Gone Girl meets Fatal Attraction in Caroline Kepnes’ You, a chilling account of the twisted psychology behind unrelenting passion.
When aspiring writer Guinevere Beck strides into the bookstore where Joe works, he is instantly smitten. Beck is everything Joe has ever wanted: tough, razor-smart and sexier than his wildest dreams. He’d kill to have her.
Soon Beck can’t resist her feelings for a guy who seems custom made for her. When a string of macabre incidents tears her world apart, there is only one person she can turn to. But there’s more to Joe than Beck realises and much more to Beck than her perfect facade. The obsessive relationship quickly spirals into a whirlwind of deadly consequences…
A chilling account of unrelenting, terrifying deceit, Caroline Kepnes’ You is a thriller more perversely clever and dangerously twisted than any you have ever read.
After happily reading and reviewing ‘YOU’ for Mom’s and then sharing it with friends; I had a wonderful idea. My idea is for a Mom’s Book Club. Mom’s could recommend and share ideas for books and read and review the books, this would be particularly useful for Mom’s that find it hard to get out to more traditional book clubs. I posted this in the stories section and have received positive feedback from other Mom’s! I do hope the Mom’s team considers a Book club. Would be wonderful!
After happily reading and reviewing ‘YOU’ for Mom’s and then sharing it with friends; I have come to a wonderful idea. My idea is for a Mom’s Book Club. Mom’s could recommend and share ideas for books and read and review the books, this would be particularly useful for Mom’s that find it hard to get out to more traditional book clubs.
My copy of ‘YOU’ is starting to look a little dog eared and worn out as I loaned it out over the holidays. Friends asked for recommendations for a good book and read. I happily loaned out ‘YOU’ to friends. It was read pretty quickly and enjoyed by most of them.
I was out shopping and noticed ‘YOU’ being sold in lots of shops and bookstores. It was prominently displayed at the front of stores. I stopped and looked at one display and was asked by a lady “does it look like a good read”. I was happily able to give her my opinion after reading and reviewing the book!
You. Omg the suspense was brilliant and the storyline was amazing. So true to this life as to how someone can easily takeover someone’s life. This story shows how vulnerable we all are . I found You to be a book you can’t put down in a hurry. I don’t recommend reading this late at night as when it’s 3 am and your still reading it’s a long day.
I really enjoyed reading my Mom’s copy of ‘YOU’ and I am really hoping that Mouth of Mums will choose another book by Caroline Kepnes for review. I would love to review another of her books and also to review books in this genre. It is a genre that I enjoy. I recommend this book to other Mom’s.
Thrillers are my favourite genre - especially those that keep on the edge of my seat and I can't put down, and 'You' fits that bill! The characters have such depth that I felt I knew them, and found myself feeling wary when logging on to social media after reading You!
If you love a good thriller then read this! I look forward to reading anything else Caroline Kepnes writes in the future.
From the moment i picked up the book and began reading, i was in constant wonder, "whats going to happen next?". I found it hard to put down and would pick up the book as often as I could. The storyline is always maintained and easy to follow. My husband said to me, "why are you grimacing?", to which i replied, "something bad is going to happen but unlike a movie, i cannot hide behind closed eyelids, i have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen." i am now reading it for a second time, to see if i have missed out on anything. I recommend that everyone who enjoys crime fiction, should grab a copy of this book and get caught up in the lives of Joe and Beck!
"You" by Caroline Kepnes is a creepy thriller about Joe, a bookstore worker who becomes obsessed with a customer named Beck. He uses social media and stalks her to insert himself into her life. The book is disturbing but gripping, written from Joe's perspective, which makes it super unsettling. The main character is very manipulative, and while it’s easy to get hooked, it’s also uncomfortable because you’re in the mind of a dangerous person. It’s a chilling read but really addictive!
A Darkly Suspenseful Tale of Obsessive Infatuation
"YOU" by Caroline Kepnes explores a gripping but unsettling tale of infatuation turned obsession. Joe, the character smitten with Guinevere Beck, presents a chillingly manipulative persona, delving into the dark side of his relentless desire. As the story unfolds, the layers of deceit and the twisted personalities involved create a deeply suspenseful narrative. However, while the book offers an intense storyline and a unique exploration of disturbing relationships, the overwhelmingly dark theme might not resonate with all readers. The psychological complexity is both captivating and disturbing, making "YOU" an intriguing but slightly polarizing read for those keen on deeply disturbing thrillers.
You. Omg the suspense was brilliant and the storyline was amazing. So true to this life as to how someone can easily takeover someone’s life. This story shows how vulnerable we all are . I found You to be a book you can’t put down in a hurry. I don’t recommend reading this late at night as when it’s 3 am and your still reading it’s a long day.
YOU is a suspenseful book masterfully written by Caroline Kepnes. She makes you immerse yourself in the story and care about what happens to the characters. It has twists and turns that make you keep reading. I didn't want to put it down. My friends have enjoyed the story as well.
Wow what a great read. Love this kind of story. Caroline Kepnes writes in such a manner that you really get immersed in what is happening and as you care about the characters that makes it more suspenseful. I'm looking forward to reading it again, perhaps I will pick up on things I missed first time round. Recommended reading.
