The compelling book of “You” by Caroline Kepnes was published in the middle of 2014. The story of Joe Goldberg sent chills down many backs. The first novel of this haunting series takes place in New York City, in the East Village neighborhood. 

Throughout the story, the main character, Joe Goldberg, comes across as charismatic and intelligent. As Joe is working as a bookstore clerk, a customer enters his store. Joe instantly becomes obsessed with the customer, Guinevere Beck. Beck is a graduate student who aspires to be a writer. Joe’s obsession leads him to stalk and manipulate Beck, ultimately developing a dangerous and deadly relationship. He is under the assumption that he is creating the perfect relationship, but fails to notice his controlling and violent behaviors.

While reading, Carolines ability to get into the mind of Joe Goldberg sends readers into a tingling nightmare. Knowing that Joe has a disturbing personality, it is unnerving to read his descriptions on love. “It would be nice to have something alive to hold on to right now, something to love me, something with a beating heart that I can feel, something to be with me as I sit here, in hell, trying to figure it out.” If Goldberg was a real person, it is guaranteed that people would avoid him.

Although Kepnes’ skills to become Joe were amazing, reading the cringy sex scenes was not worth it. Even though the heightened sexuality of Joe would add to his obsessiveness, it ultimately weakened the story. Throughout the book, there were way too many of these uncomfortable scenes to count. 

It was exciting to see that Netflix recreated “You” as a show. Throughout the first season, there were many minor things missing from the book, but overall it remained creepily similar to the novel. One thing that was lacking in the show that the book did overwhelmingly great was the fact that Joe is an unlikeable person. In the show Goldberg came across as genuinely selfless and even considerate towards his unfortunate victims. 

Overall, Caroline Kepnes’ book, “You” was an astounding novel. One thing to understand when engaging in both the book and show, the story starts to become less and less similar as the series progresses. The novel introduces its readers to a whole new level of thriller. If people found the Netflix show enjoyable, they will find the book to be even more worthwhile.