BOOK REVIEW: GONE GIRL BY GILLIAN FLYNN

amazing amy is really... amazing.
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[@Smileyyy21]

When Amy finds out that Nick is cheating. Amy doesn't want to let Nick "win" by divorcing him. The resentment was built up when 1. Nick was jobless and forced to spend money from Amy's trust fund. 2. Nick wants to moved to Missouri without her consent, which made Amy have to give up everything in New York. 3. Nick opened a bar in Missouri with Amy's money and the business isn't going too well. 4. Their relationship is going cold, and Nick would just have sex with her whenever he wants, after the sex he would just leave her alone making Amy feels like a tool. So when she realized Nick cheated on her, that resentment just explode into something very vicious.

[@RachelHannah7]

I completely agree about having respect for Amy,because she is a mastermind-just a totally INSANE one... ( I found myself a little jealous over how "smart" Amy was)

[@rydersings]

I was the opposite, I despised her although she is ingenious I was mad that she didn't get caught for all her bullshit.

[@empathandy__5722]

I was totally convinced by the end of the book, that they were just both psycho lol. I hate feeling fooled and surprised in books, i honestly don't know why. I rather spoil myself instead of being surprised and taken back lol that's why I don't usually read thrillers. But this book fooled me in a good way..I was so feeling sorry for Amy. It was a different read and I enjoyed it

[@snoozyq9576]

But nick was never psycho it didn't make sense for them to make him that way at the end. The book didn't really back it up like with Amy

[@Amerie.]

One of my favorites of the year. I also agree with you re: Gillian Flynn's prose. And YES on the "one page," including when it comes to the acknowledgements page (I enjoy reading those before the story sometimes). The back of the book is treacherous territory...

[@shambavevamp7285]

The second part of the book completely blew my mind... And Amy being one step ahead always was woahhhh!!!

[@mdmlr1]

Am I the only one who didn't like Amy from the beginning? lol

[@necia828]

Great review! The only thing I'd like to add is I don't think Amy plotted to bring down Nick simply for cheating; it was because, I think, he realized that she wasn't who she pretended to be. They both started growing apart, realizing that they both were different people. He, being the douchebag that he is, coped with the fraud that was their relationship by cheating. And we learned from the book that Amy just wants to be adored, she had a pathological need to be "Amazing Amy!" lol.

[@theperfumedisco]

I totally agree with this. I think the cheating may have been a tipping point but even if he hadn't cheated something of this magnitude would have still happened in their relationship. A lot of relationships deteriorate because people expect their partners to be the same person all throughout their relationship. Growth is expected but extreme growth (and personality trait changes) are feared and often rejected. This book was obviously an EXTREME reaction to those changes but that's what made it awesome. Amy felt like she wasn't given the love and adoration she was "promised" or that she "deserved" and that he neglected her. The cheating just lit the fuse on the crazy bomb.

[@necia828]

I agree! What a sociopath! I haven't seen the movie yet either. I might just go see it by myself. all my friends "want to read the book first" but haven't bothered to pick it up yet!

[@lilyxu1502]

exactly, it wasnt just because of the cheating i think its explained pretty obvious in the book Amy's obsession of being perfect and when Nick cheated on her she saw it as Nick choosing someone else over her, that someone was better than her. then there was also all that about her resenting him a bit for learning all her flaws and he true not so perfect self

[@alannahhurley386]

I really like your perspective there but I also think what amy said at the end about Nick was the best man he could be when he's with her and that if he left her he would be like his dad was true as twisted as it might be but it was true

[@Smileyyy21]

I loved your explanation. I read this as well online that explains pretty much what you have explained.Gone Girl has two Nicks and two Amys Real Nick - The one who had an affair with his student, who loves his sister Margo and is generally a laid back non-chalant guy. Fake Nick - The cool guy who seduced Amy, the guy who gave a heartfelt speech for his wife on television, the brave go-getter guy. Fake Amy - The nice, goody two shoes, cool girl who is an ideal wife, ideal daughter and a sweet innocent girl, bogged down by her celebrity status Real Amy - The insecure, conniving mastermind whose constantly attempts to keep herself in the limelight. To be honest, I don't think there was every any love between Nick and Amy. There was just attraction. Real Nick was attracted to Fake Amy. Real Amy was attracted to Fake Nick. Real Nick hated Real Amy. Fake Nick and Fake Amy supposedly loved each other. Thus they still remained a weird dysfunctional couple at the end of the story. As long as they played the parts of Fake Nick and Fake Amy, which they were now obliged to because of the everything that transpired, they would remain together. That is kind of what makes Nick and Amy perfect for each other. They bring out the worst in each other which makes them the best for each other.

