My theme for 2013 is Influential Women Authors.
My definition of influential is any author, classic or modern, who has inspired writers, readers, or the larger scope of culture. Some are personal favorites, or have special meaning to me.
What this list is not: a list of the most influential writers of all time. Rather, this is a collection of influential writers, corresponding with each day's letter.
For the full list of participating blogs, click here.
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| image: Goodreads |
F: Gillian Flynn
OK, time for a non-YA author. Gillian Flynn is the author of last year's smash hit Gone Girl. I both loved and loathed this book, which is a compliment to the author, because the characters she created were intentionally untrustworthy, and nasty.
Reading about Nick and Amy's crumbling marriage was heartbreaking. The way the story unfolds is brilliant. Nick's side is told in real time after Amy's sudden disappearance, while Amy's chapters are told through her diary going back five years to when they met. Nick is immediately a suspect, with baggage and a secret, and Amy is neurotic but so sincere about her love of Nick.
A strange thing happens about mid-way. Personalities shift, and neither Nick nor Amy seem innocent. In fact, it's a guessing game every chapter, right up until the end. A thriller where you don't know the real enemy, and there is no real hero can be tough to take.
This is the type of book that evokes strong emotion, and it's not always pleasant.
I challenge you to tell me you don't know someone who's read this book. Gone Girl popped up on all kinds of Best Of lists in 2012, including 8 weeks at number 1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Film rights have been optioned with Reese Witherspoon set to produce. I'd say that's pretty influential.
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I loved Gone Girl. Flynn is a great choice for F!
ReplyDeleteI don't know someone who's read this book.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I don't know many people and I'm not sure out those few if any of them can read.
Good luck with the A-Zedding challenge.
Debbie
http://writingworkshopsandcompetitions.blogspot.co.uk/
Gillian Flynn amazes me. I don't know if you've read her other books (Sharp Objects, Dark Places) but they're brilliant, and I thought Gone Girl was fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI have not read her other books, but I just heard both are being re-issued.
DeleteI have this book on my Kindle, but haven't read it yet.
ReplyDeleteGood to meet you. Stopping in from A-Z.
I've heard only good things about Gone Girl. I'm a bit afraid to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteI might break down and read this one. I haven't decided yet.
ReplyDeleteI'll be adding this to my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteSometimes simple covers are the best. And yet, although this one has an air of simplicity, it's also profound at the same time. Wow! It's too early for me to be that deep. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis post is featured in my 1st recap post. Here's the link: http://masqueradecrew.blogspot.com/2013/04/some-great-posts-i-found-for.html
This book is on the very top of my TBR list. Thanks for sharing your take on it.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti @Daily(w)rite
Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013
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I loved Gone Girl! Well loved and loathed at once, like you. The ending gave me the creeps. It's definitely a book I won't soon forget.
ReplyDeleteFrom the A-Z neighborhood,
D is for Deecoded