{Book Review}: The Girl on the Train

I'm sure you've probably seen bloggers around blog world talking about The Girl on the Train (and if you haven't, what rock have you been living under?? haha)
{via}
I saw it for $6 on Amazon, downloaded it and got right to reading it.
People said that if you liked Gone Girl, you'd like this.
I don't necessarily agree with the comparison. The main similarity is that it's a mystery/psychological thriller, the main characters are unstable/immoral and the chapters switch between characters.

Here's the summary on Amazon:
"Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?"

I hadn't read the synopsis at all before reading the book, so I went in 'blind'. I thought the book was good--it kept my curiosity going and wanting to know what was going to happen next.
I didn't love any of the characters. But, I dont think you have to when you read a book. Not everyone in real life is lovable, but that doesn't mean they're not interesting in their own ways. 
That's how I felt about the book.
My one big problem with the book was the ending. I thought it was too far-fetched and kind of tied up too easily. One of the last scenes when everything kind of comes together just didnt feel authentic to me.

So, because of that, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Good enough to read, but I didn't love the ending. 

21 comments:

  1. I wasn't thrilled w this read. It was remincisent of Gone Girl to me (and I didn't really love that read other) more so than I think you thought. It's a good read but not a must read. I agree w you!

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  2. I agree with not 'liking' any of the characters! I liked the book, but was so annoyed by their choices!

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  3. I agree with pretty much everything you wrote about it! Except Amazon's synopsis. I feel like it's not quite exactly how the book plays out but eh, whatever. I definitely didn't like the characters and the ending wrapped up WAY too easily. But it was a good read and it kept me guessing so I guess that's a good thing!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  4. This is the next one on my list for pool time. I liked Gone Girl and kinda secretly liked the wife in it is that terrible of me? I shouldn't say like but dang she definitely knows how to make a plan lol

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  5. I totally have this on my summer reading list. My friend didn't like the ending either.

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  6. Like you said it kept your curiosity going!! I think I liked Gone Girl so much because I knew who was going to play the characters so I saw them while I was reading! I really liked Girl on the Train although the ending sort of fell flat for me! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  7. Glad you finally finished it! I agree with you - the ending was a bit too "what?!" for me, in that it was too easily resolved. I did, however, enjoy the suspense and sort of twist at the end that made it all make sense.

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  8. Loving your review! You put edverything so well- especially the ending. It did seem "off"- you nailed your description.

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  9. I love your review, I will definitely have to check it out.

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  10. I have this book on hold and am waiting to get it from the library - I cannot wait to read it!

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  11. I have heard such mixed reviews on this book! I have to admit though, if I don't like the ending? It ruins the whole book for me, ha ha!

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  12. I've heard so much about this book, but somehow haven't gotten to it yet. I think I might just order it for reading during our family summer vacation. It sounds like a good beach read.

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  13. I think I'll definitely add this to my reading list - I always get through so many more books in summer than the rest of the year!

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  14. I just finished reading this book a few weeks ago and I agree that it was a good read but I didn't love the characters. Definitely kept me guessing & interested though!
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

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  15. I have not read this but I am adding it to my Summer Reading List!

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  16. I have got to 100% get started on a summer read so thanks for the review (although the ending sounds not fun lol is it dark enough for me? hahaha) I have 2 in mind I need to purchase and pack for the beach!

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  17. Good to know! I tweeted last night asking for opinions (without spoilers!) on the book and I didn't necessarily love the ending of Gone Girl (the movie, I didn't read the book) so maybe I'd have the same thoughts on this book. Either way, I LOVE thrillers and I need to read this ASAP!

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  18. I read this and liked it. However. I did NOT like any of the characters. So I really didn't care if they all died or not.

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  19. I just finished Gone Girl a few weeks ago (HATED the ending of that book btw!), and am about halfway through Girl on the Train. I can see similarities, but they're definitely 2 different books both of which are hard to put down.

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  20. I agree with your review. I loved reading the book and stayed up way too late to do so, but the ending just got way too out there!

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  21. I liked this book although I didn't LOVE it. It reminded me a bit of Gone Girl but I thought Gone Girl was much more suspenseful. Also wasn't a huge fan of the ending for The Girl on the Train but I am glad I read it! :)

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