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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

August 4, 2012

Connect Through Reading – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

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OK friends, I usually wait until I have a few books to review when I do my Connect Through Reading posts, but I had to share this one with you now. I know summer is winding down and many of you are looking for a good book to read as you travel or are sitting by the pool.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I was up until 2am finishing this book. Even though I was incredibly tired, I couldn’t put it down until I figured out how it ended. In fact, I started reading it the night before we left for our Estes Park vacation and had to force myself to keep it shut until on the way home so I wouldn’t ignore my family the whole time we were away. Once it was open again, I was completely absorbed in the twists and turns of this story.

Updated to add – one of the things I think really appealed to me about this story is that it was set in Carthage, MO area, which is close to where I grew up. I was very familiar with the setting and the characters being referred to throughout the book.

I don’t want to give anything away, but Gone Girl is a story about marriage, relationships and revenge with a whole lot of crazy thrown in. It’s a thrilling, twisted, insanely good read. I felt like the ending could have given a bit more closure, but other than that, loved it. I gave it 5 Stars on Goodreads.

I’m dying to talk about it with someone, so if you’ve read it, let me know! Thank you Lesley and Ryan for the recommendation!

My friend Julianne gave me Gone Girl and it happened to jump ahead of the next to books on my list. So now, like last time, up next really is:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

and

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Remember to connect with me on Goodreads and check out my past Connect Through Reading posts for reviews of other books I’ve read! What’s next in your book pile?

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Filed Under: Book Review, Previous Tagged With: book review, books, fiction, gillian flynn, mystery, reading, thriller

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karly says

    August 4, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    I just read it! It was not at all the type of book I usually read and I’m still not sure how I felt about it. I’m leaning towards no. I did not enjoy it. I had to finish it to see how it ended, but I didn’t really enjoy finishing it, ya know?

    • Kristen says

      August 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      It’s not the type of book I normally read either… in fact I was surprised I liked it so much, but I couldn’t help but be sucked in to what was happening.

      It definitley isn’t a book for everyone – but I can see how it would be hard to put down, even if you didn’t enjoy it!

  2. shelly (cookies and cups) says

    August 4, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I read it!! I loved it all except for the ending.

    • Kristen says

      August 4, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      Totally agreed!!

      • Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says

        August 5, 2012 at 12:35 pm

        I finished it this afternoon…in 2 days!!!!!! Loved how it kept me devouring it. Did not love the ending.

  3. Robin Sue says

    August 4, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    CRAZY. And that is all I have to say because I would spoil it for others. But my head did pop off at the climax of the story. Loved the whole “cool girl” chapter, she kinda nailed it on that one- so true of some young gals these days.

    • Kristen says

      August 4, 2012 at 2:21 pm

      So very true. This author is brilliant at weaving a crazy, trippy kind of story. I’m wondering what her other books are like. I know, I would be afraid to be her husband… she has some crazy thoughts going around in that head of hers 🙂

  4. Janel says

    August 4, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Everyone is talking about this book! I requested it from my library and now I need it to get to me ASAP! Can’t wait to read it.

  5. Amanda says

    August 4, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    I am always up for a good read! Thanks for the recommendation Kristen. And yay at Estes Park! We have been there many times, one of my favorite places to vacation. We almost bought a house there once!

  6. Kristy says

    August 4, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    I just finished this too and stayed up until the wee hours to read it. I loved it but hated the ending. Would love a sequel to it.

  7. Sue W. says

    August 4, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    I read “The Night Circus” earlier this summer. Loved it!

  8. Kristi G says

    August 5, 2012 at 8:30 am

    Read it…loved it…but did not enjoy the end. I was hoping for something more considering how strong the story was throughout the book. Now I am reading The Night Circus and am also enjoying it.

  9. Alanna @ Kitchen Parade says

    August 5, 2012 at 8:35 am

    Downloaded! At first couldn’t figure out how “Carthage” was on the Mississippi, loved how that detail was introduced, like a real storyteller!

    Have you read/especially seen Winter’s Bone? Gripping.