[@welldonebooks]

Amy Elliott Dunne. Is. A. Boss.

[@Sovichana]

Nick wanted a child, and felt he needed to stay married to Amy to protect the child from her and her egotistic psychoticness.

[@CooleenBooks]

I read it in October and I really liked it. Gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I was a little bit confused with the end and wasn't satisfied by it. BUT I really enjoyed the characters especially Amy. The fact that Gillian wrote some of Amy's part in a diary entry was GENIUS. Although I kind of found it obvious :/

[@madisonolivieri343]

I loved this book.... but I'm honestly surprised at the hate for Nick! Yes the "professor sleeping with his student" thing is shitty and gross but everything else that Amy described him as at the beginning -- ie their sex life where he was basically abusive, him pushing her, all of that comes from an unreliable narrator since we know (SPOILERS) that the diary isn't real, and was made to paint him in a bad light. In the end he is a victim of her abuse - she threatens him, traps him with a child without his consent, and he even straight up says he is scared of her killing him. I think his behavior towards the end is so consistent with victims of abuse - desperately wanting to believe the best of your partner even when you objectively know otherwise, having these moments where you feel real affection towards them - but ultimately being trapped by the abuse. And I don't feel that he stays just because he "wants kids" - he knows what Amy is capable of, and he is terrified to leave his child with her. It's sacrificial almost. I think the function of the book is to manipulate even the reader into thinking that Amy and Nick are the same level of bad - or that he's actively "choosing" to be with her. Nick might have done some shitty things, but Amy is manipulative and abusive, and Nick is absolutely the victim of domestic abuse - psychological, emotional, and he clearly fears that she will kill him, so it's not far off to say that there's the threat of physical abuse as well. It's honestly upsetting to hear that the ending is called anything else other than the result of a deeply abusive relationship. Just shows how manipulative Amy is -- she's able to manipulate the reader as well.

[@snoozyq9576]

I am guessing they got tangled up between what's real and whats not. Some of the fake diary is real so we never know which parts are

[@841-zainabshanafarook7]

I think this is the most accurate review I've read, so far.

[@lnl271]

I loved it too it was such a surprising book, and as someone who guesses the plot of books it surprised me!

[@SusieSue242]

Yes it was crazy

[@SILK97]

Read this book a few years ago, and reread it just recently. A lot of people describe Amy as smart, but I don't really see her as that intelligent of a character. Don't get me wrong, she's very dedicated and she is a ridiculously meticulous and patient planner, but she just doesn't come off as smart to me. She isn't very good at thinking on her feet, she needs time and information to get results. She's excellent at using everything at her disposal to her advantage, but when things don't go according to plan for her, she really stumbles. I think there's even a point in the book where she mentions getting away with a crime like this isn't really that difficult, it just takes patience. I think Amy's biggest strength is her patience, not her intellect

[@snoozyq9576]

She gets more dumb throughout. She is just asking to be caught towards the end and absolutely would be in real life

[@reynemoriarty9431]

The movie is fantastic. I highly recommend it!

[@Kevin-k4g2e]

Just finished it. When Boney said she checked the trunk of Desi’s jag and found her hair in their and the dog picked up her scent….that was next level planning. I thought for sure one of them was going to end up dead at the end but the door was kind of left open though.

[@Lukesimmer]

oh my god. i loved this book. amy was batshir crazy but i couldn't help but admire how much of a genius she was.

[@lakshmikanthrlakshmikanth3548]

REALLY LOVED THE ENDING.......................AWESOME

[@zoesenpaiuwu2681]

However I don't think people understand Amy's reasoning. I think people need to understand, although Amy is likeable and relatable in some things she says,, she is also an extremely egotistical, perfectionistic diagnosable psychopath. It wasn't about Nick cheating though that certainly pushed her to the edge and solidify her resolve, it was the fact she didn't get her way. Amy carefully plans and manipulates everyone into getting what she wants and getting them to think of her in a certain way. She wants to be adored and seen as perfect at all times. She changed who she was and put on this big lie for Nick, so she could manipulate him into being her perfect man. But like she said "he got lazy". Well actually he started to see her faults. He starts to see she wasn't as amazing g and perfect as her "cool girl " persona. He started to see the REAL her. And she didn't like it. She didn't like him seeing her faults (like she punished Hilary for it). And she also didn't like not being able to manipulate him like that. It bruised her ego and made her lose control. And with someone like Amy, who's whole BEING is her ego and being able to manipulate people into thinking of her as perfect and to try and make them perfect , it was a massive blow. I know people like Amy in real life. Good friends, but don't ever hurt their ego, or make them feel like you got the better of them. Because they turn venemous in their quest to get back control of everything and everyone. So that's where Amy's maliciousness came from , as well as her resentment for Nick. Top it off with him cheating on her, it made her into a hateful, and malicious person on a mission to "teach" nick a lesson for making a fool of her as well as not doing what Amy wanted him to do. And look, it worked. Amy got everything she wanted in the end

[@gracehzhuang]

Wow, this book does sound crazy... Great review, Sophia!