Thrillers are my favourite genre - especially those that keep on the edge of my seat and I can't put down, and 'You' fits that bill! The characters have such depth that I felt I knew them, and found myself feeling wary when logging on to social media after reading You!
If you love a good thriller then read this! I look forward to reading anything else Caroline Kepnes writes in the future.
The start of You, was great, demanding my full attention straight away but as the story unfolded and we headed for the half-way point, the plot lost its intrigue and suspense as the big scary, shocking moments I felt sure we coming failed to arrive to a proper climax.
Overall it is is a good stalker book with some killing and sex scenes that is certainly readable.
I really enjoyed reading my Mom’s copy of ‘YOU’ and I am really hoping that Mouth of Mums will choose another book by Caroline Kepnes for review. I would love to review another of her books and also to review books in this genre. It is a genre that I enjoy. I recommend this book to other Mom’s.
This was a so-so read for me. It was ok but I was not super impressed.
What I liked about the book was that it was written from the point of view of Joe, a seamlessly normal guy on the surface, with dark twisted currents running deep.
There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading but, I had trouble identifying with Beck.
I was interested enough to keep reading YOU to see what happened to the characters but I never felt that 'I couldn't put it down'. Its not a bad book, but I didn't think it was outstanding.
After happily reading and reviewing ‘YOU’ for Mom’s and then sharing it with friends; I had a wonderful idea. My idea is for a Mom’s Book Club. Mom’s could recommend and share ideas for books and read and review the books, this would be particularly useful for Mom’s that find it hard to get out to more traditional book clubs. I posted this in the stories section and have received positive feedback from other Mom’s! I do hope the Mom’s team considers a Book club. Would be wonderful!
After happily reading and reviewing ‘YOU’ for Mom’s and then sharing it with friends; I have come to a wonderful idea. My idea is for a Mom’s Book Club. Mom’s could recommend and share ideas for books and read and review the books, this would be particularly useful for Mom’s that find it hard to get out to more traditional book clubs.
My copy of ‘YOU’ is starting to look a little dog eared and worn out as I loaned it out over the holidays. Friends asked for recommendations for a good book and read. I happily loaned out ‘YOU’ to friends. It was read pretty quickly and enjoyed by most of them.
I was out shopping and noticed ‘YOU’ being sold in lots of shops and bookstores. It was prominently displayed at the front of stores. I stopped and looked at one display and was asked by a lady “does it look like a good read”. I was happily able to give her my opinion after reading and reviewing the book!
On reflection of ‘YOU’ I have come to the surprising conclusion of now wanting another instalment of this story!
It would be interesting to follow the development of the main character Joe and the newest arrival at the end of the book. Possibly they are similar characters; would also like to see some justice!
I enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read which really drew you in but was missing something. More of a back story of the characters would have helped being able to connect a bit better, in saying that I did read it all in a short time so it definitely had something going for it. Really wasnt ready for the ending but it certainly left way for another book......but would I purchase it if there was a sequel? Hmmmmm maybe not but I would borrow from a library.m
I found it really tough to get into this book. The book feels like it has started in the middle of a story and doesn\'t ever go back to explain the beginning. The characters lacked depth from the decided absence of a thorough history. I found the book jumped around a lot and was sometimes very difficult to follow. Nonetheless it certainly drew you in and kept you on your toes and dying to know what was going to happen in the end. There was certainly no predicting the ending!
I really enjoyed ready this fiction. It took a little while to settle into but then I couldn't put it down. I would have liked to know more about the characters background. The writing style was very different but enjoyable
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
3:29 pm
Bookclub
1:35 pm
Book Club
4:45 pm
'YOU' for the Holidays
10:23 am
Out and About Review
8:15 am
Caroline Keynes.
1:26 pm
Would love another book
8:20 pm
Terrific book.
9:35 am
Could not put 'You' down!
If you love a good thriller then read this! I look forward to reading anything else Caroline Kepnes writes in the future.
1:51 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
1:14 pm
Engaging and hard to put down!
1:06 am
Gone Girl but Stalker
10:40 am
A Darkly Suspenseful Tale of Obsessive Infatuation
8:15 am
Caroline Keynes.
8:44 pm
For You
12:14 pm
YOU should read YOU
9:35 am
Could not put 'You' down!
If you love a good thriller then read this! I look forward to reading anything else Caroline Kepnes writes in the future.
1:31 pm
Readable
Overall it is is a good stalker book with some killing and sex scenes that is certainly readable.
1:26 pm
Would love another book
8:00 pm
Only ok
What I liked about the book was that it was written from the point of view of Joe, a seamlessly normal guy on the surface, with dark twisted currents running deep.
There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading but, I had trouble identifying with Beck.
I was interested enough to keep reading YOU to see what happened to the characters but I never felt that 'I couldn't put it down'. Its not a bad book, but I didn't think it was outstanding.
8:20 pm
Terrific book.
1:51 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
3:29 pm
Bookclub
1:35 pm
Book Club
4:45 pm
'YOU' for the Holidays
10:23 am
Out and About Review
9:40 pm
Another book
It would be interesting to follow the development of the main character Joe and the newest arrival at the end of the book. Possibly they are similar characters; would also like to see some justice!
2:31 pm
A page turner
7:33 pm
Thrilling read!
5:56 pm
Twist and turns like you have never read before!
4:20 pm
A Good Read
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