Have you read Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight? I started reading it a couple weeks ago, and it is so good. It's a mystery surrounding the death of Kate's daughter Amelia. Everyone assumes the overachieving, academic superstar Amelia killed herself after she gets caught cheating at school — but Kate is skeptical.
The book goes back and forth between narrations by Kate in the present, Amelia in the weeks leading up to her death, and Kate's journal entries from before Amelia was born. The switching narrators allows readers to get in the head of both mother and daughter and see their relationship from both sides. It also shows exactly how different Amelia was compared to who her mom — and most everyone else — thought she was.
I'm only about halfway through it, but every new surprise leaves me wanting to read more. Half the characters seem suspect at one point or another, but each time I think I know what happened something else comes up and changes my mind. It's riveting, and so well written. It's hard to believe this is McCreight's debut novel, because her writing sounds like she's been doing it forever.
Between work projects and traveling over the weekend, I've had almost no time to read lately (also why this post isn't super in-depth — sorry, everyone!), but I can't wait to finish it this week. If you haven't read it, I'm already recommending it. And if you have, what did you think? No spoilers, please (!) but I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Related: Reviews of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and Gone Girl
I've never even heard of this book but it seems like it would be right up my alley! I did enjoy Gone Girl and I tend to like books and stories that have a darker, more sinister aspect to them. I can just never get into romances or anything fluffy - although if that's what you like then the more power to you!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm reading another Barbara Kingsolver book that I picked up at a second hand store for $2. I've loved everything I've ever read from her so I hope this lives up to my expectations. Reconstructing Amelia is on my list now though!
x Kathryn
Through the Thicket
The dialogue in this book isn't always the best, but so far that's really my only complaint. Have you read "Dark Places" by Gillian Flynn? It's very dark and creepy — much more so than "Gone Girl." It was pretty gory, so I had a hard time getting through some parts, but it was also really good. You might like that one too!
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