[@zohalarbabzada9654]

My sister told me the entire plot ... yet when I read it the book was so good at throwing my attention around that I actually still ended up blown away by the plot twist.

[@marcymoon4206]

I dindt really liked it tho Amy's character really amused me and sher brilliantness stood out. I found myself thinking in real situation like "that's an Amy worth plan" or "that's so Amy" bc she really was smart and committed.

[@zoesenpaiuwu2681]

My feelings exactly on this book! god it's such a great book. Flynn has such a good way of making her characters feel like real life people, as flawed as they are

[@kelseyjardin4900]

DANG GIRL what an awesome review! I thought this book was crazy... I hated both Amy and Nick when I was reading, yet still ended up liking it. I don't think that's ever happened to me before.

[@carlanatali3555]

You´re right, it is a crazy roller-coaster ride and I loved almost every bit of it. It was so clever! Everything, the clues, the diary, my God I was blown away by Gillian Flynn´s cleverness! I mean, she played us good and you´re right, I felt completed cheated by Amy as well. Unlike you I loved the pace of the book, I like when the plot starts slowing and gradually picks up speed because it feels just like like a roller-coaster ride. I think if she kept her pedal to the metal the whole time we would all have ended up sick. The difference in rhythm appeals to me because it seems more organic, as if the plot is actually breathing....does that make any sense? Haha! Anyway, I´m a writer myself and I like to think that my style is pretty similar to Gillian Flynn´s. I´ve recently created an youtube channel where I do a reading of my first novel, a thriller called TWO. Here´s the link to it, if you want to take a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4DQooago5J4mcU

[@nnn-ov4ei]

I just finished this book. What a twist! damn!

[@ohitsmandi]

I wasn't the biggest fan of this book but I did just read Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and that was fantastic.

[@Amerie.]

Oh, and the movie was well done. :)

[@Brandon-dh2cw]

5:22 I don’t think it was just that. I think the cheating was the culmination of how badly Nick treated Amy. From displacing New-Yorkian Amy to Missouri, to having a misogynistic bias (which isn’t inherently his fault, I mean his dad was mainly the cause of that), I think she just snapped.

[@mythserene]

Hard agree. I wanted to murder him myself during the move. Then she buys him a bar where he hangs out with his sister while she takes care of his mom, even though Nick needing to help Go take care of Mama Mo was supposedly the primary reason Nick dragged her away from her home. And literally while she's off taking care of his dying mother he starts cheating on her? Oh, hell no. Sophia must be a much more patient and understanding person than I am because in my mind Amy had more than enough motive to punish Nick. That's not to say I approve... completely. 😏

[@GinnyLovegood1]

I can't wait to read this!

[@nickurbano8416]

I can't focus on the book when I'm distracted by your beauty

[@Alanitoo]

The movie was AMAZING!! I want to read all of her three books

[@AliDahir-e7s]

Just started reading gone girl, it’s great. Nick feels relatable, he reads as a self-centered character who is aware enough to present themselves as otherwise but that makes him worse. Amy reads as the victim of this marriage, from her diary.

[@aprilkrg]

If you've seen the movie I'd love to see a part two where you compare the book and movie!

[@AsteriskSarcasm]

Hey! the movie is Sooo good, I read the book before watching it (as it should be), and have to say that it is one of the best adaptations i've ever seen. The characters and feel of the atmosphere all reflected the book so perfectly, and the acting was superb!

[@MeganMcIntosh]

Well, I'm a bit late to the party, but I just finished this book yesterday. And this is my first foray into BookTube. :) I agree with you about the frustration with Nick for not completing the treasure hunt faster. I was sad to learn that Diary Amy wasn't real. She wasn't a character I think I would have been friends with, but she was sympathetic as you said. I actually ended up liking Nick a lot in this book, right up until he decided to stay with Amy. In the first half it felt like Nick and Diary Amy were sorely mismatched, and in the second half I thought it wasn't fair to fault him for cheating on a woman who never existed (Cool Girl Amy). I thought this because I was sure he sensed that something vital was missing, but since he couldn't figure out what, he turned to Andie instead of breaking it off with Amy. I know it's despicable on his part, but I was sympathetic enough towards his character that I could understand it coming from him. I only didn't like that he stayed with her at the end, living the facade and making it real. Also, as soon as the second half of the book started, I had zero sympathy for the real Amy, and I just wanted Nick to get her put in prison. I wish that's how the book ended.

