The Book of You

This book has jerked me with a force back into reading again I started yesterday night and have already finished it. It is written remarkably but also has lots of quite real themes that we get to see throughout society. I felt as though I was watching myself or a number of the women in my life. Who have silently suffered obsessive , demented and sadistic men. Not only the women in fact, I know a number of men that have suffered harassment from a psychologically deranged ex or a family member. The story of Clarissa tackles countless very real incidents that occur and are lost in cuffing of the crime. Furthermore the book highlights so beautifully how to tackle these situations. The building of evidence, the unnerving fight Clarissa has against her abuser. The author also does well to create a mystery about everything, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lastly I love the ending, it is morally just. I like how rather than Robert, her baby is her happy ending.

Actually I first read this book when I picked it up from the pound shop a few years ago... I know a lot of writers' websites hate you talking about Poundland or even discount bookshops.. But honestly they are good places to pick up bargains, cheap presents, *or to painlessly try whole books from authors you've never read before*. ☺ Claire Kendal rocks, actually. So does The Book Of You. I had no idea the book was a bestseller or a Richard and Judy pick when I first picked it up. But it is and it continues to sell: so obviously the discount store presence was solely due to many copies being printed and to turnover!! **This is one of the most original thrillers with an original female protagonist I have read in years.** Basically: A sensitive, arty (yet not fluffy) female crafter gets pursued by an evil stalker. Her male partner isn't much use either. She has to sort this one out herself! A handsome fireman is also in the offing... ☺ Most reviews I've seen so far don't mention the masterful way the author uses *fairy tales*: in particular the lesser known and more adult and creepy of those of the Brothers Grimm: cf The Robber Bridegroom. Highly atmospheric and well worth reading!! I'm off to try the sample of the author's second book - only 99p on GP, unlike this one!! Which also has a great cover! :)

This book could have been written so much better the ending I thought was so disappointing and almost like she wanted to wrap it quickly. Slow in places and would have been a much better read if parts of the book were written from the stalkers prospective I think it would have been a much scarier read. Won't be picking up any more books by this author.