Heather’s Review: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train
written by Paula Hawkins
published by Riverhead Books, 2015

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Did I enjoy this book: Surprisingly, yes. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure I would–it had a slow start and I was worried it would be a first-person tragedy. But after the second chapter, I was sufficiently hooked to see it through. And as each page was turned it was less of a chore and more of a joy and curiosity. I wanted to know what happened and I became invested in the characters and the story. I had an inkling of who the bad guy was, but I was never really sure–not until the moment of reveal–and even then I was a little surprised. I was rooting for Rachel throughout, and while the book wasn’t technically about her problems (only how her problems created doubt), I cheered her on and really cared about her.

 

Would I recommend it: Yes. It’s definitely worth your time to read it. Now I plan to watch the movie!

 

About the book – from Goodreads: EVERY DAY THE SAME

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. 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.

UNTIL TODAY
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 goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?