[@athousandlives]

I haven't read this book yet! I plan on doing so very soon - great review :)

[@jameslee8806]

just watched the movie havnt read the book yet. Love your review :D keep up the good job.

[@Meimisaki2001]

I have this coming in the mail and I’m excited

[@MsTastymuffinsnake]

Awesome review! Nick and Amy are two of my favorite characters though they're also two of the most dislikeable characters ever? Also i love your glasses, they really suit you. I wish i could still look cute in purpleish pink/light brown glasses?

[@ItsEmilyyyyyyyy]

Dying to read this, someone told me the end though so I'm debating whether to bother...

[@sophiadio4905]

This was posted on my birthday. Happy belated birthday, Sophia. Will you be doing a birthday book haul?

[@sarcasmpersuasion]

I loved Gone Girl the book and the movie! I read it back in September in anticipation for the movie and gag did I love it. I think I gave it a 4.5 because I felt like parts were really unrealistic and not explained enough. And it was the Dessi scene for me wow, I was also rooting for Amy and then that scene happened and I was almost tuned off by her character. The movie is intense and leaves you on the edge of your seat, considering it is 2 and a half hours long. I think David Fincher did a very good job and worked with the story really well. I hope to see a movie reaction?

[@ar5792]

Oh hey we're friends in goodreads! Hahah now I feel like a stalker but i just recognized your picture

[@sarcasmpersuasion]

Nyura Kae Ah no way! What's your username!

[@ar5792]

***** it's anna_kae! I only have like 15 friends so it's not that difficult for me to recognize someone ha

[@Travelwiththennarasu]

I am a begineer reader.....i am not that much good in english....is this books english is easy to understand ?

[@mg-cx5tv]

I just finished reading this book, no doubt one of the best books i have read. I mean its perfect you literally have no idea where it will going to lead, ending is bit unsatisfied but also reality that good not always win. It kinda horror than thriller for me. Love this book

[@Mohammad-yz3hq]

what can i do , i have already watch the movie

[@ashleyzeng4015]

I want to read this book SO bad!!!!

[@normandkosztko9606]

I love gone girl is my best book y read in 2014 a+

[@Satan97458]

book is awesome I'm almost half way done with it

[@winnergirl532]

Today is 17th anniversary of Amy and Nick, 5th of July!

[@snoozyq9576]

The only reason Amy seems so genius is because in the fantasy world she has no consequences. In real life she'd just seem crazy

[@mtsEnrique]

I'm sorry but I felt bad for nic. Particularly when he decided not to kill Amy and accepted that she was right!!! It sucks to see a total wack job like Amy get her way.

[@Smileyyy21]

It was because he didn't want to turn out to be like his dad. He didn't want to be a woman hater.

[@mythserene]

My favorite line from Amy, who is evil but funny af and even, dare I say, charming at points: “Honestly, it was thrilling to be selected finally, officially for Ellen among all the hundreds of other cases. It’s sort of like a talent competition: You do the best you can, and then it’s out of your hands, it’s up to the judges.” Also, the cheating wasn't as bad to me as the move. The way Nick was about the move made me want to hurt him, and the cheating was just piled on top of that original sin. (Of course it's Diary Amy who tells this part of the story, but even without trusting her every word it's still selfish and makes the cheating - for over a year and with someone obscenely young - so much more than cheating.) Like really? You dragged me here and took the rest of my money for a bar so you could cheat on me and on top of that I catch you right outside the bar I just paid for? Pfft. Not to mention that once they get to Missouri Nick basically ignores his mother's cancer treatments because it depresses him and leaves everything up to Amy, even though her cancer was the primary pretext for Nick's solo, manipulative decision to drag Amy to Missouri. I wouldn't handle it the way she did, of course, but I would definitely think criminal thoughts. Oh, and speaking of the move, there is a flaw: the bed. Amy focuses a lot on it during the move, and in the end they leave it behind despite having extra room in the U-Haul. But yet Nick wakes up in it The Day Of. 🤔

[@twobirds5921]

"So if you havent read gone girl i need you to leave-" *pauses video* Me: oh ok. *leaves*

[@empathandy__5722]

And another thing I forgot to add is that I totally respect the fact, even though she was a psychopath, she was able to show nick that she can fuck up his life (excuse the language) in just a couple of days

[@iloverandomthings544]

