let me preface with this statement: i knew (some) about the plot of the book going in; arguably, the biggest plot twist. had i not known this plot twist, i believe this would be a 4.5-5 star read for me. however, if you are like me, and you have heard about the gone girl film, the first 200 pages of this book will likely be a drag for you. 

after i had gotten past the first 200 pages where nick didn't know amy was framing him, i found this novel difficult to put down. it was enthralling; however; it took me ages to get past the first section. nick dunne is the most annoying, bland male main character i have ever read. i don't care if he is complex, i am annoyed at his complexities. i believe i'm supposed to be. i detest the ways in which he pretends he is above amy despite him being just as manipulative as she is; i believe he's jealous that he doesn't have the brains to pull it off.

amy, on the other hand, is capricious and charming, manipulative and ingenious. she is realistic in the most absurd ways, and i'm a little addicted to her. she redefines adaptability throughout the novel; i could not believe how thoroughly she thinks though every plan she cooks up. i love hot woman psychopaths who are too smart for their annoying, mediocre husbands.