From the Book Jacket"After eight long years, an abducted daughter suddenly reappears harboring deep secrets. Her mother wrestles with the ultimate guilty question: Do I really know my daughter? Julie was kidnapped from her own bedroom when she was thirteen years old, while her mother, Anna, slept just downstairs, unaware that her daughter was being ripped away from her. For eight years she has lived with the guilt and void in her family, hoping against hope that Julie is still alive, but realizing just how unlikely that is. And then one night the doorbell rings. A young woman who appears to be Julie is finally, miraculously, home safe. Anna and the rest of the family are thrilled, but as Anna hears Julie's story, that happiness turns again to guilt and sadness over what has happened. As Anna tries to reconnect with Julie, she begins to see holes in her story. Things just don't add up. She hates to think it, but is her daughter lying to her? When Anna is contacted by a former detective turned private eye, she starts to wonder if this young woman is even her daughter at all. And if she isn't Julie, what does she want?" StrengthsThis book was a solid psychological thriller with plenty of twists and sudden turns, so it was a page turner for me. The biggest strength was Gentry's descriptions that made the book easy to read, even if some of the plot developments were not the easiest to read about.
WeaknessesThe biggest weakness of Good as Gone was the chapter layout. While the chapter layout allowed Gentry to create a developing plot, I found it to be more of a jigsaw puzzle that had me confused until the middle of the book when pieces started to fit together. The two opening chapters were from Anna's perspective. Chapter three began with Anna's perspective and ended with Julie's perspective. Chapter four, again, began with Anna's perspective, but another woman's name and perspective were introduced. Who were these women? How do they connect to the rest of the story? I'm not going to give away the secret, as you may also have to struggle through these questions during your read. The limited use of the c-word in this book caught me off guard and I felt like it wasn't necessary, If that word offends you, especially when used at unnecessary times, be warned. It doesn't ruin the book, but I said, "Really?" outloud and shook my head every time it was used. RecommendationIf you enjoy the detailed and often messed up backstories of characters in crime-themed TV shows like Law and Order and Criminal Minds then this book is for you. As a frequently Criminal Minds watcher, I felt like portions of the book would be great episode starters or were inspired by a plot line that I've seen before. The detail and care that Gentry used throughout the book to build the worlds, characters, and plot were comparable to these shows. Why Did I Read This Book?This is the first book I have read AND finished from my Book of the Month subscription. I have been reading along with my classes a lot this semester and needed a break from the classics for something different. This is exactly what I needed.
I am also able to count Good as Gone for the following reading challenges:
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The Avalanche of Books
As an educator and avid reader, I am constantly hearing about books. I feel like I am being chased by a giant, rolling avalanche of titles and authors. Rating System
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December 2017
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