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Read Thread: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Oct 29, 2016 7:50pm
Thread (disabled) Board
So I had been circling this book and wanted to read it before I saw the movie. A friend of mine bought it for me as a gift as she knew that I would have some down time to read it.

The book is about the disappearance of a young woman name Megan, and a alcoholic woman name Rachel who may or may not have seen her potential murderer. The story is told from the three main women characters of the book and slowly shares the truth.

I felt that the story started out well but Rachel's boozing made it hard for me to connect to her and maybe even like her. And all of that self loathing kinda started making feel like this book was never going to ever end. But of course she has to be an alcoholic to make the story interesting, to kinda tie some of the people together and because it's her blackout memory issues about the events surrounding Megan's disappearance that helps keep the book shroudded in mystery.

This book was listed as having a great twist to it. I vastly disagreed. I won't got any further because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

Although I would add, trying to be vague, that the "final scene" was a little surprising. But I wouldn't call that, and please excuse the pun, a good "twist". If read or see it, you will get this.

This apparently is Ms. Hawkins first book. She did do a good job of developing her characters. But I felt that she emphasize more on character development than plot development, and she really should have focused more a suspenseful plot.

I was totally looking forward to this book. But for me, it kinda fell flat and was predictable. I give it 3 Kitty Paws.

csk
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Oct 30, 2016 5:18pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I was also a bit disappointed. I am getting a little tired of the " unreliable narrator " books. The Woman in Cabin 10. Is another. But I am interested in seeing the movie just for the differences from London to NY. :-)

Amanda from Seattle
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Oct 30, 2016 6:54pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I read this for book club. Walked in to the meeting ready to share how much I didn't like the book. Surprisingly, the discussion was really good, and I walked away liking the book better.

Still not going to see the movie though!
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Oct 30, 2016 9:32pm
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I enjoyed it! Yes, the "bad guy" was predictable but I loved the way the novel was crafted. The way the story begins being told from the morning train commute and the evening return train commute is creative and effective. Then, the changing points of view and the different time periods serve to fill in very interesting holes. The reader is given a more complete picture piece by piece while, at the same time, is made to feel uncomfortable and foggy like Rachel. This book is full of misguided, mischievous, damaged people, reminding me a bit of the creepy folks in Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. No one is genuine or well-intentioned except for Cathy. (But her problem is that she's too generous and forgiving. She was the least believable character amid all the crazies.)

Amyrica
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937265 by Amanda from Seattle
Oct 30, 2016 11:03pm
Thread (disabled) Board
Despite Rachel's book description, I saw Emily Blunt as Rachel as I read this. Emily Blunt playing the lead character was a motivating factor for me to read the book and see the movie. I like her work.

Still debating on whether or not I will see the movie.
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937265 by Amanda from Seattle
Oct 31, 2016 3:53am
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I couldn't get past the first couple chapters--though the movie trailer looks much more intriguing!
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Oct 31, 2016 5:25am
Thread (disabled) Board
After considerable urging by several friends, I forced myself to read this book. I could tell what the plot twist would be before I was even several chapters into it. I despised that the protagonist was a weak alcoholic who continually did the wrong thing, knowing she was doing the wrong thing, but still doing it. I was determined to read it till the end and was very disappointed in the entire book. I agree that it was much like the Gone Girl which I also disliked.
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Nov 3, 2016 12:37pm
Thread (disabled) Board
I also agree I don't know if I will ever recommend this book. It was very slow for more than the first half of the book. Once I got towards the end, I could not put the book down. Mostly because I was ready for the answer and to know who did it. It did have me guessing. I could see the motive for any of them to do it.
I don't generally like books like this. Because I listen to enough problems to want to read about another. I think I will stick to smut books. lol
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Nov 3, 2016 2:11pm
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My wife wants to see the movie so I will skip the book. I really don't like movies after reading the book and the movies never look like I imagine the characters, settings etc.

Will shoot a comment if we ever get to see it.
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937208 by Captain Slick Kitty
Dec 2, 2016 11:14am
Thread (disabled) Board
Finally read this book. Put it down about the 50 page mark. About a week later went back to it.

Definitely didn't like the non-linear and multiple characters. Then of course the whining main character was simply infuriating.

The people who saw the book in my hand also had similar thoughts on the book. A few did mention that the movie was better.
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #937278 by Captain Slick Kitty
May 29, 2017 8:00am
Thread (disabled) Board
I did enjoy Emily Blunt in the movie.
Re: The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
Board: Reading Room
Reply to: #946226 by Amanda from Seattle
Jun 9, 2017 3:23pm
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That WAS a very interesting movie! What a great twist at the end!!