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
12 Best Kids’ Lunch Boxes For School In Australia
The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.
Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!
Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)
The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.
MontiiCo
B.Box
Frank Green Lunch Container
Yumbox
Sky Gazer
Bentgo Modern
The Somewhere Co. Mini
EcoCocoon
Bright Star Kids
Stuck On You
Country Road Elysia
OmieBox
Style
Bag
Bento
Box
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Bag
Bento
Colour variations
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Material
Fabric & aluminium lining
PP & silicone
Stainless steel & silicone
ABS, tritan & silicone
Fabric & PEVA lining
BPA-free plastic
RPET & aluminium foil lining
Stainless steel & silicone
Fabric & insulation lining
BPA-free plastic
100% cotton canvas & insulation lining
Stainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price
$42.95
$27.95
$79.95
$49.95
$34.99
$39.95
$38
$84.95
$39.95
$54.95
$59.95
$89.95
Loved forits
Roomy size & machine washable design
Custom divider
3-in-1 design
Portion-controlled sections
Unique designs
Removable sandwich divider
Shoulder strap
Dishwasher-safe parts
Personalisation
Leak-proof silicone seal
Internal name label
Storage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)
How to choose the best lunch box for school
When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.
Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.
12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia
Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.
These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.
Pros:
Interior name label
Fabulous large size fits everything!
Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling
“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)
“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs”(Sarah)
Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.
Pros:
Leak-proof silicone seal
Comes with a gel cooler pack
The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich
“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!”(Kerrie)
“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too”(Tash)
“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.”(Kendal)
“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.”(Mums On A Budget)
Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.
Pros:
Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)
With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Top rack dishwasher-safe
Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch
If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!
After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.
Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.
Pros:
Roomy and stylish
Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum
Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.
Pros:
Dishwasher-safe
Every compartment is leak-proof
Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)
Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.
Pros:
Machine-washable
Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!
With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!
Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.
Pros:
Easy-carry handle
Internal name label
Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades
Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the 280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!
Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:
Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
That lunchbox comparison table is handy to have. It helped me make a decision on which lunchbox to buy next for my daughter who is starting kindergarten. I needed to upgrade her lunchbox but wasn’t sure which way to go. The table helped me with my decision. I ended up going with the BBOX and have found a cheaper lunch bag from a department store that it fits in.
I do not know if anyone else has picked up on this or not, but every bag mentioned in the table above is a ‘designer’ brand. There are plenty of more affordable options that aren’t over $40. I have never spent that much on a lunchbox – even from Smiggle. The cheaper brands last just as well too.
Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.
Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.
Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.
I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.
So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.
There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.
There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain
This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.
Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.
This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes
This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones
Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.
These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.
I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.
My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags
My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.
Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.
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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