues is people are dishonest and false claims of abuse are made every day. We can't just throw all innocents in jail with the guilty just because someone cries abuse. This movie was a pivotal representation of just that. Crazy does not discriminate. It is horrible that there are people out there lying and making real victims of abuse fall under scrutiny. If people didn't make false accusations.. justice would be a lot easier.

Now the argument could be made about the parental psychological abuse that was demonstrated, but environmental factors cannot be used as a crutch. While it may lead to struggling later in life... it is not a 'I get to do whatever I want because I was hurt in the past' card.

Overall, I loved the book. Every bit of it. I loved hating the characters, and I love the deep thoughts it inspired within me. Any issues of writing/style were greatly overridden by content so much that I didn't find it noticeable. I give it a 4 out of 4.

Skillian, What an interesting and thought-provoking post. I agree that a good book is not always about "happy" things. We don't always have to relate to the characters or even like them. Nick and Amy were each interesting and well-drawn characters, even if they weren't necessary likeable.

[EJuntunen]

This book was so well written. Both the plot and writing style were brilliant. Gillian Flynn is really admirable for her ability to hint at one outcome while secretly setting up another. In both this novel and Sharp Objects, she makes her readers believe they know what's going to happen, but when the truth of the plot is revealed, all these little details make complete sense.