Book Review: You, by Caroline Kepnes

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You, is Caroline Kepnes debut novel. The fiction book is an alarming look at how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, especially in today's digital age. When aspiring writer, Beck strolls into a local New York bookstore, she has a chance encounter with Joe, who works at the store. After purchasing her books, Joe Googles Beck's name (from her credit card information) and begins following her on social media, which lets him know everything he needs to. He begins having "chance" meetings with Beck (knowing where she'll be from social media posts) and he "invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck's life".

On the outside, Joe seems like a nice guy and a perfect match for Beck. She feels connected to him (because he knows just the right things to say and do). Joe controls and manipulates his way from stalker to boyfriend and transforms himself into Beck's "perfect man", at any cost. He is obsessed. Meanwhile, Beck thinks she's met someone she's really connected with.

I rated You, by Caroline Kepnes 1-star. The book leaves you shaking your head (in disbelief at how easy it can be for someone to manipulate and control). Especially in today's digital based world, we are all vulnerable and susceptible to people like Joe. And how sometimes the more unavailable you seem, the more of a "high" it is for the manipulator to try and win you over. It is an uncomfortable read. The story will leave you thinking about social media, vulnerability, and who you are truly "connected" to in your own life.

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Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award winning writer. An empathetic and compassionate storyteller, Ritz wrote for a plethora of local and national news outlets, magazines, blogs, and websites (copywriter), prior to becoming a novelist. Her book, Covered in Pet Fur  has gained attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved more than 11,000 lives (and counting). She currently resides in Ohio. Ritz is published through Rockville Publishing. You can interact with Stacey online via Stacey's Book Blog, on Pinterest, and Instagram.

Ritz writes the following genres:
Non-Fiction:
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
Animal Welfare
Fiction:
Love Stories

Click here to view Stacey's fiction books.

Click here to view Stacey's non-fiction books.