Joe doesn't even seem like the same character. His "love" this time seems forced and like he's really not all that into it. He's more into himself and his writing, but I hat always seems forced. Overall, it is not the most exciting read ( )

Hmmm...I feel like I'm beginning to be the Goodreads contrarian. Everything that the majority loves, mostly leaves me cold. And then there's books like this one, that's seemed to not hit well, I quite enjoyed. I mean, hell, there's a couple of reviewers I've seen that seem to love EVERYTHING they read, and they're not digging this.

Well, this book was kind of Candyland for me in a few ways.

First, it was a book about authors writing books. So, the field is wide open for not only all the literary references, the name dropping, the snide comments about various types of authors, about literary criticism...oh, it's just a fun theme park to stroll through and get on all the rides.

Second, it's Joe Goldberg. Kepnes does have Joe ramble on a bit too much at times, but even at his worst, his worldview, his machinations, his way of validating himself...it's fascinating to view, and entertaining to read.

And finally, Kepnes seems to be back. You was phenomenal. You Love Me was good. But both Hidden Bodies and Providence (her non-Joe G novel) were utter disappointments.

So, with the one-two punch of her last couple of Goldberg novels, she seems to be coming back, and this latest one is really promising for me, as she seems to be taking more chances here, and subverting expectations. This seemed far...fresher? Is that the right word? ...than anything she's offered up since Joe's debut outing.

So, at least for this guy, this was a really enjoyable and satisfying outing. ( )

I don't honestly know how to write this review. The book was hard to get in to. I didn't really care for Wonder. Overall I did enjoy the book and didn't want it to end. I like the candor and humour - the author can write. I would read the next book in the series but I also feel like this series should just end already.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC. ( )