You by Caroline Kepnes

“You” is a psychological thriller novel written by Caroline Kepnes. It was first published in 2014 and has gained attention for its unique narrative perspective and its exploration of themes related to obsession and the dark side of social media and technology. Here’s a brief description of the novel:

The story is narrated in the second person, with the protagonist addressing the object of his obsession as “you.” The central character is Joe Goldberg, a seemingly ordinary and charming bookstore manager in New York City. However, beneath Joe’s affable exterior lies a deeply disturbed individual with a penchant for stalking and obsession.

The object of Joe’s fixation is Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer who frequents his bookstore. Joe becomes infatuated with Beck and begins to stalk her both in person and online. He uses social media and other digital tools to invade her privacy and manipulate her life from behind the scenes. As Joe’s obsession intensifies, he becomes increasingly dangerous and willing to go to extreme lengths to possess Beck.

“You” explores themes of privacy, identity, and the blurred lines between love and obsession in the digital age. It offers a chilling and disturbing look at the mind of a stalker, as well as a critique of the way modern technology can facilitate such behavior.

The novel has been adapted into a successful television series of the same name, which has further increased its popularity. The show has been praised for its portrayal of Joe Goldberg’s character and the exploration of the psychological aspects of obsession.

Caroline Kepnes’ “You” is a gripping and unsettling thriller that delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked obsession. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and sparked discussions about the impact of social media and digital culture on our lives and relationships.