There is one scene in the movie that is really inappropriate. I liked the plot. Oh by the way I loved your young elites review. You are such a professional!!!😊😊😊

[@lolaladden1805]

Haha you thought Nick had a choice! To be able to leave Amy?? Hahhaha

[@Dank951]

Love this review! However, you say that you can't understand Amy's reasoning as the result of Nick cheating. It's simple to understand. She mentions this throughout the novel and you pretty much sense it in her diary writings: she's trying to maintain a facade. That is all. And the ending...well, I hated it too, but I've read the novel several times since purchasing it shortly after its release and I've come to embrace it because the child is a symbol of her victory. I can rant on and on about this...but all I need to say is that Amy Dunne is one of the most complex, but extremely calculated characters in literary history.

[@elena8447]

Wow! AMAZING review! And I agree with everything you said.. :'D I HATED Nick so I didn't really feel sorry for him even after certain things came out.. :D

[@FelixFrost]

Just finished the book.Very late to the party but, as I was reading Amy's diary, I hated the hell out of Nick

[@chelseacosgrove3816]

I HATED THE ENDING

[@snoozyq9576]

I just finished it and now I'm too mad to sleep and it's late

[@AbdulSamad-eh3xd]

How to read in order please reply

[@namkhamged]

you have to see the movie. Rosamund Pike brought Amy out of the page. She really came alive.

[@gullnoor2378]

I hated everyone in the this book except for Nick's mom

[@catarinasousa1905]

You shouldn’t be spoiled for this book. I already watched the movie a long time ago and now reading, I’m watching a bunch of reviews lol.

[@catarinasousa1905]

I love the way you review tho. You got a sub ❤️ you give your opinion and you say why. You talk about the story and how it connects. I like they way you give the spoilers because you actually talk about why its a spoiler and how it affects the stories. I don’t think you know how long I’ve been searching for someone like you. Thank you.

[@KleinesEngelchen4]

I agree. I loved the character of Amy. Even though she faked her diary Amy. I still kind of felt for her. And I must admit I admire her being genious and so patient in her planning. I agree that the reason is maybe to far fetched. But I think I get that she was not happy and gave up the past years of her youth to spend it in this little town, and he just fucks another girl. Just etting him go and be happy would really feel like a waste of her past years. But I do not think that anybody would actually have the patience to see it through. Really, chills and also a lil bit of jealousy. I wish I sometimes had that kind of stamina... of course for something more meaningful.... :)

[@aparajitasaha2197]

Gone girl is my soulmate book. But I feel that the movie was complete trash.

[@xsaltypeach]

i couldnt agree more, i really despite nick too! uuuugh such an unfaithful man but i have to say … although amy is a psychopath i do really like her lol

[@snoozyq9576]

It says a lot about you you prefer a murderer to a cheater

[@xsaltypeach]

@@snoozyq9576 oh fuck, you are definitely right. Even though I like amys character, which is far more nuanced than nicks imho, that doesnt mean I condemn her behaviour. I just enjoyed her character over some plain ass dude called nick

[@gongaroo1028]

She’s far worse than he is, being both a sociopath and a murderess, but he’s also horrible. They deserve each other.

[@snoozyq9576]

I don't think you can claim he deserved that.

[@SusieSue242]

I was routing for amy In part one , then part two I was crazy bitch then part 3 I loved her again .

[@mishelly]

I agree wish I had read this book blind! My video includes spoilers and excerpts from the book. This book opens so much discussion potential!!! Haha, I like that you hate Nick. yes, cliche however, don't you think it happens al the time? Is there anytime that you though after Amy was horrible that maybe she pushed Nick to acting? LOL yes, Amy has no boundaries. You seem to like her character? however you said her motivation for her action was weak. I actually have say I wonder if this is an experience thing that only someone who has experienced a long therm relationship and commitment who was betrayed maybe able to see why the fury. I HAVE been there actually BUT the blood boiling fury and dispair do dissipate and so for her hold on to and execute this plan is extreme. but for the purpose of an entertaining story there has to be some drama!! enjoyed your video! look forward to watching your other videos. and hearing your thoughts. If you want check out my coments on my video and let me know what you think!

[@sandhra5519]

Am i the only one who didnt like the book ?

[@chookymooky9607]

I disliked your video I'm sorry I couldn't help my self I saw it had 0 dislikes and I had to I'm sorry

[@kaylat7063]

lmao

[@judyjawdat2434]

I disliked your comment I’m sorry I couldn’t help my self I saw 0 dislikes and I had to I’m sorry🙄

[@snoozyq9576]

If you're sorry about something then you should just not do it. You can undo it if you're actually sorry