I’ve been reading a lot of good books lately. I like psychological thrillers which usually entail murder or at least an untimely death. It takes a couple of weeks to get through one, I’m only reading at night to lull myself to sleep. It’s ironic how murder can be restful, but it soothes my mind and shuts down the gears that run my brain. So...I know a book is particularly intriguing when I’m not able to wait for bedtime and pick it up during the day. This weekend I finished “THE GIRL BEFORE”, by J. P. Delaney.
I discovered reading cures my insomnia so I’ve been prolific lately; the read ones are piling up in tall stacks on my bureau. I buy books at two places, Costco and The Superstore. At Costco the prices are always discounted heavily, a big plus, and I get PC points for buying at the grocery store so it’s all added savings for reading on a budget. I don’t mind buying new books because it supports the authors, their reward for entertaining me. I like to keep a book that thrills me, perhaps to read again. Menopause has its perks, it’s sort of like Alzheimer’s; I forget quite easily now so I can reread and rediscover the same experience down the road.
What makes me decide on a particular book? I open it to a random part and read the two pages showing. I can tell instantly if the writing is good. For me the plot is almost secondary to the way it is written, but I find if the writing is good, generally the story is well presented. If the words flow unencumbered with interesting descriptors I’m in and off I head on a new adventure.
THE GIRL BEFORE was a well-crafted read. The plot is built around a rather unique building and the control-freak architect that designed it. An interesting concept about minimalist living, void of all things personal that usually provide comfort in a traditional home like paintings, knickknacks, photos, books, and pillows. All were against the rules. To apply for a lease, the prospective tenant has to fill out a questionnaire, beginning with; Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life. Tenants have to sign a contract and agree to be monitored and graded on their successes and failures while living there.
The story is built around two women, Jane the current renter, and Emma, the girl before who is found dead in the house. Was it murder, suicide or an accident? Alternating chapters tell each of their stories. I liked this wave action thriller, going in and out of these women’s lives to keep me guessing. It was different, unlike anything I've read before. Although set on a backdrop of extreme minimalist living it was cluttered with emotion, love, sadness and fear. I was also impressed that the story was written by a man. His insight into Jane’s feelings and emotions after giving birth to a stillborn child, and all of the emotions, thoughts and feelings of both women, all I can say, from this woman’s perspective, he was spot on.
So Saturday after work, I had dinner and finished the book in the evening before I went to bed, and once there I thought about it until I went to sleep. I love a story that lingers.
This reader gives THE GIRL BEFORE a generous five stars.
I discovered reading cures my insomnia so I’ve been prolific lately; the read ones are piling up in tall stacks on my bureau. I buy books at two places, Costco and The Superstore. At Costco the prices are always discounted heavily, a big plus, and I get PC points for buying at the grocery store so it’s all added savings for reading on a budget. I don’t mind buying new books because it supports the authors, their reward for entertaining me. I like to keep a book that thrills me, perhaps to read again. Menopause has its perks, it’s sort of like Alzheimer’s; I forget quite easily now so I can reread and rediscover the same experience down the road.
What makes me decide on a particular book? I open it to a random part and read the two pages showing. I can tell instantly if the writing is good. For me the plot is almost secondary to the way it is written, but I find if the writing is good, generally the story is well presented. If the words flow unencumbered with interesting descriptors I’m in and off I head on a new adventure.
THE GIRL BEFORE was a well-crafted read. The plot is built around a rather unique building and the control-freak architect that designed it. An interesting concept about minimalist living, void of all things personal that usually provide comfort in a traditional home like paintings, knickknacks, photos, books, and pillows. All were against the rules. To apply for a lease, the prospective tenant has to fill out a questionnaire, beginning with; Please make a list of every possession you consider essential to your life. Tenants have to sign a contract and agree to be monitored and graded on their successes and failures while living there.
The story is built around two women, Jane the current renter, and Emma, the girl before who is found dead in the house. Was it murder, suicide or an accident? Alternating chapters tell each of their stories. I liked this wave action thriller, going in and out of these women’s lives to keep me guessing. It was different, unlike anything I've read before. Although set on a backdrop of extreme minimalist living it was cluttered with emotion, love, sadness and fear. I was also impressed that the story was written by a man. His insight into Jane’s feelings and emotions after giving birth to a stillborn child, and all of the emotions, thoughts and feelings of both women, all I can say, from this woman’s perspective, he was spot on.
So Saturday after work, I had dinner and finished the book in the evening before I went to bed, and once there I thought about it until I went to sleep. I love a story that lingers.
This reader gives THE GIRL BEFORE a generous five stars.
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