    • camille says

      August 5, 2012 at 6:54 pm

      Seconded on Winter’s Bone – both the movie and the book, although the book has more meat to it (obviously they had to cut some to make a movie that wasn’t a year long).

  10. Stacey says

    August 5, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    I’m intrigued, saw it at Books-a-Million this morning.

  11. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    August 5, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    I haven’t heard of this before this past week and same to your upcoming books. Can’t wait to hear more!

  12. Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats says

    August 5, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    I LOVED Gone Girl!! The twisty-ness of it kept me guessing. I know a lot of people weren’t fond of the ending, but I thought it was perfect!!

    I’ve also read The Night Circus. We were about 50/50 at my book club with this one. It’s very descriptive, if you like that…which I did. Just wished there’d been more back story. And will be interested to see if they make it into a movie.

  13. Les in NE says

    August 6, 2012 at 7:58 am

    Glad you liked it! I’m anxious to try her earlier books now that I’ve read this one. I hear they’re just as good, although a bit darker. Oh, and did you see my post about the optioning of the film rights? Reese Witherspoon may play the leading role. (She’s also going to star in Wild by Cheryl Strayed.)

    I can’t remember if you’ve read The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield. That’s my #1 pick for 2012. Superb writing with unforgettable characters. I think you’d enjoy it.

    Thanks for the link-love. 🙂

  14. Robyn | Add a Pinch says

    August 6, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    I’ve been awful about reading this summer. Anything I have read has been more of the non-fiction nature. I need a good book to escape for an afternoon or two. This sounds like a great one.

  15. Jimi says

    August 8, 2012 at 9:35 am

    I know I’ve already commented on your FB post about this, but I was just reading comments on another blog review of this book. It seems that most people do not like the ending. I would be interested to know how readers thought it should end. I think the ending suited the book quite well. It left me wondering what in the world was going to happen to the two of them.

  16. Kelly @ Kansas City Mamas says

    August 9, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Downloading Gone Girl now…and you’ll love Night Circus. I read it last summer. We’ll have to discuss over wine.

  17. bridget {bake at 350} says

    August 10, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    I’ll be curious to see what you think of The Night Circus. I so wanted to love it. I so didn’t.

  18. Red Star to Lone Star says

    August 17, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Just finished Gone Girl last night. Could not put it down. But I agree regarding the ending, it was a let down, especially compared to the rest of the book, which was impressively insightful. It was as though she did not know how to end it and just came up with something sloppy :(.

  19. Dustin Bussen says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    love this book, it was highly recommended for me by my best friend

  20. kelsey says

    August 28, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    you will LOVE LOVE LOVE the history of love!! Excited to read Gone Girl myself, and having to wait until after Aspen Jazzfest so I don’t ignore my boyfriend or our hosts. Life is so tough sometimes 🙂

  21. Linda@getlindagetfit says

    August 29, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I haven’t read Gone Girl yet, but it is on my list. However, The Night Circus is Uhmaazing – love, love loved it!

Trackbacks

  1. Tuesday Things. | How Sweet It Is says:
    August 28, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    […] A few weeks ago Kristen recommended Gone Girl and the second I read her post, I went out and bought the book and finished […]

  2. Tuesday Things. | Lifestyle Pins says:
    August 28, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    […] A few weeks ago Kristen recommended Gone Girl and the second I read her post, I went out and bought the book and finished […]

  3. Tuesday Things. » A Bowl Full Of Blogs says:
    August 28, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    […] A few weeks ago Kristen recommended Gone Girl and the second I read her post, I went out and bought the book and finished […]

  4. Connect Through Reading 2012 - 5 Book Reviews | Dine and Dish says:
    September 23, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    […] the same author as Gone Girl, I’ve heard Gillian Flynn’s earlier novel Sharp Objects is even better! Since I really […]

  5. My Favorite Books of 2012 - A Connect Through Reading Recap | Dine and Dish says:
    January 2, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    […] 4.  Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Read my review here. […]

  6. 11 Books to Get You Out of a Reading Slump - Dine and Dish says:
    September 28, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    […] thrillers are some of my favorites! If you loved Gone Girl or the book Misery (lots of nods to this book in this story) you’ll really […]

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

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Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

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What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

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Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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