You First by Caroline Kepnes
I am such a huge fan of this series and Caroline Kepnes. I have loved each and every book, as well as the television series. You First is a fascinating look into Joe’s past—a way for us to see how he gets started on his psychopathic path.
As a note, this review does not contain spoilers, but it really helps to have read the other books so you have an idea of what I’m going on about. We delve far back, all the way to when Joe is only seventeen. As is his pattern later on, he sees a girl and becomes unhinged in his obsession with her, and of course, he cares about her way more than she cares about him. As the story unfolds, we see how events eventually take him from obsession to something far worse. It’s the beginning of the way the rest of his life will go.
I really enjoyed this look into Joe’s beginnings. It features the same never-ending internal monologue, and I love that. I would have liked a bit more about his years prior just to see how he grew up, but it was still a great read. There were also many references to Sex and the City, of which I’m a huge fan, so they didn’t bother me, but they might be distracting to some.
I listened to the audiobook because, for me, that is the only way to experience this series. I feel narrator Santino Fontana brings Joe alive each and every time in a way I couldn’t get from a physical copy. He truly makes you feel like you’re right inside Joe’s messed-up mind with him. As always, a phenomenal job by Santino Fontana!
I highly recommend You First to anyone who has been as invested in this series as I have. But if you’ve never delved into the You series before—what are you waiting for??? It’s fantastic and an absolute favorite of mine!
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
